Bulletins

    Blue KC announces prescription drug list updates

    Effective July 1, 2024, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) will update prescription drug lists (PDLs) for small (ACA and non-ACA) and large employer groups. Blue KC’s Medical Pharmacy Management Committee regularly reviews and updates PDLs for “drug safety, effectiveness, clinical...

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    IRS increases HSA and HDHP limits for 2025

    The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced the 2025 health savings account (HSA) contribution limits. Effective January 1, 2025, individuals with self-only coverage can contribute up to $4,300 annually to their HSA. Those with family coverage may contribute up to $8,550 annually.

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    Cigna ends relationship with Prime Healthcare System

    Starting April 29, 2024, members enrolled in the Cigna Open Access Plus network no longer have access to providers and hospitals in the Kansas City area’s Prime Healthcare System. Cigna said the decision stems from the inability to negotiate lower costs with the health system, resulting in inflated...

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    Cigna offers Humira alternative at no cost to members

    Starting in June, Cigna members will have access to a Humira biosimilar used to treat a range of inflammatory conditions for $0 out of pocket. The biosimilar costs nearly 85% less than Humira and will lower patient costs by approximately $3,500 annually.

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    Blue KC launches community support tool

    Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) has added a new resource for members in need of a helping hand. The Blue KC Community Support Tool aggregates free and reduced-cost social service programs for those needing food, housing, transit, legal and other types of support.

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    Blue KC requires response to survey link

    Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) recently emailed employer groups who had Blue KC coverage for any period in 2023. Blue KC is requesting data needed to comply with the Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) reporting requirement. To comply with the Consolidated Appropriations...

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    BCBSKS requires response to CMS data request by April 30

    Last week Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) issued emails and letters to plan sponsors who had coverage with the carrier for any period in 2023. BCBSKS is requesting data needed to comply with the Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) reporting requirement. To comply with the...

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    Aetna requires response to survey link

    Aetna recently emailed employer groups who had Aetna coverage for any period in 2023. Aetna is requesting data needed to comply with the Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) reporting requirement. To comply with the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) passed in December 2021, insurance...

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    Aetna cost estimator tool now available

    Aetna’s new online cost estimator tool allows members to compare the cost of medical services prior to setting an appointment. The tool provides average network and out-of-network costs for tests, office visits, selective surgeries, and procedures.

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    Anthem data request issued

    Anthem employer groups recently received an email from Anthem requesting data needed to comply with the Prescription Drug Data Collection (RxDC) reporting requirement. To comply with the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), passed in December 2021, insurance companies and employer-based plans...

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