{"id":4999,"date":"2022-03-23T08:59:10","date_gmt":"2022-03-23T13:59:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bluekcblog.com\/?post_type=engage&p=4999"},"modified":"2022-03-23T08:59:10","modified_gmt":"2022-03-23T13:59:10","slug":"spring-2022-new-blue-benefit-bucks","status":"publish","type":"engage","link":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blog\/engage\/spring-2022-new-blue-benefit-bucks\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring 2022 – New Blue Benefit Bucks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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There are things you do every day to push yourself to be healthier. There are things that we do every day to push ourselves, too. We strive to be your 10 out of 10. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Blue KC we\u2019re constantly innovating to keep up with our members\u2019 health insurance needs. We\u2019re always searching for new and better ways for our members to maximize their benefits. We listen to what\u2019s working for you \u2013 and what’s not \u2013 with one goal in mind: To serve you better. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve told us that you don\u2019t have time to register for gift cards when you earn member rewards. You\u2019ve challenged us to bundle your health plan\u2019s flexible spending allowances into one convenient place. We\u2019ve heard you. And we\u2019ve delivered \u2013 with Blue Benefits Bucks (BBB). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blue Benefits Bucks stores your flexible benefit healthcare dollars on one BBB Mastercard. Carry your card in your wallet, so you can carry your benefits with you wherever you go. You decide where and how you want to use your benefits. The amount you spend will be deducted automatically from your balance. Track your balance anytime by logging in to your account at Members.NationsBenefits.com\/BlueKC<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blue Benefit Bucks has 3 components <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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You have control of how you spend your flexible spending healthcare benefits with every swipe of your BBB card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Flexible Benefit Allowance <\/strong>
You can use this allowance for health-related services such as dental, eyewear, hearing, and transportation. Most plans have a yearly allowance of $500 or $1,000, but see your Evidence of Coverage for your plan details. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Over-The-Counter (OTC) Allowance <\/strong>
Your OTC allowance can be used to buy non-prescription drugs, and everyday health-related items like pain relievers, antacids, cough drops, first aid supplies, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Member Rewards Program <\/strong>
Take advantage of your preventive health benefits, and you can earn up to $50 a year by completing any two of the following: Flu vaccine, annual wellness visit, breast cancer screening, or diabetic eye exam. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How can I manage my Blue Benefit Bucks card allowance?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve partnered with NationsBenefits to administer this benefit. To track and manage the dollars on your BBB card, log in to Members.NationsBenefits.com\/BlueKC<\/a> <\/strong>or call NationsBenefits by phone, 24\/7, at 1-877-208-2596<\/a> <\/strong>(TTY:711).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I keep track of the types of benefits on my card?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your BBB card is loaded with up to 3 separate wallets: 1) Flexible Benefit Allowance, 2) OTC Allowance, and 3) Member Rewards, depending on your plan. The card technology screens your purchases first for OTC eligibility, second for flexible benefits, and finally for any available member rewards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I use my Blue Benefit Bucks card for copays?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No. Medicare prohibits flexible benefits, such as those on your BBB card, from being used for any Medicare-covered cost shares. Card charges will be audited for any copayment type of services to ensure integrity with Medicare provisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do my benefits rollover to the next period if I do not use them? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It depends on the type of benefit on your Blue Benefit Bucks card. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

FLEXIBLE BENEFIT ALLOWANCE. <\/strong>
The flexible benefit allowance expires on 12\/31\/22. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) ALLOWANCE. <\/strong>
For plans with a quarterly benefit, unused OTC dollars will roll over to the next quarter. For plans with a monthly or yearly benefit, unused OTC dollars will not roll over and must be used within the benefit period. All unused OTC benefits will expire on 12\/31\/22.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MEMBER REWARDS. <\/strong>
You must complete the eligible healthy activities during the plan year, however, you have until 3\/31\/23 to spend your reward dollars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can I purchase OTC items?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many ways to shop for OTC items. You may shop in-store at any Walmart, Walgreens, or CVS stores. You may shop online at NationsOTC.com\/BlueKC<\/a>. You may also order by mail or phone using the 2022 OTC Product Catalog that was mailed to you upon enrollment. The catalog is also available online at NationsOTC.com\/BlueKC<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PLEASE NOTE: <\/strong>You cannot use the benefit online at Walmart.com, Walgreens.com, or CVS.com. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I know which OTC items are eligible?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Medicare defines eligible items for OTC benefits. See the following information to determine product eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ONLINE ORDERS<\/strong>
Reference the 2022 OTC Product Catalog to check for item eligibility. Products within this catalog can be purchased online through NationsOTC.com\/BlueKC<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RETAIL, IN-STORE PURCHASES<\/strong>
Here are two options to help determine eligibility for in-store purchases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Use the NationsOTC smartphone app to scan the item UPC code while in the store to determine product eligibility. Use the scanner button at the top of the app.<\/li>
  2. Before your trip to Walgreens, Walmart, or CVS, go to NationsOTC.com\/BlueKC<\/a> <\/strong>to determine eligibility: