REAL STORIES

No Need to Follow up: No Vendor "I'd Recommend as Highly"

With assets of $179.1 billion and 1,694 retail branches and 2,673 ATMs in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina, SunTrust is one of the nation's largest and strongest financial services companies.

As the company's health and welfare benefits manager, Barbara Nix knows it's her job to find solutions that are good for the health of SunTrust's employees and its business. That's why she's glad she has Benefit Advocates as an ally.

In addition to appealing denied claims and untangling other health insurance red tape, Nix said that Benefit Advocates plays a critical role in making sure the right employees are enrolled in Medicare Part D and receiving its benefits and that Medicare — not SunTrust's insurers — are paying claims where Medicare is the primary coverage.

"They work with our outsource vendor on Medicare Part D reconciliation on an ongoing basis as well as disability Medicare coordination between Medicare and our active vendors and now assist us with all our Medicare repayment requests," Nix said. "Without assistance from Benefit Advocates, we would never be able to staff adequately for peak Part D enrollment and the volumes of repayment requests.

"They really play a key role in the claims coordination for members between Medicare and the SunTrust carriers," she said. "What I enjoy best about working with Benefit Advocates is that they are always professional and pleasant to work with and you always know the issue will be handled. We don't have to follow up."

How satisfied is SunTrust with Benefit Advocates? Ellen Shelnutt, SunTrust's Benefits Outsourcing manager, said: "There's no vendor with whom I've ever worked that I would recommend as highly as I recommend Benefit Advocates. If you're considering their services, I promise you won't regret your decision to work with them.

"They are our partner in supporting our employees and retirees. Their health advocacy, Medicare call center and enrollment support services allow SunTrust to provide a personal, high-touch level of service in today's technology-driven world."