Act now: Complete survey, census to participate in NCLifeSci health plan
The association health plan for NCLifeSci member companies will be delayed a year after Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC paused the effort over a miscommunication about enrollment numbers.
The plan would have launched Jan. 1, but BCBSNC interpreted the initial census gauging interest from NCLifeSci member companies as a list of companies ready to enroll immediately.
The NCLifeSci and BCBSNC have since agreed on a new approach with the expected start date of Jan. 1, 2027.
We’re conducting our survey and census again. Below you’ll find
- a link to the short survey and
- a link to download the census (an Excel file).
We ask that you
- take the survey and
- download, complete and return the census to Sam Eller at Marsh McLennan or 919-632-6211.
.Take the survey here. This information will go to NCLifeSci.
Download the census in Excel format, complete it and email it to NCLifeSci@MarshMMA.com
You do NOT have to be a member of NCLifeSci to complete the census. You DO have to be a life sciences company operating in North Carolina with at least two employees.
Participating in the census does NOT obligate you to use the health plan.
Background
This new census will help align the launch date with employer renewal cycles and provide for better lead times. BCBSNC expects to receive this data by May 1 and will then spend three months assessing risk and modeling rates with the goal of providing concrete rates and minimum enrollment numbers by Aug. 1. That timeline would allow most of our member companies, who, if following typical patterns, renew their current health plans in December or January, to decide whether to join the plan by Nov. 1 with a start date of Jan. 1, 2027.
If Blue Cross determines after Nov. 1 that enrollment numbers are insufficient, companies will have time to pursue other options.
NCLifeSci does expect to reach the enrollment level BCBSNC needs based on the results of the first census. This program will only be successful if eligible companies participate. Year over year premium increases should be less than they are on the open market and will be even better as more companies participate.
If you have questions, contact Sam Eller at Marsh McLennan via email or 919-632-6211.