WageWorks Inc. has been selected as the Osage Nation’s new administrator for its Health Benefit Plan.
According to a letter from Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear to tribal members dated Aug. 23, WageWorks out performs HealthSmart in call response time, first call resolution, claims processing and claims reimbursement. The Health Benefit Plan has been offered to tribal members since 2008.
Information on WageWorks has been mailed to all tribal members. It is important to keep mailing addresses up to date with the offices of Constituent Services, the Election Office and the Osage News.
The Nation currently offers a $500 Health Benefit card to all tribal members, and a $1,000 Health Benefit card to all tribal members over the age of 65. Osage artist Addie Roanhorse designed the new cards, which have changed from blue to red, with a blue fan across the front. The old HealthSmart cards will deactivate on Dec. 31 at midnight.
The Fifth Osage Nation Congress approved $9.3 million to fund the Health Benefit Plan on Sept. 18. The appropriation funds the Medigap coverage (Plan F) and a new program this year, Plan D, which is a prescription drug benefit.
Tribal members’ 2018 Health Benefit accounts will be accessible Jan. 1, 2018 if they enroll online before Oct. 31. Claims processing will also begin Jan. 1.
For more information about WageWorks and upcoming deadlines, visit the Nation’s website at https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/member-services/health-benefits-information-wageworks
Online enrollment
Online enrollment for the Health Benefit Plan is currently open and closes on Oct. 31. However, tribal members can still enroll by downloading an application from the Constituent Services website or contacting Constituent Services for an application after the Oct. 31 deadline.
WageWorks is also compatible with smartphones. Tribal members can download the app EZ Receipts and file claims. To learn more visit www.wageworks.com/aboutmobile
For more information about WageWorks, visit the Nation’s website at https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/member-services/health-benefits-information-wageworks
By
Shannon Shaw Duty
Original Publish Date: 2017-10-06 00:00:00