Update: Anthem/Blue Cross
December 14, 2018
From the Managed Care & Insurance Committee
The California Chiropractic Association (CalcChiro) Managed Care
& Insurance Committee has communicated with Anthem/Blue Cross
representatives on the claims adjudication revision that became
effective 01-01-18. Anthem/Blue Cross representatives state that
providers were notified of this change in claim adjudication
through their provider newsletter prior to enactment. Anthem/Blue
Cross has continued to evaluate their standards for ensuring
provider non-discrimination practices consistent with Section
2706 of the Affordable Care Act. This change in alignment to
ensure compliance with the Section includes ensuring benefits are
applied based on the “service” provided vs. the provider
specialty or licensure. Doctors of chiropractic are receiving
EOB’s with multiple deductions on the same date of service. The
primary change is the application of the co-insurance amount for
several separate procedures performed on the same date of
service. CalChiro has reviewed EOB’s from other practitioners
that show similar co-insurance deductions, thus substantiating
Anthem/Blue Cross’ application of the non-discrimination
provision of the Affordable Care Act.
For those self-funded/insured employers whose benefits are
administered by Anthem/Blue Cross, the alignment with Section
2706 may not be applied to the claims adjudication process. Each
of these entities will make a self-determination on whether to
revise their claims adjudication process to comply with Section
2706.
CalChiro recommends verifying the member/patient benefit through
the plan’s electronic platform or via telephone to identify how
the benefits will be adjudicated along with the deductible,
co-payment, and co-insurance amounts for which the member/patient
is financially responsible.
CalChiro will monitor, with member assistance the claim
adjudication process and to ensure compliance with Section 2706,
and other applicable statutes. The Managed Care & Insurance
Committee with continue outreach to the regulators of health
delivery in California to ensure compliance and to advocate for
an improved delivery system that includes non-discrimination
towards doctors of chiropractic. CalChiro appreciates the
documentation you all have provided to date, and we request you
continue to forward EOB’s and other
documents you believe will benefit this strategy.