There are two new Independence Blue Cross initiatives that we’d like to bring to your attention:
“No Pay Copay” Program
Keystone and Personal Choice are launching a new generic drug promotion entitled the “No Pay Copay” program. It will be available at both the retail pharmacy and mail order levels.
Copays will be waived for all prescriptions, new and renewals, for generic drugs filled between January 1st and March 31, 2007. The pharmacy must process and fill the generic prescription between those dates to qualify. For example, if a member takes their generic prescription to the pharmacy on March 31st but the pharmacy does not process and fill it until April 1st, the member would not be eligible for the $0 copay. On the other hand, if you fill a 90 day RX at the mail order level on January 2nd, you’d be able to refill it prior to March 31st resulting 6 months of maintenance medications with $0 co-pays.
Some drugs that have been available only under a brand name have recently become available in generics, such as Zocor. Check with your doctor or pharmacy to see if your medications are available in generic and, if possible, schedule your refill to maximize this benefit.
Group Renewal Campaign
Independence Blue Cross is also launching a new group renewal campaign for 2007, replacing their standard pre-renewal packages with a more user-friendly approach, including benefit alternatives customized to the individual group client. They will also be sending follow-up postcards encouraging groups to either renew or make changes to the current benefits.
This direct renewal campaign is primarily aimed at IBC groups who do not work with active brokers. As always, BMC will be accessing your renewal as soon as it becomes available (approximately 65 days prior to renewal), prior to these packages being mailed. We will promptly notify you of the renewal action and aggressively pursue alternatives, whether with IBC or other carriers. We will also process, on your behalf, any and all administrative paperwork for plan changes to be made.
As always, please contact us at BMC Benefit Services if you have any questions.