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 California Choice.

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

Online Administration Services

California Choice has online administration services for employers. You can:

check premiums for a new hire
enroll new employees
update employee addresses
order id cards
review all activity
terminate coverage, and
double check billing and invoices

You will need to register and login to the administrator site to access these services. To register, you'll need your group number, tax id number and company zip code.

Employee application forms for printing are available without logging in. These are updated based on renewal/effective dates.

From within the online system, administrators cannot make employee changes such as adding or removing dependents.

Employees can use the member level online services for these tasks, or submit hardcopy forms.

Online Member Services

Employees can also access their benefit information online at CalChoice.com. Along with reviewing benefits summary information, they can look for providers, add or remove coverage for themselves or dependents because of a qualifying event and update their contact information.

Employees can access further services on their individual carrier's website.

Employee Guide to Online Services

Empower your employees with the information they need to manage their healthcare online.

We've create a W eb Wise: Online Tools to Manage Your Healthcare newsletter you can download and distribute by email or hardcopy.

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.