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Plan Administrator - BIAW - Special Trust Features
The BIAW Health Insurance Trust has many significant advantages over individual insurance plans and other group plans. Here are just a few:
Variety and Choice
BIAW medical plans range from the most extensive benefit packages to plans that provide similar access to medical services but with higher deductibles and copays. The BIAW Trust offers a large assortment of medical plans, 4 dental plans, 2 vision plans, and life insurance coverage.
Local Insurance Carriers, Claims Processing and Customer Service
All BIAW insurance carriers provide local claims processing, local customer service and local health care provider networks. Our Carriers have established exclusive BIAW Member Services Teams to handle your employees’ claims and benefits questions. Our members receive prompt, accurate information on benefits and claims.
Service and Simplicity
In addition to the customer service provided by insurance carriers, BIAW Trust member companies also receive day-to-day service from EPK & Associates, the exclusive BIAW Trust Administrator. Staffed by licensed insurance professionals, EPK handles billing, eligibility issues, and COBRA administration. Should you need assistance, EPK staff is also available to help resolve issues with insurance carriers.
Consulting Services
Capital Benefits Services is retained by the BIAW Trust to negotiate the best possible rates, analyze and design benefit plans, provide plan comparisons, evaluate benefit options, and meet with employee groups. CBS will also assist with other benefits such as long and short-term disability policies.
Out-Of-Area Coverage
Employees covered by Regence BlueShield or HMO Oregon may access participating health care providers worldwide who contract with local BlueCross BlueShield plans. For the most up-to-date information about participating providers call 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) or go to www.bluecares.com. Asuris Northwest and Group Health Options also have out-of-area service. Call Group Health Customer Service at 1-800-542-9172 or go to www.ghc.org. Call Asuris Customer Service at 1-344-5587 or go to www.asurisnorthwesthealth.com.
24-Hour On-The-Job Coverage
Many health insurance plans exclude–or charge extra for–medical coverage for on-the-job injuries incurred by owners and officers of the company. All BIAW plans include this protection at no charge when the owner or officer of the member company is exempt from Workers Compensation coverage.
Preventive Care
All BIAW medical plans include coverage for preventive care (e.g. annual physicals, well-baby checkups, cancer screening, etc.) and the annual deductible, if there is one, will be waived for these benefits.
Additional Life Insurance
In addition to the Basic Life Insurance benefit provided at the group level, each employee may choose to increase his or her life insurance in $10,000 increments up to $300,000 ($30,000 minimum). There is no cost to the employer for this coverage, and rates reflect the large group purchasing power of the BIAW Trust. Employees of companies with 10 or more eligible employees are guaranteed a minimum $50,000 coverage–regardless of health conditions–if application is made within the first 30 days of enrollment.
COBRA Administration
If your company is subject to federal COBRA Continuation Coverage regulations (generally, companies with 20 or more employees) administrative services are provided at no charge. Trust administrators handle all COBRA obligations with the exception of the company’s notification requirements.
New Company Enrollment Provisions
Companies whose current insurance carrier is Regence BlueShield or one of its affiliates, HMO Oregon, or Asuris Northwest Health may be subject to special open enrollment provisions. Please contact a BIAW Trust Consultant (425-641-8093 or 1-800-545-7011 ext. 6) or email us at sales@epkbenefits.com for complete details.
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