Frequently Asked Questions
When will these new Churchwide Healthcare plans be available?
The new plans will be available effective January 1, 2006. However, our initial enrollment period starts October 1, and continues through November 1, 2005. We will mail an application to every person who is considering enrollment as soon as we hear from them. November 1, 2005, is the last date we can accept completed applications for enrollment effective January 1, 2006. We anticipate completing the medical underwriting process will take a little time, so it's important we receive both your application request and completed applications as soon as possible.
How much will our plan cost?
The health insurance industry generally determines the cost of any plan by considering six variables: the coverage you select, the deductible you're willing to pay, your age, your gender, the cost of healthcare in the area where you live, and your general health condition. To be fair to all prospective enrollees and to be competitive in the marketplace, Churchwide Healthcare has adopted industry standard pricining practices for 2006. This means every prospective enrollee, whether an individual, spouse, or covered dependent, will need to complete an application disclosing these variables before we can quote an accurate price for the plan you've selected. So instead of quoting "ballpark" rates that could go up dramatically once we review your completed application, we want to give you a fair and accurate price the first time. The price we give you is the price we live with. It's not in your best interest to have it any other way.
Will we have to change doctors?
Churchwide Healthcare plans always offer you the right to choose your personal healthcare provider. Obviously, if the provider you choose is in our network, you'll end up paying less for the care you receive. That's why it's so important to choose a plan that offeres a large, national provider network that's available to you wherever you live or travel. And that's why Churchwide Healthcare offers the Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Network of over 720,000 providers. You can reach an online directory to see if your personal physician participates in this network. Simply log on to www.highmarkbcbs.com and click on the "Find A Provider" link.
How will we know if these new plans are better than our current one?
We understand there's more to comparing plans than just looking at the price. You have to consider what is covered and how much is covered. It's often difficult and time consuming to make an accurate comparison. So, we'll do it for you. If you'll send us a recent premium statement, a copy of your current plan's benefit statement, a current employee census and completed applications for all eligible employees who wish to enroll in Churchwide Healthcare, we'll send you an honest, accurate side-by-side comparison of your current plan with the CWHC plan that most closely matches it. It's the painless way to ensure you're getting the best possible coverage at the best possible price.