In-Home Test Kits for Blue Choice Preferred PPO Members with Diabetes

September 29, 2020

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is working with Home Access Health Corporation to provide in-home test kits for some of our PPO members with diabetes. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans have delayed getting appropriate care. Home Access Health Corporation is sending out two different kits to members who have not received the recommended testing to help close care gaps: hemoglobin A1c test kits and microalbumin urine test kits.

Eligible Members
PPO members in our Blue Choice Preferred PPOSM network may receive one or both kits, depending on their test history. Eligible members are:

  • Between 18 and 75 years old
  • Diabetic
  • Have not had a hemoglobin A1c or microalbumin urine test in the recommended timeframe stated below

Recommended Testing
According to the American Diabetes Association , people living with diabetes should have the following:1

  • Hemoglobin A1c every three to six months depending on their diabetes treatment and level of control
  • Urine microalbumin once a year to detect early signs of kidney damage

In-Home Test Kit Process
The process is quick and easy for members to follow:

  • BCBSIL will notify members that they will receive one or both test kits and that completing the kits is voluntary.
  • Home Access Health Corporation sends the appropriate test kits to eligible members.
  • Members complete the test kit at home, provide the name of their primary care provider (PCP) and mail the test for processing to Home Access Health Corporation. Completed tests are due back to Home Access Health Corporation by Dec. 18, 2020. An addressed, postage-paid envelope is included in the kit.
  • Home Access Health Corporation sends the results to the member and their PCP in three to four weeks.

How You Can Help
As a trusted provider, you can encourage our members to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about their health.

  • Discuss the importance of screening and healthy lifestyle choices with our member
  • If our member receives a kit and calls your office with questions, discuss their screening options
  • Document any test results in the member’s medical record and discuss the results with our member

1American Diabetes Association Diabetes Care 2020; https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/43/Supplement_1/S66; https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/43/Supplement_1/S135

The above material is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician or other health care provider. Physicians and other health care providers are encouraged to use their own medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the appropriate course of treatment. References to third party sources or organizations are not a representation, warranty or endorsement of such organizations. Any questions regarding those organizations should be addressed to them directly. The fact that a service or treatment is described in this material is not a guarantee that the service or treatment is a covered benefit and members should refer to their certificate of coverage for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any service or treatment is between the member and their health care provider.