April 2018 HealthVoice

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Member Newsletter

April 2018


IN THIS ISSUE


HealthChoice Has a New Webpage

HealthChoice has a new webpage as part of the new website launched by OMES that incorporates webpages for each of its services. The HealthChoice page is now separate from the EGID page making it easier to navigate and better for serving specific needs.

The web address, healthchoiceok.com, takes you directly to the new HealthChoice webpage where you can access information for HealthChoice services, such as HealthChoice Connect. New to the page are Resources with links to Find a Provider, HIPAA Resources, the Members page, and the EGID page. You can also get to the HealthChoice page from the menu under Services.

With a much improved page structure that is easier to view and digest, we hope you will find the navigation more intuitive and useful. We aim to give you better access to the information you need.

Visit today and check it out!

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Your HealthChoice Connect Member Portal

HealthChoice Connect is the new self-service web portal, your online source for claims and benefit information. With HealthChoice Connect, you can access your up-to-date HealthChoice coverage information and related resources any time, day or night. Services through HealthChoice Connect include:

  • View/print explanations of benefits.
  • Update your electronic EOB preference.
  • View eligibility and claim status.
  • Request ID cards.
  • Update coordination of benefits information.*
  • Designate a personal representative. 

You can also access quick links to the HealthChoice website from the portal to easily search for network providers, download forms and applications, and complete the tobacco-free attestation during the annual Option Period.

Register and get connected today! Visit www.healthchoiceconnect.com.

*Update coordination of benefits information through HealthChoice Connect

Coordination of Benefits information is required annually for you and your dependents to prevent duplication of benefits and determine primary plan responsibility when covered by more than one plan.

Once you are logged in, under Resources, select Verification of Other Insurance Coverage. You will be at the first of two pages to change your COB information. A few clicks and you are done.

COB information can take up to one week to update with the pharmacy benefit manager. If you have urgent pharmacy needs delayed for COB information, please call member services at 405-717-8780 or toll-free 800-752-9475 to expedite. TDD users call 405-949-2281 or toll-free 866-447-0436.

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Coordination of Benefits for Other Insurance Coverage

HealthChoice, like other health and dental plan carriers, needs to know if you or your covered dependents have other coverage that may duplicate benefit payments for medical, dental or prescription drug services. Through the coordination of benefits process, the health care industry has established rules and guidelines to identify which plan pays first (primary) in instances of duplicate coverage. The primary payer pays the benefits according to your plan and policy guidelines as if you had no other coverage. The claim can then be submitted through the secondary payer, who pays part or all of the remaining balance according to the plan’s secondary coverage policy and guidelines. Most group plans will not pay in excess of 100 percent of the total allowable expenses, so your COB information is essential. 

COB information is required annually to ensure accurate and timely processing of your claims. If your claim is received but your status of other insurance coverage has not been verified in the past year, HealthChoice may deny your claim until you provide confirmation. 

You can now verify if you or your covered dependents have other health or dental coverage online at www.healthchoiceconnect.com. To update by phone, call the claims administrator toll-free at 800-323-4314. TTY users call 711.

It can take up to one week for COB information to be updated with the pharmacy benefits manager. If you have urgent pharmacy needs delayed for COB information, call member services at 405-717-8780 or toll-free 800-752-9475 to expedite. TDD users call 405-949-2281 or toll-free 866-447-0436.

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New Medicare ID Numbers Being Issued

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has begun issuing new Medicare cards with a random 11-character Medicare Beneficiary Identifier, replacing the Social Security number as part of a fraud prevention initiative to fight identity theft. 

CMS is mailing the new cards in waves to various parts of the country by the April 2019 deadline. CMS will use the address you have on file with the Social Security Administration. If you need to update your mailing address, call SSA toll-free at 800-772-1213 or visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Upon receiving your new Medicare card, you can begin using it immediately. There is currently a transition period for using the old SSN-based health insurance claim number that will run through December 2019. However, present your new card on your next visit so your provider can update their system.

HealthChoice encourages you to always be on the alert for scams associated with ID cards. Here are a couple of reminders to help you avoid becoming a victim of identity theft:

  • Do not pay for a new card. The new card is free of charge, and no one should ask you for payment to obtain it. Beware of callers requesting payment – it is a scam.
  • Do not give out personal information to get your new card. If you receive a call requesting your bank account, credit card or Social Security number, disconnect the call. No one will call you for personal information to obtain your new Medicare card.
  • Safeguard your card as you would any other insurance or credit card. Keep it from falling into the hands of someone who may try to fraudulently obtain medical services. You can securely destroy your old Medicare card by shredding it or cutting it up before throwing it away.

If you want to view an example of the new Medicare card or you have questions, visit www.cms.gov/medicare/new-medicare-card/nmc-home.html.

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Have You Named a Beneficiary?

If you are enrolled in the HealthChoice Life Insurance Plan and have not named a beneficiary or your beneficiary information has changed, you must notify HealthChoice. 

Without a signed beneficiary designation on file at the time of your death, HealthChoice must make payment to your estate. Also, payment of life benefits can be delayed if your beneficiary information is not current. When addresses or names are not current, it is difficult for HealthChoice to locate your beneficiaries.

Every spring, HealthChoice checks to ensure a Beneficiary Designation Form is on file for every member enrolled in the life insurance plan. As a courtesy, if a current form is not on file, HealthChoice mails a letter requesting you complete and return the enclosed form. This helps ensure your life insurance benefits are paid as intended.

You can update your beneficiary information at any time by sending a written request or completed Beneficiary Designation Form. If you need assistance, call HealthChoice Member Services at 405-717-8780 or toll-free 800-752-9475. TDD users call 405-949-2281 or toll-free 866-447-0436.

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