Manley Services Enhances Claims System

Third party administrator Manley Services, a subsidiary of PacificSource, is excited to announce claims system enhancements beginning this November. This will make many business processes more efficient and allow new conveniences for clients.

New ID Numbers

Manley will be changing all participant ID numbers from Social Security Numbers to unique, 11-digit member ID numbers. If a client is renewing their plan on or before January 1, 2009, they will be asked to provide both the SSN and date of birth for each participant so that this information can be matched to the new ID numbers. In the future, just the date of birth will be used to verify identity, and the SSN will no longer be required.

Manley clients will receive a letter next week outlining these changes. In addition, Manley’s forms and collateral will be updated in November to reflect the ID number changes. The updated forms will be available to download at manleyplan.com or by e-mailing supplies@manleyserv.com. Participants will receive letters in early November outlining the changes and providing them with their new ID numbers.

MyFlex Site Revamped

Beginning in November, the MyFlex participant Web site will receive a fresh, new look and enhanced functionality beginning in November. Participants will have the ability to change their address and create basic reports online.

Starting in 2009, additional features will be added to make processes even more convenient and environmentally friendly.

Participants will have the ability to:

• Submit an electronic claim through the MyFlex site and attach their supporting documentation
• Receive electronic e-mail notifications for claims payments

Employers will have their own version of MyFlex, allowing them to:

• Run basic reports on their accounts
• Enroll participants online
• Make changes to their employees’ information

As these Web enhancements and new services are released, we will post notices on the Manley Services Web site at manleyplan.com and notify groups directly.

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Twin Falls Area Gains Coverage Options

We are excited to announce that Southern Idaho Health Cooperative (Twin Falls IPA) has joined our provider network, and we will begin quoting groups in the Twin Falls area November 1, 2008. Most of the area’s physicians (about 85 percent) are members of this Cooperative. Since Twin Falls is the largest city of Idaho’s Magic Valley region and the seventh largest city in Idaho, this area represents a significant business opportunity. We look forward to working with you to bring PacificSource plans to Twin Falls area groups.

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Technology Upgrade—Process Update

As we complete our technology upgrade and system transition, please note the following:

• Your commission statement may incorrectly list some groups as past due this month, as large groups received their billing statements later than normal. We are extending the grace periods for groups who received bills late. They will not receive past due notices. Please remember that in November commissions from our new system reflect paid premiums, not billed premiums, for all groups.
   
• Your statement and commission will arrive a few days later than normal. We are taking extra time to ensure that your commission amount for this month is accurate.
   
• If you have been receiving two checks, beginning this month your commission will be combined into one check.
   
• December SEHI renewals experienced a processing delay. However, most have now been released.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact us.

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New Agent and Agency Numbers in Effect

Please use your new PacificSource agent or agency ID number on all submissions, both online and printed. Agent numbers begin with "P00" and agency numbers begin with an “A.” The old ID numbers are now obsolete.

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ElectNews

ElectNews Merges with Agent Bulletin

ElectNews, our newsletter for agents who write PacificSource individual and family policies, is merging with the Agent Bulletin. Based on the feedback from individual agents, we will no longer e-mail a separate ElectNews newsletter. Instead, it will become a regular column in our Agent Bulletin.

Elect 2009 Renewal

PacificSource filed an average 25 percent rate increase for our 2009 Elect plans renewal. We will mail notices to members by the end of November about this rate change and any plan changes.

To find out more about the Elect 2009 renewal, please attend one of our upcoming agent trainings or contact your Individual Sales Representative. The schedule of trainings will be available soon on the For Agents/Prof’l Development area of our Web site.

Oregon Elect FlexPerks 1100 Phased Out

Elect FP 80+1100 INDEXED, one of our Oregon Elect FlexPerks individual and family plans, will no longer be available effective January 1, 2009. We are phasing out this plan due to low enrollment.

Our Elect FP 80+1500 plan will replace the phased-out plan. Our 21 members currently on the plan will be moved automatically to Elect FP 80+1500 beginning January 1. On October 3, we mailed letters describing the Elect FP 1100 change (110 KB PDF) to affected members.

As always, you are welcome to contact us if you have questions. For more information about Elect FlexPerks and sample benefit summaries, visit the FlexPerks area of our Web site.

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Enhanced Flu Shot Program—Important Update Regarding Walgreens

As we announced in July, we’ve expanded our flu shot coverage. Our revamped benefit lets our members receive no-cost flu shots through clinics at select retail pharmacy chains.

While Walgreens was initially listed as a participant in our flu shot clinic network, an agreement could not be reached and Walgreens is not contracted for this benefit. Any members who received a flu shot at Walgreens prior to October 13 may submit their receipt to us for reimbursement. We will process the claim as though they received the shot through a participating pharmacy.

We hope you’ll encourage your clients to take advantage of our flu shot pharmacy network for this benefit. Members simply show their PacificSource member ID card to receive a shot at no cost at participating retail locations. PacificSource will be billed directly, with no paperwork, deductibles, or copayments. Participating flu shot clinic locations include Albertsons, Bi-Mart, Fred Meyer, Kroger, and Safeway pharmacies.

We have updated our benefit materials to reflect the correct flu shot clinic information:

• Flu shot clinic member flier (590 KB PDF)
• Flu shot clinic payroll stuffer (520 KB PDF
• Flu shot clinic worksite poster, 11" x 17" (810 KB PDF)
• Flu shot clinic newsletter article (120 KB Word DOC)

These materials are available at no cost and can help employers with medical coverage educate their employees about new choices for obtaining flu shots. Plan administrators can contact their Client Service Representative for these and other workplace wellness materials.

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Tammy Cassell Honored with ECAHU President’s Award

PacificSource Client Service Representative Tammy Cassell was awarded the 2008 East Cascade Association of Health Underwriters (ECAHU) President’s Award. This award is given at the discretion of the Association President to the individual who, in the opinion of the President, made the most significant contribution to the association. We are proud of Tammy’s achievement and appreciate her many efforts in support of the ECAHU. “I am very proud to serve my local association, and am honored to be recognized in this way,” says Tammy.

	PacificSource Client Service Representative Tammy Cassell

“The award recognizing her excellence and commitment to the association was truly well-deserved,” says PacificSource Bend Regional Manager John Wright. “It's also worth noting that Tammy is the first recipient of this award since our chapter was formed eight years ago. PacificSource is fortunate to have a person of Tammy's caliber representing us.”

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Join us Monday Evening for Shades of Pink

PacificSource Shades of Pink: An Evening for Women, Wine, and Wellness has become a Lane County tradition where women find vital information, tools, and motivation to better manage their health in an engaging social setting. This year's event will be held at the Eugene Hilton from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., Monday, October 20.

This year we expect more than 1,700 attendees to enjoy local wines, healthful foods, and free product demonstrations from over 70 exhibitors. Brigitte Piniewski, M.D., Lisa M. Pomranky, M.D. and Cathryn Chicola, M.D., will speak on preventive topics ranging from early breast cancer detection to why personal health efforts fail to the importance of vitamin D and resistance training.

Hosting Shades of Pink is one of the many ways we continue to take a leadership role as an advocate of improving health and healthcare in the communities we serve. For more event information, please visit www.shadesofpink.com.

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Upcoming Community Events

PacificSource is proud to sponsor Northwest community events that support healthy communities and health-focused organizations. We hope you will join us in supporting these events:

PacificSource Shades of Pink: An Evening for Women, Wine, and Wellness
October 20, Eugene, Oregon

Lane Community College Foundation Harvest Dinner
October 24, Eugene, Oregon, Lane Community College

Communication Achievement Awards—Eugene Hearing & Speech Center
October 30, Eugene, Oregon, Lane Community College

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