April 2006 Broker Notes

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April 2006 Broker Notes

FBP announces new membership benefit

FBP has added Health Advocate membership to our long list of value-added benefits already available to our customers. Membership will be effective June 1, 2006.

Founded in January 2002, Health Advocate is an independent organization of healthcare professionals, including a full staff of nurses and doctors with invaluable knowledge of the healthcare industry. Their goal is to enhance and simplify customers' overall healthcare experience by serving as a personal guide through the healthcare system.

Health Advocate helps members coordinate care among physicians and medical facilities in many ways, including:

  • Helping members interpret and understand diagnostic tests, treatments, and medications recommended or prescribed by physicians
  • Scheduling physician appointments
  • Assisting members with management of a complex medical conditionFacilitating the transfer of medical records, x-rays, and lab results prior to a scheduled appointment with a new physician
  • Coordinating benefits between physicians and insurance companies

Review of existing FBP membership benefits

Activity should never be submitted directly to the insurance carriers. All activity needs to come directly to FBP for processing to prevent billing issues from impacting the customer's satisfaction level and complications to resulting commissions.

Review of existing FBP membership benefits

Although membership in Health Advocate is a strong selling point for prospective clients, FBP customers have always enjoyed access to many value-added benefits.

  • Financial Planning & Investment Services from CPC Financial Planning and Tanglewood Financial Services
  • Preferred Travel Discounts from Cruisin'
  • Rental Car Discounts from Hertz
  • Mortgage Services from 1st Commonwealth Mortgage Services
  • Discounted Dental Care services from Careington International
  • Discounted Vision Care Services from EyeMed - The Eye Care Plan of America
  • Dedicated Customer Service department

IBC Downgrade Freeze important dates

Independence Blue Cross has placed a downgrade transaction freeze on all IBC and Keystone products again this year. Downgrades for a 7/1/2006 effective date must be received by 5/22/2006, and must include the Small Group Employer form, available on our website, or call our Customer Service department at (610) 482-1805 for a copy.

FBP Dues increase

FBP has held Association Dues to $5.00 for many years. Effective June 1, 2006, Association Dues will increase to $7.50. A notice will appear on customers' bills, and Check-o-Matic customers will receive a notification by mail.