Blue Cross of Illinois - 2016 News of Interest

[AllenChicago]

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Received this notice today from my MGA for Blue Cross of Illinois. They're holding a training seminar next week for Chicago area agents. Of note, it looks like BCBS-IL will be increasing commissions for 2016. Hopefully IFP and Group...

"EBRM has developed a 2015 Fall Educational Seminar to help you
maintain and grow your individual and small group
Book of Business with the constantly changing ACA landscape.
The Fall Educational Seminar will assist you with new product
information, renewal guidelines, Open Enrollment updates
and alternative options such as self-funded programs and HRAs.

Topics covered include:

• BCBSIL Commission increase
• How to compete with payroll-type companies
• Open Enrollment Dos and Don'ts
• Understanding ACA Reporting Requirements
• Composite rating options under ACA
• Certification Requirements for ACA and MAPD/PDP
• Temp Plan Techniques
• Writing subsidy-eligible customers without going broke
• ACA 50-100 expansion
• And much more

-snip-

Most likely, LOLH co-op taking 25% of Illinois IFPlan enrollment in 2015 has influenced Big Blue's 2016 strategy. Competition is good!

 

[FRJ]

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Received this notice today from my MGA for Blue Cross of Illinois. They're holding a training seminar next week for Chicago area agents. Of note, it looks like BCBS-IL will be increasing commissions for 2016. Hopefully IFP and Group...

"EBRM has developed a 2015 Fall Educational Seminar to help you
maintain and grow your individual and small group
Book of Business with the constantly changing ACA landscape.
The Fall Educational Seminar will assist you with new product
information, renewal guidelines, Open Enrollment updates
and alternative options such as self-funded programs and HRAs.

Topics covered include:

• BCBSIL Commission increase
• How to compete with payroll-type companies
• Open Enrollment Dos and Don'ts
• Understanding ACA Reporting Requirements
• Composite rating options under ACA
• Certification Requirements for ACA and MAPD/PDP
• Temp Plan Techniques
• Writing subsidy-eligible customers without going broke
• ACA 50-100 expansion
• And much more

-snip-

Most likely, LOLH co-op taking 25% of Illinois IFPlan enrollment in 2015 has influenced Big Blue's 2016 strategy. Competition is good!

I'm betting that this commission rate increase relates to MAPD/PDP - wouldn't have thought this until the above bullet point...why would they even mention that for what started off as an ACA notice?

 

[AllenChicago]

I'm betting that this commission rate increase relates to MAPD/PDP - wouldn't have thought this until the above bullet point...why would they even mention that for what started off as an ACA notice?

I didn't think of that, FRJ. A great observation on your part. Would be nice if the commission increase was on all products, wouldn't it? We've sure endured enough cuts in recent years.

Some of those other bullet points raise curiosity as well. Definitely a lot of material to cover in just 3 hours next Monday. (10am-1pm)

 

[SamIam]

So the commission increase won't be on ACA?

 

[AllenChicago]

So the commission increase won't be on ACA?

Sam, if EBRM is your MGA for Blue Cross, register to attend the training seminar in Oak Brook this coming Monday 9/21. We'll know a lot more at its conclusion.

 

[SamIam]

No I use Midwest.

 

[AllenChicago]

9.17.2015

Email received today from Blue Cross confirming cancellation of Individual Famil Plans which use the wide "Blue PPO" medical network, on 12/31/2015.

Excerpt from E-mail:
"BCBSIL Announces Product Changes for Individual Members in 2016

The individual market has evolved significantly since the opening of the Health Insurance Marketplace in 2014. These changes require Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) to make adjustments to our 2016 product offerings for the individual (retail) market that will allow us to continue offering sustainable health insurance options.

In 2016, BCBSIL will expand the Blue Choice Preferred PPOSM*, so that it will be an option in every county across the state. We are also expanding our Blue Precision HMOSM* to more markets, and intend to offer a new HMO product for the greater Chicago area.

However, the broad PPO that was offered for 2014 and 2015 will not be offered for the individual market in 2016. Details will be announced in October when the shopping window begins."

---snip---

 

[AllenChicago]

9.22.2015

Some additional info on what to expect from BCBS-IL in 2016. From the BCBSIL.com website:

Alerts and Announcements | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois - What to Expect for Open Enrollment for 2016 Individual Plans

AND

http://www.ilhealthagents.com/?p=3849

 

[AllenChicago]

Posted to BCBSIL.com on October 1, 2015

Major changes to Individual and Group Pharmacy Outlets and Prescription Benefits, effective January 1, 2016.

Link: Alerts and Announcements | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois - Prescription Drug Benefit Changes for 2016 Individual or Employer-offered "Metallic" Plans

 

[AllenChicago]

Look at the chart on page 2 of this A.M. Best document. HCSC's profits started plummeting the moment ObamaCare Qualified Health Plans became the law of the land.

Ref: http://www.hcsc.com/pdf/AM_Best_report.pdf

No wonder Health Care Service Corporation directed it's Blue Cross companies in Illinois, Texas and New Mexico to make such drastic changes for 2016. If commissions don't change, we should count ourselves as very fortunate, and tell HCSC/BCBSIL "Thank-you for seeing the value of your brokers!".