February 2001 Trust Talk

Finding Benefits Information

We realize that beginning in March, you'll be sent lots of benefits information in your mail at home and at work. We've already told you about the two important booklets we'll be sending, but if you're the type who prefers to seek information on your own terms, consider using our website or IVR phone systems. We will soon update both our website and IVR systems in anticipation of open enrollment; but, currently and for the 2001 open enrollment, they will still be information-only (paper forms are required for enrollment).

Please share your feedback about the systems' usefulness, since they were created to improve our service to you, our customers. As you use each system, please let us know if there is anything that you think will make the system more helpful to you and your Union-represented coworkers.

Phone System/IVR

Your calls to the Trust are answered by an automated attendant and you may still transfer to Trust customer service (available 8 a.m. -
5 p.m., Monday through Friday), but with the IVR, you have access to some personal eligibility information as well as

• Answers to frequently-asked questions,
• Forms available for immediate fax back or requests to mail to your home address, and
• Open enrollment critical dates and information (only available
  during Trust open enrollment).

A touch-tone telephone will help you best use the IVR system, but members calling on rotary phones can still access customer service. If you have a newer rotary phone, you may want to switch from pulse to tone after dialing and then should be able to use the system.

Just call 614-508-2255 (in Columbus) or 800-228-5088 (elsewhere in Ohio) anytime.

Website

The Trust also has a website available for your convenience. Much of the information that will be available on the phone system is also available to those of you with web access. The website also offers links to related benefits sites, the ability to get provider directories online, feature articles on your benefits and current benefits news. Visit us at http://www.benefitstrust.org.