Florida Health Care Plan FAQs
For Volusia and Flagler County Residents
| Q: | Did Halifax Health have to sell FHCP because of financial problems? |
| A: | No. Halifax Health is financially stable. The change in ownership is in the best interests of FHCP members, employees and physicians, as well as Halifax Health and the communities it serves. |
| Q: | Why did Halifax Health decide to sell FHCP to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and not another company? |
| A: | The decision to sell to BCBSFL was based on their experience, stability, demonstrated commitment to healthcare needs of the local community, and the resources they can bring to expand access to Florida Health Care Plan’s affordable, high-quality care. Also, BCBSFL is committed to continue present FHCP operations and organization, which will ensure continuity of care for the community, and means there will be no job loss or changes in staffing, facilities or benefits as a result of the sale. FHCP will now offer the best features of a large statewide and national health plan, combined with the responsiveness and local decision making of our community health plan. |
| Q: | What did BCBSFL pay to purchase Florida Health Care Plan, and how will that money be used? |
| A: | BCBSFL will pay Halifax Health $85 million to purchase FHCP. After paying off expenses and any debt owed prior to the sale, Halifax Health will receive a net benefit of approximately $45 million. These funds will be used to further secure the financial stability of Halifax Health through its ability to lower interest rates on existing debt. This, in turn, will generate additional dollars that can be used on a day to day basis to help us continue to meet the goals that have allowed Halifax Health to provide exceptional healthcare to the community for 80 years: Full employment with no layoffs; the continuance of competitive wages and benefits; and the maintenance and fostering of a positive employee relations environment. |
| Q: | Does this mean my taxes will decrease? |
| A: | The sale of FHCP will not directly result in a decrease in taxes for local residents. The enhanced financial position and savings generated through lower interest rates that this sale affords, however, will help strengthen the long-term financial performance of the organization, which in turn will help reduce Halifax Health’s reliance on tax dollars over time. |
For Florida Health Care Plan Employees
| Q: | Am I still employed? |
| A: | Yes. FHCP employees will not lose their jobs as a result of this change in ownership. |
| Q: | Will I have to reapply for my job? |
| A: | No. FHCP employees will not have to reapply for their current position as a result of this change in ownership. |
| Q: | Does this mean I am now an employee of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida? |
| A: | No. You are still an employee of Florida Health Care Plan. |
| Q: | Do I still have the same benefits (vacation time, salary, retirement, etc.)? |
| A: | Yes. This change in ownership does not affect your current level of benefits. |
| Q: | Will there be a new policies and procedures manual sent out? |
| A: | No. All employees should continue to use the current FHCP policies and procedures manual. |
| Q: | Did Halifax Health have to sell FHCP because of financial problems? |
| A: | No. Halifax Health is financially stable. The change in ownership is in the best interests of FHCP members, employees and physicians, as well as Halifax Health and the communities it serves. |
| Q: | Why did Halifax Health decide to sell FHCP to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and not another company? |
| A: | The decision to sell to BCBSFL was based on their experience, stability, demonstrated commitment to healthcare needs of the local community, and the resources they can bring to expand access to Florida Health Care Plan’s affordable, high-quality care. Also, BCBSFL is committed to continue present FHCP operations and organization, which will ensure continuity of care for the community, and means there will be no job loss or changes in staffing, facilities or benefits as a result of the sale. FHCP will now offer the best features of a large statewide and national health plan, combined with the responsiveness and local decision making of our community health plan. |
| Q: | Is the sale final as of today’s vote by the Board? |
| A: | No. The Halifax Health Board of Commissioners signed a resolution authorizing Halifax Health and Florida Health Care Plan, Inc. to execute a purchase agreement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida after satisfactory due diligence is completed and appropriate regulatory approval has been obtained. |
| Q: | How long will that take? |
| A: | Approximately 2-4 months. |
| Q: | What regulatory agencies have to approve the sale? |
| A: | The Office of Insurance Regulation, the Agency for Healthcare Administration, the Department of Justice and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. |
| Q: | Who do I contact if I have additional questions? |
| A: | For more information, FHCP employees should contact their immediate supervisor. |
For Florida Health Care Plan Members
| Q: | Will Florida Health Care Plan change their name? |
| A: | No. Florida Health Care Plan, Inc. will continue to operate under the same name. |
| Q: | Will new membership cards be issued to Florida Health Care Plan members? |
| A: | Yes. At some point, a new FHCP card with the BCBS insignia added will be issued to all FHCP members. Until that time, members will continue to use their current FHCP cards. |
| Q: | Can I continue going to my current doctor? |
| A: | Yes. |
| Q: | Will any new physicians or pharmacies be added to the local network? |
| A: | As Florida Health Care Plan, Inc. continues to grow, there may be new physicians and pharmacies added to the local network. |
| Q: | What is the process for visiting a doctor if I’m out of the area? |
| A: | The process for visiting a doctor will remain the same for FHCP members, whether in the local area or outside of Volusia and Flagler counties. |
| Q: | Will the Florida Health Care Plan office and pharmacy locations stay the same? |
| A: | Yes. |
| Q: | Can I continue to use the current Florida Health Care Plan website and contact information? |
| A: | Yes. All contact information will remain the same. |
| Q: | Can I still use Walgreens pharmacies or continue using mail order services for my medications? |
| A: | Yes. |
| Q: | Will my premiums, co-pays or prescription costs increase now? |
| A: | No. There will be no increase in premiums, co-pays or prescription drug costs as a result of this change in ownership. |
| Q: | Will anything change on my healthcare plan? |
| A: | Yes. All FHCP members will now have access to the expanded statewide and nationwide Blue Cross and Blue Shield healthcare provider network outside of Volusia and Flagler counties. |
| Q: | What is the process for visiting a doctor if I am outside the local area? |
| A: | The process for visiting a doctor will remain the same for FHCP members, whether in the local area or outside of Volusia and Flagler counties. |
| Q: | Can I still participate in the Preferred Fitness Program? |
| A: | Yes. |
| Q: | Why did Halifax Health decide to sell FHCP to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and not another company? |
| A: | The decision to sell to BCBSFL was based on their experience, stability, demonstrated commitment to healthcare needs of the local community, and the resources they can bring to expand access to Florida Health Care Plan’s affordable, high-quality care. Also, BCBSFL is committed to continue present FHCP operations and organization, which will ensure continuity of care for the community, and means there will be no job loss or changes in staffing, facilities or benefits as a result of the sale. FHCP will now offer the best features of a large statewide and national health plan, combined with the responsiveness and local decision making of our community health plan. |
| Q: | Who do I contact if I have additional questions? |
| A: | For more information, FHCP members should the Member Services Department at 386.615.4022 or 877.615.4022. Hearing impaired may dial TTY/TTD # 386.615.4045 or 877.260.8312. |
For Volusia/Flagler Employers
| Q: | Do I have to renegotiate my company’s current Florida Health Care Plan contract for my employees? |
| A: | No. The sale of Florida Health Care Plan, Inc. to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida will not require employers to renegotiate contracts. They will continue work with their same area FHCP representative. |
| Q: | Should I expect an increase in costs because of the sale? |
| A: | No. There will be no increase in cost to employers as a result of this change in ownership. |
| Q: | Will my employees’ premiums increase now? |
| A: | No. There will be no increase in premiums as a result of this change in ownership. |
| Q: | Will new membership cards be issued to my employees? |
| A: | Yes. At some point, a new FHCP card with the BCBS insignia added will be issued to all FHCP members. Until that time, members will continue to use their current FHCP cards. |
| Q: | Will anything change on my company’s plan? |
| A: | Yes. All FHCP members will now have access to the expanded statewide and nationwide Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida healthcare provider network outside of Volusia and Flagler counties. |
| Q: | What is the process for my company’s employees to visit a doctor outside the local area? |
| A: | The process for visiting a doctor will remain the same for FHCP members, whether in the local area or outside of Volusia and Flagler counties. |
| Q: | How will this affect my employees who use FHCP’s national access program? |
| A: | The program will be expanded to include BCBS national association providers. |
| Q: | Will the Preferred Fitness Program still be in place? |
| A: | Yes. Employers can continue to participate in the Preferred Fitness Program. |
| Q: | How can I get my employees who live and work outside of Volusia and Flagler counties on our current healthcare plan? |
| A: | Contact your current FHCP representative regarding the addition of a companion BCBSFL plan that can be included as part of your Florida Health Care Plan coverage. |
| Q: | Did Halifax Health have to sell FHCP because of financial problems? |
| A: | No. Halifax Health is financially stable. The change in ownership is in the best interests of FHCP members, employees and physicians, as well as Halifax Health and the communities it serves. |
| Q: | Why did Halifax Health decide to sell FHCP to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and not another company? |
| A: | The decision to sell to BCBSFL was based on their experience, stability, demonstrated commitment to healthcare needs of the local community, and the resources they can bring to expand access to Florida Health Care Plan’s affordable, high-quality care. Also, BCBSFL is committed to continue present FHCP operations and organization, which will ensure continuity of care for the community, and means there will be no job loss or changes in staffing, facilities or benefits as a result of the sale. FHCP will now offer the best features of a large statewide and national health plan, combined with the responsiveness and local decision making of our community health plan. |
| Q: | Who do I contact if I have additional questions? |
| A: | For more information, employers should contact their current FHCP representative. For Employed FHCP Healthcare Providers Florida Health Care Plan FAQs |
| Q: | Does this mean I am now an employee of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida? |
| A: | No. You are still an employee of Florida Health Care Plan. |
| Q: | Do I still have the same benefits (vacation time, salary, retirement, etc.)? |
| A: | Yes. This change in ownership does not affect your current benefits. |
| Q: | Did Halifax Health have to sell FHCP because of financial problems? |
| A: | No. Halifax Health is financially stable. The change in ownership is in the best interests of FHCP members, employees and physicians, as well as Halifax Health and the communities it serves. |
| Q: | Will there be a new policies and procedures manual sent out? |
| A: | No. All healthcare providers should continue to use the current FHCP policies and procedures manual. |
| Q: | Why did Halifax Health decide to sell FHCP to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and not another company? |
| A: | The decision to sell to BCBSFL was based on their experience, stability, demonstrated commitment to healthcare needs of the local community, and the resources they can bring to expand access to Florida Health Care Plan’s affordable, high-quality care. Also, BCBSFL is committed to continue present FHCP operations and organization, which will ensure continuity of care for the community, and means there will be no job loss or changes in staffing, facilities or benefits as a result of the sale. FHCP will now offer the best features of a large statewide and national health plan, combined with the responsiveness and local decision making of our community health plan. |
| Q: | Who do I contact if I have additional questions? |
| A: | For more information, Employed FHCP Health Care Providers should contact Wendy Myers, MD, at 386.676.7135 or wmyers@fhcp.com, or Butch Simpson at 386.676.7193 or ceo@fhcp.com. |
For Non-Employed FHCP Healthcare Providers
| Q: | Am I still under contract with Florida Health Care Plan? |
| A: | Yes. This change in ownership does not affect current contracts with healthcare providers. |
| Q: | Do I have to renegotiate my contract? |
| A: | No. This change in ownership does not require providers to renegotiate their current contracts. |
| Q: | Will the administration of my contract change? |
| A: | No. This change in ownership does not affect the administration of current contracts with providers. |
| Q: | Will there be a new policies and procedures manual sent out? |
| A: | No. All healthcare providers should continue to us the current FHCP policies and procedures manual. |
| Q: | Did Halifax Health have to sell FHCP because of financial problems? |
| A: | No. Halifax Health is financially stable. The change in ownership is in the best interests of FHCP members, employees and physicians, as well as Halifax Health and the communities it serves. |
| Q: | Why did Halifax Health decide to sell FHCP to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and not another company? |
| A: | The decision to sell to BCBSFL was based on their experience, stability, demonstrated commitment to health care needs of the local community, and the resources they can bring to expand access to Florida Health Care Plan’s affordable, high quality care. Also, BCBSFL is committed to continue present FHCP operations and organization, which will ensure continuity of care for the community, and means there will be no job loss or changes in staffing, facilities or benefits as a result of the sale. FHCP will now offer the best features of a large statewide and national health plan, combined with the responsiveness and local decision making of our community health plan. |
| Q: | Who do I contact if I have additional questions? |
| A: | For more information, Non-Employed FHCP Healthcare Providers should contact Wendy Myers, MD, at 386.676.7135 or wmyers@fhcp.com, or Butch Simpson at 386.676.7193 or ceo@fhcp.com. |
