| Print | Close Window | AMO Currents - Posted: November 23, 2015 |
AMO Medical Plan announces partnership with Blue Cross/Blue Shield and American Benefit Corporation
The Board of Trustees (the "Trustees") of the American Maritime Officers Medical Plan (the "Plan") is pleased to announce our joint partnership with Blue Cross/Blue Shield ("BC/BS") and American Benefit Corporation ("ABC") as the new Third Party Administrator for the Plan, effective January 1, 2016. The transition from UMR/United Healthcare to BC/BS and ABC will provide the greatest flexibility of an independent TPA and the strength of the largest nationwide network through BC/BS.
The Trustees took participants' concerns, the rising cost of health care, and the deeper discounted rates provided by BC/BS into consideration when electing to make this transition. There is no change in your benefits as a result of this transition. The deeper discounts provided through the BC/BS network will result in lower out of pocket costs for our members and a financial savings for the Plan. The personalized service will continue to be provided to our participants directly through the AMO Medical Plan office.
Is my doctor in-network?
The easiest way to find out is to log into http://provider.bcbs.com and choose the Bluecard PPO/EPO from the network drop down menu to search for your provider, or simply contact the Plan office for assistance. Always contact the provider prior to any services to make sure they are accepting new patients and are still a participating provider with BC/BS.
What's next?
In the coming month, you will receive new BC/BS medical ID cards. Please make sure to present your new BC/BS medical ID card to your provider prior to any medical services rendered on or after January 1, 2016 and ask them to update your medical insurance information. Once you receive your new ID cards, make sure to destroy the previous UMR ID cards. If you have not received the new BC/BS medical ID cards by January 1, 2016 or require additional ID cards, please contact the Plan office. Please note that the new BC/BS medical ID cards will only reflect the primary member's name.
What about my prescription drug coverage?
There is currently no change to the Plan's prescription drug benefit. You can continue to use your current Envision Prescription Drug cards; however, for added convenience, your new BC/BS ID cards will also include the Envision Rx Options information that is needed to fill a prescription.
What about my Direct Member Reimbursement Claims?
All claims that require direct member reimbursement (Dental, Optical, Scholarship and Disability) will continue to be sent to the AMO Medical Plan office for processing. This also includes any medical services paid up front such as services rendered outside the U.S. that may be subject to reimbursement by the Plan.
2016 Summary of Benefits Coverage (SBC)
Enclosed with this letter is your 2016 Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC), which is provided to you as is required by the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the "Act", also known as "Health Care Reform"). Benefit changes for 2016 include the removal of limitations on mental health and substance use disorder benefits pursuant to the Mental Health Parity and Equity Addition Act of 2008. These changes were effective October 1, 2015 and were communicated to participants in a written notice dated August 1, 2015.
As always, the Plan will continue to provide you with excellent customer service.
If you have any questions or concerns related to the Plan's benefits, please contact the Plan office at (800) 348-6515, ext. 12 or by .
Sincerely,
AMERICAN MARITIME OFFICERS MEDICAL PLAN
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