Well... "ObamaCare" is here, and so are we.  The sun continues to rise in the east, and set in the west; and business goes on.  Some of you have reaped the benefits of change, while others have suffered; but the reality is that for most of the industry, not much has changed.   

To read all of this quarter's "Book of Russo," click here

TAKE NOTE - A New Phia Service!  

The Phia Group has been compiling a massive inventory of PPO agreements. We have been reviewing each agreement extensively, comparing the agreements and their provisions, and developing a robust database of knowledge regarding trends in the agreements of particular networks and in the industry in general. We are interested in ascertaining the rights of both the benefit plan and the network with respect to what amounts must be paid within what timeframe, and subject to what terms and conditions. We welcome more PPO agreements for our analysis; we are confident that this extensive research project will develop further and be advantageous to our clients and the industry as a whole. If you have a network agreement you'd like to add to our ever-growing library, please consider sending it to us at Network@PhiaGroup.com. 

PAST WEBINARS: You can find free copies of our most recent industry-acclaimed webinars here - http://www.phiagroup.com/c/Webinars/. As always, we welcome your comments, questions, and ideas for future presentation topics. Enjoy! 

"Self Funded Benefit Plan With Clear Language... PRICELESS!" by Pamala Parette; Senior Claims Recovery Specialist

Self funded health benefit plans ("Plans"), simply defined, are NOT FOR PROFIT health benefit programs.  Premiums paid by each participant are thrown into a bucket.  From this bucket of cash... health benefits, expenses, and risks of managing that bucket are paid.  Setting a solid base in the foundation of the bucket (with clear Plan language) is crucial in controlling intended, and unintended, costs... and building the cash bucket for future viability. 

 To read all of this quarter's "The Stacks," click here... 

Get to Know... 2013 Employee of the Year!  

Nick Murphy -  Supervisor, Claim Assessment & Project Lead   

He is now simultaneously a Supervisor of the Claim Assessment department and a member of the Project Management team, working directly with VPs and the CEO to promote new ideas and solve problems. He is an avid lover of philosophy, technology and a good craft beer."

PhiaNews

I. Charitable Days Ahead  

This year, The Phia Group is excited to be working with Adoption Choices/JFS of Metrowest. 

To read all of this quarter's "PhiaNews," click here...

JFS of Metrowest (JFS) provides vital social, health and community services to alleviate suffering, enhance lives and support people in need.  They are dedicated to:

• Supporting people of all ages and backgrounds; 
• Treating people with dignity and compassion; 
• Helping people achieve and sustain healthy lives and independence;
• Providing culturally relevant services;
• Collaborating with community partners to broaden our impact;  
• Be a leader and catalyst in providing the best social, health and community services with special responsibility to vulnerable children, families and elders; and,
• Develop and deliver essential services to assist those in need.

This year, The Phia Group has committed to work with JFS to provide support to the Goss Adoption Fund and the Julia Michelson Fund which is focused on creating education programs for adoptive families.  In addition, Phia will be actively involved with JFS' Reducing Achievement Gaps Program at the Woodrow Wilson School in Framingham, Massachusetts serving over 530 very low income and immigrants, with families having numerous challenges and a large scale summer project for all Phia employees at the Woodrow Wilson School.

II. Movin' On Up

The following people are taking on new opportunities with the Phia Group, LLC:

• Ashley Enyeart has expanded her role in the legal department and become the Paralegal Manager
• Mara Green has transitioned from a claims analyst in CA to a member of our Client Account Management Team.
• Cara Carll & Kerri Sherman both received their Paralegal Certificates.
• Renee Karvelas passed the 1st party test & is now a Claim Recovery Specialist III, handling 1st party cases in addition to CNIS & school insurance.
• David Arroyo moved from Customer Service to Case Investigation.
• Tianna Pagan moved from a Claim Recovery Specialist III (med pay) to a Claim Recovery Specialist IV (WC)
• Ashley Schramm moved from a Case Investigator to a Claim Recovery Specialist II
• Kerri Sherman made a lateral move to Claim Recovery Specialist IV but passed the BI test to be able to handle BI cases instead of WC
• Brittani Hunter moved from a Claim Recovery Specialist I (beginning level, pending/CNIS) to a Claim Recovery Specialist IV (WC)
• Leiana Turner moved from a Case Handler Assistant to a Case Investigator
• Igor Senic moved from a Overpayment Recovery Assistant to an Overpayment Recovery Specialist
• Esther Oliveras moved from Customer Service to Accounting

III.  A Growing Phia Phamily  

The Phia Group is proud to announce the First-Quarter Hiring of the Following Incredible Individuals:

Nicholas Gatanti - Claim Assessment

Jason Kemp - Claims Recovery

Jacob Turner - Claims Support

Shannon Burns - Claims Support

Jimena Williams - Claims Support

Derrek Mish - Claims Support

Lyneka Hubbert - Customer Service Representative

Brianne MacAusland - Legal

Elizabeth Welcome - Office Management

Kelly Dempsey, Esq. - Phia Group Consulting

Kim Khuu - Phia Group Consulting

Michelle Hay - Phia Group Consulting

Opening Day ... in Cleveland???!??!

No need to adjust your contacts, we have not moved to Cleveland! Through Adam Russo, though, every year Cleveland takes over our office on Baseball Opening Day.   

Check out pictures of our annual Cleveland Indians Opening Day Event where once a year, roles are reversed and Adam Russo is the one taking orders for a change; Hot Dog orders, that is!

Hopefully, Adam is as excited on day 162 of the season as he is prior to day 1 ... only time will tell!