| On My Mind: Steak and Sizzle |
| By Cheryl Demars, CEO
 By now you've likely heard about The Alliance's new look and Web site. The new logo, colors, tagline, revised mission, and Web site (www.the-alliance.org) serve as a strong representation of the progressive approach our members have to ensuring employee health and providing health benefits.
As we worked toward creating this new brand identity, I have been reminded of something one of the founding members of The Alliance taught me - the importance of "the steak" and "the sizzle". That is, the importance of both the substance of a business value proposition as well as the way in which it is presented and promoted.
Over the last several months, The Alliance Board and staff have put the results of Project 360, our sweeping market research and member survey project, to work to address both. What we learned from our members, provider partners and other business associates, as well as the community at large has lead to a sharper focus and new product ideas (the steak) and a new brand, including a revised mission statement (the sizzle). I encourage you to visit our new Web site to learn more, and to check back frequently as we make progress in both the steak and sizzle components of The Alliance.
Our revised mission statement articulates the reason for our existence: The Alliance moves health care forward by controlling costs, improving quality, and engaging individuals in their health. The methods by which we'll get there will change in accordance with changes in our market.
The Alliance Board and staff have identified the following four key areas as our focus:
- Rewarding and using high-value providers
- Identifying and implementing optimal health care strategies
- Assisting individuals in making good decisions
- Advocating for effective health policy
Broad goals, to be sure! We will be working to further define the "what" and the "how" over the next several months.
Also be sure to watch your mail this week for more information on the new brand identity as well as a campaign, The Way Health Care Should Be.
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| New Participating Provider: The Finley Hospital |
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The Alliance is pleased to announce the addition of The Finley Hospital as a participating provider for all Alliance-accessing enrollees. The change became effective July 15, 2008. This addition means that all services provided by The Finley Hospital, including the Wendt Regional Cancer Center and Cascade Medical Center, will be considered as in-network beginning with the effective date and going forward. The addition of The Finley Hospital offers employers and patients in the Dubuque, Iowa-area true choice of where their hospital-based health care needs are met. If you have questions about this addition, please contact Carlene Boehmer, cboehmer@the-alliance.org, or 800.223.4139, ext. 6601. Back to top |
| Have You Visited www.the-alliance.org? |
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If you haven't stopped by The Alliance's new Web site, make sure you visit today.
Be sure to visit today to check out these features:
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| Download the New Alliance Logo Today |
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While you are visiting our new Web site, be sure to download our new logo. We are not asking you or our employers to reissue health identification cards immediately, but rather to do so during the next regularly scheduled issuing of cards. However, we suggest that you incorporate this new logo in your set up immediately.
Individuals accessing the old Web site will be redirected to our new Web site through February, so if you reference our old Web address on your current ID cards for provider look-up, members will still be able to access information. Our claims filing address, customer service phone number and Payer IDs remain the same. If you have questions, please contact Carlene Boehmer, cboehmer@the-alliance.org cboehmer@the-alliance.org. Back to top |
| QualityCounts for Employees |
- Choosing the Right Hospital
Do your employees know to choose the hospital that's right for them in a non-emergency situation? Provide them with the resources to make smart decisions.
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| News You Can Use |
The Alliance highlights health care and benefit management news for employers in News You Can Use with a link to take you to the original story or report.
- New Studies and Reports Affecting Health Care
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| About The Alliance TPA Briefing |
Each month, The Alliance TPA Briefing delivers the latest news to third-party administrators about Alliance services, programs and events as well as information on health benefit trends, issues, and ideas of interest to our mutual clients.
Subscriptions are available on a complimentary basis. To subscribe, please send an e-mail message with your name and agency to the Sales and Member Services Department.
Reader comments, suggestions, and topics are always welcome.
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The Alliance encourages employers to distribute the