Frequently Asked Questions:

1. When will the merger take place?

The merger is effective from 4 July 2005.

2. What changes can be expected in the future?

All existing products and services will be retained and it is business as usual. All products and premiums will be reviewed on an annual basis as part of the annual rate review process. This is a highly regulated process that ultimately requires the approval of the Federal Minister of Health. This ensures that all members’ interests are safeguarded.

3. Who will be responsible for managing the new organisation?

The merged organisation will be managed by Latrobe Health Services a not for profit health fund that has been in operation since 1950. The Board of management of Latrobe Health Services will oversee the management of the fund. The Private Health Insurance Administrative Council PHIAC continually monitors all private health insurers.

4. How will the merger affect my health insurance?

Your health insurance will remain unchanged and all claims will be processed as usual.

5. How will the merger benefit members?

The merged organisation is in a very strong financial position with assets exceeding the capital adequacy and solvency requirements by a substantial margin. Through the ownership of Maryvale Private Hospital this will enable the continued operation of medical clinics in the Latrobe Valley region. The combined organization will be able to offer members a wider range of product choice including general and travel insurance.

Combined experiences of staff and economies of scale will provide greater efficiencies with assessing and processing members’ claims. The merger of these two organizations will strengthen the local market share and provide new opportunities to further expand.

6. I have a Federation Health product am I required to complete any paperwork in relation to the merger?

No. The organisation will be known as Latrobe Health Services and there will be separately branded products both Federation and Latrobe. There is no need for any paper work to be completed by existing members who hold a Federation branded product.

7. Are the benefits applicable to my membership going to change?

Members will continue to be covered under the conditions of the policy they purchased, however if for any reason a benefit change is required, all affected members will be advised in advance.

8. Will the existing benefit limits on Latrobe branded products apply to Federation branded products?

The existing benefit limits on Latrobe’s branded products will not apply to Federation branded products.  A review of all products is currently being undertaken with no changes to products before 1^st April 2006.

9. Can a member with a Federation branded product transfer their membership to a Latrobe branded product?

Yes. All transfers from Federation products to Latrobe products will be treated as though the member was transferring within the same fund for the purposes of determining waiting periods and/or levels of benefits.

10. Can Federation members claim benefits or pay contributions at Latrobe branches or vice versa?

At present members can leave claim forms at any of our existing branches for forwarding to the relevant staff member for processing. Cash only contributions and claims should be directed to the branch displaying the corresponding signage ie. Latrobe contributions and claims to Latrobe offices and Federation contributions and claims to Federation offices. However the branch structure is under review and we will shortly improve this to accommodate members with either branded products.

11. Will members with Latrobe branded products be able to access the medical clinics?

Yes in the same way as they would access any medical clinic. The conditions of the government grant however are very specific and only apply to members with Federation branded products. It is envisaged that the clinics will transfer to a Medicare arrangement in the future which would then give all members similar access.

12. Will members be receiving new membership cards?

No not at this stage.

13. Can I still use my membership card for HICAPS services?

Yes, it is business as usual.

14. What are the contact details for members?

LATROBE HEALTH SERVICES

Latrobe branded products 1300 362 144

Federation branded products 1800 636 082

Fax: 03 5128 9289