Terms of Communication

Electronic Delivery of Communication Related to Your Health Plan Coverage

By clicking here and providing us with an email address and/or mobile phone number, you accept these Terms of Communication and agree to "go paperless" for certain communications about your health plan coverage. This means you are consenting to receive communications electronically via text and/or email instead of by U.S. Mail. 

“Health Plan Coverage Electronic Communications” may include:

• Notification of available Plan Documents, such as a copy of your evidence of coverage, summary of health plan payments (EOBs), communications regarding complaints, grievances or appeals 
• Regulatory Notices, including notices of rights under the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act and state patient protection acts 
• Notice of Privacy Practices (our Commitment to Confidentiality) 
• Health-related information, tips, and reminders 
• Information on understanding and using your Plan 
• Billing (for members with individual policies, i.e., policies not offered through an employer) 
• Other documents and information as listed in Communication Preference section of the member portal, such list to be updated from time to time 
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts news 

The types of communications available electronically are subject to change, and if additional communications become available in an electronic format, you will receive those communications electronically. Occasionally, and as we transition to the new channel of communication, you may also receive a paper document in the mail.

Protected Health Information and Electronic Communications

By agreeing to receive Health Plan Coverage Electronic Communications, you agree to receive messages (including emails, text, and push notifications, to the extent you selected such channels) through an unencrypted method of communication, which means that such information can be at risk of being accessed by third parties during transmission or storage, as the internet is not a secured method of communication. We believe the risks are minimal, and you agree to accept those risks when you agree to these Terms of Communication. Receiving Health Plan Coverage Electronic Communications is an optional service and is not required to receive goods and services from BCBSMA. 

You can withdraw your consent to received Health Plan Coverage Electronic Communications at any time by updating your preferences in MyBlue, unsubscribing via the message or text you have received, or calling the Member Service number on your health plan ID card. 

The information included in emails and texts may include information related to the payment for and management of your health care, including your protected health information (“PHI”) as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended (“HIPAA”). 

Your carrier’s message and data rates apply. Message frequency varies and is based on your account settings and plan usage. Reply HELP for help or STOP to cancel. 

These Terms of Communication do not affect our practices regarding how we use and disclose PHI, just how we deliver communications to you. To see how we use and disclose PHI, see our Commitment to Confidentiality. 

Minor Dependents on My Plan 

Unless directed otherwise, we will provide all communications electronically to the email address and mobile number provided by the Subscriber. This means that any information for a minor dependent of the Subscriber will be sent to the Subscriber based on the Subscriber’s selected Communication Preferences. 

Getting a Paper Copy of a BCBSMA document 

You can print a document yourself, if you have a printer connected to your device. 

You have the right to receive a free paper copy of communications that we are required to provide to you. To request a paper copy of a specific communication, call the Member Service phone number on your health plan ID card. Paper delivery of the communication by U.S. Mail will occur within a reasonable time after you request it. 

Undeliverable Notices, Updating Your Email Address or Mobile Number 

If we attempt to deliver information to an email address you provided and the message is returned as undeliverable after several attempts, we will assume that you have withdrawn your agreement to receive documents electronically. We will begin sending information that we are legally required to send, along with other information that may be available in paper, to you in paper format via U.S. mail. To ensure that you continue to receive emails from us, add the email “from” address to your email address book or safe list to prevent messages from going to your “Junk” folder. 

To update your email address or mobile number, log in to MyBlue and go to “Contact Information” under your Profile. If you do not have a MyBlue account, please contact the Member Service number on your health plan ID card.

Minimum creditable coverage

Under the Massachusetts Health Care Reform Act, most Massachusetts residents 18 years of age must carry health insurance that meets specific standards called Minimum Creditable Coverage (MCC).

If you can't find the answer to your question below, or want more information about Minimum Creditable Coverage, please visit the Massachusetts Health Connector.

What is MCC?

MCC establishes the lowest health plan benefit threshold an individual must have, in order to meet the requirement for Massachusetts residents to have health insurance. Regulations defining minimum creditable coverage were established by the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority Board effective January 1, 2009.

Does MCC apply to me?

MCC applies to Massachusetts residents who are 18 years of age.

What happens if my plan doesn't meet MCC standards?

If your plan doesn't meet MCC, standards you may face a tax penalty.

How is MCC compliance being reported and monitored?

The Massachusetts Health Care Reform Act requires most residents over the age of 18 to prove that they have health care coverage or pay a penalty. Individuals will be required to transcribe data contained in the Massachusetts Form 1099-HC to their annual state income tax filing statement provided by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR).

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts issues MA 1099-HC forms to qualifying subscribers residing in Massachusetts who are enrolled in a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts health plan at any time during the calendar year.

The following subscribers won't be receiving a MA 1099-HC form:

• Subscribers younger than 18 years of age
• Subscribers having a dental- and/or vision-only plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
• Subscribers enrolled in Medex^®' or one of our Medicare Advantage plans

How can I get my 1099-HC online?

Qualified members can download a PDF version of their 1099-HC by signing in to MyBlue, and going to Tax Forms. We'll post the form by January 31.

If you want a copy of your 1099-HC emailed to you, you can create an account or sign in to MyBlue, then select Contact Us to request a copy through the secure inquiry form.