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August 31, 2021

The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) contains several mandates supporting improved cost transparency and protections for members of commercial health plans. One requires in-network (INN) and out-of-network (OON) cost-shares—deductible and out-of-pocket maximum—to be printed on member ID cards. This will help prevent confusion about out-of-pocket expenses. We have redesigned our member ID cards to accommodate this mandate and will issue new cards to all members across all lines of business upon renewal beginning January 1, 2022.

To make room for the mandated INN and OON cost-share information on the front of our member ID cards, we’re removing dependents’ names and their coverage types. This change will require us to issue member-level cards; each covered member, regardless of age, will receive their own member ID card. There will be no charge for groups and members for their new cards.

These changes will also enable us to list the primary care physician (PCP) on the front of the card for each member who has a designated PCP.

No changes are being made to the back of the member ID cards.

We’ll mail new member ID cards to members upon renewal beginning January 1. We can mail up to five cards per envelope, so larger families will receive their cards in multiple envelopes. We’ll notify subscribers and advise them to manage cards for minors.

Providers are aware of the changes mandated by the CAA. However, we’ll let them know that there will likely be times when a member isn’t carrying the right member ID card. We’ll encourage providers to call us to verify eligibility.

In the interest of best serving our customers, we’re not allowing customizations for groups to elect family member ID cards. We’re also limiting customization to logos and other standard customizations.

Please contact your account executive with any questions.