Edition 73
December 2011
Message from the Manager
Office Hours: PHOENIX HEALTH FUND Christmas 2011 & New Year
The office of the Fund will be open up to, and including the 23rd December, closed over the Christmas/New Year period, reopening on Tuesday 3rd January 2012.
While the office will be unattended, Ancillary claims via HICAPS will be available, and arrangements have been made for electronic payments of contributions to be processed. Members who have registered for Web Services will be able to enquire as normal. Travel Insurance will still be available via the Website. See below for extended Call Centre times also.
For more information, please call Phoenix Health Fund on 1800 028 817.
Annual General Meeting 19th October 2011
The meeting for 2011 was brief and straightforward, with the directors retiring by rotation re-elected, as no additional nominations had been received. There were no special resolutions put forward this year.
At the subsequent meeting of the board, positions of Chairman and Deputy Chairman were continued, with Mr. Steve Cook re-elected as Chairman, and Mr. David Byrnes as Deputy Chairman. Committee positions continue as per last year.
CONTRIBUTION RATE INCREASE & BENEFIT REVIEW to apply from 1st April 2012
Contribution Rates will be increasing from 1st April 2012, with the submission now being considered by the Minister for Health, and the final determination in late February 2012.
Our application is for the minimum necessary to cover anticipated claims costs for next year, a difficult and complex task in itself. Costs of claims are increasing at a rate much greater than domestic CPI, especially Hospital, Medical and Prostheses costs.
Hospital contracts rate increases are significant and ongoing, with our Strategic Partner, the Australian Health Service Alliance serving us well in improving the contracts, and limiting increases. The Access Gap Cover scheme also restrains Doctor Agreement increases.
There will be some minor revisions to the item benefits in the Ancillary area, as a result of benchmarking against competitor funds. Members will be advised individually of the new benefits and contribution rates as soon as practicable.
William Beaton
Chief Executive Officer
The Back Page
TIPS FOR HEALTHY LIVING: SWAP IT, DON’T STOP IT!
Living life to its absolute fullest has become a whole lot easier with the use of the Australian Government’s health initiative, “Swap it, don’t stop it!” Phoenix Health Fund is proud to back up this great and simple initiative.
The logic behind the campaign is simple. You don’t necessarily need to stop doing what you’re doing, just make some simple lifestyle changes to make these activities healthier.
For example, swap big for small (portion control), swap often for sometimes (occasional treats), swap fried for fresh (nutritional quality), swap sitting for moving (physical activity), and swap watching for playing (physical activity).
There are plenty of “Swap It” resources available to help you become a ‘swapper’ too. These resources are available from swapit.gov.au and include:
- An app for your iPhone that allows you to choose from a range of food and physical activity swaps. You can track your progress, use an ingredient planner, create your own shopping list and find activities nearby.
- A 12-week planner to help you plan and monitor your eating and physical activity.
- Brochure & Fact sheets
So why not be part of the “The Swap It, Don’t Stop It” success story and swap your way to good health. For more information jump on swapit.gov.au or email enquiries@phoenixhealthfund.com.au
DO A FRIEND A FAVOUR - HAVE YOU RECEIVED YOUR $100 EFTPOS GIFT CARD?
There is only 1 month left of Phoenix Health Fund’s Do-a-friend-a-favour promotion.
If you haven’t done so already, simply refer an eligible person (workmate, family or friend)to Phoenix Health Fund, and if they join before Dec 31st 2011, both you and your referred friend will receive a free $100 EFTPOS Gift Card.
To claim your Gift Card, make sure the person you refer sends in the Membership Promotion form with their application. This form can be downloaded from the Forms page of the funds’ website.
Not sure if they’re eligible? They can find out at phnx.com.au or contact us on 1800 028 817.
EXTENDED CALL CENTRE AND FRONT COUNTER OPERATING HOURS
To provide further service to our members, Phoenix Health Fund’s Call Centre and front counter operating hours have been extended.
From the start of December, Phoenix Health Fund’s call centre will be extending the operating hours to 8:30am to 6:00pm EST and extending front counter operating hours from 8:30am to 5:00pm EST.
CLAIMING TIPS: OVERSEAS AND ONLINE PURCHASES
Government regulations do not allow Australian Private Health Insurers to pay for items or services, received from or whilst overseas.
If you are considering purchasing items online, please check that the item is sourced from an Australian supplier to ensure your claim is accepted.
SUGGESTIONS?
Can you see ways in which we could be providing a better service?
Send you thoughts and recommendations to: suggestions@phoenixhealthfund.com.au
