When will I start seeing changes to my plan?
Many changes will happen the first time your plan is renewed after September 23, 2010. If you’re not sure when your plan is renewed, check the “Renewal Mo.” in the upper right hand corner of your HealthPartners Member ID card. Some of these changes include:
- Parents can keep their children on their plan until they turn 26. Currently, this varies depending on what type of plan you’re on.
- There will be no limit on the amount of in-network health care coverage you can get in your lifetime on most benefits.
- Preventive care will be covered at 100 percent in-network, meaning you won’t have to pay anything out of your pocket if you use a provider in the network.
Some of these changes may be different if you are on a plan that is considered “grandfathered.” Grandfathered plans do not have to comply with some aspects of health care reform. If your plan is grandfathered, your benefits materials will include a notice.
When will everyone be required to have coverage?
Everyone is required to have coverage starting in 2014. At that time, anyone who does not have health insurance will have to pay a fine. We are expecting to get more information about how this will work over the next several years.
What are the changes to my Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) and/or Health Savings Account (HSA)?
On January 1, 2011, changes in the federal law will impact your FSA, HRA or HSA. Starting next year, you cannot use your account to pay for over-the-counter medicines without a doctor’s prescription. Over-the-counter medicines include the medicines you typically get without a prescription, including cold and allergy medicines and pain relievers, like aspirin.
To be reimbursed for over-the-counter medicines without a prescription, you must purchase them by December 31, 2010. If covered by your plan, other non-medicine items that you can purchase over-the-counter, including bandages and contact solution, do not require a doctor’s prescription for reimbursement. You will continue to be reimbursed for prescription medicines as you are today.
If you have any questions about what expenses are eligible for reimbursement, or if you would like help finding ways to use the money in your account, please visit healthpartners.com or call Member Services at 952-883-7000 or 866-443-9352.
What if I want to continue buy over-the-counter medicines with my FSA, HRA or HSA money in 2011?
Starting on January 1, 2011, if you purchase an over-the-counter medicine with a prescription, you should:
- Pay for the medicine as you normally would with the cashier. You do not need to ask for it at the pharmacy window and you cannot use your debit card (if applicable).
- To be reimbursed from your account for the over-the-counter medicine, you will need to fax or mail your receipt along with the prescription from your doctor to HealthPartners.
Learn more about these changes on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Questions and Answers.
What is a “grandfathered” plan?
You may hear this term in reference to health care reform. Generally, a grandfathered plan is a plan that was in existence on March 23, 2010 (the date that health care reform was passed into law). A grandfathered plan is exempt from certain parts of health care reform. For example, a grandfathered plan does not have to cover preventive care at 100 percent so you may have to pay for part of the cost.
How will I know if I’m on a grandfathered plan?
If your employer offers a grandfathered plan a notice must be provided on your benefit materials.
When can I add a child that is under age 26 to my plan?
You can add your dependent children the first time your plan renews after September 23, 2010. If you’re not sure when your plan is renewed, check the “Renewal Mo.” in the upper right hand corner of your HealthPartners Member ID card. Your employer will offer you a 30-day opportunity to enroll your dependents. Watch for written information from your employer around your plan’s next renewal date.
Are there any situations where I can’t add a child that is under age 26 to my plan?
Generally, if your plan offers dependent coverage, you can add your children onto your plan regardless of whether they are financially dependent on you, live with you, are a student or are married. If your employer offers a grandfathered plan, your child cannot come on the plan if he or she is eligible for coverage through another employer-sponsored plan. If your plan is grandfathered, your benefit materials will include a notice.
What is imputed income and how does it relate to my dependent's benefits?
Imputed income is a tax concept. When an employer-sponsored plan provides coverage for a dependent that does not meet the definition of a dependent under federal or state tax law, then there are income tax implications for the policy holder. If you think this may affect you, please consult with your tax adviser.
What if I previously reached my lifetime limit?
If you previously reached the lifetime limit on your health plan benefits, beginning the first time your plan is renewed after September 23, 2010, you will be able to get health care benefits from your employer again (as long as you are still eligible). Your employer will provide you with a 30-day opportunity to enroll. Watch for written information from your employer around your plan’s next renewal date.
Will the limits on the amount of coverage I can get per year go away?
Yes, by 2014 you will not have a limit on the amount of coverage you can get per year on most benefits.
Can there be pre-existing exclusions for children?
No, beginning the first time your plan renews after September 23, 2010, your plan cannot limit coverage because of a pre-existing condition for a child on your plan who is under age 19.
How can I get the latest information on health care reform?
We encourage you to check back here often. You can also view the government’s official health care reform page at healthcare.gov.