February 2006 Broker Notes

New Guidelines for Off-Anniversary IBC Downgrades

Independence Blue Cross is enforcing the rule that all group downgrades must be submitted at least 35 days in advance of their effective date. For example, if a group wishes to make an off-anniversary downgrade for a May 1 effective date, FBP must receive the appropriate paperwork by March 25.

FBP cannot process downgrades without this lead time and cannot make exceptions. If you have any questions regarding the enforcement of this guideline or any of its provisions, contact our service department at (610) 482-1805 or support@flexiben.com.

As a reminder, all new business cases must be completed and submitted to FBP no later than the tenth of the month prior to the chosen effective date. For the complete list of new case submission guidelines, please visit www.flexiben.com or email us at sales@flexiben.com.

FBP Web Site Updates

Have you taken a look at our web site lately? FBP has added some important information that could be critical to your business. Updates include:

• New products and product descriptions to add to your sales portfolio

• Legislative updates on important issues impacting our industry

• Additional news items highlighting events and changes in the industry

• BP Broker Notes - current and archived issues

Kick off 2006 with a jump in your commission level

Are you earning as much commission as you could be? FBP pays on a graduated commission schedule that rewards production. Not only do you make more by signing up more cases, your commission percentage may increase on new cases. Find out where you are on our graduated commission schedule and how many more cases you need to get to the top.

Broker Side Notes

Please make sure that FBP has an updated copy of your active PA state insurance license. As a courtesy, FBP emails our producers up to 30 days in advance of their license expiration date to remind them to acquire CE credits, renew their licenses, and submit them to FBP. If you have any questions regarding the status of your license, please call us immediately at (610) 482-1800, toll-free at (800) 892-1120 or e-mail us at sales@flexiben.com.