MEA Voice - June 2008

MESSA Update

MESSA’s new-look Web site "www.messa.org" enhances personalized member service

MESSA Web siteMESSA’s new-look Web site—see it and use it by visiting www.messa.org— is drawing positive responses
from members who like its new navigation and “self-service” features.

“The site has been redesigned to provide a modernized look that welcomes MESSA members and makes navigation easy,” MESSA Executive Director Cynthia
Irwin said. “We are particularly pleased with the new self-service feature, online EOBs.”

EOBs are the Explanation of Benefits statements that members receive in the mail from MESSA indicating that MESSA received a bill from a medical provider for services provided to the member or dependent.

The EOB statement also includes information about whether or not the claim was for a service covered by the member’s plan, how much of the bill MESSA paid, and how much of the bill is the member’s responsibility.

MESSA’s new Web site allows members to view and print EOBs using their own secure, password-protected area. This popular enhancement gives MESSA members quick and convenient access to the information they want 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Soon to be unveiled will be a feature allowing members to request that paper EOBs no longer be sent to them. Members will instead receive an e-mail informing them that a new EOB has been posted to their secure area. This feature is expected to save members time and reduce MESSA’s mailing costs.

Quick access to services

The new site is designed to provide members with quick access from the home page to the services and features that member surveys show they use and need the most.

In addition to online EOBs, these key features include:

Logging in

The new and improved secure registration and log-in process provides members with access to their account information around the clock in case they forget their user name or password. This new process was designed to increase self-service convenience for members while strengthening MESSA’s privacy and security protections.

Member area

In addition to enhanced security, MESSA’s Member area continues to offer other convenient self-service features:

Taking care of business

The password-protected Business Office area features a number of great tools to help business offices administer their employees’ MESSA benefit plans and assist members.

Looking to the future

The new design also incorporates a new modern software infrastructure that provides
a foundation for adding new member services and features in the future. To that end, a strategy committee of MESSA staff members will meet on an ongoing basis to plan new features that will keep the site fresh and useful to members.“Our goal with the new Web site is to continue to provide best-in-class service with simple navigation while safeguarding our members’ privacy,” Irwin said. “We are very proud of the site and the promise it holds for future member services.”