Anthem Blue Cross's Plans To Change For All Members
Posted on Tue, Oct 26, 2010
Because of healthcare reform, all medical insurance plans offered by Anthem Blue Cross will change on December 1, 2010. Anthem is implementing these changes to existing policies one month earlier than previously stated.
The added benefits to each plan will depend on whether or not the member's medical insurance plan is grandfathered or not.
Non-grandfathered members will receive the full list of mandated healthcare reform benefits:
- No lifetime limits or annual dollar limits
- No pre-existing condition exclusions or waiting periods for kids under the age of 19.
- Expanded dependent coverage to include medical insurance coverage for dependents up to the age of 26 on a member's plan.
- New rescission limitations
- New protections for the patient
Grandfathered members will receive a portion of the mandated healthcare reform benefits:
- No lifetime limits
- Expanded dependent coverage to include coverage for dependents up to the age of 26 on a member's plan.
- New rescission limitations
- New protections for the patient
There are a few exceptions when members of grandfathered medical insurance plans will receive the full set of mandated healthcare reform benefits, such as those members that are enrolled in HIPAA plans. However, if those members change their plans or benefits, then they won't keep their grandfathered status, and any changes in the future due to healthcare reform will have a significant impact on their plan.