Let us help keep you up-to-speed with employer updates and news.

Recent Updates

• March 17, 2023
  • Rx Insights and Updates
• March 10, 2023
  • Save the Date for National Walk @ Lunch Day
• March 3, 2023
  • CAA pharmacy benefits reporting
• Feb. 10, 2023
  • Rx Insights and Updates: January Drug Pipelines
  • What you need to know about the expiration of the COVID-19 national, public health emergencies
• Jan. 20, 2023
  • Extension of coverage for COVID-19 testing, related services and vaccine administration
• Jan. 13, 2023
  • Rx Insights and Updates
• Dec. 22, 2022
  • Prime announces coverage of Humira biosimilars
• Dec. 2, 2022
  • Rx Insights & Updates: Prescription Drug Lists
• Nov. 18, 2022
  • Rx Insights and Updates
• Oct 28, 2022
  • Individual and Group MedicareBlue^SM Rx Agent Alert
• Oct 21, 2022
  • Extension of coverage for COVID-19 testing, related services and vaccine administration
  • Update on pharmacy reporting requirements for the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA)
• Sept. 2, 2022
  • Say hello to the new myNebraskaBlue.com experience!
  • Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) pharmacy reporting
• August 26, 2022
  • Blue365 Employer Demo
  • Our Group Leader phone options have been updated
  • New Employer Online Access Tool
• August 12, 2022
  • Rx Insights and Updates
  • A new myNebraskaBlue.com is coming in late August!
  July 29, 2022
  • Extension of coverage for COVID-19 testing, related services and vaccine administration
• July 22, 2022
  • Reminder on Biometric Screenings Offered Through Employers
  • Summary of 2023 Large Group Product Updates
• July 15, 2022
  • A new myNebraskaBlue.com is coming in August!
• June 24, 2022
  • Machine-Readable Files Update for Transparency in Coverage Rule Requirements
• June 17, 2022
  • A new myNebraskaBlue is coming soon!
  • Amazon Pharmacy for Home Delivery
  • May 2022 Rx Insights and Updates
• May 25, 2022
  • Accessing dental benefits via QR Code
  • Prescription Drug List changes: July 2022
  • Monthly pipeline updates
• May 13, 2022
  • Colorectal Cancer Screening Updates
• April 29, 2022
  • Extension of coverage for COVID-19 testing, related services and vaccine administration
• April 15, 2022
  • Rx Insights and Updates: March 2022
  • Don’t forget to register a team for National Walk at Lunch Day!
• April 8, 2022
  • Create a team for National Walk at Lunch Day and support a good cause
• Mar. 18, 2022
  • Enhanced spine, total knee and hip outpatient surgery benefit
  • Termination of fully insured groups with unpaid invoices
• Mar. 11, 2022
  • RX Insights & Updates: Feb. 2022 drug pipeline updates
• Feb. 25, 2022
  • RX Insights & Updates: Second-quarter 2022 prescription drug lists now available
• Feb. 11, 2022
  • A healthy workplace is a happy workplace
  • Save the date for National Walk at Lunch (NW@L) Day!
  • RX Insights & Updates: Jan. 2022 Drug Pipeline
• Jan. 21, 2022
  • Keeping you informed: Over-the-counter COVID-19 testing
  • Extension of coverage for COVID-19 testing, related services and vaccine administration
  • Rx Insights and Updates
• Jan. 14, 2022
  • Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Testing
  • Rx Insights and Updates: First quarter 2022 prescription drug lists now available
• Jan. 7, 2022
  • Toolkit now available for pharmacy home delivery options
  • Reminder: Address for premium payments
  • Total Care program saves approximately $53 per attributed member per month and improves outcomes
• Dec. 17, 2021
  • How does the federal No Surprises Act apply to Nebraska’s LB997?
  • Nebraska Step Therapy Reform Act effective Jan. 1, 2022
  • Rx Insights and Updates
  • Five ways to have yourself a healthy little holiday
• Nov. 19, 2021
  • Rx Insights and Updates
• Nov. 5, 2021
  • Our progress: New ID cards with QR codes
• Oct. 22, 2021
  • Extension of coverage for COVID-19 testing, related services and vaccine administration
  • Rx Insights and Updates
• Oct. 1, 2021
  • 2022 Notice of Creditable Coverage
  • Extension of Coverage for Dependents with Disabilities 
  • Rx Insights and Updates
• Sept. 24, 2021
  • Cost shares when the COVID-19 public health emergency ends
  • Transparency in Coverage/Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021
  • Free flu shot clinics in October
• Sept. 17, 2021
  • Transparency in Coverage/Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021
  • Coming soon: Amazon Pharmacy and MedsYourWay™, a new home delivery option
• Sept. 3, 2021
  • COVID-19 vaccines update
• Aug. 13, 2021
  • New Plan Designs for Small and Mid-Sized Groups Coming Soon
  • Reminder on Biometric Screenings Offered Through Employers
• July 30, 2021
  • Upcoming Telehealth State Mandates
  • Extension of Coverage for COVID-19 Testing, Related Services and Vaccine Administration
  July 9, 2021
  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) continues to waive costs for services related to medically appropriate testing and diagnosis of COVID-19 performed with an in-network doctor, urgent care or emergency room. Members may be responsible for all costs if they use an out-of-network testing site. View the Flyer »
  • Thank you to everyone who tuned in to our webinar on Wednesday, June 23 to learn more about our new diabetes solutions for 2022. As a reminder, these include:
    • Offering $0 member costs shares for insulin on the preferred drug list
    • Adding the Virta type 2 reversal program to our diabetes solutions for fully insured groups and as an option for self-funded groups upon renewal
  • If you missed the webinar or would like to view it again, watch the recorded session. Please contact a member of your account team if you have any questions.
  • Thank You for Voting Us Omaha’s No. 1 Choice for Health Insurance! We’re grateful to be a part of our members’ health journeys and proud to receive first place in the Health Insurance Provider category of the Omaha’s Choice Awards. The Omaha World-Herald presents these awards annually, and the newspaper’s readers choose the winners using an online ballot. Health Insurance Provider was a new category added in 2020; we’re proud to earn first place two years running. View This Year's Winners »
  • Forty-five years ago, Barbara Saathoff was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that attacks the peripheral nervous system. She was unsure if she would be able to walk again or see her children grow up – much less get her degree in education. Now, Saathoff is celebrating 29 years as a high school science teacher. Read the Rest of Her Story »
• June 3, 2021
  • Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, BCBSNE will offer insulin on the preferred drug lists at no cost to members. This program is designed to complement the diabetes management and reversal solutions and will improve member medication adherence. There will be no additional costs for fully-insured groups; self-funded groups may opt-in and will absorb members’ costs shares.
  • BCBSNE is also introducing the Virta type 2 reversal program at no cost to members. Virta is a nutrition and wellness program designed to reverse type 2 diabetes using a ketogenic diet method. Members will use Virta-designed tools and equipment and personnel for clinical engagement. To learn more about Virta, please join us Wednesday, June 23 at 1 p.m. for a live webinar. Register Now »
  • BCBSNE makes updates to our Prescription Drug Lists (PDL) on a quarterly basis. This provides our members with up-to-date information as changes happen in the marketplace. The PDL is developed by the Prime Therapeutics National Pharmacy and Therapeutics committee. This committee is tasked with developing a clinically appropriate PDL that will meet the needs of our members. This evaluation focuses on safety, effectiveness and uniqueness of the medications on the PDL. The next step in the evaluation process is making sure our PDL is cost-effective. This approach allows our members a choice in the most cost-effective medications as the focus is clinical first, and then, if needed, costs are considered. View the July 2021 PDL Updates »
  • As a reminder, effective July 1, 2021, Express Scripts® Pharmacy will provide home delivery services and Accredo will provide specialty medications.  
    Communications to impacted members:
    • May 25: First letter – included members on file through April 9, 2021
      June 25: Second letter – includes members on file April 10 through June 4, 2021
      July 26: Third letter – includes members on file June 5 through July 2, 2021
    To further help minimize confusion for members with specialty medications, because the letters will likely not arrive until after July 1, 2021, Accredo will also make automated calls explaining the change.
• May 14, 2021
  • Effective July 1, 2021, home delivery and specialty medication services will be transitioned from AllianceRx Walgreens Prime to Express Scripts® Pharmacy and Accredo respectively. To help you communicate these changes to your employees, we have created material for you to distribute to them. Download Material »
  • Starting May 26, 2021, members will receive letters informing them of this transition. If you have any questions, please contact your insurance agent/broker or a member of your account service team.  Read the letters »
  • Our address for mailing premium payments has changed. To ensure your group’s payments are processed in a timely manner, payments should be mailed to:
    • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska
      PO Box 2638
      Omaha, NE 68103-2638
    If you have questions, please call our Group Leader Services line at 888-232-0942.
  • More than 1,000 Nebraskans and 146 companies and schools took the National Walk at Lunch (NW@L) Day pledge to walk for 30 minutes on April 28. This event brought together approximately 27,870 participants and helped raise $4,132 for Special Olympics Nebraska. Additionally, BCBSNE entered every Nebraska school that registered in a drawing for a $1,000 physical education grant. Congratulations to this year’s winner, Sutherland Public Schools! Thank you to everyone who joined us for NW@L Day. We appreciate your support and hope you’ll join us again next year!
• Apr. 23, 2021
  • The federal mandate for medically appropriate COVID-19 diagnostic testing has been extended through July 19, 2021.  See More Information on Testing »
  • Last chance to take the National Walk at Lunch Day pledge. BCBSNE will donate $20 to Special Olympics Nebraska on behalf of every organization or school that takes the pledge. Pledge Now »
• Apr. 9, 2021
  • Join us for a live webinar on Thursday, April 15 at 1 p.m. about upcoming changes for home delivery and specialty pharmacy. Register now »
  • Take the National Walk at Lunch Day Pledge. Pledge to walk for 30 minutes, any time, anyplace on Wednesday, April 28. 
  • Many employers are considering ways to incentivize their workforce to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Read more »
  • Biometric screening reminders for fully insured and BlueFlex groups:
    Medical plans do not cover biometric screenings done through an employer wellness event or offering, such as a health fair. If you conduct biometric tests, you will need to pay the wellness provider/vendor through a direct payment arrangement, meaning that the provider/vendor will bill you, and you will pay the provider/vendor directly.
  • Biometric screening reminders for self-funded groups, excluding BlueFlex:
    We will cover biometric screenings as a claim under the medical plan with prior approval. To receive approval, your group must complete and return this form. Groups are required to obtain approval each year, even if there are no changes from the previous year.
• Mar. 5, 2021
  • Please encourage your employees to share their health journey at NebraskaBlue.com/YourStory.
  • Discover the differences between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, why two doses are needed, when the general public can expect to be vaccinated and more. Watch videos.
• Feb. 12, 2021 - Electronic Group Surveys: Starting April 1, 2021, our BlueFlex, BlueFreedom and PremierBlue Employer’s Report of Employee Data for Group Health Insurance (or group surveys) will be electronic. Instead of having to complete a paper form to re-verify your group’s eligibility for coverage prior to renewal, you will now be able to easily complete an electronic fillable form and email it to us. The new surveys will be emailed to you six months prior to your group’s renewal date (starting with groups that renew in October 2021). If we don’t receive the completed survey from you within 30 days, it will be emailed again to you; your broker will be cc’d at that time. We must receive the completed survey before we can begin the renewal process. If you have questions, please contact your agent/broker or a member of your BCBSNE account management team.
• Jan. 8, 2021 - Sam's club pharmacies have decided to stay in-network for 2021.
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage: The approved vaccines are covered at no cost to members. Read more »
  • January is Healthy Resolutions Month: Share 10 Ways to Reboot Resolutions » 
  • Staying Healthy from Home: Find discounts on Garmin, TRX, Sun Basket, Hungry Harvest and more.
    Download Staying Healthy at Home Discounts
  • BCBSNE and Nebraska providers saved more than $82 million in 2020. Read article »
• Nov. 12, 2020 - The federal government has extended the mandate that requires health plans to provide coverage for COVID-19 testing and related services without member cost share through Jan. 20, 2021. See full update »
• Nov. 4, 2020 - Effective Jan. 1, 2021, Sam’s Club pharmacies will be out of network for Prime and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska members. 
  
• Oct. 16, 2020 - The recently passed Legislative Bill 997 (LB997), also known as the Out-of-Network Emergency Medical Care Act, keeps consumers from getting surprise bills from out-of-network providers or facilities for medical emergencies. See more information and updated documents »
• Oct. 9, 2020 - Starting Nov. 1, 2020, COVID-19 testing done for non-diagnostic purposes such as public surveillance or employment, will not be covered because it is not considered medically appropriate. See full update »
• Oct. 2, 2020 - Every year small and mid-size employers (2-150 employees) are required to provide the annual Notice of Creditable Coverage to their employees by Oct. 15. Find Creditable Coverage status »
• August 21, 2020 - We have made the decision to extend our waiver of member cost share for medically appropriate in-network COVID-19 testing and treatment through Dec. 31, 2020. See full update » 
  • Our address for mailing premium payments has changed. To ensure your group clients’ payments are processed in a timely manner, payments should be mailed to:
    Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska
    PO Box 2638
    Omaha, NE 68103-2638
    More details »
  • Preventive messaging and a Save to PDF function have been added to the provider finder and cost estimator. More information »
• July 17, 2020 - Help us better understand your health plan needs. Take this 10 minute survey to share your feedback. Take survey
  
• June 26, 2020 - The IRS announced the contribution limits for 2021 HSAs.  Download the HSA and HDHP FAQ flier »
• Join a live webinar on Wednesday, July 15 to learn how to empower employees to improve their vision health.  Register now »
• June 19, 2020 - BCBSNE will not require approval for member to receive flu shots if the provider administrating the shot is in-network effective Jan. 1, 2021.
  • Effective Jan. 1, 2021, fully-insured and BlueFlex groups will need to use a wellness vendor to provide biometric screenings and will need to pay the vendor directly.
  • Effective Jan. 1, 2021, for self-funded groups, BCBSNE will cover biometric screenings with prior approval. To obtain approval, please complete and return the Request to Cover Biometric Screenings form. 
• June 5, 2020 - Register for a demo of health and wellness discount program. Register now »
• Apr. 10, 2020 - Our address for mailing premium payments has changed. To ensure your group clients’ payments are processed in a timely manner, payments should be mailed to:
  Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska
  PO Box 2638
  Omaha, NE 68103-2638
• March 10, 2020 - We wanted to let you know how we are responding to help you and your employees access needed medical care related to the coronavirus outbreak. Visit NebraskaBlue.com/Coronavirus for more information »
• Feb. 7, 2020 - New Preferred Centers, formally known as Centers of Excellence, are the preferred destination for members in need of total knee or hip replacements. Learn about Preferred Centers »
• Oct. 18, 2019 - Columbus Community Hospital will be part of our Centers of Excellence program starting Jan. 1, 2020. Learn about Centers of Excellence »
• Oct. 11, 2019 - Many plans moved to PDL 40 on July 1, or upon renewal thereafter. Read about how this impacts your employees. Learn more »
• Oct. 3, 2019 - Creditable Coverage notices need to be sent by Oct. 15, 2019. Read more »
• Sept. 13, 2019 - Returned member ID cards for ALL GROUPS will be given to group leaders to distribute to their employees. This is to ensure all members receive their ID cards. Read More »
  • Reminder of termination of fully insured groups with unpaid invoices. Read More »
• Aug. 2, 2019 - There's a new facility in Millard that is out-of-network. Read More »
• July 12, 2019 - Manage Your Health Care emails will be sent to employees with myBlue accounts on the third Thursday of every month: July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19. You will be notified a week prior to these emails being sent.
• June 28, 2019 - Receive up to 35% off Garmin wearables and accessories through the Blue365 program. View flier »
• June 7, 2019 - Manage Your Health Care Guide includes "Avoiding the ER this summer." See Toolkit »
• May 10, 2019 - Manage Your Health Care Guide includes "Understanding Preauthorizations." See Toolkit »
• May 1, 2019 - New ID cards, group and roll numbers, and increased flexibility are coming with our upgraded claims and membership platform, HealthRules. Read More »
• Apr. 19, 2019 - We are hosting Medicare Age-In seminars for group employees. See Dates »
• Apr. 5, 2019 - View the changes being made as BCBSNE switches to HealthRules. Read More »
• Mar. 8, 2019 - Manage Your Health Care includes "Pharmacy Benefits & Preparing Your Taxes." See Toolkit »
• Feb. 8, 2019 - Manage Your Health Care Guide includes "Know Where to Go For Care." See Toolkit »
• Jan. 11, 2019 - Enhanced diabetes management program available now. See What's New »
• Jan. 2019 - New Manage Your Health Care plan for 2019.  See Toolkit »
• Dec. 14, 2018 - Manage Your Health Care Playbook includes "Estimate 2019 Costs." See Toolkit »
• Nov. 16, 2018 - The Manage Your Health Care Playbook includes "Preparing for Next Year." See Toolkit »