Independence Edge

April 6, 2020

[For Self‑funded Employers]

The COVID‑19 pandemic is changing how we live, work, and serve you. As your health plan provider, we have carefully considered all the current legislation and clinical guidance for managing through the pandemic. As a result, we’ve made a series of enhancements to help members access care at the right time, in the right setting. We are all in this together.

The latest updates include:

Waiving member cost‑sharing for in‑network, in‑patient, acute care treatment for COVID‑19.
Waiving prior authorization for all in‑network, in‑patient COVID‑19 admissions.
Waiving prior authorization for post‑acute care transfers.
Offering a free mindfulness app for members called Stop, Breathe & Think.

Should you wish to opt out of waiving member cost-sharing for COVID‑19 in‑patient treatment and/or offering the Stop, Breathe & Think app, please let your Independence account executive know.

COVID‑19 Overview for self‑funded groups

Please review our COVID‑19 Overview. We informed you about several of these COVID‑19 driven initiatives in earlier communications. Some are required by legislation, while others are intended to support ease of access and care for your members.

We have made these enhancements across all commercial group business. These temporary benefits enhancements and policy changes are meant to encourage testing, treatment, and use of telemedicine to decrease exposure to COVID‑19 — and help support the best member experience for those who need care.

Each plan sponsor is advised to assess the legal and financial implications associated with legislation related to COVID‑19. We urge you to work with your benefits consultant, legal counsel, and tax adviser as appropriate.

Independence Blue Cross offers products through its subsidiaries Independence Hospital Indemnity Plan, Keystone Health Plan East and QCC Insurance Company, and with Highmark Blue Shield — independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.