To protect you from potential identity theft, the A&M System uses unique identifying numbers (either the A&M System-generated UINs or carrier-created identifying numbers) rather than Social Security numbers (SSNs) for communication internally and with insurance carriers. The unique numbers are also used for claim processing.
The System Human Resources Office received reports from concerned employees that some physician offices still request that A&M Care plan participants provide their SSNs for claim processing. While this may be related to internal office procedures or Medicare claim filing, it does circumvent the System’s efforts to protect our employees from potential identity theft.
In response, the System enlisted the assistance of BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) to inform physicians in its network that they do not need and should not request an employee’s SSN to process a claim—the BCBS patient ID should be sufficient.
“We are very concerned about protecting your privacy and expect our insurance program partners to operate in the same spirit,” said Steve Hassel, associate vice chancellor for Human Resources. “When we notified our BCBS account manager that some physicians in the BCBS network were still asking for SSNs for claim processing, they were responsive in developing and distributing the appropriate communications to their provider network.”
If your provider asks for your SSN, you may want to remind the provider that BCBS does not need this information to process claims. If the situation continues, you may wish to notify your Human Resources office.
Medicare premiums and deductibles for 2007 have been announced by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
The department has released a fact sheet showing the new rates.
New in 2007, approximately 4 percent of Medicare Part B enrollees, those with incomes above $80,000 ($160,000 for a couple), will pay higher Part B premiums. These premiums will be $105.80, $124.40, $142.90 or $161.40, depending on income. Only those with incomes over $200,000 ($400,000 for couples) will pay the highest premium rate. This is less than 1 percent of enrollees.
The standard Part B monthly premium, paid by most enrollees, will increase by $5 to $93.50. The annual Part B deductible will rise from $124 to $131.
Part A premiums and deductibles will also increase, but by slightly smaller percentages. Only 1 percent of retirees pay Part A premiums.
| 2006 | 2007 | |
|---|---|---|
| Part A Deductible | $952 | $992 |
| Part B Standard Premium | $88.50 | $93.50 |
| Part B Deductible | $124 | $131 |
Have you ever wondered how your HMO’s quality of care compares to that of other Texas HMOs? If so, take a look at the Office of Public Insurance Counsel’s (OPIC’s) ninth annual HMO report.
The report, Comparing Texas HMOs 2006, features the results of a consumer satisfaction survey of HMO members. It also includes an analysis of complaint data collected by the Texas Department of Insurance and information on Independent Review Organization appeals.
OPIC’s report shows that consumer satisfaction with providers and their handling of claims increased from previous years. Also, the number of complaints submitted by patients continues to decline. Current analysis indicates that 86% of all complaints are filed by health care providers while 14% are filed by or on behalf of patients.
In addition, the HMOs offered by the A&M System fare well in the report.
“Continuing the trend from the last two years, this year enrollees are more satisfied with their health plans and filed significantly fewer complaints,” said Rod Bordelon, public insurance counsel and executive director of OPIC. “Laws and regulations enforcing prompt payment of claims has reduced complaints and increased satisfaction overall.”
For more quality-of-care information, go to the OPIC web site.
The following documents have recently been posted on the System Human Resources Office web site:
If you haven’t already done so, now is a good time to sign up to receive your W-2 online. By doing this, you’ll receive your W-2 before those receiving a paper copy.
You have until Jan. 14, 2007, to sign up to receive your 2006 W-2 online.
Once you sign up for the online option, that choice remains in effect for
future years unless you request a change back to a paper form. 