Lee Champion and I have worked diligently and meticulously in an attempt to make the transition from Blue Cross Blue Shield to Principal a seamless process. To date, things are moving along very well.

Lee confirmed with Principal that the ID Cards were ordered on May 16th and takes around 7-10 days to be received. Our target is for the Administration Office to receive them by the 25th or 26th for distribution. We also have a plan “B” if they are not received by Thursday, May 26th (last day of school). I will keep you informed.

Secondly, and very importantly, please communicate at your earliest opportunity that we need to accelerate the effort to provide confirmation of deductibles satisfied to date and out-of-pocket. Below are the employees who have provided the necessary information:

(CAT editor here...I've used initials here since some folks do not like their name bandied about on the internet. If you are not certain that it is you...feel free to contact Ron Newell...I have the list.)

From Emerson: P.C., M.M., M.R., and P.S.

From Bennett: L.B., H.G., and Z.M.

Although others have sent me EOBs, the ones that were provided did not have the deductible and out-of-pocket information on them because the particular EOB that was sent to me did not require any deductible payment, only co-payment.

Here’s a suggestion that has worked extremely well for a few people, simple call BCBS on the toll-free number 1.800.541.2763 and request “confirmation of the deductible and out-of-pocket satisfied to date in the year 2005”. BCBS will send them a very easy to read, one page form with this information.

If you could include this in your next newsletter, it would be most helpful. If anyone has any questions whatsoever, they can call me on my cell or toll-free to my office.

(CAT editor here again...if you need these numbers, contact Ron Newell.)

Lee Champion and I look forward to assisting you.

In a follow-up e-mail, Kenny added the following:

As far as the method of getting them to me, my Creve Coeur Office address is fine or they can fax them to my O'Fallon, Illinois fax # 618.624.8352 (this is a private fax so a cover letter is not required).