WellChoice is committed to protecting the privacy of our members. As part of that commitment, WellChoice is implementing new safeguards to help keep our members' personal information confidential by assigning non-social security numbers as identification (ID) numbers. Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding this effort and how it affects you.

Q. Why is WellChoice assigning new, non-social security numbers as ID numbers?
WellChoice is assigning new ID numbers in an effort to protect the privacy of our members. In the past, a member's ID number was his/her social security number. The new ID numbers will be unique, non-SSNs and will replace the previous ID numbers. This new ID will appear on all outgoing documents WellChoice sends to members, such as WellChoice ID cards, Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and letters.

Q. When will this affect my group?
WellChoice will be issuing new ID cards to all of its members from June 2004 through December 2005. For almost all groups, the reissuing of cards will be keyed to your plan's renewal date and new cards will be issued within 90 days of your renewal. You will be reminded of this change in a letter outlining your rates for the upcoming year. Any of your employees that live in one of the states [such as California] that have passed legislation prohibiting the display of a SSN on ID cards and documents could receive their new ID cards prior to the remaining employees in your group. We did this to ensure that we are in compliance with all state laws.

Q. How is the new member ID card different from a member's previous ID card?
The new ID cards will look the same as the previous ID cards except for the ID number. New ID numbers will still begin with a three-letter prefix but, instead of being followed by the member's SSN, it will be followed by an eight-digit randomly generated number beginning with an "8". (The previous ID number was a three-letter prefix plus a nine-digit ID based on the member's SSN.)

Q. Instead of WellChoice assigning the new ID number, can I (the GBA) assign the new number?
To make sure we do not have any duplicate IDs, we cannot have members or groups assign the new ID members. Only WellChoice can assign new ID numbers.

Q. How will I know what number you have assigned my employees?
To ease plan administration, we will still be communicating with you using the employees' SSNs. If you need a list of your employees' new ID numbers, call the GBA and Broker Contact Center or your Account Service Representative and we can send you a list. Please allow three weeks after making your request.

Q. How will my WellChoice members be notified?
Along with their new cards, WellChoice members will also be sent information regarding their new ID numbers. Members will also be kept up to date about this initiative via our member newsletter.

Q. What will my WellChoice members be instructed to do?
The new card will become effective the moment the member receives it. Members should replace the old ID cards with the new ones. Members also will be instructed to inform their physicians of the change in their ID numbers.

Q. How does this affect the way I administer my plan?
You will still need to include SSNs on enrollment forms. WellChoice will keep both the SSNs and the new ID numbers on file for each WellChoice member. Going forward, you will be able to use the new ID number in instances where in the past you used the SSN to access information or process transactions; however, the SSN will also be accepted.

Q. What communication was sent to my broker advising of this change?
Your broker was notified of this change in the March 2004 Broker newsletter.