Fall 2009

FHCP is now an affiliate of Health Options

In June 2009, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. (BCBSF) and Health Options, Inc. announced that Florida Health Care Plan, Inc. (FHCP), a Florida licensed HMO, became an affiliate of Health Options. FHCP will continue to operate as a community-based, locally managed health plan.

FHCP directly employs physicians, both primary care and specialists, which in addition to those directly contracted by FHCP, constitute the FHCP provider network. However, with the exception of FHCP’s Medicare Advantage benefit plans, there are occasions when members may require services outside the FHCP provider network.

If you provide covered services to FHCP commercial and Healthy Kids members the following guidelines apply:

• All FHCP members who access covered emergency, urgent or pre-authorized services from you should be treated as Health Options members and you will be paid based upon the Health Options negotiated rates.
• To request authorization or pre-certification of non-emergency services, follow the directions on the back of the FHCP ID card.
• Send all FHCP member claims to the address on the back of the FHCP ID card. Do not send your claim to BCBSF/Health Options. FHCP will process the claim applying the applicable member benefits at the Health Options negotiated rate.

This process does not apply to FHCP's Medicare Advantage benefit plans. Call the telephone number listed on the back of the member's FHCP ID card for all inquiries related to FHCP Medicare Advantage benefits.

If you have any questions, call the Network Management Service Unit at (800) 727-2227, say "More Choices," then "Network Management."