HOT OFF THE PRESS...Anthem And Walgreens Reach Multi-Year Deal

Anthem has announced that Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI) and Walgreens have reached an agreement for Walgreens to participate in Anthems retail pharmacy network and members will be able to use their pharmacy benefit at Walgreens stores beginning September 15, 2012.  This will impact members in commercial, Medicare and Medicaid.

Also, Walgreens-owned pharmacies including BioScrip, Duane Reade, and Happy Harry's will be part of the pharmacy network.  Express Scripts members can log in to www.express-scripts.com to search in network pharmacies and starting September 15th, this will include Walgreens pharmacies.

Anthem is currently working with Express Scripts to ensure there are no problems for members who may want to transfer prescriptions to Walgreens.  Usually, members an take their medicine bottle to the new drug store.  However, some state regulations as well as certain medications will require members to contact their doctor to have them call the new store with prescription details.  To make sure there is no delay in receiving medications, you may want to contact your local Walgreens prior to needing your prescription filled to clarify the best way for the prescription to be transferred.

Helpful Hints for HSA's

Due to an increase in our calls lately on this subject, our team felt like it might be helpful to provide an explanation for HSA's (Health Savings Accounts). Understandably, this is a confusing topic and knowing how to navigate your benefits is important so the maxiumum outcome can be achieved.

A HSA is a tax exempt savings account whose funds:

1.  Are not subject to federal income tax at the time of deposit.
2.  Roll over and accumulate year to year if it is not spent and is yours to keep if you leave employment.
3.  The money can only be used to pay for qualified medical and prescription expenses at any any time without federal tax liablility or penalty.

It is important to remember that the HSA:
1.  Is a bank account.
2.  It cannot have funds withdrawn without your permission from the carrier; however, if you leave your card information on file with a provider, they may automatically run it.
3.  It can be subject to overdraft fees.
4.  They do not communiate with the carrier or vice versa.
5.  It is not the same as your deductible.

If you have any questions, please contact Member Services on the back of your ID card or you can call the MB Customer Care team for assistance.

Can my doctor ask for money before services?

With the popularity of high deductible health plans, it is becoming a common practice among many facilities and doctors to ask for money upfront before surgery and other higher cost procedures.  Many doctors have had problems of never receiving payment by members and this has led them to take payment in advance.  Unfortunately, our customer care team and your insurance carrier cannot stop this from happening.  The biggest issue with this is that you may have multiple claims pending and you can end up paying the provider too much once the claims have processed.  If you paid your provider in advance and met your deductible before that specific claim processed, the provider should owe you a refund.  If you have already met your deductible or out of pocket max or are very close to meeting it and your provider is trying to collect a larger amount than what is left, let your provider know and try to have the amount adjusted. If the provider does not budge our customer care team can try to verify with your carrier where you are on your deductible and out of pocket max and try to confirm with the provider what is left and the amount they can collect. If you do pay in advance, be sure to know what you pay in advance and make sure you do not pay the amount again when you receive a bill.