In this issue:
Professional Development Classes Planned for the Eugene Area
HSA and HDHP Limits Issued for 2007
How We Determine Nonparticipating Provider Benefits
Technology Upgrades in the Works
We're One of “Oregon's Most Admired Companies” for 2006
Customer Satisfaction— The Results are in for 2006
Years of Learning and Growing with Sue GraVette
Volume 2, Issue 1: January 10, 2007
Professional Development Classes Planned for the Eugene Area
Looking for a convenient way to pick up a few CE credits? Mark your calendar and plan to attend this three-class session, where you can earn up to six credit hours.
You and Oregon Law, Health Savings Accounts, Divorce Planning
February 13, 2007, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Eugene, Oregon, at the LaQuinta Hotel, 155 Day Island Rd.
Invitations will be e-mailed in mid-January with class and registration details. Class space is limited, so be sure to reserve your space as soon as you receive your invitation. Contact Marketing Agent Coordinator Shawndel Lindfors for more information. Visit the For Agents/Prof'l Development section of our Web site for a full class schedule.
Watch for updated materials arriving soon in the mail, including the Elect brochure and application. If you need additional materials, please feel free to contact us by e-mail at individual@pacificsource.com.
HSA and HDHP Limits Issued for 2007
Each year the U.S. Treasury Department and IRS update health savings account (HSA) regulations to reflect changes in the consumer price index. As a result, the maximum HSA contribution levels, minimum deductibles, and maximum out-of-pocket limits for HSA-qualified high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) may change each year.
The following figures have been issued for HSAs, effective January 1, 2007:
- The cap on annual HSA contributions will be $2,850 for self-only coverage and $5,650 for family coverage. (As before, however, the maximum contribution is the lesser of these indexed amounts or the HDHP's annual deductible.)
- Catch-up contributions for eligible participants age 55 and over will increase to $800.
- The minimum annual deductible for HSA-qualified HDHPs will increase to $1,100 for self-only coverage and $2,200 for family coverage.
- The maximum out-of-pocket (OOP) limit for HSA-qualified HDHPs will increase to $5,500 for self-only coverage and $11,000 for family coverage.
Some of our HSA-qualified health plans for both groups and individuals (all sold under our FlexPerks brand) are indexed to those figures and will change effective January 1, 2007, as a result:
Elect FlexPerks 80+1050 Indexed:
- Plan name will change to Elect FlexPerks 80+1100 Indexed.
- Annual deductibles for participating providers will change to $1,100 for self-only coverage and $2,200 for family coverage.
- Annual deductibles for nonparticipating providers will change to $2,200 for self-only coverage and $4,400 for family coverage.
- Annual out-of-pocket limits for participating providers will change to $3,300 self-only coverage and $6,600 family coverage.
- Our Elect FlexPerks 80+1100 Indexed plan will continue to have a nonparticipating provider OOP limit of $10,000 per individual regardless of family status.
Elect FlexPerks 80+2700 Indexed:
- Plan name will change to Elect FlexPerks 80+2850 Indexed.
- Annual deductibles for participating providers will change to $2,850 for self-only coverage and $5,650 for family coverage.
- Annual deductibles for nonparticipating providers will change to $5,700 for self-only coverage and $11,300 for family coverage.
- Annual out-of-pocket limits for participating providers will change to $5,500 self-only coverage and $11,000 family coverage.
How We Determine Nonparticipating Provider Benefits
With PacificSource medical plans, the nonparticipating provider benefit is based on a percentage of our allowable fee for that service. We use several sources to determine the allowable fee depending on the service and the geographical area, including data from CMS, Ingenix, and PacificSource. We recently learned of another carrier using Medicare allowances as the basis for its nonparticipating provider benefits, which results in a significantly lower reimbursement level for members. Comparing these benefit details in the proposal phase can help save your clients from unpleasant surprises once coverage is in place. If you have questions about how PacificSource administers any of its contract provisions, your Marketing Representative will be happy to provide answers.
Technology Upgrades in the Works
In 2007, we'll be implementing several business system enhancements to better serve you well into the future. The technology upgrades will enable new services for members, agents, providers, and employers, including more online health management tools and greater efficiency in processing your transactions.
We will provide you with more specific information about the upgrades and their impact as we roll out the changes. In the meantime, be assured that we will maintain our commitment to exceptional, personal service.
The annual Member Bulletin was mailed at the end of December to all PacificSource members. This year, the Member Bulletin content was customized for Elect, Portability, large group, and small group members. The four separate editions allowed us to include notices tailored to each specific membership base. For instance, individual members received a notice about Elect plan changes. All versions of the bulletin contained information about our wellness programs and our provider network. We also included our privacy policy and information on mastectomy-related benefits as required by law. Click on the link to access the Elect Member Bulletin.
We’re One of “Oregon’s Most Admired Companies” for 2006
In December, PacificSource was named one of Oregon's Most Admired Companies of 2006 by the Portland Business Journal. We were among the top 10 most admired companies in the healthcare category. More than 2,500 CEOs across Oregon named the companies they most admire in eight industry sectors. Companies were selected based on attributes including innovation, quality of management, community involvement, quality of products and services, and branding and marketing.
These awards recognize the accomplishments of Oregon companies and the contributions they make to the state's success. “Being 'most admired' is a tribute to each employee and partner we work with,” said CEO Ken Provencher. “This award is a true reflection of our combined efforts to serve our members.”
Customer Satisfaction—The Results are in for 2006
In order to maintain a level of service and customer satisfaction that are consistently among the best in our industry, we continually poll our customers and measure our performance. The averages of our customer satisfaction ratings for 2006 are:
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Years of Learning and Growing with Sue GraVette
When Claims and Customer Service Manager Sue GraVette first joined PacificSource as a Filing Clerk years ago, there were only 23 employees in the entire company. In those early days, she would pull member files and make a hash mark on the inside front cover to indicate that the premium had been paid. Since then, she has worked as an Adjudicator, a Customer Service Representative, and a Trainer for new Adjudicators. When we added a Provider Relations position, she was our choice. Sue also worked in our Medical Affairs Department where she wrote our first provider manual and helped with concurrent reviews and preauthorizations. At the end of 1998, Sue became Customer Service Manager, and about a year later, she became Claims Manager as well. Now, she manages more than 70 employees—three times the entire staff when she first joined PacificSource.
“I have a lot of confidence in my staff. They are knowledgeable and have an eye for how we can improve and make things easier for our customers.”
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Sue enjoys learning and adventure outside of work, too. Sue used to compete in rodeo events such as barrel racing, pole bending, and stake racing. “That was back in the day!” she laughs. “But through working with my horse, I learned a lot about patience, caring, and dedication.” Sue still enjoys riding occasionally, but says it's not quite the same as having her own horse. Now, she loves to golf and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She and her husband, Compliance Manager Jim GraVette, also like to travel.
Sue constantly marvels at how far she and PacificSource have come, and she's quick to give credit to her team. “I've got all kinds of stories,” she says. “I often hear of new members or providers who call us for the first time and are pleasantly surprised that their call is answered in seconds by a real person."
Recently, she asked her team what they liked most about working at PacificSource. She repeatedly heard that it's the personal satisfaction they get from helping customers understand their benefits. The Claims Department is especially proud of their quick turnaround times and near perfect accuracy. “I have a lot of confidence in my staff,” she says. “They are knowledgeable and have an eye for how we can improve and make things easier for our customers.” This consistent reach for improvement has helped Sue—and PacificSource—come as far as they have.Questions? You're always welcome to contact us!
Individual Sales
(541) 684-5585
(866) 695-8684 toll free
individual@pacificsource.com (541) 684-5401 fax
Comments or suggestions about this publication?
E-mail us at individual@pacificsource.com
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