Last Update 11/16/2006

 
   

Note to Members: Scroll to the bottom of this page for the
Members Only Access Center

   

 

Patients Can Download and Print ID Cards

Delta Dental doesn’t require ID cards, and many employers do not issue them.  However, many dental offices ask for ID cards anyway.

Many members wanted the option of getting ID cards if they needed them.  Delta Dental recently launched online ID cards for members.  This enables them to print ID cards as often as they need.

Members can access their online ID card through Benefits Connection, the secure area of Delta’s website where they can also obtain detailed information about their dental benefits.  They just need to click the icon on the top left of the screen after registering for Benefits Connection.  The card is then presented to them for printing.  The ID card includes:

         Name

         Group Number

         The Delta Dental Program in which they are enrolled 

This service is available to all members except those enrolled in Delta Dental Patient Direct and DeltaCare. 

The website address is www.deltadentalnj.com.

 

ID Card Sample:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

2006 Oxford Student Verification Process

This year, Oxford’s student verification process will be conducted via telephone by Silverlink™

Communications. In October, parents with enrolled dependent children who have reached the student

age outlined in their Certificate of Coverage will receive an automated phone call with a series of

questions to help verify the student status of their dependents. Parents may verify the information

immediately or call a specified number to verify the information at their convenience. This process

was used with great success in November of last year in order to confirm the outstanding verifications at

that time.

 

Please note, the calls will reflect Oxford Health Plans® on the Member’s caller ID, and a message will be

left with a 24-hour call back number if an answering machine takes the call. Subscribers with multiple

enrolled dependent students will receive a single phone call to verify their dependents’ student

status.

 

Dependents who have reached the student age and are not full-time students will no longer be

eligible for coverage and will be terminated from the plan on December 31, 2006. During the first

week of December, a final termination letter will be sent to the subscriber indicating the enrolled

dependent(s) termination from the plan.

 

If you have questions, please call Oxford Group Services at 1-888-201-4216.

 

   

◘ ◘ ◘ DATED MATERIAL PLEASE READ IMMEDIATELY ◘ ◘ ◘

October 20, 2006

TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER ADDRESSED

Medicare Part D regulations require that employers who provide prescription drug coverage to Medicare-eligible individuals are required to disclose whether coverage under their plan is credible prescription drug coverage.  Essentially, an employer’s plan is considered to provide credible prescription drug coverage if the prescription drug coverage under that plan is at least as good as the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage.

All the prescription drug coverage options provided through the New Jersey League of Community Bankers Employee Benefits Trust (EBT) have been determined to be credible.

Please find attached a Disclosure Notice that you may use to satisfy your employer’s required credible coverage disclosure requirements.  The deadline that you must provide notice of credible coverage to all Part D-eligible participants is November 15, 2006.  This requirement applies to Medicare beneficiaries who are active employees and those who are retired, as well as Medicare beneficiaries who are covered as spouses under active or retiree coverage.  It is our opinion that you should distribute the notice to all EBT enrolled employees, retirees and directors regardless of Part D-eligibility so as not to miss a spouse or dependent child of whom you may not be aware.   

You have flexibility in the form and manner of providing Disclosure Notices to beneficiaries.  The Disclosure Notice need not be sent as a separate mailing.  The Disclosure Notice may be provided with other plan participant information materials (including enrollment and/or renewal materials).  You may provide a single Disclosure Notice to the covered Medicare individual and all Medicare eligible dependent(s) covered under the same plan.  However, you are required to provide a separate Disclosure Notice if it is known that any spouse or dependent that is Medicare eligible resides at a different address than where the participant/materials were mailed.

You can provide a Disclosure Notice through electronic means only if the Medicare beneficiary has indicated to you that he/she has adequate access to electronic information.  You must not take the right to provide beneficiary material via electronic means as a permissible way to deliver documents to all beneficiaries.  Before beneficiaries agree to receive their information via electronic means, they must be informed of their right to obtain a paper version, how to withdraw their consent, update address information, and identify any hardware or software requirements to access and retain the credible coverage disclosure.

If the beneficiary consents to an electronic transfer of the notice, a valid e-mail address must be provided to you and the consent from the beneficiary must be submitted electronically to you.  This ensures the beneficiary’s ability to access the information as well as ensure that the system for furnishing these documents results in actual receipt.  In addition to having the Disclosure Notice sent to the beneficiary’s email address, the notice must be posted on your website, if applicable, with a link to the credible coverage Disclosure Notice on your home page.

If you choose to incorporate credible coverage disclosures with other plan participant information, then the disclosures must be prominent and conspicuous.  This means that the statements (or a reference to the section in the document being provided to the beneficiary that contains the required statement) must be prominently reverenced in at least 14-point font in a separate box, bolded, or offset on the first page that begins the plan participant information being provided:

Example of reference to credible coverage requirements:

If you have Medicare or will become eligible for Medicare in the next 12 months, a new Federal law gives you more choices about your prescription drug coverage, starting 2006.  Please see page xx for more details.

Employers are required to provide credible coverage status to Part D-eligible members (again, we recommend that notice be provided to all EBT enrolled employees, directors and retirees regardless of Part D-eligibility) on an ongoing basis at the following times:

·        Prior to the Medicare Part D Annual Coordinated Election Period beginning on November 15 of each year;

·        Prior to an individual’s initial enrollment period;

·        Prior to the effective date of coverage for any Medicare-eligible individual that joins your plan;

·        Whenever prescription drug coverage ends or changes so that it is no longer credible or becomes credible; or

·        Upon the request of a beneficiary.

BCG will provide updates to model Disclosure Notices as necessary.  For your convenience, an electronic version of the enclosed Disclosure Notice has been posted at our website www.bankerscoopgroup.com for additional printing.

Important Notice

 About Your Prescription Drug Coverage

 through The New Jersey League of Community Bankers

 Employee Benefit Trust and Medicare

Please read this notice carefully and keep it where you can find it.  This notice has information about your current prescription drug coverage offered by your employer through the EBT and the prescription drug coverage available for people with Medicare. It also tells you where to find more information to help you make decisions about your prescription drug coverage.

1.      Medicare prescription drug coverage became available in 2006 to everyone with Medicare through Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage Plans that offer prescription drug coverage. All Medicare prescription drug plans provide at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare. Some plans may also offer more coverage at a higher monthly premium.

2.      Oxford Health Plans has determined that the prescription drug coverage offered by EBT is, on average for all plan participants, expected to pay out as much as the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage will pay.

3.      Read this notice carefully – it explains the options you have under Medicare prescription drug coverage, and can help you decide whether or not you want to enroll.

 

 Because your existing coverage is on average at least as good as standard

Medicare prescription drug coverage, you can keep this coverage and not pay

extra if you later decide to enroll in Medicare coverage.

Individual’s can enroll in Medicare prescription drug plan when they first become eligible for Medicare and each year from November 15th through December 31st. However, because you have existing prescription drug coverage that, on average, is as good as Medicare coverage, you can choose to join a Medicare prescription drug plan later.  

If you decide to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan and drop EBT prescription drug coverage, be aware that you are also dropping the medical portion of the plan and you will not be able to re-enroll in EBT plan until the next open enrollment date.

You should compare your current medical and prescription coverage under EBT including which drugs are covered, with the coverage and cost of the plans offering Medicare prescription drug and medical coverage in your area.

You may retain your existing EBT medical and prescription coverage or choose to enroll in Medicare Part D and another supplemental medical plan.

Be aware, your current coverage pays for other health expenses, in addition to prescription drugs, and you will not be eligible to receive your current health and prescription drug benefits if you choose to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan.

You should also know that if you drop or lose your EBT coverage and don’t enroll in Medicare prescription drug coverage after your current coverage ends, you may pay more (A penalty) to enroll in Medicare drug coverage later.

If you go 63 days or longer without prescription drug coverage that’s at least as good as Medicare’s prescription drug coverage; your monthly premium will go up at least 1% per month for every month that you did not have that coverage. For example, if you go nineteen months without coverage, your premium will always be at least 19% higher than what most other people pay. You’ll have to pay this higher premium as long as you have Medicare coverage. In addition, you may have to wait until next November to enroll.

For more information about this notice or

Your current prescription drug coverage…

Contact Bankers Cooperative Group, Inc. [411 North Avenue East, Cranford, NJ 07016] for further information at 1-800-526-1308. Note: You may receive this notice at other times in the future such as before the next period you can enroll in Medicare prescription drug coverage, and if this coverage changes. You also may request a copy.

For more information about your options under

Medicare prescription drug coverage…

More detailed information about Medicare Plans that offer prescription drug coverage is in the “Medicare & You 2006” handbook. You’ll get a copy of the handbook in the mail from Medicare. You may also be contacted directly by Medicare prescription drug plans. You can also get more information about Medicare prescription drug plans from these places:

            ●          Visit www.medicare.gov for personalized help,

●          Call your state Health Insurance Assistance Program (see your copy of the Medicare & You handbook for their telephone number)

            ●          Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048

For people with limited income and resources, extra help paying for Medicare prescription drug plan is available; Information about this extra help is available from Social Security Administration (SSA). For more information about this extra help, visit SSA online at www.socialsecurity.gov, or call them at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Remember:  Keep this notice.  If you enroll in one of the new plans approved by Medicare which offer prescription drug coverage, you may be required to provide a copy of this notice when you join to show that you are not required to pay a higher premium amount.

 
   

 

Re:       The New York Times Article “When Choice of a Doctor Drives up other Bills”

On September 11, 2006 The New York Times printed an article “When Choice of a Doctor Drives up other Bills” which names Oxford Health Plans as the Insurance Carrier in question.

The article reports about a NY member enrolled in Oxford’s Point of Service Plan (Classic) who chose to use an out of network surgeon for her operation.  The hospital she had her operation in was in Oxford’s network.  The member was under the impression that since the hospital was in Oxford’s network the hospital charges would be paid in network despite utilizing an out of network surgeon.  Unfortunately for her, this was not the case.  The policy that she was insured under was written in New York State. Oxford’s Point of Service Plans (Classic) written in New York State treat hospital admissions as follows:

“All Hospital admissions require Precertification. All Precertified admissions to network as well as out of network hospitals are covered on an Out of  Network basis; when the admitting Provider is a Out of Network Provider.”

We wish to clarify that the League sm sponsored Oxford Point of Service Programs (Classic) are written in the State of New Jersey and treat hospital admissions as follows:

“Hospital admissions require Precertification. All Precertified admissions to a network Hospital are covered on an In Network basis; regardless of whether or not the admitting Provider is a Network Provider.”

Therefore, if a enrolled member, regardless of their state of residence, decides to use a non participating provider but utilizes a participating hospital, whether in NJ, NY or any other state, the League plan will pay the participating hospital at the In Network level of benefits.

If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact Janice Besso (ext. 608)

 

   

 

Re:  Prescription Drug List Changes Effective September 1, 2006

Oxford Health Plans, through our pharmacy benefit manager UnitedHealth Pharmaceutical Solutions, is committed to providing an affordable pharmacy benefit with broad access and thoughtful management of our Prescription Drug List (PDL). If your employees have three-tier pharmacy coverage through Oxford, they may be impacted by the following changes to our PDL.

To help you and your Members realize savings, the following medications have been moved to a tier with a lower copayment level (down-tiered), effective September 1, 2006. Please note that your Members will not receive a letter notifying them of these changes since their copayments will be lower when they fill their next prescription[JC1] [i]

Medication

Indication

Current Tier

Tier on 9/1/06 (unless noted)

Avandaryl

Diabetes

Tier 3

Tier 2   (6/3/06)

BiDil

Heart Failure

Tier 3

Tier 2  (7/1/06)

Emtriva solution

HIV

Tier 3

Tier 2  (7/1/06)

Reyataz

HIV

Tier 3

Tier 2 (7/1/06)

Twinject

Anaphylaxis

Tier 3

Tier 2

Zegerid

Ulcers, GERD

Tier 3

Tier 2

Prevacid SoluTab

Ulcers, GERD

Tier 3

Tier 2

Xopenex HFA

Asthma

Tier 3

Tier 1

In addition, effective September 1, 2006, Nexium, a medication used to treat heartburn and stomach ulcers, will move to Tier 3 for Oxford Members. This change is due to the availability of a number of alternatives which are available over the counter, or at a lower cost share, such as Prilosec OTC.  In addition, your physician must obtain Prior Authorization in order for this medication to be covered.

Medication

Indication

Current Tier

Tier on 9/1/06 (unless noted)

Nexium

Ulcers, GERD

Tier 2

Tier 3

 Letters will be mailed to affected Members to inform them of the availability of Prilosec OTC and their other Tier 2 alternatives. After September 1, 2006, these Members will receive a second letter, containing a coupon for Prilosec OTC.

We also want to remind you of additional changes that were recently made to the three-tier formulary. The following medications were moved to Tier 3 (highest cost option) of the PDL. This means that Members with a three-tier prescription drug plan may pay a higher copayment as a result of the change in tier status. A listing of Tier 1 (lowest cost option) alternatives is provided.

Medication

Effexor

Flonase

Plavix

Zocor

Zoloft

Therapeutic Use

Depression

Rhinitis

Antiplatelet
Cholesterol

Depression

Tier 1 Alternative

venlafaxine (generic)

fluticasone (generic)

clopidogrel (generic)
simvastatin (generic)

sertraline (generic)

If you have any questions regarding these PDL changes, please contact Oxford Group Services at 1-888-201-4216 or groupservices@oxfordhealth.com. Thank you for the opportunity to manage your prescription medication program, which is an integral part of your total health benefit.

Sincerely,

Oxford Health Plans

[i] In certain documents the Prescription Drug List (PDL) was referred to as the “Preferred Drug List (PDL);” Tier 1 was referred to as “generics;” Tier 2 was referred to as “preferred brands” or “brand name on the PDL;” and Tier 3 was referred to as “non-preferred brands,” “not on the PDL,” or “brand name not on the PDL.”  These changes in descriptive terms do not affect your benefit coverage.

 

    More Favorable Returns on Allstate:

There are another 21 happy policyholders amongst us!  That is because Allstate has saved them significant premium dollars compared to their existing auto, homeowners and umbrella programs.

Also a winner in this is the New Jersey Community Bankers Education Foundation, Inc.  Allstate is donating $10 to the Foundation for every quote (not even a sale) to an employee of a New Jersey League Member through June 30, 2006.  That is reason enough to get your employees involved.

Your employees will appreciate the additional employer-provided perk that provides them the opportunity to save premium dollars.  What a way to boost morale.  Where else can you get this type of return on an employee benefit that does not cost you, the employer, anything?

For additional information on making the difference, please contact Rich Siderko at ext. 616 or Neil Greco directly at Allstate (973) 364-8040.

   

You don’t have to be an insurance expert to choose Care Directions Simplicity® long-term care insurance program from MedAmerica.  Everyone understands cash, and that’s what Simplicity provides.  Yes, Simplicity pays a monthly cash benefit regardless of services used or amounts spent.  An insured can use their monthly cash benefit for care as they choose – whatever they need from whomever they want, wherever they are, anywhere in the world without policy restrictions or limitations.  In other words, pay your nurse or niece!

You can help your employees and their families prepare for the unexpected today and secure their financial future for tomorrow by providing them with long –term care insurance so flexible that when the need for coverage arises, there are no questions as to what’s covered.

The Simplicity cash platform is the next generation in long-term care protection.  It received the highest ever product rating of 91 from SellingLTC.com.  “MedAmerica Care Directions Simplicity exceeds closest competition by 13 solid points in a feature by feature comparison of over 40 companies and 116 products.”

As with the previous MedAmerica Care Directions Premier platform, the Simplicity platform will continue to provide League Membership with:

         Eligibility for Board Members;

         Eligibility for family members;

         Simplified underwriting requirements;

         No minimum participation requirements;

         Design flexibility and simultaneous alternative plans;

         Discounted group rates;

         10-year paid in full premium option;

         Coverage portability at retirement or termination at existing rate and benefit levels. 

The former Premier platform will remain available to new eligibles of all League Members who previously put the program in place prior to June 1, 2005.  These employers may also add the Simplicity platform to their offerings going forward.  Simplicity will be the only platform available for League Members who have yet to put a long-term care program in place.   Additional information on Simplicity will be forthcoming.  In the interim, please contact Rich Siderko at x-616 for more details.

 

   

Favorable Early Returns for “NEW” Allstate Auto Insurance and Homeowners Benefit

Throughout the summer we embarked on a promotional campaign touting the benefits of the “Allstate at Work” and “Your Choice Auto” programs that would be available for employees of New Jersey League Members in the fall.

Several attendees at our September 27th informational session have already seen firsthand the intended results we envisioned when establishing the partnership with Allstate --- premium savings.  Here are the results . . .

·         A switch to Allstate auto insurance with annual premium savings of $364.22

·         A switch to Allstate auto insurance with annual premium savings of $699.60

·         A switch to an Allstate auto and homeowners insurance with annual premium savings of $775.60

PLUS – these are the savings even before the NJL Member 5% discount is applied.

Premium savings are not the only highlight of this new NJL benefit.  Effective October 31, “Your Choice Auto” will allow applicants to choose policy features that best fit their lifestyles such as

o        Safe Driving Bonus

o        Violation Waiver

o        Accident Waiver Enhancement

o        Safe Driving Deductible Reward

o        New Car Expanded Protection

Best of all, the program is a way to enhance your current employee benefit offerings without adding any direct employer premium cost.  The program is completely voluntary and there are no minimum participation requirements.

Contact Rich Siderko today  at x-616 to learn about other benefits of the program and how you can be a hero to your employees. 

 

   

Important Notice

About Your Prescription Drug Coverage

 through The New Jersey League of Community Bankers Employee Benefits Trust (EBT)

 and Medicare

 Please read this notice carefully and keep it where you can find it.  This notice has information about your current prescription drug coverage offered by your employer through the EBT and the new prescription drug coverage available January 1, 2006 for people with Medicare. It also tells you where to find more information to help you make decisions about your prescription drug coverage. 

1.     Starting January 1, 2006, new Medicare prescription drug coverage will be available to everyone with Medicare.

2.     New Jersey League has determined that the prescription drug coverage offered by your employer through NJL Employee Benefit Trust is, on average for all plan participants, expected to pay out as much as the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage will pay.

3.     Read this notice carefully – it explains the options you have under Medicare prescription drug coverage, and can help you decide whether or not you want to enroll.

 

You may have heard about Medicare’s new prescription drug coverage, and wondered how it would affect you.  The actuarial firm Reden & Anders has determined that your prescription drug coverage through the EBT is, on average for all plan participants, expected to pay out as much as the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage will pay.

Starting January 1, 2006, prescription drug coverage will be available to everyone with Medicare through Medicare prescription drug plans. All Medicare prescription drug plans will provide at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare. Some plans might also offer more coverage for a higher monthly premium.

Because your existing coverage is on average at least as good as standard

Medicare prescription drug coverage, you can keep this coverage and not pay

extra if you later decide to enroll in Medicare coverage.

People with Medicare can enroll in Medicare prescription drug plan from November 15, 2005 through May 15, 2006. However, because you have existing prescription drug coverage that, on average, is as good as Medicare coverage, you can choose to join a Medicare prescription drug plan later. Each year after that, you will have the opportunity to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan between November 15th through December 31st.

If you decide to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan and drop your EBT  prescription drug coverage, be aware that you are also dropping the medical portion of the plan and you will not be able to re-enroll in the EBT plan until the next EBT open enrollment date.

You should compare your current medical and prescription coverage under the EBT, including which drugs are covered, with the coverage and cost of the plans offering Medicare prescription drug and medical coverage in your area.

You may retain your existing EBT medical and prescription coverage or choose to enroll in Medicare Part D and another supplemental medical plan.

Be aware, your current coverage pays for other health expenses, in addition to prescription drugs, and you will not be eligible to receive your current health and prescription drug benefits if you choose to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan.

You should also know that if you drop or lose your EBT coverage and don’t enroll in Medicare prescription drug coverage after your current coverage ends, you may pay more to enroll in Medicare drug coverage later. If after May 15, 2006, you go 63 days or longer without prescription drug coverage that’s at least as good as Medicare’s prescription drug coverage; your monthly premium will go up at least 1% per month for every month after May 15, 2006 that you did not have that coverage. For example, if you go nineteen months without coverage, your premium will always be at least 19% higher than what most other people pay. You’ll have to pay this higher premium as long as you have Medicare coverage. In addition, you may have to wait until next November to enroll.

For more information about this notice or

Your current prescription drug coverage…

Contact Bankers Cooperative Group, Inc. [411 North Avenue East, Cranford, NJ 07016] for further information at 1-800-526-1308. Note: You may receive this notice at other times in the future such as before the next period you can enroll in Medicare prescription drug coverage, and if this coverage changes. You also may request a copy.

For more information about your options under

Medicare prescription drug coverage

 

More detailed information about Medicare Plans that offer prescription drug coverage will be available in October 2005 in the “Medicare & You 2006” handbook. You’ll get a copy of the handbook in the mail from Medicare. You may also be contacted directly by Medicare prescription drug plans. You can also get more information about Medicare prescription drug plans from these places:

                 Visit www.medicare.gov for personalized help,

       Call your state Health Insurance Assistance Program (see your copy of the Medicare & You handbook for their telephone number)

          ●        Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048

For people with limited income and resources, extra help paying for Medicare prescription drug plan is available; Information about this extra help is available from Social Security Administration (SSA). For more information about this extra help, visit SSA online at www.socialsecurity.gov, or call them at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

 
 
 
   

Coverage for New Oral Cancer Detection Test 

Delta dental of New Jersey has approved coverage for a new procedure that dentists can use with their patients for the prevention and early detection of oral cancer.  This coverage will be automatically added to all NJL Delta Dental participating groups immediately with no increase in rates. 

Called a “brush biopsy,” the procedure uses newly developed technology to identify and analyze cancerous and precancerous cells.  Using a brush biopsy, dentists can identify and treat abnormal cells that could become cancerous or can detect the disease in its earliest stages.  This simple procedure can be done during the course of a regular exam and involves little or no patient discomfort.  Brush biopsies are in the category of oral surgery and will be covered at the level established for that category in the group’s dental benefit plan. 

This year, over 8,000 people in the United States will die from oral cancer, and more than 30,000 new cases will be diagnosed.  Despite medical advances in the diagnosis and treatment for most cancers, the five-year survival rate for individuals with advanced forms of oral cancer has not improved in the last 40 years.  But, if detected early, survival rates from oral cancer dramatically increase.  If detected in a precancerous stage, the disease can even be prevented. 

Delta Dental views brush biopsies as a major breakthrough in the fight against oral cancer.  Brochures providing more information about Delta Dental’s coverage for brush biopsies are being sent to all covered groups. 

For additional information, please contact Angela Gilligan at ext. 609.

 

 
   

LIFE AND LONG TERM DISABILITY PROGRAMS

League Members and Associate Members not participating in the League’ssm  Group Life and Long Term Disability programs are missing big savings!

Effective January 1, 2005, group term life rates were discounted on average 13% and group long term disability rates were discounted on average 7% from existing charged rates.  The  new rate basis for both programs will be locked in for the next three years until January 1, 2008 saving League participants in excess of $540k over the next three years. 

Effective March 1, 2005, major improvements will also be made to the voluntary Group Extra Life (GXL) program.  The rate basis for both non-smokers and smokers will be discounted on average 13% from existing rates and likewise guaranteed for the next three years.  Even better than the rate relief will be the added convenience of a guaranteed benefit under the program.  New applicants will be able to be insured for the first $50,000 of coverage non-medically --- no health questions to answer and no para-medical exam required.  There will also be an initial open enrollment period for current employees not in the program who wish to apply under the new rate and underwriting guidelines. 

We are extremely pleased to deliver this favorable news especially when benefit renewals typically highlight rate increases and benefit reductions.  To learn more about how you can share in the savings, contact Rich Siderko at ext. 616 rsiderko@bankerscoopgroup.com or Janice Besso-Tamecki at ext. 608 jbesso@bankerscoopgroup.com .

 

 
 
 
    Important Changes to The Oxford Plans:  Copayments for Infertility Drugs and Diabetic Oral Agents

BCG, Inc. and Oxford Health Plans are committed to keeping you informed about changes that may affect your healthcare coverage and prescription drug benefits.

Please be aware that as of July 1, 2004, in accordance with New Jersey law, you are required to pay a pharmacy copayment instead of a medical office copayment when obtaining infertility drugs or diabetic insulin and oral agents.

For your reference, click here for a list of generic and brand name diabetic medications that indicates the medication's formulary status (generic, preferred brand or non-preferred brand) so that you will know which pharmacy copayment applies.  For additional information on medication pricing and coverage, you may log onto Oxford's web site at www.oxfordhealth.com and click on the Medco Health logo on the left side of your My Oxfordsm page.

A member letter, addressing the changes, will be sent out within the next 2 to 3 weeks.  In the meantime, should you have any questions please feel free to call us or Oxford Health Plans Customer Service at (800) 444-6222.

 
 
   

The Science of Tomorrow’s Health … Today!

Medicine has changed dramatically in the last forty years. So why are you still relying on your father’s annual physical to stay well?

BCG has arranged for the Princeton Longevity Center (PLC) to provide the League Membership the most advanced and individually-tailored programs for improving and sustaining health and longevity at significant discounts from their normal pricing. They offer the latest in medical technology and research coupled with extensive personal time with our physicians and preventive medicine specialists.

From EBT coronary artery scans http://www.thepic.net/arteryscans.shtml to Virtual Colonoscopy http://www.thepic.net/colonography.shtml to the most comprehensive, full-day Executive Physicals http://www.thepic.net/overview.shtml and Preventive Medicine Exams http://www.thepic.net/medprogram.shtml, PCL’s programs create the most informative, detailed and useful picture of your current and future health. And, that is just the start. PLC will show you how simple, easy steps that fit into your current lifestyle can add years to your life expectancy and make those years more active, vital and fulfilling.

To learn more about PLC’s many unique and advanced series visit their website at www.thepic.net or call Stephen Manobianco at (866) 794-4325 ext. 7112. Steve and his colleagues at PLC will be starting a telephone campaign shortly to introduce themselves to the League Membership. We would appreciate your acceptance of their calls.

 

 
 
 
   

Pets are People Too! 

For you pet lovers out there, you know how true this statement is!  You can’t predict the future of your pet’s health, but you can prepare for it.  BCG, Inc. is now offering PetCare Pet Insurance Programs to eliminate the financial stress of providing unexpected medical attention.

PetCare’s insurance programs have been designed with the input of leading veterinarians to meet the real-life needs of today’s caring cat and dog owners.  PetCare offers a full range of insurance programs that cover accidents and illnesses affecting cats and dogs from 8 weeks of age when minor accidents (such as eating string) are more common all the way through to old age when some of the more chronic illnesses (such as cancer, diabetes and arthritis) become more prevalent.  These programs are readily affordable starting at only $8.50 per month for cats and $9.95 for dogs.

Advantages of the PetCare Insurance programs include:

  • Budgeting for the unforeseen

  • Choice of your own veterinarian
  • No co-pays except where chosen by the policyholder
  • Fixed deductibles
  • Coverage of congenital and hereditary conditions

Online enrollment is simple and quick by accessing the following address through your browser or from BCG’s website.

https://www.petcareinsurance.com/us/quote/index.asp?Country=2&BrokerID=467

For additional information, please contact Rich Siderko at ext. 616 or email at rsiderko@bankerscoopgroup.com

 

   

AFLAC Sales Associates

Benefits Managers who have requested information about AFLAC or would like to speak with an AFLAC sales associate should contact Mark Wedemeyer at (973) 978-1544. Mr. Wedemeyer is being assisted by the following AFLAC sales associates:

 

                      Dan Verdun

                      Gerard Canavan

                      EJ Brumley

These sales associates will clearly state that they are working with Mark.

AFLAC sales associates are independent contractors. While other AFLAC sales associates may contact you about AFLAC products, these sales associates are not affiliated with us.

Mark Wedemeyer and the aforementioned sales support team have been exclusively endorsed by Bankers Cooperative Group, Inc. for approaching New Jersey League Members about AFLAC.

If you have any questions or simply want to verify a contact, please contact Rich Siderko at ext. 616 or Janice Besso-Tamecki at ext. 608.

 

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