Telehealth And Virtual Visits
If you get your insurance through your employer or buy it on your own, we now support telehealth visits for these plans. You can now have virtual visits with providers in our networks who offer this service to help you manage your health without leaving your home.
Blue Cross And Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Announces New Telemedicine Benefits And Cost Transparency Tool For Members In 2021
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® Federal Employee Program® announced 2021 benefits, including newly expanded telemedicine benefits, along with a new tool to help provide greater cost transparency for members. Additionally, FEP will keep the rates the same in 2021 for its newest product, FEP Blue Focus®, as well as for Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Vision. Rates for Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental products will remain at 2020 levels.
FEPs medical, dental and vision plans are available to eligible participants in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program . FEP provides quality and affordable healthcare to approximately 66 percent of federal employees, retirees and their families across the nation. FEP members enjoy access to a robust provider network with 95 percent of professional providers and over 96 percent of hospitals in the United States alone.
Blue Cross And Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Introduces Enhanced Hypertension And Pregnancy Programs Dental And Vision Benefits And New International Travel Insurance
WASHINGTON, Sep. 30, 2021 Today the Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® Government-wide Service Benefit Plan, also known as the Federal Employee Program® , announced 2022 benefits available to eligible participants in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program . Among the changes include enhanced hypertension management and pregnancy care incentive programs, dental and vision benefits for children and the addition of a discounted supplemental international travel insurance through GeoBlue®.
FEP offers a comprehensive suite of resources to help current and prospective members choose the best medical, dental and vision plan for them and their families, including the AskBlue medical, dental and vision plan finder tools, prescription drug cost tool and health cost advisor tool.
As we continue to navigate an unprecedented health crisis, Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP health, dental and vision members know they can count on us to make sure affordable and comprehensive health care is accessible no matter where they are, said William A. Breskin, senior vice president of government programs for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association . With enhanced benefits in all products in 2022, FEP continues its mission to provide unparalleled products and services to our members and their families.
FEP 2022 Highlights
2022 Approved Rates:
ABOUT THE BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD SERVICE BENEFIT PLAN
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Claims And Contact Information
Claims for members 65 and older are subject to Medicare pricing.
Prior Plan approval must be obtained for certain services. The pre-service claim approval processes for inpatient hospital admissions and for other services , are detailed in the online FEP Benefit Plan Brochure. A pre-service claim is any claim, in whole or in part, that requires approval from us before members receive medical care or services. In other words, a pre-service claim for benefits requires precertification or prior approval and will result in a reduction of benefits if pre-certification or prior approval is not obtained.
Timely claims filing guidelines
- Participating and Preferred providers: Claims must be submitted within one year from the date of service. Note: If the local Blue Plan’s provider contract includes a timely filing provision that is less than FEP’s, the local Plan will follow that guideline.
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Non-participating providers and members: Claims must be submitted no later than December 31 of the calendar year after the year in which the service was rendered .
Correspondence – Disputed claims – Medical records requestsIf you receive a request for medical records, they can be submitted via the options listed below. Note: The fax option is exclusively for medical records/chart notes that have been requested by FEP not including requests related to appeals. Please continue to utilize appropriate methods for correspondence that has not been requested.
- Fax: 1 875-6921
Blue Cross And Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Keeps Medical Premiums Stable While Expanding Plan Offerings For 2019
Washington Today the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Government-wide Service Benefit Plan, also known as the Federal Employee Program® , introduced FEP Blue FocusSM, a new coverage option for the federal workforce and retirees in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Also this year, some uniformed service members and their dependents are eligible to enroll in FEP BlueDental® and/or FEP BlueVision® as part of the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program .Premiums for both Standard Option and Basic Option will not increase for 2019. FEP Blue Focus premiums will be almost 30 percent lower than other FEP health plans. Additionally, BCBSs FEDVIP plans, FEP BlueVision and FEP BlueDental, have premium decreases across their high and standard option offerings.FEP has long been committed to providing quality health insurance coverage at an affordable price, said William A. Breskin, senior vice president of government programs for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. We are excited to introduce FEP Blue Focus, which is a great opportunity for federal employees, especially individuals just entering the workforce, to choose a quality health plan that best fits their needs. We also look forward to serving our nations military families with comprehensive dental and vision insurance plans at premium rates lower than in 2018.
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Blue Cross And Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Introduces Innovative Benefits While Expanding Access For Members
Washington Today the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Government-wide Service Benefit Plan, also known as the Federal Employee Program® , announced 2018 benefits for federal workers and retirees in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. In 2018, FEP will continue to offer comprehensive benefitsincluding medical, dental and visionwhile adding advanced features that help empower members to achieve better health.
No matter where federal employees live, work or travel, they can be secure in knowing that Blue Cross and Blue Shield will meet their needs, said William A. Breskin, senior vice president of government programs for BCBSA. FEP has long been committed to providing members with comprehensive benefits and the broad choice of doctors and hospitals that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield System affords, at an affordable price. We are excited to add our fepblue app and telehealth benefits because we want to be there for our members, wherever they are.
Highlights of Whats New for 2018fepblue Application FEP members can now manage their healthcare from anywhere by downloading the free fepblue app on Google Play or the App Store®. or the App Store. Through the mobile app, members can access their member ID card, stay up to date on deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums and track important doctor visit information.
2018 Approved Rates:
The Healthy Endeavors Program
With Healthy Endeavors, you can talk with a trained nurse health coach and get helpful information about your health delivered right to your door, and there’s no extra cost to you. Plus, there’s no obligation you can leave the program at any time.
Call a Nurse Health Coach at: 1-888-392-3506 | Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST.
You could be eligible if you have any of these health concerns:
- Asthma
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Most People Just Stick With The Plan Theyve Had For Years But That Could Be A Costly Mistake Especially During A Pandemic
Dallen Haws and Kevin Moss
Selecting health insurance under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program can be overwhelming. Health benefits are complicated the nuances of deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and maximum out-of-pocket cost limits make it hard to meaningfully compare plans. Potential savings may not be obvious or easy to understand.
Thats why the nonprofit Consumers Checkbook created the Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees. Its something weve thought about quite a bit since we began publication 42 years ago. To help you weigh your options, weve sought to answer some basic questions.
What should federal employees look for?
The 2019 Federal Benefits Survey administered by the Office of Personnel Management and released this past summer confirms most federal employees rank total cost as the No. 1 most important factor in plan choice. But what many dont take into consideration are the out-of-pocket costs that their insurance doesnt cover. No one can predict whether theyll have a serious accident, be diagnosed with a disease or require new treatment, but there are certain known health-care expenses. Those include premiums, planned doctor visits and maintenance prescription drugs. To find the best health plan requires you to consider both predicted and unpredicted health-care expenses.
If you like your plan, does it still make sense to shop around?
As feds retire and Medicare comes into play, what changes should you plan for?
Highlights Of What’s New For 2021
New Telemedicine Benefits
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many members to turn to remote, virtual care services to manage their health as they attempt to socially distance and limit their exposure to the coronavirus. FEP was at the forefront expanding its benefits in 2020 during the pandemic to cover members having virtual visits with their primary and specialty doctors. Recognizing that virtual visits are becoming a permanent part of health care, in 2021 FEP will cover virtual consultations, and medical evaluation and management services with primary care providers and specialists as a regular benefit even after the pandemic is over. Members will pay the regular office visit copayments/coinsurance under Standard Option, Basic Option and FEP Blue Focus.
FEP Healthcare Cost Advisor
Available in 2021, FEP members will have access to the FEP Healthcare Cost Advisor application, which provides users with a complete view of their healthcare spending to make better financial planning and healthcare decisions. The tool can also help identify the FEP health plan option that offers the best value for each members specific needs.
Newly Redesigned Website
Dental and Vision Plan Updates
New Dental and Vision Digital Platforms
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Are You And All Applicants Residents Of Bc Or The Yukon Actively Enrolled Under The Government Health Plan
Our Individual Insurance Plans are provided ONLY to residents of BC or the Yukon who are actively enrolled in the Government Health Care plan.
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Are you a resident of another province?Please contact Blue Cross Canada at www.bluecross.ca to find your provinces’ blue cross.
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Are you a visitor to Canada and arrived within the last 30 days?You may find more information about our “Visitors to Canada Travel Plan”.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions at or e-mail us.
Vision Care
Pacific Blue Cross covers the cost of prescription lenses, frames, contact lenses and laser eye surgery up to a predetermined maximum.
Registered Therapists
Benefits are paid for visits to: naturopaths, massage therapists, physiotherapists,chiropractors, speech pathologists, chiropodists/podiatrists, psychologists, audiologists,acupuncturists, and nutritionists. This is an increasing benefit coverage up toa predetermined maximum.
Benefits cover costs for semi-private or private hospital rooms .
Hospital Daily Cash Benefit
If you are confined to a hospital, we will pay you $20 a day, for up to 90 days,from the 4th day of hospitalization, up to age 65.
Local Ambulance Private
Benefits cover the cost of ambulance fees in emergencies, including air ambulanceand Treat No Transport.
Includes payment for Treat-No-Transport, charges for treatment when an ambulanceis called to the scene of an accident or place of illness and transportation tohospital is not required.
Blue Cross And Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Expands Financial Incentives For Federal Workers To Live Healthier
WASHINGTON– Today the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Government-wide Service Benefit Plan, also known as the Federal Employee Program , announced 2016 benefits for federal workers and retirees in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. The benefits feature a 50 percent increase in the incentives available to members who use FEPs state-of-the-art wellness tools to promote healthier lifestyles as well as a new incentive program for expectant mothers that focuses on prenatal care.
In 2016, FEP will continue to offer workers the ability to choose Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans for a full range of comprehensive benefits including medical, dental and vision.
This year also marks the federal governments introduction of the new Self Plus One enrollment in the FEHB Program, providing an additional choice to Self- Only and Self and Family enrollment types available under both Standard and Basic Option. Enrollees in two-person families can save money by opting for a Self Plus One premium instead of a Family premium while continuing to benefit from the comprehensive plan design and broad network access they have come to expect from FEP.
Promoting Healthier Lifestyles
To earn the $170, FEP members can:
- Earn a $50 wellness incentive upon completion of the BHA
- Earn $40 each for achieving up to three personalized health goals
The personalized health goals currently eligible for the incentive are:
- Increased exercise
- Better emotional health
Standard and Basic Options Premiums
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Do Federal Workers Have Health Insurance
The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. The FEHB Program can help you and your family meet your health care needs. Federal employees, retirees and their survivors enjoy the widest selection of health plans in the country. You can get brochures from the health plans or your human resource office.
Locate A Network Provider
As you make decisions about your healthcare, the Blue National Doctor and Hospital Finder is one source for important information about doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider for answers to any questions regarding the selection of a doctor, specialist or healthcare facility. Verify the doctor, hospital or other healthcare provider participates in your network before making an appointment..
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Federal Employee Program Changes
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas will continue to administer the FEP group health plan in Kansas effective January 1, 2021. Service Benefit Plan information can be located on the FEP Website.
The Service Benefit Plan continues to offer three plans:
- Standard Option
- FEP Blue Focus
Changes to all Service Benefit Plans :
Changes to Standard/Basic Option only:
- The out-of-pocket cost for tier 4 and 5 specialty drugs increased.
- Benefits for hearing aids up to $2,500 will be allowed once every 5 years.
Changes to Standard Option only:
- Removed reduction of member cost-share associated with Tier 2 and 3 brand-name drugs and Tier 4 and 5 preferred specialty drug copayments for the 31st and subsequent refills.
Changes to Basic Option only:
- Outpatient emergency room facility copayment increased by $50.00 for accidental injury visits.
Changes to FEP Blue Focus only:
- Out-of-pocket maximums increased to $7,500 for Self Only and $15,000 for Self + One and Self & Family contracts.
- Continuous home hospice care will be reimbursed with no member cost-share when provided by a Preferred provider.
- Screening pregnant members for HIV will be considered a preventive service and reimbursed with no member copayment when provided by a Preferred provider.
If you have any questions regarding this newsletter, please contact your BCBSKS provider consultant.
Careers
Can You Guarantee Repatriation In Case Of A Medical Emergency
Emergency Medical Care insurance can cover emergency repatriation if this service is considered necessary and safe by the travel assistance medical team and the attending physician at the destination. Decisions are based on several factors, including the medical condition of the insured. At all times, the assistance service is dependent on the availability of care and services needed to return home. Inability to access health care or lack of access due to overcrowded medical centres alone does not constitute grounds for emergency repatriation.
Anyone planning to travel abroad should take the time to properly assess the essential nature of their trip before making plans. Québec Blue Cross encourage their clients to contact them to clarify the applicable conditions, if necessary.
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About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 35 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through The Health of America Report series and the national BCBS Health Indexsm. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit BCBS.com. We also encourage you to connect with us on , check out our videos on and follow us on .
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.
Discrimination Is Against The Law
- Free aids and services for people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as:
- Qualified sign language interpreters
- Free language assistance to people whose primary language is not English, such as:
- Qualified interpreters
- Information written in other languages
- Sending a letter to Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Dental, P.O. Box 551, Minneapolis, MN 55440-0551.
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Wellframe Mobile Health Checklist And Messaging*
Blue Cross NC is pleased to offer a free mobile application for your smartphone and tablet that connects you to a confidential and supportive health care team when it’s most convenient for you.
Want to know more?
Call the Federal Employee Customer Service line at 1-800-222-4739 and a representative will be happy to assist you.
*Wellframe is only available for certain health conditions.
Motivation, Advice and Support
When you need a little extra help managing your health, your Wellframe care team is ready:
- Connect to a licensed nurse, pharmacist or social worker
- Get personalized daily care plans
- Set up notifications to help you remember appointments and medications
- Learn about your health through clinically approved articles and videos
Health Checklist
Wellframe will send a short list of tasks, based on your particular condition, to your mobile device each day:
- See a summary of your progress and keep track of it over time
- Receive encouragement and support through secure in-app messaging
Your personal checklist is designed to help you stay on track with your condition care plan.
