Frequently Asked Questions

Blue Shield of California

 Q. Is an employee on Medicare with a Medicare supplement plan included as an eligible employee when determining the 75% participation rule?

A. No.  Medicare is considered a group plan; the supplemental plan is not germane to the participation issue. (Source Blue Shield Underwriting - Chris Lewis - 08/07/2000)

Q. In the situation where an employer offer both Blue Shield and Kaiser would a Kaiser covered employee be eligible for COBRA coverage under the Blue Shield plan if at termination he or she was moving to an area where Kaiser is not available?

 A. Yes, if the employer has a plan option with coverage in that geographical area the employee is moving to.  (Source: Cobraserv and Blue Shield Broker Services 06/05/00)

Q. If an employer elects one of the new Multiple Choice Plan Packages, must there be an employee enrolled in each optional plan?

A. No, all plan options of the chosen Multiple Choice Plan Package are available to new enrollees throughout the plan year regardless if anyone enrolled in an option or not. (Blue Shield Broker Services 6/12/00)