Your guide to the 2026 plan changes
Everyone knows that health insurance can be confusing. The Health and Welfare Fund is here to help our members better understand the plan so you can make the most out of your benefits. Whether it’s explaining your coverage or making sure health claims are paid correctly, our goal is to support you and your family.
Hopefully, you received (and read!) the letter with the 2026 plan changes. Here is some additional information to help you understand what the plan changes mean. If you have questions about specific benefits that apply to you or a family member, please call Health and Welfare at 800-342-3792 x201.
What is co-insurance (vs. co-pay)?
Co-insurance is a cost-share model where a member pays a percentage of the total cost, and the Fund pays the rest.
A co-pay is a fixed, flat fee you pay for a specific service at the time of service.
What does out-of-pocket (OOP) maximum mean?
An out-of-pocket maximum is the most you will pay for covered healthcare services in a plan year. Once you reach this limit, your insurance covers 100% of future costs for the rest of the year. The amount you pay toward this maximum includes deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance.
MLBF has a separate out-of-pocket maximum for medical benefits and for pharmacy benefits.
What is prior authorization?
Prior authorization is the approval from your health insurance that may be required for a service, treatment, or prescription to be covered by your plan. Your provider needs to contact BCBSMA for medical prior authorizations and Express Scripts for prescription prior authorizations.
What is an allowable amount?
The allowable amount is the maximum our health plan will pay for a specific covered service, which is often less than the provider’s full charge. Also called the “negotiated rate,” this amount is determined by the contract between the vendor (BCBSMA, Davis Vision, etc.) and in-network providers.
What is allowable excess?
The allowable excess is the difference between the plan benefit and the allowable amount.
What is a biosimilar?
Biosimilar medications are very similar to the original biologic, but not identical. FDA approval shows there are no “clinically meaningful differences” in safety and effectiveness compared to the original medications.
Generic medications are identical to the brand-name drug. FDA approval shows they are “bioequivalent” to the brand-name drug, meaning they work the same way.
What types of visits would be subject to the change in facility fees?
- Outpatient Surgery Hospital & Ambulatory Surgical Centers
- Inpatient Hospital
- Maternity Delivery and Related Services / Certified Midwifery and Birthing Center
- Inpatient Mental Health / Inpatient Substance Use Disorder
- Skilled Nursing Care
How do I find out if the facility allows ESI/Accredo to ship prescription drugs to the facility? How do I find out if I can have these infusions at home?
The provider who prescribed your treatment can contact Express Scripts directly to have your medications sent to an infusion facility or to set up treatment at your home with a home health visit.
How do I find a free-standing radiology facility for my MRI?
Both the MyBlue app and the BCBSMA “Find a Doctor” website are available to search providers—including imaging facilities. Use the term “Technical Diagnostic Imaging Centers” or “MRI Providers” to find an option near you.
What does “preferred brand name” mean?
Preferred brand-name drugs are brand-name medications that are more cost-effective than non-preferred brands, and they do not have a generic equivalent.