Employee Health & Wellness 
Provide your employees the latest wellness newsletter with this month's edition of Live Well, Work Well.
Also available in Spanish.
Educate employees about their benefits with the January Benefits & Me Newsletter
Letters to BCBS Groups Regarding Upcoming Drug Cost Changes (NC)
Beginning January 2022, Blue Cross NC will retain any manufacturer discounts for drugs and apply them to the entire insurance pool for fully-insured groups to help reduce premiums for all members.
Because of this change, BCBSNC is planning to send letters within the next two weeks, to about 5,200 fully insured group members who:
- are enrolled on a plan with renewal dates of January through November
- received rebates totaling more than $50 for the period of August 1 to October 31
Click here for a sample of the letter being sent to members.
Medicare News
What to Know About 2022 Medicare Costs
Anthem Group News (VA)
Anthem HSA Transition for ACH Processing (VA)
On March 31, 2022, BMO Harris will become the bank for Anthem HSA accounts. In this new role, BMO Harris will handle all the movement of money to and from HSAs, including contributions and payments. The custodian (responsible for protecting the consumer and managing the account) will remain Wealthcare Saver. Click here for an Employer FAQ regarding this transition.
This transition does require action from employers and employees with Anthem HSAs. Employers will need to update their banking to reflect BMO Harris’s banking information no later than March 21, 2022. Group Administrators received an email communication via DocuSign in mid-November which outlined what action they need to take based on their HSA funding method. Anthem is also encouraging group administrators to communicate with any of their employees who may have automated bill payments via ACH direct debit or who may make HSA contributions via ACH direct deposit. Click here for an email template.
Roanoke Oral Surgery Leaving Anthem Network
Roanoke Oral Surgery issued a notice to terminate its professional agreement with Anthem on January 31, 2022. Starting February 1, 2022, employees may pay more for care they receive from Roanoke Oral Surgery and their doctors. This includes Anthem group and Individual plans, Par/PPO, HMO, and HIX. Members' benefits may continue to cover care from Roanoke Oral Surgery at the same level for a limited time on or after February 1, 2022. This may apply if they are receiving ongoing treatments or have a procedure scheduled. They can contact the Member Services number on their ID card for more information.
HR Insights
OSHA Vaccine ETS Reinstated for Private Employers
Proposed Rule Extends ACA Reporting Deadlines
The information herein should not be construed as legal or tax advice in any way. This content is provided for informational purposes only. You should seek the advice of your attorney or tax consultant for additional or specific information.