As I mentioned in our spring workshops, we are still awaiting how Anthem and other carriers are going to implement new health care legislation laws. But I wanted to make sure I communicate what I hear to all of you and get your thoughts.
On April 22nd Carol Mattox sent out an email from Anthem discussing the new law requiring the extension of dependent coverage to age 26.
It looks like Anthem starting June 1st, for plans with policy periods that begin on or after June 1st, is going to allow dependents who would normally age off their plans remain on. They did state that this benefit would not be retroactive, so dependents that aged off plans prior to June 1st 2010 will not be able to regain their old coverage until after the law actually takes effect. (Plan years beginning on or after September 23rd)
Anthem went on to say, in their Q&A document attached to the communication, that eligible dependents would be identified by birth date, and that continued coverage would be automatic. So members who still want their dependents to be removed from their plan will need to notify Anthem of this choice.
It is believed that hundreds of thousands of aging off dependents will gain help from this extension.
This is a pro-active approach to this new regulation resulting from health care reform. Do you all have any questions? What do you think of Anthem’s choice to implement this benefit earlier than required? Do you feel comfortable talking about this change with clients and members?
I have attached the links to the communications in my blog for your review.
Please leave your thoughts - It's helps to see what others think!
:-)
-Thanks
Heather Marr
Thursday, April 29, 2010
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3 comments:
I am curious to see, what our “dependents aging off” sales will look like this December!
Will Anthem be sending a letter to their policy holders notifying them that "at their coice" they can leave their dependents on their policies until they are 26 years of age? I think they should inform them because maybe some of them don't want to carry their dependants after the end of their 23 birthday for one reason or another(and they are thinking they will automatically age off at that time) or maybe the dependant has benefits through their employer's group plan and no longer needs coverage on their parents plan. I just think they should be informed so they can make the approriate decision for themselves and their dependants.
From what I have read, it sounds like Anthem will be informing employers of this change, but I have not read about any communication to individuals. We will need to make sure we explain to our clients moving forward that they might need to notify Anthem to remove unwanted dependents.
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