New Health Plan ID cards mailed

12/29/2010 11:25:38 AM

Summary ... New ID cards for medical and hospital benefits recently were mailed to all Health Plan participants.

Full story ... Two copies of the new AFTRA Health Plan ID card for medical and hospital benefits* were mailed to each Health Plan participant in late December. Effective Jan. 1, 2011, the new ID card replaces the bi-fold Health Plan ID card currently carried by participants and their dependents.

If you are a current participant (as of Dec. 10, 2010) and you have not yet received your new ID card, or if you need to request additional copies of the new ID card for you or an enrolled dependent, please contact Participant Services at (800) 562-4690. New Health Plan participants and dependents whose coverage begins Jan. 1, 2011 will receive their ID cards in the mail in the coming days; in the meantime, new enrollees should direct health care providers to call AFTRA H&R at (800) 562-4690 to verify coverage.

The redesigned ID card has been simplified to reflect the transition to CIGNA as the Health Plan’s single nationwide PPO network effective Jan. 1, 2011. As previously announced, in California, the Plan will no longer use the Anthem BlueCross PPO network for dates of service after Dec. 31, 2010. If you live outside of California, this change should not affect you unless you seek medical services in California after Dec. 31. To confirm that a California provider participates in the CIGNA network, search the online provider directory or call CIGNA at (800) 768-4695.

The new ID card contains updated information – such as how to submit claims or obtain pre-authorization for inpatient hospital care – for those enrolled in the Plan and for providers who submit claims on their behalf. Participants should take the following steps to begin using the new card:

• After Dec. 31 (but not before), destroy copies of the old bi-fold format AFTRA Health Plan ID card currently in your possession and begin carrying your new ID card.
• Present your new Health Plan ID card on your first visits to all medical or hospital care providers on or after Jan. 1, 2011 to ensure that they have your current information. Tell your providers that CIGNA is not the insurer (the Health Plan only utilizes the CIGNA PPO network), and so all questions regarding benefits or eligibility should be directed to AFTRA H&R at (800) 562-4690. 
• Previously you were issued a separate ID card for prescription drug, dental, mental health and chemical dependency benefits (identified by the Medco logo in the lower left corner). Continue to carry this card along with your new Health Plan ID card. To request additional copies of either card for you or an enrolled dependent, call Participant Services at (800) 562-4690.

The ID cards should be used only as long as a participant or dependent is enrolled in the Health Plan. Receipt of the ID card does not guarantee coverage. To remain covered, participants and dependents must continue to meet the Health Plan’s qualification requirements and pay quarterly premiums on time. 

If you have questions or need assistance, please call Participant Services at (800) 562-4690.