Wellpath is pleased to announce that Wake Forest
University Baptist Medical Center has executed an agreement with
WellPath effective April 1, 2008. This agreement secures the
participation of both North Carolina Baptist Hospital and Wake
Forest University Physicians and provides access to all WellPath,
Coventry National Network, and First Health Network members.
CFA to
host their annual Flu Shot Clinic in October.
7/30/07 – Colon
Cancer Screening Reminders
In July, BCBSNC sent colon cancer screening
reminders to fully-insured Blue Options (PPO) and Blue Care (HMO)
members over age 50 who are due a screening test, according to
Blue Cross’s claims data.
You may receive this information
in one of two ways; a general letter reminding you that you
may be due for a colon cancer screening or a fecal occult blood
test (FOBT) letter reminding you of a test that needs to be done
annually to find colon cancer early. Please note you will also
have an enclosed brochure with the letter you receive, which
will be educational and informative.
Attached you will find a
Colon Cancer Employer Newsletter Article that Blue Cross has
created in effort to promote colon cancer screening. Please
feel free to post or distribute this information for your employees.
Colon
Cancer Employer Newsletter Article (20kb
Word Doc)
3/01/07 – Keenan-Stroud
Insurance Associates joins forces with Carolina First Associates
to enhance product and service offerings.
Keenan-Stroud announced today it has partnered
with Hickory-based insurance brokerage firm, Carolina First Associates,
LLC (CFA). Combined, Keenan-Stroud will be able to expand benefit
programs and financial services to businesses in Hickory and
surrounding areas.
While products and services are enhanced,
the staff at Keenan-Stroud remains the same – including
Michael Keenan, President, who remains a key player in the
new partnership. Michael Keenan will continue to manage existing
client relationships and identify potential new clients. Judy
Warsham, another familiar Keenan-Stroud face, also retains
her customer service role at Carolina First Associates, LLC.
Keenan-Stroud
was founded in 1994 by Michael Keenan and Anza Stroud. Michael
has over 30 years of experience specializing in group insurance
benefits. He is a graduate of Wake Forest University where
he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics. Michael
is currently a member of the Newton-Conover Rotary Club and
has served on the Board of Directors. He has served for 20
years on the Advisory Council of Frye Regional Medical Center
in Hickory, NC. Michael continues to be an active member of the
Western Piedmont Association of Health Underwriters; and a member
of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.
He is a native of Catawba County, married to Caroline Yount and
has one daughter. Michael and Caroline are members of Grace Reformed
United Church of Christ in Newton, where Michael is currently
a Deacon and has served on the church’s consistory.
Judy
Warsham has an Associates Degree in Business Administration
from Catawba Valley Community College and is licensed in Life/Health,
Medicare Supplement and Long Term Care. She is a member of
the Western Piedmont Health Underwriters Association. Judy has
been with Keenan-Stroud since 2000. Her duties at Carolina First
Associates will be customer service, sales support, quoting,
claims and billing inquires.
Sam Rhodes, Partner at CFA states “Mike
and I have been friends for many years. When two friends who
operate their businesses in a similar fashion and have a shared
business philosophy come together, it is not only a pleasure
internally but also a winning combination for our clients.
With our combined efforts, we look forward to serving our clients
for many years.”
Lori Sides, Partner at CFA states “We
are excited about this venture. Mike is a well respected broker
in our community who has served his clients well. We are pleased
to have Mike & Judy
as a part of our agency.”
Carolina First Associates, LLC has provided insurance and financial
planning services to companies in Western North Carolina area
for more than 27 years.
For more information about Carolina First Associates,
LLC and its expanded service offering, or for a no-obligation
quote, we may be reached at 828-324-2000, www.cfagroup.com, or
406 3rd Ave NW, Hickory.
1/11/07 – Medicare
Part D Announcement
The Medicare Part D drug program became available January 1, 2006.
The Medicare Modernization Act that created Medicare Part D also added new notification requirements for employer groups, and these notice requirements apply to groups that cover Medicare eligible individuals, even if they do not offer retiree drug coverage. Members under age 65 may be Medicare eligible due to a disability. To meet this requirement, employers need to send a communication (Credible or Non-Credible coverage notice) to their Medicare eligible members prior to January 31, 2007.
Employers that offer prescription drug coverage on a group basis are responsible for providing this notice to active and retired employees and dependents that are Medicare eligible individuals. Employers are also responsible for determining which of their members may receive this communication.
If you have any questions in regards to this, please contact our office.
More Information:
CMS Guidance (28kb PDF)
Medicare Part D Individual Guidance (68kb PDF)
Credible Coverage Disclosure Notice (44kb Word Doc)
Non-Credible Coverage Disclosure Notice (76kb Word Doc)
8/28/06 — "Blue Cross Flu Shots for out of state employees"
The website www.findaflushot.com will go live on September 5.
All clinics are 9am-5pm unless otherwise noted.
Here are the large regional clinics we have so far in and around our area:
Concord : October 5 @ Cabarrus Arena and Events Center
Hickory : October 12/13 @ Hickory Metro Convention Center
Charlotte : October 25/26 at Cricket Arena
Asheville: October 8 at the Asheville Renaissance
All the member needs to do is show up with their BCBSNC id card and a photo id to receive their free flu shot. If the regional clinics are not convenient for the group, then they should be able to get a list of participating clinics from the above website from September 5 on.
8/21/06 — Frye Regional Medical Center Joins Wellpath Network
5/30/06 — Frequently Asked Questions about
Lincoln Financial Group and Jefferson Pilot Financial Merger
5/30/06 — Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment
Rights Act
5/26/06 — Blue Cross’s
2006 Generic Copay Waiver Program
4/20/06 — CFA's
Lori Sides Discusses Medical Benefits Programs
Read her tips for choosing
a major medical benefits program for your employees in the
Hickory Daily Record article
Experts Take Five by
Amy McCauley.
4/3/06 — Business News Release: Carolina First Associates, LLC named True Blue Producer by BCBSN
Carolina First Associates LLC of Hickory has been honored for sales excellence by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has named Sam Rhodes and Lori Sides a True Blue Producer, a distinction awarded to independent agents and agencies that meet high standards in attracting and retaining customers for BCBSNC.
As an authorized agent for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, CFA offers health plans for employers and individuals, including BCBSNC’s popular Blue Advantage & H.S.A. products. They also offer Medicare Supplement, including Medicare Part D plans, short-term plans, individual dental plans and long-term care insurance.
True Blue Producers/Agencies must meet a minimum criterion for sales production to attain True Blue status.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to 3.3 million members. For 71 years, the company has served its customers by offering access to quality health care at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. BCBSNC’s HMO and POS products have earned Excellent Accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of health care delivered to people everywhere. BCBSNC also has North Carolina’s first and only NCQA accredited PPO plan – Blue OptionsSM. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Carolina First Associates LLC is located at 406 3rd Ave. NW, Hickory, NC 28601. For more information call 828-324-2000 or visit the website at www.cfagroup.com
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3/27/06 — Important News for BCBSNC Group Producers:
Blue Cross Blue Shield Small Group Eligibility Verification in the 6-50 Market.
"As part of our continuous quality improvement efforts and as required by law, BCBSNC is updating our certification process to ensure that our small group employers continue to meet small group participation requirements."
Click here for full PDF document including BCBSNC Annual Group Affidavit.
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1/30/06 — ATTENTION: All Clients insured under BCBS of NC Group Health Plans
BCBS of NC is once again implementing a program to waive the copays for all generic drugs. Beginning 2-1-06, all generic copays will be waived. If a member gets an existing generic prescription filled, or takes a new generic prescription to the drug store the copay will be waived. Likewise, if a member chooses to refill a name brand drug with a generic, the copay will be waived. BCBS experienced much success under this program when first initiated the last quarter of 2004. BCBS will again run this program from 2-1-06 through 7-31-06. This news will be released to the media this week. Please pass this information along to all employees. We have attached a memo you may want to use as a payroll stuffer.
Please call our office at (828)-324-2000 with any questions.
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1/30/06 — Attention: Employees insured under the BCBS Group Health Plan
Beginning 2-1-06, BCBS of NC will once again waive all copays for generic prescriptions. If you are currently taking a generic drug, and have it refilled after 2-1-06, the copay will be waived for refills through 7-31-06. Likewise, if you get a new prescription and ask for the generic instead of the brand name, the copay will be waived. If you currently are taking a name brand drug and choose to change it to a generic, the copay will also be waived. We encourage you to take full advantage of this value added benefit through 7-31-06.
Click here for printable version.
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11/12/04 – Frye Regional Medical Center Agrees to Continue to Serve BCBSNC Customers
Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory has agreed to continue to serve as
an in-network provider for members of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North
Carolina (BCBSNC).
The hospital reversed its decision to cancel its contracts to serve BCBSNC
members and has agreed to reimbursement terms for a new three-year contract
with BCBSNC.
The payment terms of the contract are the same as those BCBSNC offered Frye
in August.
The agreement means that BCBSNC members will continue to have access to
covered services at Frye at in-network level benefit levels. The agreement
covers all BCBSNC products, including the Federal Employee Program.
“We welcome this constructive step by the leadership of Frye Regional
Medical Center to continue our mutually beneficial relationship,” said Milo
Brunick, BCBSNC vice president of Network Management. “Having a choice of
quality hospitals in the region is good for consumers, and it is good for
the community.”
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10/28/04 – IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD
Limited number of flu shots offered for high risk BCBSNC Members
BCBSNC announced today that we will hold free flu shot clinics for members
who meet the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) “high risk”. Supply is
limited and statewide regional clinics will be held until the vaccine supply
is depleted.
Vaccines are available to members in any of the following health plans:
• All BCBSNC plans
• State Health plan
• Federal BCBSNC plan
• Partners Medicare choice
Members in the plans identified above who meet one or more of the following
criteria qualify for a free flu shot:
• Adults age 65 and older;
• Persons age 9-64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions;
• Women who are pregnant;
• Residents of nursing facilities and long-term care facilities;
• Children age 9-18 years on chronic aspirin therapy;
• Health care workers involved in direct patient care; and
• Out of home caregivers and household contacts of children aged under six
months.
Members may call 1 866 617 3797 to hear a listing of clinic locations and
dates.
Children who meet “high risk” criteria and are between the ages of nine and
17 must be accompanied by a parent in order to receive a free flu shot.
Pregnant women in their first trimester must have a physician’s written
prescription to receive the flu shot.
Children under nine should receive flu shots from their physician. Shots
will be given on a first come, first serve basis until shots are depleted.
Members must present their ID cards and complete and sign a high-risk
questionnaire to receive a flu shot.
Hickory
Location: Hickory Metro Convention Center (1960 13th Ave SE)
Dates: 11/17-18
Time: 9 am -5 pm
Charlotte
Location: Cricket/Independence Arena (2700 East Boulevard)
Dates: 11/15-16
Time: 9 am -5 pm
Winston-Salem
Location: Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum (2825 University Pkwy)
Dates: 11/10, time 9 am -5 pm, 11/11, time 8 am-4 pm
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10/04/04 –Explaining Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina’s
Generic Drug Copayment Holiday
Who is eligible?
• All group and individual members who have prescription drug coverage
• Blue Advantage members and Medicare Supplement members who have
prescription drug coverage.
• Any generic mail order prescription (for this group, the generic copay
will be waived from October 1 through December 31, 2004).
Who is NOT eligible?
• FEP and State group members (Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina
does not administer their pharmacy benefits).
• Medicare Supplement members who do not have drug benefits on their policy.
How will groups and subscribers be notified of the Generic Drug
Copayment Holiday?
• All group and individual members, Blue Advantage members and Medicare
Supplement members who have prescription drug coverage will receive a
letter notifying them of the generic holiday
• Letters to all employer groups were mailed Tuesday, September 14, 2004
• Due to the volume of subscribers, subscriber notification letters were
mailed in three phases:
— September 13, 2004
— September 16, 2004
— September 20, 2004
Members With Coinsurance Plans
Review the following to see how the generic holiday will apply to
members who have coinsurance programs instead of copayments.
Blue Advantage
• The generic holiday will not apply until AFTER members meet their drug
deductible.
• Once the deductible has been met, members’ coinsurance/copay amounts
owed on a generic prescription will be waived from October through
December 2004.
Medicare Supplement
• The generic holiday will not apply until AFTER members meet their drug
deductible.
• Once the deductible has been met, members’ coinsurance/copay amounts
owed on a generic prescription will be waived from October through
December 2004.
• If there is no deductible, members’ coinsurance/copay amounts owed on
a generic prescription will be waived from October through December 2004.
Group Coinsurance Plans
• Members’ coinsurance/copay amounts owed on a generic prescription will
be waived from October through December 2004.
Out-of-State Pharmacies
• If a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina member has a generic
prescription filled at a participating Medco pharmacy out of state, the
copay waiver will still apply.
• The copay waiver applies ONLY to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North
Carolina members.
• Members with a Blue Cross Blue Shield card from another Blue Cross
Blue Shield plan are NOT eligible for this copay waiver.
For example:
• A member who lives in Virginia, and is a member of Virginia’s plan
(Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield ), is NOT eligible for this waiver.
• A member who lives in Virginia, but is a member of North Carolina’s
plan, (Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina), IS eligible for this
waiver at participating Medco pharmacies in Virginia.
Please refer any other questions Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina
at 866-267-3057.
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9/02/04 – Frye Regional Medical Center Cancels Contracts to Serve BCBSNC Customers
Chapel Hill, N.C. – Frye Regional Medical Center has cancelled its contracts
to serve as in-network health care provider for customers of Blue Cross and
Blue Shield of North Carolina.
The hospital’s contract to serve members of BCBSNC’s Blue Choice“
point-of-service (POS) product terminated on September 1. Its cancellation
of the other products is effective on December 1.
BCBSNC had been negotiating with Frye and its California-based parent
company, Tenet Healthcare, in hopes of reaching a new contract. BCBSNC
offered the hospital a multi-year, double-digit fee increase, which would
have taken the hospital above the statewide average for both inpatient and
outpatient care. Medical costs for BCBSNC members in the Hickory area are
already about 7 percent above the statewide average, largely driven by
hospital costs.
"Frye Regional Medical Center is a quality hospital that we wanted to keep
in our networks, and we regret they declined our good faith offer to
continue to serve BCBSNC customers," said Milo Brunick, BCBSNC vice
president of Network Management. "Given the already high health care costs
in the region, we could not in good conscience accept their demands for even
more money. The good news is that we retain a strong network of hospitals in
the Unifour area."
BCBSNC has contracts with all other hospitals in the region, including
Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory. BCBSNC also recently signed a
contract with Western Piedmont Anesthesia, PA, the only anesthesia practice
serving Catawba Valley Medical Center.
No physician practices are affected by the termination.
Frye’s action means that in-network care for BCBSNC members at the hospital
will be limited to emergency care and care that is not reasonably available
at other region hospitals. Most BCBSNC products allow members to receive
benefits for services provided at an out-of-network facility. However,
members typically pay higher out-of-pocket costs for out-of-network care.
BCBSNC members should work with their physician to assure that they have
appropriate authorization before receiving care at any out-of-network
facility.
About BCBSNC:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering
innovative health care products, services and information to approximately 3
million members, including approximately 510,000 served on behalf of other
Blue plans. The company offers its members the Blue ExtrasSM value-added
programs, which provide discounts and information on a wide variety of
health-related services at no additional cost. BCBSNC also offers life,
dental, long-term care and disability insurance products. For 71 years, the
company has served its customers by offering access to quality health care
at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through
support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good
health. BCBSNC’s HMO and POS products have earned Excellent Accreditation
from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), an independent,
not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of health
care delivered to people everywhere. BCBSNC also has North Carolina’s first
and only NCQA accredited PPO plan – Blue OptionsSM. Blue Cross and Blue
Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and
Blue Shield Association. Access BCBSNC online at www.bcbsnc.com
Download PDF of this press release
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3/13/04 – Business News Release:
Carolina First Associates, LLC of Hickory
Sam Rhodes and Lori Sides, partners of Carolina First Associates, LLC of Hickory have been honored for sales excellence by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.
Sam Rhodes and Lori Sides were named True Blue Producers, a distinction awarded to independent agents and agencies that meet high standards in attracting and retaining customers for Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
In addition to the True Blue recognition, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, also has named Carolina First Associates, LLC to the President’s Club and to the MVP list for being one of the top ten producers in the State.
As an authorized agent for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Carolina First Associates, LLC offers health plans for employers and individuals, including Medicare Supplement plans, short-term plans, individual dental plans and long-term care insurance.
Sam Rhodes began Carolina First Associates, LLC (formerly Sam Rhodes Insurance) in 1980. He has 24 years experience in the insurance industry and holds his Life, Health and Accident license, Medicare Supplement and Long Term Care license, Series 6, Series 63, and is a NASD Registered Representative.
Sam and his wife Julie have 2 children and live in Hickory.
Lori Sides began her career working with Sam Rhodes in 1990, and formed the partnership Carolina First Associates in 1996. Lori is licensed in Life, Health and Accident, and Medicare Supplement and Long Term Care. She is a 12-year veteran of the industry, and holds a degree from Appalachian State University in Risk Management and Insurance.
Lori has one child and lives in Hickory.
Carolina First Associates, LLC with 12 employees is located at 406 3rd Ave, in Hickory,
828-324-2000.
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2/21/03 – Morrow Financial Services joins forces with Carolina First Associates to enhance product and service offerings.
HENDERSONVILLE, NC
Morrow Financial Services announced today it has partnered with Hickory-based insurance brokerage Carolina First Associates, LLC (CFA). Morrow Financial will provide enhanced benefits programs and financial services to businesses in Hendersonville, Rutherfordton, and surrounding areas.
By combining resources with CFA, Morrow Financial provides access to a wider selection of employee benefit plans and major medical, dental, life, disability, and long term care options for its clients. Morrow Financial’s retirement planning and financial services are also complemented by CFA’s offerings in those areas.
While products and services are enhanced, the staff at Morrow Financial remains the same – including Dick Lange, Morrow Financial’s president, who remains a key player in the new partnership. Lange will continue to manage existing client relationships and identify potential new clients. Sue Lange, another familiar Morrow Financial face, also retains her account management and customer service roles.
"With all the changes in the insurance industry over the past few years, we found that our clients needed more options in order to make better benefits choices for their employees," Lange explained. "Partnering with Carolina First Associates not only allows us to provide them more options, but it also helps us serve them even better with increased staff and support."
The Hendersonville office staff will expand to include two members of the current CFA team. Wendy Huddleston, a 12-year sales and insurance industry veteran, will serve as a sales executive for the Hendersonville area. Amber Holder, who has been with CFA for four years, will assist with account management and client service. Both Huddleston and Holder are available on-site in Hendersonville and are dedicated to building relationships with existing clients and the local business community. CFA has had an established presence in the Hendersonville area for years with a number of area companies on their client roster.
"We are excited about joining forces with Morrow Financial Services," said Lori J. Sides, Partner, Carolina First Associates. "Dick Lange and his staff are held in high regard within the Hendersonville community, and we are thrilled to partner with them to provide a wider range of benefits and services to local businesses."
MorrowFinancial Services has provided insurance and financial planning services to companies in the Hendersonville area for more than 30 years.
For more information about Morrow Financial and its expanded service offering, or for a no-obligation quote, please call (828) 693-7306.
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