Past Issues

We wish to take this opportunity to thank you for the commitment you demonstrate in serving Floridians, especially our members.

Health Options, Inc., Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida’s HMO subsidiary, has implemented a new payment methodology for physicians.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2005, all Blue Plans will provide uniform, basic information in response to electronic requests for eligibility and benefit information, including copays, coinsurance and deductibles.

New customer service lines recognize speech All toll-free provider and member customer service lines will feature speech recognition technology by year-end.

All practitioners involved in the delivery of health care are aware of the importance of providing consultation reports to the referring physician.

Physicians who participate in the Health Options HMO network no longer need to call for authorization of commonly ordered durable medical equipment (DME) and supplies when a participating Health Options provider supplies the items.

In Florida physicians and providers participating in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida’s Preferred Patient Care (PPC) and/or Payment for Professional Services (PPS)/Traditional programs may render health care services to members with coverage through one of the following Blue Plans.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2005, General Electric employees and their covered dependents in Florida who enrolled in the GE Medical Benefits (GEMBPPO) Plan will be eligible for health care benefits provided by the BlueCard PPO network.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2005, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa will administer health benefits for more than 1,000 employees and retirees of Rockwell Collins.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has authorized several Blue Plans to offer Medicare Advantage (formerly known as Medicare+Choice and Medicare Risk) products in the form of HMOs and PPOs.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) has implemented a new member and provider identification edit that checks numbers on electronically submitted claims.