February 17, 2016

Anniversary Date Change Deadline and Possible Impacts for Texas Small Groups (1-50)

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) small groups (1-50) may decide to change their Anniversary Date during their contract period. This change will impact rates and/or billing.

Reminders on Anniversary Date Changes for Small Groups (1-50):

• The deadline to submit Anniversary Date change paperwork is no later than 30 days in advance of the requested Anniversary Date.
• Anniversary Date change paperwork submitted 60 days in advance of the requested date change is encouraged.
• Retroactive Anniversary Date changes are not allowed.
• The Small Group Benefit Program Application (BPA for Amendment) form (2016 version available to download) is required to make an Anniversary Date change and may be emailed to SBSCAMEND@bcbstx.com or FAX to 972-231-6931.
• Groups moving from individual age billing to composite rate billing must submit the Composite Rate Billing Method Declaration Form with the BPA for Amendment.
• Age Rate Billing: An Anniversary Date change may involve a rate change for individual age billing if the requested date is outside the quarter of the existing Anniversary Date. For example, if a group has a June Anniversary Date but wants to change to an October Anniversary Date, new rates (even with no plan changes) could apply.
• Composite Billing: An Anniversary Date change for groups that move to composite billing requires a re-rate. Composite billing is based on the census snapshot at the time the case is re-rated.
• An Anniversary Date change may create a delayed billing adjustment. The group may receive a bill for the existing Anniversary Date during the requested Anniversary Date change timeframe, causing groups to pay the current bill and receive an adjustment bill later in the billing cycle.
• Anniversary Date changes with plan changes will also adjust rates and billing.

BCBSTX will process Anniversary Date changes as prompt as possible. Because multiple systems and processes may be impacted, submissions made earlier than the 30-day deadline may help keep transitional impacts to a minimum.

For additional information, contact the Texas Small Group Account Management Unit.