Despite many West Virginians receiving cancellation letters from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, a company spokesperson confirmed the health care provider is not backing out of the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.
Cathy McAlister, manager of corporate communications at Highmark West Virginia, said two scenarios have prompted cancellation letters; however, none of these individuals is losing health care coverage.
McAlister explained the first of the two scenarios: Highmark West Virginia introduced new products for 2017 that varied from the previous year. She said when new products are introduced, a cancellation letter is issued, but policyholders are also informed they will be mapped to new policies.
Policyholders will be re-enrolled in the new plan that is closest to their previous plan. If they do not like the details of the new policy, they are invited to shop for other policy options.
The second scenario prompting cancellation letters was caused by a delay in file transfers from the Marketplace for those who signed up for coverage via HealthCare.gov. McAlister said as soon as these files are transferred, members will be reinstated.
“We’ve got member services set up, and a whole team ready to work on these issues,” McAlister said.
She encourages anyone who is having issues to contact phone numbers listed on cancellation letters or the number for member services on the back of their current ID card.
She said any individual who has received a cancellation letter will not experience delays or gaps in coverage.
“They won’t miss out on any benefits,” McAlister said. “Nothing will be denied.”
Date: January 07, 2017