IBC eBulletin - High-Deductible Health Plan Update: Certification Requirements

Earlier this year, we issued a reminder about Independence Blue Cross’s (IBC)
policy on employer-funding of high-deductible health plans (HDHP). The IBC
policy states that customers may not purchase an HDHP and contribute more than
50 percent of the member cost-sharing with additional funding or coverage
sources. This policy applies to Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Health
Reimbursement Accounts (HRA).

As noted in our prior communication, IBC will now require all new and existing IBC customers purchasing an HDHP plan, to
certify that they are in compliance with IBC’s policy. This requirement will go
into effect immediately. The process for completing and returning the
certification form is outlined below.

Groups with 2 – 50 Employees

• New Business. Groups with 2 – 50 eligible employees must
  complete the certification form as part of their new business paperwork. The
  form must be returned to and maintained by the broker of record and be made
  available to IBC upon request.
• Renewal Business. As of this time, we will not require a
  certification form for groups with 2 – 50 employees that have an existing HDHP
  offering.

Groups with 51 – 99 Employees

• New Business. Groups with 51 – 99 eligible employees must
  complete the certification form and return it to IBC as part of their new
  business paperwork. If the form is not returned to IBC, the case will continue
  to be processed.
• Renewal Business. As of this time, we will not require a
  certification form for groups with 51 – 99 employees that have an existing HDHP
  offering.

Groups with 100 or more Employees

• New Business. Groups with 100 or more eligible employees
  will receive the certification form with their new business proposal, as
  provided by their IBC account executive. The form must be completed and returned
  to IBC as part of the new business paperwork.
• Renewal Business. Groups with 100 or more enrolled
  employees will receive the certification form with their renewal. The form must
  be completed and returned to IBC as part of their renewal paperwork.

There are different certification forms for small and large group
employers:

• 2 – 50 employees
• 51 or more employees

We appreciate your time and
compliance with this new requirement. This policy will allow us to continue to
competitively price our products for you and our customers. If you have any
questions, please review the Frequently Asked Questions or contact your IBC account
executive.

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Independence Blue Cross. All rights reserved.

Independence
Blue Cross | 1901 Market Street | Philadelphia, PA 19103

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

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