BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

Changes to Enhanced Preventive Benefits

October 27, 2010

Prior to health care reform taking effect, we offered an enhanced preventive care package. Effective October 1, we have replaced that package with the preventive benefits outlined by the health care reform act with the addition of coverage for annual wellness exams. Groups will receive the new benefit at renewal. This change only affects groups that have previously purchased the enhanced preventive package and groups with a high deductible health plan (HDHP).

Under the old benefit, we covered well child exams and immunizations at 100 percent, and we covered other services up to a $300 annual maximum. The new benefit covers all services recommended by the United States Preventive Task Force at 100 percent with no annual maximum, plus one annual wellness exam. Screenings vary based on member age, sex and family history. We will also continue to cover an annual prostate screening.

Services include, but are not limited to:

For Adults

• Blood pressure screening
• Cholesterol screening
• Type 2 diabetes
• Immunization for
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Influenza
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis
• Obesity screening and counseling
• Tobacco Use screening

For Women, Including Pregnant Women

• Anemia screening on a routine basis for pregnant women
• Bacteriuria urinary tract or other infection screening for pregnant women
• Breast cancer mammography screening
• Osteoporosis
• Cervical cancer

For Children

• Autism
• Behavioral assessments
• Hearing screenings for all newborns
• Immunization
  • Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis
  • Influenza
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella
  • Meningococcal
  • Pneumococcal
• Lead screening
• Obesity screening
• Oral Health risk assessment
• Vision screening
• Wellness visits

http://www.healthcare.gov/law/about/provisions/services/lists.html.

Groups that renewed in October and November will receive the new benefits immediately. We will send these groups a letter notifying them of the change.

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