Skip to main content

Average Employee Count Deadline Extended to Jan. 9

Dec. 17, 2025

(Applies to Fully Insured Groups*)

Deadline extension: The deadline for Large (Fully Insured) groups to submit their 2024 Average Employee Count information through Blue Access for Employers℠ has been extended to Jan. 9, 2026.

Our data solicitation efforts began in February and included a monthly email campaign, as well as a mailing sent in March of this year.

Next steps: The Regulatory Data widget on BAE℠ will be available until Jan. 9, 2026. Groups can enter their 2024 AEC information via the portal.

BAE is our preferred method of data entry. However, AEC information can also be submitted by:

  • A group calling the dedicated phone number below to request a PDF version of the form. This can be emailed, faxed or mailed to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas via the details on the form.
  • A broker (Primary Producer of Record or Delegated Producer with Maintenance Use) submitting AEC information for their employer groups in BAE.

If a group does not have their BAE account set up, please encourage them to do so now.

Get assistance:

  • Dedicated phone number for regulatory data assistance: Call 855-804-3635 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.
  • BAE Help Desk: Call 1-888-706-0583 Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT, or Saturday between 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT.

Why collect AEC information?

The Affordable Care Act set Medical Loss Ratio standards for health insurers. BCBSTX must report annually on whether the Small Group or Large Group market coverage we offer meets MLR standards. These standards require us to report annually whether coverage is in the Small or Large group market segments of a state. Employers are asked to provide their 2024 AEC so we can classify their coverage for the 2025 MLR reporting year.

*This article, or a similar version, is being shared with employer groups in our employer newsletter or news alert.