Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is launching a series of new offerings that offer high-quality, affordable healthcare with an enhanced member experience.
Deanne Wherry, Vice President of Product at Blue Cross, stated that each member and employer has been affected by the uncertainty over the past two-years. We’re helping employers to create flexible solutions to their individual populations. This allows them to remove financial barriers and ensure that their employees have access to affordable, high-quality health care.
A new selection of offerings is available:
BlueFit HSP : This plan is unique in that it offers comprehensive benefits at an affordable cost and a digital experience that guides members through the healthcare system. It also provides rewards and savings that grow over time.
— Expanded Virtual Care: With the growing use of virtual care by members, Blue Cross has modernized its telehealth coverage. All covered services are now available to members via in-network providers who offer telehealth. Well
Connect, Blue Cross’ dedicated telehealth platform provides access to mental and urgent care.
— Value Care Offers: Employers now have the option of eliminating employee costs for a certain number of office visits (including via telehealth) to improve access and encourage members seeking care for chronic and acute conditions.
The following benefit categories are available: mental health, chiropractic care and physical therapy.
— Enhanced Fitness Reimbursement Blue Cross has extended its Fitness Rebate program to include home-fitness equipment. This is in addition to the coverage that was expanded last year to include virtual health expenses.
— Mind & Body Programme: Individuals and their families can now receive up to $300 per year in hypnosis and massage therapy, as well as meditation (including digital apps), Tai chi and Qi gong.– No Copay Medications:Last Year, employers were able to make certain medications available to employees for $0 to help with medication affordability and adherence. This includes medications for high blood pressure, heart conditions, depression, respiratory problems, and diabetes. Blue Cross will expand the list of eligible medications to include drugs for diabetes, smoking cessation, and treatment medications for substance abuse disorders in 2022.
— Prescription Drug Fills at Retail Pharmacycies for 90 Days: Members can obtain 90-day supply of maintenance medication at retail pharmacies. This eliminates the need to visit the pharmacy every month.
— Quality Cancer Care Program: This program is administered by AIM Specialty Health (Blue Cross’ vendor partner), and allows oncologists board-certified and nurses oncology-trained from AIM to meet with members and discuss evidence-based treatments. It ensures that members receive the best possible treatment. The QCCP was launched July 1, 2021.
— Fidelity HSA Addition Employers can now pair a Fidelity HSA (health savings account) with a Blue Cross, high-deductible plan. Fidelity’s HSA was made available on October 1, 2021.
— Easy Access to Expert Medical Opinions.Blue Cross’ Emerging Solutions portfolio has expanded with the addition of a Blue Cross vendor partner 2nd.MD. Qualifying members have the opportunity to speak with experts virtually in order to receive the best care.
— Integrated Biometric screening Services:Blue Cross started offering remote and on-site biometric screening services to employers through its vendor partner Wellness Concepts. This program can be integrated into employers’ Blue Cross digital rewards programs for well-being.
All offers are available from January 1, 2022 unless otherwise noted. The availability of programs and their cost depend on many factors such as employer size, funding arrangement and plan design.
