November 6, 2012

Dear Valued Fern Life Community Member,

As you know the year is quickly winding to a close and many companies have been forced to adjust their benefits packages for their employees.  Due to the rising costs of healthcare many companies have had to reduce their benefits and eliminate some services altogether. As a result of these changes, the freedom to choose which provider you can see may be limited to specific network providers. It is important that during open enrollment you diligently review your benefits options, double check your regular providers for you and your children to make sure there won't be any significant coverage changes. It is always important to contact your human resources department or the individual insurance carriers to get an overview of your benefits coverage.  Examples would include the following:

• deductible amount (in-network/out of network)
• is there out of network coverage and if so what is the percentage difference
• what services are considered preventive with deductible waived
• is there office visit limitations
• how are laboratory services covered (many labs are out of network) ie. Blood draws for regular routine items like thyroid, cholesterol, blood sugar, vitamin D, etc.
• Check to see if your regular providers, specialists, children's doctors are on their preferred provider list.  If they are not, you may have very limited coverage or none at all.

These are just a few of the important question you will want to familiarize yourself with before choosing a plan. There are some organizations that will give you a choice of two or three options. Please note that the providers at Fern Life Center are preferred with many carries such as Regence, Aetna, Premera, United Healthcare, Lifewise, Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross Blue Shield and First Choice.  Please be aware that we are NOT Preferred with Group Health.

If you are planning to get into the office to see your providers before the year end, this is a good time to schedule prior to any changes in your insurance plan. Fern Life will be closed the week of Christmas through New Year's.  As always, it is an honor to be a part of your healthy life.

With gratitude and many blessings for the upcoming new year.

(For a printable version of this message please click here.)