Good News for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Customers

Today the Arizona Department of Insurance (DOI) announced that insurers may renew grandmothered plans – affecting members who purchased plans between March 24, 2010, and December 31, 2013, for up to two years.

We are very pleased to announce this decision.  It provides Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona customers choice, as well as peace of mind if they want to keep their existing plans, until the end of 2015.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona will extend grandmothered plans for at least one year and assess the impact for subsequent years. As always, we will provide updates as decisions are made.

If you are a Blue Cross Blue Shield non-group customer, you will continue to follow their standard renewal process. You can expect to receive a renewal notice and information about any changes to benefits or rates. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona’s goal is to make sure you understand their options.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona issued the following media statement. (more…)

Can I Buy a Health Insurance Policy After the Annual Election Period?

As you know, open enrollment ended on March 31, 2014. However, individuals may still be able to apply for coverage before the next annual open enrollment if they, or someone in their family, has a qualifying life event.

Qualifying life events, which create a special enrollment period (SEP), are defined in federal law. Certain events may require certification from the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (the Exchange).

The following are some examples of common qualifying life events. This is not a complete list. There may be other events that apply.  Federal law determines whether an event is a “qualifying” event. (more…)