Important Administrative Information (IAI) is a quarterly mailing that delivers the latest news about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts products and services to employers and consultants.

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Current Edition:

• August 2010

Changes to Social Security Number Reporting for Group Health Plans
Changes to Medicare law require Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts to report Social Security numbers on a quarterly basis for all members of group health plans age 45 and older—even those not eligible for Medicare.

Federal Subsidy of COBRA and Mini-COBRA Premiums
Actively monitoring the regulatory landscape for any legislation that addresses the COBRA and mini-COBRA premium subsidies.

State-Mandated Change: Early Intervention
An amendment to existing insurance mandates.

Update: Federal Mental Health Parity Interim Final Rule
The Department of Labor issued new guidance regarding application of the Rule that created two distinct categories of outpatient services.

National Health Care Reform
Reviewing and assessing the law's impact on our business partners and members.

Provisions Affecting Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Benefit Plan Designs
A summary of provisions that impact Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts benefit plan designs beginning on or after September 23, 2010.

Product Portfolio Management
Adopting a PCP/specialist differential copayment in certain standard HMO plans.

Update: Electronic Transactions Moving to HIPAA Version 5010
An update to this law now requires that health plans, providers, and clearinghouses conducting electronic transactions move from the current HIPAA version 4010A1 to version 5010.

Reminder: Benefit Changes for Certain Specialty Medications
A reminder that specialty medications members receive as part of outpatient services will only be covered under the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts pharmacy benefit.

Update: Consolidating Health Management Programs
Additional information on our integrated health management model that focuses on our entire membership.

Prostheses to Require Authorization
Prior authorization is now required for certain kinds of upper and lower limb prostheses to be sure they are medically necessary.

Flu Vaccine
Effective October 1, 2010, Blue Care Elect PPO members will be able to receive flu shots for no copayment at participating providers.

Personal Spending Accounts with Bank of America
Consumer-directed health plans can be an effective approach to controlling costs and engaging employees in their health care.