New resources to better serve your clients: Virtual ID cards and Autopay

Just in time for Open Enrollment (OE), our new and improved Online Client List has recently been updated with significant new capabilities to improve your efficiency.

Now, you can help your clients even more from Broker Connection. You can:

Download, print, and email your clients’ virtual ID cards.
Beginning next month. It will be easier to complete a one-time payment on behalf of your clients directly from your Client List. See the amounts due, choose the amount and payment type and share payment confirmations. Also, beginning next month. You can set up Autopay for your clients using existing or new payment methods already on file. Help your clients avoid missed payments and gaps in coverage, again directly from your Client List.
- Reminder: If you have clients with stand-alone dental, vision, or both, you may now help your clients remain active with those products by going in and setting up AutoPay for them.

Overall, these improvements improved your efficiency, enabling you to serve your clients more completely and faster during OE and beyond.

Need Help? Skip the phone and hold time. Log in and click the “Let’s chat” tab on the lower right of any page on Broker Connection to chat with the live agent.

Register today for our Open Enrollment webinar series

During the webinars, we will discuss important information to help you prepare for the upcoming open enrollment season. Topics this year include.

Legislative and CCA updates for 2024
System Enhancements – Broker Portal
IFP Medical Plan Changes for 2024
IFP Specialty plan changes for 2024
Grandfathered plan changes and more

Registration:
November 2, 2023, 10:00 AM
November 16, 2023, 10:00 AM
November 30, 2023, 10:00 AM
December 14, 2023, 10:00 AM
December 7, 2023, 10:00 AM

Also, our new 2024 Open Enrollment materials are now available on Broker Connection. Be sure to customize materials with your contact information through Shield on Demand on the Sales Tools and Collateral page.

Open Enrollment is an extremely busy time of year. We’re here to support you while you help your clients. Please log into Broker Connection or contact your Broker Sales Manager if you need anything.

Dental Portfolio Enhancements: New Dental 1500 PPO

Our new Dental 1500 PPO plan has officially received regulatory approval, and the Summary of Benefits (SOB) is now available on Broker Connection. The new Dental 1500 PPO offers a unique value proposition, including:

Predictable copays instead of coinsurance
Coverage for implants
A $1,500 maximum per calendar year
Competitive pricing
Reasonable waiting periods that are waived if proof or previous coverage is provided

As a reminder, now that our dental portfolio includes the Dental 1500 PPO plan, we are closing the Enhanced Dental 1250 PPO plan to new members as of January 1, 2024. Existing Enhanced Dental 1250 PPO members may stay on their current plan.

Getting Ready for EyeMed

Blue Shield of California's contract with MES is set to end on December 31, 2023. Starting January 1, 2024, EyeMed will administer all Blue Shield of California vision plans. EyeMed is a leading vision benefits company known for its diverse network of providers, online options, and easy-to-use services.

EyeMed's network has a 97% provider overlap with MES, and they are actively recruiting providers not currently in their network. Members will continue to have access to retailers such as LensCrafters, Target Optical, Walmart, and Costco through EyeMed's network.

The migration of members from MES to EyeMed's network will take place on January 1, 2024. The Vision Member Service number (877-601-9083) will remain the same. EyeMed will issue Vision ID Cards to both existing (regardless of their renewal date) and new subscribers with their "Welcome Kit" at the beginning of the year. Subscribers should receive these cards towards the end of 2023, close to the new year. ID cards will not be reissued during subsequent renewal years.

More information about the transition will be available later this year.

Broker Training: Broker roadshow highlights and more

We’ve been working hard to improve and find efficiencies in working together and serving our mutual clients. Let us help you stay current with the latest regulatory/mandate information, new digital capabilities, qualifying events, and financial assistance programs for clients.

Please register for one of our upcoming live webinars, and our expert sales team will share important insights gained from our recent roadshows, plan pricing information, regional and competitive strategies, and more.

Our webinars are a great way to stay connected and get your questions answered firsthand. Visit our Broker Event, Webinar and Training page for more information and to register today.

Did you know? Resources for IFP brokers

Check out our Broker Connection Job Aid, where we outline in detail:

The Account Management Tool
How to update your account profile
How to Check Application Status
Online Client Lists (Broker Renewal Portal)
Commission statements

We want to provide you with all the resources you need to succeed. Please visit Broker Connection for a complete list of the tools and other resources available to help you be an expert guide for your clients when discussing Blue Shield of California plans.

Stay current on the latest health news from Blue Shield of California by visiting our News Center, or receive updates in your inbox by subscribing today.