Adminstrator Alert from Shargel & Co: Online Tools California Choice



Timely Topics for Group Benefits Administrators		Issue 23 Oct-Dec 2007

This issue we're focusing on information and links you need to administer medical benefits through Blue Cross of California.

Check the links at right to quickly access the information you need.

Online Employer Access

You can take care of all of your administrative tasks in the small group Employer Access section of the Blue Cross website. The site includes sections for enrollment, adding dependents, canceling coverage, ID cards, billing and reports.

To view a demo of the Employer Access site, click here.

http://demo.bluecrossca.com/smallgroup/

To log in to Employer Access, click here.

http://www.bluecrossca.com/employeraccess/sg/

Employee Online Access

Employees can access online information through the WebMD Healthy Living portal. General health information is available without logging in.

Benefits information is available by logging in to the member services area either from the home page www.bluecrossca.com or Healthy Living. Encourage your employees to manage their healthcare benefits online.

check benefits
view claims
order ID cards
update contact information

Waiting Periods & Hiring

One question we get asked repeatedly is about waiting

periods for employee benefits eligibility.

Waiting periods are set by the employer at the time of contract. Generally, the effective date will be the first of the month after the waiting period is completed.

Waiting periods can be changed at plan renewal or with a change of carrier. If you do not remember your waiting period, please give us a call.

You are under no obligation to ensure that a new hire has health coverage during the waiting period. As a courtesy, you can recommend that they continue their Cal-COBRA or COBRA coverage from their previous employer.