Anthem Blue Cross INDIVIDUAL policyholders (not group or senior) whose plans were effective before October 1, 2010, have recently received a mailing advising them of an opportunity to change their policies to any other open plan within Anthem Blue Cross, and to some closed plans, depending on the plan they currently have. The ability to move to other plans was made possible through a class-action lawsuit filed last fall, following the decision to close plans due to their grandfathered status.
To move to another plan, forms must be completed and received by Anthem between March 1 and March 30, 2011. Premiums for the current plan must be paid to April 1st, at which time the new plan will take effect.
For those who are not sure what to do, this is not the only opportunity. You can keep your present policy and still make a change between now and December 31, 2013, at any future rate increase. Once you have made one policy change, any future changes would require evidence of good health. And remember, you will never have the opportunity to return to your present plan.
What to do?
The best thing to do is to have a 15-minute face-to-face appointment. This is the best option and will guarantee you the best result. These appointments can be made with Susan, with Laurie, or with Steve.
The second best thing is to make a telephone appointment with an agent. Your 15 minutes can be scheduled by calling Pauline at (805) 547-7022. Please tell her that you are an Anthem Blue Cross client and that you need help in choosing a new plan or deciding if moving from your present plan would be beneficial to you. We will then pull your file and have it ready for your call.
If you have a friend or family member who has a Blue Cross plan not through our office, feel free to give him/her our phone number and offer our assistance. This is a very confusing opportunity, and we want to make sure that everyone receives good advice.
We expect rate increases on most Anthem Blue Cross plans to occur on May 1, 2011. Because rate increases now require a 60-day notice, this may be postponed unless you have already received notice.
Please be patient with us during these very turbulent times. We are doing our best to keep up with all the changes and will keep you posted via our website/blog. Please check in to www.susanpolk.com and read our blog for the most recent updates.
