Edition 64
September 2009
Message from the Manager
Fund Financial Performance, 30th June 2009
We’ve just about finished the Annual Report, and again we have achieved a healthy surplus. Following on from last year, our hospital admissions were lower than anticipated, and the hospital contract increases lower than budgetted. Investment returns were much better than expected in the current economic climate, with a number of longer term investments retaining relatively high interest rates — although this won’t last of course. The YoungSavers product continues to perform well, with most of our growth in new members in this area. Reports & AGM Notices will be issued when available, and also placed on our website.
Email Addresses
Starting with this newsletter, and our Annual Report, we will be utilising the email addresses for those members who have registered, and who do not receive Renewal Accounts. Not exactly a simple or straightforward process, hopefully this will reduce delays and postage costs. Note that we will not disclose these details to any third party, and will not use these details for unsolicited calls or emails to you.
Federal Government Legislative Changes
There have been changes to the thresholds for the Medicare Levy Surcharge, which has had little effect on the Fund thus far. Further changes have been proposed, and have been delayed in the Senate. These proposals cover means-testing of income, which will lead to a reduction of the amount of the federal government rebate on contributions by higher-income earners. It is unlikely that these changes will apply before 1st July 2010. As this matter is finalised, the details and dates on implementation will be advised to members, firstly via the fund website, and in further issues of HealthLinks.
Preferred Providers — Optical
Phoenix Health Fund has entered into an agreement with OPSM, Laubman & Pank and Budget Eyewear, to allow members with Ancillary cover — including Top Cover and YoungSavers — to get significant discounts on eyewear. See the Back Page article for more details. The presentation of your membership card will allow this to happen automatically!
William Beaton
Chief Executive Officer
The Back Page
Preferred Providers — Optical
OPSM, Laubman & Pank, OPSM Direct, Budget Eyewear ... recognise any of these companies?
To keep our members continually satisfied, Phoenix has just recently entered into an agreement with all of these respected optical companies! So what does this mean for members? Members that hold Ancillary cover, including Top Cover and YoungSavers, can enjoy great discounts from all OPSM, Laubman & Pank, OPSM Direct and Budget Eyewear stores nationwide. The discount applies to the large range of prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses on offer in any one of these stores. The discount will also cover contact lenses.
What discounts apply?
- 21% off frames (excluding Chanel, Bvlgari
and Tiffany & Co brands) - 21% off lenses and lens add-ons
- 10% off contact lenses
- Also applies to prescription sunglasses
So how does it all work? Simply visit any OPSM, Laubman & Pank, OPSM Direct or Budget Eyewear store, select your new frames and lenses, swipe your Phoenix Health Fund member’s card and receive a discount instantly! All discounts apply to purchasing in retail stores. Visit the following websites for your nearest store locations:
New Staffer: Marketing
To assist with building up our membership base, Phoenix Health Fund has appointed Joshua King to this role. Josh is young and enthusiastic, and brings a ‘younger’ perspective to the team. If you’d like Josh to drop by your workplace, contact him at joshua.king@phoenixhealthfund.com.au. He is keen to get out into workplaces!
