Services

Local Experience - The staff of Great Northern Benefits has several years' experience building and maintaining relationships with local healthcare professionals. No other firm can make this claim. Our staff has knowledge from “both sides of the fence” - working in the past for carriers, and currently from the viewpoint of an independent agency representing several carriers. GNB staff also enjoys good, solid relationships with the local representatives of key carriers. This translates to fast, dependable service for our clients.

Claims Recovery/Inquiry Services - If you need help with a claim you believe has been improperly processed or denied in error, Great Northern Benefits can help. Just send us a copy of your bill from the provider and the corresponding Explanation of Benefit Payment from the carrier. We'll follow-up with billing offices and claims processors to determine the nature of the problem. You'll be notified of the outcome of the inquiry and if additional information or action is necessary on your part.

Appeal and Grievance Assistance - Great Northern Benefits is also available to assist you with appeals and grievances if you wish to pursue unsatisfactory claims determinations to a higher level. We can submit a request for reconsideration of the claim in dispute. (Be assured that any supporting documentation you provide to us will be maintained in confidence in accordance with Federal and State regulations.) We are also available on a limited, case-by-case basis, to guide you through a formal grievance up to the State level if you wish to further pursue unsatisfactory appeals determinations.

Claim Submission Services - If you need help with a medical or prescription claim submission, please give us a call. We can ensure that the proper forms are used, filled out correctly and sent to the right carrier.

Membership Collection System (MCS) - If you are a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan client, GNB can submit your membership data electronically, via their on-line system. The MCS system enables GNB to add a new employee or dependent, terminate a dependent or contract, order ID cards, transfer coverage from regular to COBRA, change addresses and add COB information. Just send or fax your completed Enrollment/Change of Status form to GNB and we'll handle the rest. This method eliminates the need for you to send paperwork downstate to BCBSM, and is a more timely way to ensure that your records are up-to-date and accurate. If a question or problem arises, only a phone call to GNB is necessary in most cases. On-line billing inquiries are also a click away if you have questions regarding your account.

MyServices Enrollment/Inquiry - If you are a Priority Health client, GNB can submit your membership data electronically, via their on-line system. MyServices enables GNB to add or terminate an employee or dependent, order ID cards, transfer coverage, change addresses and primary care physicians and confirm benefit information. Just send or fax your completed Enrollment or Change form to GNB and we'll handle the rest. This method eliminates the need for you to send paperwork to Grand Rapids, and is a more timely way to ensure that your records are up-to-date and accurate. If a question or problem arises, only a phone call to GNB is necessary in most cases.

Employee Benefit Meetings - GNB staff is available to conduct on-site enrollment meetings to assist employees when making group benefit decisions. We also explain benefit structures, provide plan descriptions and assist in paperwork completion. These meetings present an ideal opportunity for employees to ask specific questions regarding coverage for their particular circumstance and lifestyle.

Benefit Comparisons - GNB can prepare benefit comparison documents when clients are considering more than one carrier for their group benefit needs. Visualizing benefit structures side-by-side is an easy way to determine which plan provides the coverage levels you're looking for at a price you can live with.

Section 125 Plans - Section 125 cafeteria compensation plans can be utilized to add flexibility and cost-effectiveness to a traditional benefit program. GNB can assist employers in designing and implementing an appropriate flexible benefit plan.

Voluntary Programs - GNB has a large and varied selection of voluntary products that can be offered to employees on a payroll-deduction basis. The products provide benefits that employees are generally not otherwise able to obtain on an individual basis. Selections include cancer, short- and long-term disability, group term life, dental, vision, accident, long-term care and others.

COBRA Administration Set-Up - GNB has relationships with many COBRA administrators. We can set up your administration with any of these professionals and arrange for consultation for COBRA participants.

HRAs - Health Reimbursement Accounts can be utilized to add flexibility and cost-effectiveness to a traditional benefit program. GNB can assist employers in designing and implementing an appropriate flexible benefit plan.