Medco's name is changing to Express ScriptsMedco Health Solutions, Inc. became part of the Express Scripts family earlier this year, and the combined company will now be known as Express Scripts. You will see the Express Scripts name and logo on communications, but you may also continue to see the Medco name on some communications until the renaming process is completed.Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware is now Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware
Important! Your prescription benefits have not changed!See the FAQ for additional information.
- Your prescription plan, formulary and retail pharmacy network remain the same, including Walgreen's.
- Continue to refill your prescriptions using your current Medco prescription drug ID card, and continue to use Medco's website at www.medco.com and the Medco toll-free telephone number on your ID card.
- The Medco Pharmacy mail order service and the Accredo specialty medication mail order service will not show a name change on September 1, but are likely to change in the future.
A message from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware:
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF DELAWARE IS NOW
HIGHMARK BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD DELAWARE
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware has changed our name to Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware (Highmark Delaware). This change reflects our affiliation with Pennsylvania‐based Highmark Inc. (Highmark), which was approved in late 2011.
While our name has changed, we haven't. Our current relationships with members and providers will remain the same, and our employees will continue to provide the same high level of service that our members have come to expect.
We're formally introducing both our new name and logo beginning July 9, 2012. As part of this introduction, we're distributing a news release, launching a comprehensive advertising campaign, and driving the Highmark Direct truck through Delaware. The truck is stopping at different locations in the state so that the public can learn more about Highmark Delaware and our new affiliation partner, Highmark. Giveaways, health screenings, interactive demonstrations, games and wellness information for visitors are all part of the truck tour.
Moving forward, we will continue to provide updates at our new web address,
highmarkbcbsde.com.
New ID Cards From Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSD) is providing new Identification (ID) Cards to subscribers enrolled in the Group Health plans (Blue Care-HMO, CDH Gold, Comprehensive PPO, First State Basic, and Special Medicfill). Effective July 1, 2012, subscribers and family members must present their new ID Card when receiving services at physician's and therapist's offices, hospitals, clinics, labs, etc.
This week BCBSD mailed each subscriber a letter explaining the new ID Card and that a follow up mailing containing their new ID Card will arrive soon. The new ID Card will reach subscriber's mailboxes prior to July 1, 2012. ID Cards will arrive in a business size envelope marked IMPORTANT INFORMATION ENCLOSED in red letters.
The prefix (the three letters that precede the six digit ID number) will change for those enrolled in the Blue Care-HMO or Special Medicfill Plans. The new prefix for the Blue Care-HMO plan will be "SAI". The new prefix for the Special Medicfill plan will be "SDE". The prefix for subscribers enrolled in First State Basic, CDH Gold, and Comprehensive plans will remain "SOD".
The number of ID cards provided to a subscriber is determined by the level of coverage the subscriber carries, as follows.Employee = 1 ID Card Employee & Child/ren = 1 ID Card
Old ID Cards should be destroyed when the new ID Card arrives. To ensure proper claim processing the new ID Card must be used as of July 1, 2012. If a subscriber does not receive the new ID Card prior to July 1, 2012, or requires an additional ID Card, he/she should contact BCBSD's Customer Services (see telephone number below).
Employee & Spouse = 2 ID Cards Family = 2 ID Cards
Subscribers and their family members should always present their ID Card when receiving services. If a family member is traveling, away at camp or college it is recommended that he/she carry an ID Card and present it when services are received.
Questions? Contact Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware's Customer Services at 1-800-633-2563 or 429-0260
Blood Bank of Delmarva We've recently learned that the Blood Bank of Delmarva is reviewing its membership records and, based on this information, is notifying individuals who are no longer in an active status. If your membership has been terminated by the Blood Bank of Delmarva and you would like to re-apply for coverage, please complete an enrollment form and return it to the UD HR-Benefits Office at 413 Academy Street. Please keep in mind that a participant or his/her designee must donate a pint of blood when requested by the Blood Bank (approximately every 18-24 months). Whenever a blood donation is not possible, a $30 payment to the Blood Bank of Delaware is acceptable to keep your membership active.
Attention FSA Plan Participants: During the week of October 3, 2011, ASIFlex (the third-party administrator of our Flexible Spending Account Plans) will be issuing statements to everyone who has available funds for the third quarter of the 2011 plan year. Individuals with an e-mail address on file with ASIFlex will be notified that a statement is available for them to view in their ASIFlex on-line account. Individuals who have not provided ASIFlex with an email address will receive their statement via U.S. mail at the home address on file with the University. Please keep in mind that claims for expenses incurred during the plan year and subsequent grace period (ending March 15, 2012) must be filed no later than April 30, 2012. After April 2012, all unclaimed 2011 funds will be forfeited.
Delaware State Employees' Pension Plan benefits Workshops The following evening workshops are being held to provide information regarding Delaware State Employees' Pension Plan benefits. No pre-registration is required.
New Castle County Kent County Sussex County Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Place: Brandywine High School
1400 Foulk Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803Date: Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Place: Delaware State Troopers' Assoc.
Exit onto Messina Hill Rd off N. DuPont Hwy, Cheswold, DE 19936Date: Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Place: Del Tech Owens Campus
Arts & Science Center, College Theater, Georgetown, DE 19947Date: Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Place: Stanton Middle School
1800 Limestone Rd, Wilmington, DE 19804
Blood Bank of Delmarva We've recently learned that the Blood Bank of Delmarva is reviewing its membership records and, based on this information, is notifying individuals who are no longer in an active status. If your membership has been terminated by the Blood Bank of Delmarva and you would like to re-apply for coverage, please complete an enrollment form and return it to the UD HR-Benefits Office at 413 Academy Street. You may also fax it to us at 302-831-1482.
Please keep in mind that a participant or his/her designee must donate a pint of blood when requested by the Blood Bank (approximately every 18-24 months). Whenever a blood donation is not possible, a $30 payment to the Blood Bank of Delaware is acceptable to keep your membership active.
News from the Office of Statewide BenefitsAlere Health Portal
We have just been informed that the DelaWELL Health Portal will be down today, January 6th at 9:00 PM ET through January 7th at 6:00 AM ET for Alere system maintenance.IMPORTANT REMINDER – Medical and Dental Dependents that turned 21 in 2010 must provide verification of full time student status to remain eligible for coverage after 12/31/2010.
The site will be down again beginning at 9:00 PM ET January 14th through 6:00 AM on January 17th.
The site will include a message that instructs participants that we are down for maintenance during both time periods.Agencies and School Districts have received email notification and instructions from the Statewide Benefits Office of those dependents covered under a Blue Cross, Aetna or Dominion plan and turning age 21 in 2010. Notification of Delta age 21 dependents will be sent via secure email no later than 1/13/11. Benefit Representatives should request a student certification from the subscribers of these dependents for Spring 2011 and maintain such verification on file. If the dependent is not a full time student or the subscriber has not provided documentation by 1/28/11, please terminate the dependent's coverage in PHRST effective 1/1/11. Please contact Colleen Kondelis or Fran Nichols in the Statewide Benefits Office if you have questions. Thank you.IMPORTANT NEWS from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSD) on Laboratory Services Effective 2-1-11Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSD) has announced that effective February 1, 2011, Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp), including DIANON Systems, a LabCorp subsidiary, will become the exclusive, non-hospital commercial laboratory provider for BCBSD members. Please note that this change does not impact hospitals or physicians that are in-network providers for laboratory services.
BCBSD members who have laboratory services performed within the hospital setting or in a physician's office will still be able to utilize these facilities. For example, if you receive laboratory services, or your specimens are sent, to a hospital that is a network provider for laboratory services or an outpatient center affiliated with an in-network hospital, the service will still be covered at the in-network level.
Also, please note the following:
If you use LabCorp: Claims will process at the in-network level. If you use a hospital or physician that is an in-network provider for laboratory services: Claims will process at the in-network level. If you use Quest Diagnostics, AmeriPath or CLBPath:When visiting LabCorp, you may be asked, but are not required, to provide credit card information to pay for any out-of-pocket costs (copay, deductible and/or coinsurance, as applicable). If you choose not to submit credit card information, services will still be provided. You will be mailed a statement indicating your applicable out-of-pocket costs.
- If you have in- and out-of-network benefits: Claims for these providers (which will be considered out-of-network effective February 1, 2011) will be processed at the out-of-network level. In these cases, you may be responsible the difference between the billed amount and the amount paid by BCBSD.
- If you do not have out-of-network benefits (i.e., you are in BCBSD's HMO/BlueCare® IPA Plan): Claims for these out-of-network providers will be denied and you will be responsible for the entire cost.
- If you live and receive services outside of BCBSD's service area: This requirement does not apply to you because you utilize your local Blue Plan's provider network.
- If you are a Special Medicfill® member: This requirement does not apply to you because Medicare is the primary payor of laboratory services.
If you live in Delaware or a contiguous county, you will receive additional information from BCBSD regarding this laboratory network change.
If you have any questions, or want to learn more, please contact BCBSD's Customer Service Department at 1-800-633-2563 or 429-0260. You may also contact the Statewide Benefits Office at 1-800-489-8933 or 739-8331.
® Registered trademark of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
Visit Lab Corp's website to learn more about Lab Corp, find a facility, or make an appointment at www.labcorp.com
2011 prescription drug formulary available
MEDCO and the Delaware Office of Statewide Benefits recently released the 2011 prescription drug formulary, a listing that summarizes medications commonly prescribed under the State of Delaware Group Health Insurance Plan. Jan. 1 each year is the date when medications may move from preferred to non-preferred status. The formulary can be found at: http://ben.omb.delaware.gov/script/index.shtml Benefits-eligible employees who are enrolled in one of the University's health plan options are advised to check the listing and share a copy of the updated formulary with their physician(s).
For more information about pharmacy benefits, call the MEDCO customer service center at 1-800-939-2142.
Pre-Retirement Workshop
The Pre-Retirement Workshop that was scheduled for Monday, October 25, 2010 was cancelled due to a power outage at Delaware Technical and Community College, Stanton Campus. This workshop has been rescheduled as shown below:
New Castle County
Date: Monday, November 15, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Place: Del Tech Stanton Campus
Auditorium: A114 & A116
Newark, DE
This half-day workshop is sponsored by the State of Delaware Pension Office and the Social Security Administration. There is no cost to attend this workshop, and no registration is required.
As a reminder, another half-day workshop is being held on Saturday, November 20, 2010, located at the Delaware State Troopers Association (Exit onto Messina Hill Road off N. DuPont Highway, Cheswold, DE 19936) from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon. This workshop is sponsored by the State of Delaware Pension Office, Statewide Benefits, Social Security Administration, and Deferred Compensation. Again, there is no cost to attend this workshop, and no registration is required.
Download the Workshop flyer here
Related News: Article on New Journal
Impact of Health Care Reform on Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Effective January 1, 2011, in order to receive reimbursement for over‐the‐counter (OTC) drug expenses incurred, you will be required to submit supporting documentation, such as a physician's statement. Currently, you are able to receive reimbursement for these expenses without any additional documentation. This change applies to OTC medicines and drugs only and does not affect OTC supplies or equipment, or other expense types.
Following are some examples of OTC medicine categories no longer eligible for a tax break without a prescription after January 1, 2011:
Acid Controllers
Allergy & Sinus
Anti-Diarrhea Products
Anti-Gas Products
Anti-Itch & Insect Bite Products
Baby Rash Ointments
Cold Sore Remedies
Cough, Cold & Flu Products
Digestive Aids
Feminine Anti-Fungal/Anti-Itch
Hemorrhoid Remedies
Laxatives
Motion Sickness
Pain Relief
Respiratory Treatments
Sleep Aids & Sedatives
Stomach Ailment Remedies
Please see the following Q & A for additional details about this change.
Q. When will the changes become effective?
A. The changes are effective for purchases of over-the-counter medicines and drugs without a prescription after Dec. 31, 2010. The changes do not affect purchases of over-the-counter medicines and drugs in 2010, even if they are reimbursed after Dec. 31, 2010.
Q. How do I prove that I have purchased an over-the-counter medicine or drug with a prescription so that I can get reimbursed from my health FSA?
A. You should provide the prescription (or a copy of the prescription or another item showing that a prescription for the item has been issued) and the customer receipt (or similar third-party documentation showing the date of the sale and the amount of the charge). For example, documentation could consist of a customer receipt issued by a pharmacy that reflects the date of sale and the amount of the charge, along with a copy of the prescription; or it could consist of a customer receipt that identifies the name of the purchaser (or the name of the person for whom the prescription applies), the date and amount of the purchase and an Rx number.
Q. How does this change affect over-the-counter medical devices and supplies?
A. The new rule does not apply to items for medical care that are not medicines or drugs. Thus, equipment such as crutches, supplies such as bandages, hearing aid batteries and diagnostic devices such as blood sugar test kits will still qualify for reimbursement by a health FSA if purchased after Dec. 31, 2010.
Q. Will I need a prescription to use my health FSA funds for insulin purchases after Dec. 31, 2010?
A. No. You can continue to use your health FSA funds to purchase insulin without a prescription after Dec. 31, 2010.
Q. I use health FSA funds for my co-pays and deductibles. Will I still be able to reimburse those expenses with health FSA funds after Dec. 31, 2010?
A. Yes. Co-pays and deductibles continue to be reimbursable from a health FSA after Dec. 31, 2010.
Q. The University gives me time beyond the end of the year to submit claims for health FSA expenses incurred during the year. What happens if I purchase over-the-counter medicines or drugs without a prescription in 2010 but do not submit the claim for those expenses until January 2011? Will they qualify for reimbursement?
A. Yes. The new restriction on plan reimbursements for the cost of over-the-counter medicines or drugs without a prescription applies only to purchases that are made after 2010.
Q. The University's health care FSA includes a provision for a grace period, so that if I don't spend all of the money in my health FSA by Dec. 31 in a given year, I can still use the amount left in my health FSA at the end of the year to reimburse expenses I incur during the first 2 ½ months of the following year. If I buy over-the-counter medicines or drugs without a prescription during the 2 ½ month grace period of 2011, can I still use the amount left in my health FSA at the end of 2010 to reimburse those expenses?
A. No. The change applies to purchases made on or after Jan. 1, 2011. Even though the University's plan includes the 2 ½ month grace period provision, the cost of over-the-counter medicines and drugs purchased without a prescription during the first 2 ½ months of 2011 will not be eligible to be reimbursed by a health FSA.
Q. Will I be able to use my FSA benefits card to pay for over-the-counter medicines or drugs after Dec. 31, 2010?
A. Generally, no. For further information, see IRS Notice 2010-59. You can seek reimbursement for these expenses by presenting the information described above in the answer to the question "How do I prove that I have purchased an over-the-counter medicine or drug with a prescription so that I can get reimbursed from my employer's health FSA?"
BENEFIT NEWS THIS WEEK!
- The Maintenance Medication Program, provided by Medco, became effective 7-1-09 and will be expanded effective 9-1-10 to include more medications used to treat chronic or long-term conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure (hypertension), cholesterol, and diabetes. Members using maintenance medications will receive a letter, in the near future at their home, from Medco advising them to obtain a 90-day prescription rather than a 30-day prescription for these medications. Members using 30-day prescriptions rather than a 90-day, will receive a "penalty" on the fourth request for a 30-day prescription. The penalty is that the member will receive a 30-day supply of medication BUT will be charged a 90-day co-pay. Medco's letter, a list of Maintenance Medications, and information on other prescription programs is available at http://ben.omb.delaware.gov/script/index.shtml
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSD) has authorized, effective 8-9-10, both Christiana Hospital, Newark, Delaware, and St. Francis Hospital, Wilmington, Delaware, as a "Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery. Information on this and other health care programs is available at http://ben.omb.delaware.gov/medical/index.shtml
- Remember the Diabetic Program, provided by Medco, is available for members receiving diabetic supplies and medications. Diabetic supplies are free. Diabetic medications purchased at the same time may be obtained for one co-pay. Diabetic medications are considered to be maintenance medication and must be filled in conformance with the Maintenance Medication Program. Information on this and other prescription programs is available at http://ben.omb.delaware.gov/script/index.shtml
Education, health plans help UD excel To view the contents on DelawareOnline.com, visit the following links
- http://www.DelawareOnline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201008060345/BUSINESS/8150321
- http://delawareonline.topworkplaces.com/company_survey/university-of-delawa_delaware/delaware_10
- http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/99999999/BUSINESS/100810037/1006&theme=TOPWORKPLACES10&template=theme
News From Delaware Office of Statewide Benefits
