HIPAA

Privacy information

Independence Blue Cross (IBC) is committed to protecting the privacy of our members’ protected health information (PHI). Part of that commitment is complying with the privacy rule of the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996), which requires us to take additional measures to protect personal information and to inform our members about those measures.

The following documents (available in PDF format) have been developed for our customers.

HIPAA privacy documents

PDF icon Notice of privacy practices — (effective since April 14, 2003) describes how IBC may use and disclose a member’s PHI and how a member of an IBC health plan (including: Keystone 65 HMO and Personal Choice 65SM PPO) can get access to this information.

General HIPAA information

HIPAA privacy forms

  • PDF icon Authorization form — to be used by members to authorize IBC to release member health information.
  • PDF icon Personal representative form — to be used by members who wish to appoint another person as member’s personal representative.

HIPAA inquiries

If you have questions or comments regarding HIPAA, please contact:


You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.

The Medicare Contract is renewed annually, and the availability of coverage beyond the end of the current year is not guaranteed.

The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. For more information contact the plan. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change January 1, 2013. Members may enroll in the plan during specific times of the year. Contact the plan for more information. Please reference the Evidence of Coverage for information on premiums, cost-sharing, out-of-network coverage, rights and responsibilities upon disenrollment and any applicable conditions associated with using the plan benefits, as well as limitations, copayments, and restrictions. Members must use network pharmacies to access their prescription drug benefit, except under non-routine circumstances, and quantity limitations and restrictions may apply.

You may be able to get Extra Help to pay for your prescription drug premiums and costs. To see if you qualify for extra help, call:

  • 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/7 days a week;
  • The Social Security Office at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY users should call, 1-800-325-0778; or
  • Your State Medicaid Office.

People with limited incomes may qualify for Extra Help to pay for their prescription drug costs. If you qualify, Medicare could pay for up to seventy-five (75) percent or more of your drug costs including monthly prescription drug premiums, annual deductibles, and co-insurance. Additionally, those who qualify will not be subject to the coverage gap or a late enrollment penalty. Many people are eligible for these savings and don’t even know it. For more information about this Extra Help, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.”

You must use plan providers except in emergency or urgent care situations or for out-of-are renal dialysis or other services. You must use plan providers except in emergency or urgent care situations or for out-of-are renal dialysis or other services. If you obtain routine care from out-of-network providers neither Medicare nor Keystone 65 HMO or Personal Choice 65 PPO will be responsible for the costs.

Please contact Keystone 65 HMO or Personal Choice 65 PPO Customer Service for more information.

Y0041_HM_12_300a Pending CMS Approval

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