Bulletins

In response to IRS guidance issued in 2019, Aetna will expand coverage for four additional preventive care services covered by a qualified high deductible health plan (QHDHP) before meeting a deductible. The preventive services will also apply to all plans that apply a deductible to the services...

Effective July 1, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) will utilize an updated prescription drug list. The updates affect Blue-Care (HMO), BlueSelect Plus (PPO), Preferred-Care (PPO) and Preferred-Care Blue (PPO) plan members. However, there may be group-specific exclusions.

Effective July 1, 2020, Aetna will change the formulary drug list for its Value Plus and Advanced Control-Aetna pharmacy plans. The Aetna Standard formulary for self-insured members remains unchanged. Aetna reviews and changes drug lists quarterly.

As confirmed coronavirus cases hit the Kansas City area, health insurance carriers are releasing provisions to help protect and care for their members. Below is a list of specific actions taken by major carriers.

Changes to affect Aetna Value Plus and Advanced Control-Aetna members

Effective April 1, 2020, Aetna will utilize an updated Value Plus formulary and Advanced Control-Aetna formulary. The Aetna Standard formulary for self-insured members remains unchanged. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) now offers a new app, called Blue KC Virtual Care, for online health care visits. With the app, members can schedule a video visit with a physician for sick care needs and a behavioral health therapist for mental health needs.

Blue KC has partnered with Care Innovations® Health Harmony to launch a remote monitoring program that is designed to help Blue KC members with congestive heart failure and/or diabetes easily monitor and share their daily vital signs with a registered nurse from the comfort of their own home.

Effective January 1, 2019, Aetna will update its prescription drug list for Value Plus Plans. Prescription drug coverage reviews like prior authorization, quantity limits and step therapy will start to apply to some medicines and may no longer apply to others.

Blue KC is beginning a Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) as a free preventive health benefit to qualifying Blue KC members (except Medicare Advantage and JAA groups). The DPP is intended to reduce a participant’s risk of type 2 diabetes.