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| October 11, 2013 |
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IBC reimbursements reward your customers' employees for getting healthy |
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For 75 years, our mission at Independence Blue Cross (IBC) has been to enhance the health and wellness of our members.
One way we help members take small steps toward reaching their goals is through our Healthy LifestylesSM reimbursements programs, which reward members for getting fit, losing weight, and quitting tobacco. As all small, mid-market, and large customers migrate to our new core operating platform , we are keeping these popular programs and are making several updates to encourage increased participation.
Reimbursement process is easier and more convenient
Currently, members who complete the requirements for a Healthy Lifestyles reimbursement program submit documentation by mail to IBC to request their reimbursement. After customers migrate to the new platform, members will be able to submit documentation online directly through our new vendor, GlobalFit. We are creating a new website for this purpose which will be live beginning November 1.
It will be easier and more convenient for members to participate and get rewarded:
- No enrollment required – Members will no longer be required to enroll to be eligible to receive a reimbursement. When they meet the eligibility requirements for a program (for example, when they complete 120 visits at an approved fitness facility), they can simply submit documentation to GlobalFit to request reimbursement.
- No calendar year restriction – Activities no longer need to be completed during a calendar year. For example, members can submit workouts completed at an approved fitness facility prior to their group's migration date as long as they were completed during a 365-day period.
- No paper form to submit – Members can save time and postage because they don't need to mail any paperwork to IBC. Once they've met the eligibility requirements for a program, they can go online to request reimbursement quickly and securely.
- New option for weight management – We added Weight Watchers® Online to the list of approved programs to give members another option to help them reach their weight-loss goals.
Enhancements encourage continuous health improvement
By enhancing our Healthy Lifestyles reimbursements programs, we are encouraging members to modify behaviors that are some of today's biggest drivers of health care costs – fitness, weight management, and tobacco use.
The following changes take effect when customers migrate to the new platform:
- Fitness – Reimbursement of up to $150 of fitness center fees for completing 120 workouts at an approved fitness facility. No change to reimbursement amount.
- Weight management – Reimbursement of up to $150 for completion of an approved weight loss program, which now includes Weight Watchers® online. Previous reimbursement was $200.
- Tobacco cessation – Reimbursement up to $150 for completion of approved tobacco cessation program. Previous reimbursement was $200.
As part of the health care law's requirements for women's preventive health services, many IBC health plans now cover in-network lactation consultations and the purchase of a non-hospital-grade breast pump and breast pump supplies from an in-network supplier with no member cost-sharing. Therefore, we will no longer offer reimbursements for the cost of lactation consultations or the purchase of breast pumps.
Read this flyer for additional information about changes to the Healthy Lifestyles programs.
Members will be notified about the changes
Members of customer groups who are currently enrolled or have participated in one of the Healthy Lifestyles reimbursement programs will receive a letter approximately 75 days prior to their group's migration date to notify them of the changes and how to receive reimbursement. For customers migrating on January 1, 2014, members are receiving their letter next week.
IBC helps employers design an effective health management strategy
Now more than ever, we are committed to empowering members to reach their personal health goals and giving customers resources to create a healthier workplace.
Reimbursements are just one of the ways IBC motivates members to achieve and maintain their best possible health. By integrating easy–to–use online wellness tools from WebMD® and personalized health management, IBC supports members across the continuum of care – from those who are healthy and are trying to stay that way to those with chronic illness who need additional support and resources to take control of their health.
We look forward to sharing more information with you soon about Healthy Lifestyles Solutions, IBC's comprehensive health management product that can help employers engage their employees in making better lifestyle choices to increase productivity and reverse the trend of rising health care costs.
If you have any questions about the changes to Healthy Lifestyles reimbursements, please contact your IBC account executive.
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