PA Insurance Department Urges Former adultBasic Members to Explore Options, Heed May 2 and May 31 Deadlines

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Insurance Department today reminded former adultBasic health insurance program enrollees that two important deadlines are approaching.

Blue Cross/Blue Shield companies agreed to waive their normal coverage restrictions on pre-existing conditions for those moving from adultBasic to the Blues' SpecialCare plans. Former adultBasic members who enroll directly into SpecialCare by May 2 will have no condition exclusions. After that date, pre-existing conditions may not be covered. Former enrollees should act now if they wish to enroll in SpecialCare.

In addition, former enrollees whose incomes have decreased, who have become disabled or have had significant health conditions develop since their most recent application or renewal for adultBasic are again encouraged to look at the state's Medical Assistance options. These and other options are explained at www.insurance.pa.gov.

On May 31, the adultBasic helpline, 1-800-GO-BASIC, will close. Former enrollees with questions should call before that date. It is currently staffed Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. After May 31, former enrollees will continue to be able to access insurance contractors – listed below – for help and information.  

Individuals seeking more information on SpecialCare should contact the Blue Cross or Blue Shield plan that provides services in the county where they reside: 

• Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 1-888-445-7930
• Capital BlueCross, 1-800-682-2393 
• Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, 1-800-544-6679, TTY 1-800-452-8086 
• Highmark Blue Shield, 1-877-986-4571, TTY 1-800-562-0591
• Independence Blue Cross, 1-866-282-2702, TDD/TTY 215-241-2622 

The adultBasic program had offered health coverage to approximately 41,000 uninsured Pennsylvanians who had modest incomes but did not qualify for Medical Assistance. Available funding expired Feb. 28. It had been funded by a combination of tobacco-settlement revenues and donations from the state's four Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans.

Media contact: Rosanne Placey or Melissa Fox, 717-787-3289

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Insurance