Action Items and Deadlines

April 3, 2020: Decision Needed: ASO Groups Can Waive Member Cost Sharing for COVID-19 Treatment
At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM), we are waiving member cost-sharing, including deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, related to treatment for COVID-19 received April 1 through May 31, 2020. The waiver applies to costs associated with COVID-19 treatment at in-network facilities and treatment for out-of-network emergencies. 

We are offering this option to all our ASO customers. Please notify your account representative by Friday, April 10, that you want to add the COVID-19 cost-sharing expansion.

April 1, 2020:  Special Enrollment Period and Resources for Group Members Losing Coverage

We are offering groups an optional special enrollment period from March 30, 2020 to April 30, 2020. This would apply to eligible employees and their dependents who previously declined coverage and now want to enroll, or currently enrolled employees who wish to add an eligible spouse or dependent to their existing coverage.

Applicable enrollment changes must be received on or before Friday, May 1, 2020.

Employers do not need to notify their account representative if they plan to use this special enrollment option. Employers can continue to use the standard eligibility process for their market segment to add employees.

March 27, 2020: COVID-19 Coverage for ASO Groups Regarding FFCRA and Telehealth Expansion
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), enacted on March 18, 2020, requires ASO groups to provide coverage (FFCRA coverage) for COVID-19 testing and related services. In addition to the FFCRA coverage being added, ASO customers can also offer expanded coverage of telehealth services provided through an already contracted vendor or physician, at no cost share to members, through April 30, 2020.

ASO customers will need to notify you and you will need to notify us by April 1, 2020, if they only want to offer the FFCRA coverage. Otherwise, we will set the group up consistent with the BCBSNM standard coverage: FFCRA coverage and telehealth expansion. This benefit coverage will be in place for dates of service on or after March 18, 2020.

March 11, 2020: Coverage for self-insured and split-funded* members

Self-insured and split-funded employers must opt-in to offer their employees the testing to diagnose COVID-19 when medically necessary and consistent with CDC guidance with no prior authorization needed and new member copays or deductibles. Groups must communicate in writing that they agree to opt in, by emailing their account executive or broker to activate this coverage. These groups must opt in by March 31, 2020.