Frequently Asked Questions

1. Order new insurance card?

Call Blue Cross at 1-800-321-4391 / www.bcbsal.com

2. Need to add family coverage? Single to Family

Complete change form. Before dependents are added to family coverage, the SEIB must receive appropriate documentation (marriage certificate, birth certificate, court decree, etc.) Coverage will become effective the first day of the next month following receipt of change form (Received April 30 effective date May 1) (Received May 1 effective day June 1)

Or

Complete change form. Provide documentation. Add family coverage within 60 days of acquiring a new dependent and the effective date of coverage will be the date of marriage, birth, adoption, etc.

3. Required to serve pre-existing waiting period?

If you are covered by another plan before becoming covered by SEIB, the time you were covered will be credited toward the 270-day waiting period for preexisting conditions, if:

1. There is no greater than a 63-day break in coverage, and
2. The last coverage was “creditable coverage,” i.e., under an individual or group health plan including COBRA, Medicare, Medicaid, U. S. Military, CHAMPUS, Federal Employee Program, Indian Health Service, Peace Corps Service, a state risk pool or a public health service. In order to waive all or a portion of the waiting period for preexisting conditions, you must submit a Certification of Creditable Coverage when you enroll.

4. Need a new book?

Call Blue Cross 1-800-321-4391.

5. Need to change address or telephone number?

Complete a Change Form. The LGHIP needs your correct address to send insurance book, cards, claims reports, refund checks and your correct telephone number in case we need to contact you by telephone.

6. Received a student verification letter?

You should send a letter from the Registrar’s office verifying full time enrollment. If the student is not attending full time, submit a change form along with the date the student is no longer a full time student. If we are notified within 60 days of the qualifying event, (in this case would be when the dependent ceased being a full-time student), dependent will be eligible for COBRA coverage.

7. Retiree Insurance-

An active employee who retires from a unit that allows retirees to continue coverage has the option of electing retiree coverage or COBRA. If COBRA coverage is elected, the retiree will forfeit his or her right to elect retiree coverage at a later date. If retiree coverage is elected, submit a Change Form (active to retired).

An active employee, who retires from a unit that does not allow retirees to continue the coverage, will be offered COBRA.

Eligible retirees must enroll on the date they become eligible for retiree health benefits. Retirees who do not elect coverage will not be allowed to enroll at a later date.