MEMBER SERVICES
Julianne
Gardner
Jaivon Lewis
Jake Wilson
INTRODUCTION
What experiences have you had with calling member services departments?
Were these experiences positive or negative?
As the consumer, how do you think member services departments could better serve you?
WHAT ARE MEMBER SERVICES?
“Customer Services Function” – off er guidance for navigating the health care world.
Fundamental delivery approach for member services is through a customer interaction center
Supports inbound inquiries across a broad array of media, blended with outbound contact and outreach transactions.
Enables the member to communicate directly with his/her insurer
Enrollment
Complaints, payment issues, etc.
Claims processing
Assistance in procuring coverage/care.
MEMBER SERVICE ENVIRONMENT
Customer Interaction Centers
30-400 customer service representatives (CSRs)
Located with other “back-offi ce” functions (claims payment, provider services, enrollment, billing, etc.)
Center locations:
Less expensive areas.
Educated & available labor pools with minimal competition for employees.
Communities that off er the payer incentives for stable, long-term job opportunities for their citizens.
Outsourcing/Off -shoring calls
SUPPORT FUNCTIONS & METHODS
OF ACCESSING MEMBER SERVICES
Major support functions:
Training
Workforce management: process of balancing the service level and cost structure
Quality management/performance management
Methods of accessing member services
Interactive voice response
Inbound telephone calls
Mail/paper-based communications
Web-chat/text messaging
Mobile devices – smartphones/tablets
BEHIND THE SCENES
• First contact resolution
•
“Completing the transaction in such a way that the member has no reason to contact the plan again with the same issues”
BEHIND THE SCENES
CTI (computer telephony integration)
Takes caller information to access customer data bases to identify the member who is trying to contact member services.
ACD (automated call distributer)
Device that automatically routes contacts based on program distribution instructions
BEHIND THE SCENES
IVR Systems
A form of self service that does not require the intervention of a member services representative
Benefits:
Faster data entry
Increased Accuracy
Lower Cost
Other services
Mail and paper based
Email Connection
Web Chat /Text messages
Internet /Web Self Service
BEHIND THE SCENES
Understanding the Major Issues
4 Major Issues:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Claims processing and payment issues
Enrollment and ID cards
Provider accessibility
Benefi t Issues
COMPLAINTS, GRIEVANCES, &
APPEALS
Resolution of complaints is usually informal, but CSR must document every contact with a member expressing dissatisfaction.
If complaint alleges quality of care problems, medical director must be notifi ed.
Grievance - a formal complaint, demanding resolution or a formal response.
Ex. Formal letter to insurance commissioner charging insurer with deceptive sales and marketing practices.
Formal Appeal Process
Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) – creates specifi c consumer rights to appeal a denial of benefi ts coverage. ACA further codifi ed those rights
APPEALING HEALTH PLAN
DECISIONS
Aff ordable Care Act
Internal Appeal --> External Appeal
Appeal rights depend on the state you live in and the type of health plan you have. Some group