January 21, 2025
Financially Speaking
January marks the beginning of the new health insurance year for the State Employee Health Insurance Plan. The new year brings renewed deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. It's also a time to ensure you have the necessary documentation in place to facilitate communication with your insurance provider regarding your family's health information. This is often an issue when you have questions regarding your spouse or children 18 and older health insurance coverage and claims.
The frustration for policyholders related to communicating with the insurance company can be eliminated by having the Authorization for the Release of Protected Health Information filled out at the beginning of the year. To avoid these delays, it's crucial to complete and submit the Authorization for the Release of Protected Health Information (HIPAA) form. Once this form has been filled out you don’t usually have to renew it.
Communication with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBSKS)
BCBSKS policyholders can conveniently complete the HIPAA form online through their Blue Access Portal: https://www.bcbsks.com/blue-access/login. Alternatively, a printable version of the form can be downloaded here: https://www.bcbsks.com/documents/hipaa-authorization-29-456. Remember to retain a copy of the completed form for your records and provide a copy to the individual whose information you are authorizing access to.
Authorization Process for Other Insurance Providers
If you have health insurance through Aetna, contact the customer service number on your insurance card for specific instructions on authorizing the release of your family's protected health information.
Providing Feedback and Seeking Additional Support
The Financial Resource Management Program Focus Team (FRM PFT) welcomes your feedback on the helpfulness of this information. Please share your thoughts by completing the survey available here: https://bit.ly/49SMXra.
Should you have further questions regarding your health insurance coverage or require assistance navigating communication with your provider, FRM PFT team members are happy to help. These team members are also coworkers who utilize the same insurance plan, fostering a sense of shared experience and understanding.
We encourage you to reach out to an FRM PFT member if you have any questions.
Submitted by: Susie Latta, Marshall County Extension Agent and FRM PFT Member
Contact: slatta@ksu.edu | 785-562-3531