Special payment hotline set up for limited time only: 1-855-IBX-3808
Philadelphia, PA – Independence Blue Cross is reminding its members who signed up for individual coverage that paying the first month’s premium is an essential, final step in successfully enrolling in a new health plan.
The deadline for accomplishing this final step in enrollment and paying the first month’s premium is January 28, 2014. This is important for the 52,278 people who signed up for coverage effective January 1, 2014 through an Independence Blue Cross (IBC) health plan that meets the requirements of the Affordable Care Act. This payment deadline does not apply to members who have coverage through their employers.
In December, as one of the many ways that IBC is helping consumers navigate the new health care reform environment, the company announced that the payment deadline would be extended to January 28 for consumers to pay their first month’s premiums. This step was intended to offer greater peace of mind for consumers purchasing individual coverage effective January 1.
Paying the first premium is the final step in successfully enrolling in a health plan. A consumer must pay the first month’s premium before their health coverage can take effect, and those who pay their first month’s premiums by January 28, will have coverage retroactive to January 1.
Members can make their first premium payment using one of these options:
Call 1-855-429-3808 to authorize IBC to process a one-time electronic payment from the member’s bank account, with no service charge. IBC has set up this special payment only line to simplify payment for consumers. Representatives will be available only at the following times:
Friday, January 24 – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, January 25 – 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, January 26 – 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday, January 27 – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, January 28 – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
The member will need to have his or her bank account information and member ID number available when making the call.
Pay at IBC’s retail center at 1900 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Members can pay by cash, check, or money order Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and payment for January premium must be received by 5 p.m. Tuesday, January 28.
IBC offers 13 different health plans on the new health insurance Marketplace. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, IBC has the lowest rates in the region on the Marketplace. Also, IBC is the only carrier in the Philadelphia market offering subsidy-eligible health plans across all metallic tiers.
About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve more than 7.5 million people nationwide, including 2.2 million in the region. For more than 75 years, we have been enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more about how we’re changing the game, visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook at ibx.com/facebook and on Twitter at @ibx. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Media Contact
Laura Hanes
Laura.Hanes@ibx.com
215-241-2736 (office)
215-910-0966 (cell)