FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 21, 2010
Contact: Erikka Knuti (202) 603-4600; .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Health Care Group Praises North Carolina Health Insurance Company’s Move to Issue Massive Refund
Washington D.C. – The Health Information Campaign (HIC) commends Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina’s recent announcement that, due to the Affordable Care Act, they will refund more than 215,000 of their policyholders nearly $156 million, by the end of the year. This comes to roughly $700 per policy holder. HIC President, Andrew Grossman released the following statement:
“Yesterday, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina stood up and said, yes, the Affordable Care Act saved our customers money, and what we all got was a breath of fresh air. They also announced plans to refund their customers’ money. Actions speak louder than words, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s actions speak volumes about their commitment to North Carolina consumers. It is our hope that others will follow their lead cooperating with state officials and regulators to implement the new health care law. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina has shown that when insurers and regulators work together, customers win.”
While investigating a rate increase request, North Carolina health insurance regulators discovered that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina was still collecting reserve funds from policy holders to cover costs beyond 2014. However, once changes to these insurance policies made by the Affordable Care Act are fully implemented in 2014, the reserve fund will be unnecessary.
This Thursday will mark the six month anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, signed into law by the President March 23.
The Health Information Center and Health Information Campaign are non-profit c3 and c4 education efforts to inform the public about the benefits of the Affordable Care Act and to address popular misconceptions about the law. Their project “America’s Fair Health Care” recently launched a new website to provide resources and information about the law’s implementation.
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"Under new plans, no child under age 19 will be denied coverage for a pre-existing conditions, period. Adults who have been without insurance for six months and who have been unable to obtain insurance because of a pre-existing condition, can apply for coverage under the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP)."
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Insurers can no longer cut someone after the fact.
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New screening procedures are now in place for health care providers to eliminate fraud and waste in the health care system.
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Medicare Part D enrollees who hit the Medicare prescription drug benefit gap in 2010 will automatically receive a $250 rebate check.
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Effective immediately, qualified small employers get tax credits of up to 35% of premiums for offering coverage.
Video
America's new health care law makes it easier for you to find the quality, affordable health care that you and your family need.
