The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association has reached an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to change the design of the 2009 Standard Option planned surgical out-of-network benefit. Learn more
Because the Standard Option benefit has been revised, members can make changes to their FEHB benefits through January, 2009. Learn more
Each year the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association negotiates with the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to develop a benefits package that provides a broad range of benefits, but keeping out-of-pocket costs affordable. This balance of benefits and member costs is challenging, especially this year with rising healthcare costs. Read more
Developing our benefit package for 2009 was very challenging. Our primary goal is always to balance benefit costs, member cost share amounts, and the overall growth in health care expenses. Prescription drug costs make up about 10 percent of health care spending. In addition, they represent more than 10 percent of projected health care costs in 2007. To keep our coverage affordable and meet the needs of our members, it is necessary to change your prescription drug benefits for 2009. Read more
We considered a number of factors, including claims paid during the previous years, changes in enrollee characteristics, changes in the benefit package, and the expected increase in health care costs in 2009. We also look at the long-term financial stability of our benefit package and how we can make sure the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan will continue to provide attractive benefits at a competitive price to our members and at the same time remain financially secure to pay claims. Read more
You have heard about generic drugs and you know they save you money when you use them instead of brand-name drugs. But do you really know what they are? Read more
Starting in 2009, Standard Option members must call us for prior approval before receiving any outpatient Mental Health/Substance Abuse services. We will no longer require a treatment plan from your provider prior to your ninth outpatient Mental Health/Substance Abuse visit. When you call for prior approval, we will provide you with the names and phone numbers of several Preferred providers and tell you how many visits we are initially approving. You may then choose which of those providers you would like to see. Please note that we may request a treatment plan from your provider in order to maximize your benefits. Read more
We are pleased to announce that our online Provider Directory has been enhanced to provide greater access to a broad choice of Preferred providers. Read more
WalkingWorks®, the Blue Health AssessmentSM and SNAPforSeniors® are the newest interactive web-based tools available January 1, 2009 on fepblue.org. Read more
When your receive medical care outside the US and Puerto Rico, submitting a claim for the care and getting reimbursement is different than when you get medical care in the US. Unless the medical care is coordinated through our Worldwide Assistance Center, generally payment for covered services is sent directly to you and the payment is made in US dollars. Read more
