President Hamilton and Chancellor Pugh have sent out letters to providers in the state and in Juneau asking them to join. Mike Humphrey said that so far, one has shown interest but none have yet joined. Network providers are required to do billing on the behalf of UA subscribers. If patients don t want providers to do billing on their behalf, it is a real problem. Checks go from Blue Cross to the providers if they are on the network.
Providers then bill patients for the remainder of the bill that is their responsibility.
Humphrey said that first the employee should check with Blue Cross. If Blue Cross cannot resolve the problem, check with Human Resources. It is to further encourage use of network providers. Dental procedures such as getting teeth sealed are strictly out of pocket costs that do not go toward your deductible. Vision expenses don t go toward the deductible either.