CIEB Launches First International Provider Portal

On June 1, CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits (CIEB) launched the CIGNA Envoy Provider Portal, the third phase of CIGNA Envoy, CIEB's new web portal, www.CIGNAenvoy.com. The portal offers advanced web tools and enhanced functionality while making it easier for network providers, members, and clients to access the resources they need.

The Provider Portal simplifies the process of verifying benefits through instant access to coverage details, the ability to download forms, and securely communicate with CIEB. The new portal enhances the benefits for providers who have formal agreements with CIEB, while also simplifying access to care for members who visit these providers.

Contracted providers will receive a Provider ID and temporary PIN in order to log-in to the CIGNA Envoy Provider Portal. Providers may view and verify member benefits and eligibility by searching for members using member ID number or name and date of birth. In many cases, this eliminates the need to call the International Service Center, which not only reduces the burden of benefits verification for providers, but also minimizes wait times for covered individuals who visit providers who have an agreement with CIEB. Providers can also contact CIEB through the secure mail option.

The CIGNA Envoy Provider Portal enables the simplified management of patient relationships through access to real-time benefits information available through the Provider Portal. Access to coverage details and plan benefits allows doctors and hospitals to quickly accommodate patients with appropriate care, while delivering more accurate payments. Doctors and hospitals are able to provide more information at time of service, including how much CIEB will pay for certain procedures and what portion of the bill will be the patient's responsibility. Additionally, the Provider Portal centralizes customer service functions and allows doctors and hospitals access to claim forms in a variety of languages. A printed benefits page now serves as a confirmation of a Guarantee of Payment to the provider.

Using the latest web development technology, CIGNAenvoy.com streamlines all of the most important tools providers need. While our International Service Center is always available for assistance, providers now have an array of information available to them online, instantly. To view an informational video about CIGNA Envoy, visit http://www.cignaexpats.com/envoyvideo/.

CIEB Offers Compliance Reminders

CIEB offers coverage programs that comply with U.S. and international regulations. Compliance is an important consideration because penalties may apply.

Purchasing Insurance from Offshore Companies:

Purchasing insurance from an offshore company is inadvisable. This approach does not reduce your risk. In fact, it increases your exposure to noncompliance sanctions. Entering into a relationship with a foreign insurer does not exempt the purchaser from U.S. laws. Offshore companies are typically not licensed in the United States. Most states have enacted laws that can apply severe penalties for transacting business without proper licensing. Offshore insurance is not necessarily considered creditable coverage under HIPAA requirements. In addition, there are U.S. federal excise taxes due on life insurance policies purchased from an offshore insurer.

Accountability Falls on the Employer:

If the insurer is not compliant, the employer who purchased from the non-compliant carrier will often times be held responsible as well. There are many recent examples of severe penalties imposed against companies and their officers and employees, some of which received extensive national media attention.

Penalties:

Depending on the scenario and the applicable regulations and host countries, penalties may be applied to the insurance plan; the insured organization and its offices and employees; companies purchasing administrative services only (ASO); consultants or agents participating in the purchase of insurance; and even covered individuals.

Penalties for noncompliance vary and may include criminal imprisonment, as well as corporate and personal fines. In recent years, the U.S. Sentencing Commission unanimously adopted more stringent guidelines for effective compliance and ethics programs. Sarbanes-Oxley requires a senior financial officer certification that no applicable laws have been violated. Misrepresentations carry severe civil and criminal penalties. In addition to criminal and civil liability, negative publicity generated by government action can be extremely damaging to a company's public image.

For even more information on international compliance, download our brochure here.

DISCLAIMER: 'CIGNA' refers to any one of the underwriting companies owned directly or indirectly by CIGNA Corporation and/or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Products and services are provided by these subsidiaries, affiliates and other contracted companies and not by CIGNA Corporation. 'CIGNA' is a registered service mark. 'CIGNA International,' 'CIGNA International HealthCare Benefits,' and 'CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits' are also service marks. Any reference to other organizations or companies and/or their products or services, including their Internet sites, is not an endorsement or warranty of the services, information, or products provided by them, nor should a reference to other organizations be construed as their endorsement or warranty of CIEB's products or services. All trademarks (registered and unregistered) and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

CIEB's web-based tools, such as CIGNA Envoy^SM, are available for informational purposes only. They do not constitute medical advice. CIEB's web tools are not intended to be a substitute for proper medical care provided by a physician and not intended as a means for self-diagnosis. CIGNA Envoy is a service mark of CIGNA Corporation.

This material is being provided for informational purposes only and should not be relief upon as legal advice. As always, we recommend that you consult with your independent legal and tax advisors.

Copyright 2009.