Effective August 1st, health care providers have access to an online tool which will allow them to determine where members are in meeting their deductible. This is the same tool registered members of the Optima Health Web site can currently access online. The member is responsible for charges not paid by the health plan, which includes deductible expenses.
Because provider offices differ in their billing practices, members are encouraged to discuss payment arrangements for their out-of-pocket expenses with the health care provider staff. Some members may have additional funding sources to assist with deductible or other expenses, and this information may help the provider staff in determining member payment options.
This information will be shared with employer groups, providers and members over the coming weeks in their respective newsletters.