As we arrive at the end of 2010, BMC Benefit Services is providing a brief update on some issues that will impact everyone in 2011.
OTC Drugs Require a Prescription for FSA Submission in 2011
If you have an FSA, this is a reminder that you will need a prescription in order to submit all over the counter drugs effective January 1, 2011. This applies regardless of the date of your plan year. Any over the counter drugs purchased after January 1, 2011 require a prescription in order to obtain reimbursement. Your employees who participate in your Flexible Spending Account administered by BMC Benefit Services will receive a letter reminding them of this new provision. Updated FSA forms for 2011 that address this requirement will be on our website by January 1st.
Health Care Reform / Full Coverage for Preventive Services
At your plan renewal after September 2010, the renewed plan will include 100% coverage for preventive services. No deductibles or co-payments will apply. Flyers are available:
| Aetna 2011 Preventive Care |
| Independence Blue Cross 2011 Preventive Care |
| United Health Care 2011 Preventive Care |
HIPAA/HITECH
Most businesses have become familiar with the HIPAA privacy provisions. As of February 2010, the HIPAA rules were enhanced by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The HITECH section of this act requires that the business associates of organizations covered by HIPAA must themselves obey the HIPAA privacy rules with respect to all protected health information generated. Protected health information has been defined to include dates of birth and social security numbers.
To comply with HITECH, and to protect the privacy of our clients’ employees, BMC Benefit Services uses encrypted e-mail in order to securely transmit information. Protected information can be transmitted by fax so long as there is cover sheet that does not contain private information. If you need to transmit census data that includes names, dates of birth and/or social security numbers or enrollment forms that include this information, please contact us so that we can send you a secure e-mail platform for transmission or send by fax with a cover sheet.