Those of you who get insurance through Freelancers Union should have already received an email outlining our plans for enhancing customer service by switching our billing and enrollment vendor to HealthPlan Services (HPS). This switch means that we’re able to make positive changes that members have been asking for. Please note that this transition has not happened yet, so billing processes and dates have not yet changed. We are currently conducting a detailed test of the new system to make sure it will meet members’ needs and will let you know as soon as possible the exact date of the transition. Thanks for your questions and comments in response to my previous post. We’ll send along all the details of the enhancements and changes the transition will bring as they are finalized. Here are some important improvements that address some of your questions and concerns: When you get your bill: As many of you have requested, we’re moving from a 45-day to a 30-day billing cycle (this is common with most other companies). So you’ll receive your invoice on the 4th business day of the month prior to the coverage month. No more “September bill for November coverage.” When payment is due: Payment will be due on the 15th of the month prior to the coverage month so you won’t have to pay so far in advance. For example, payment for November coverage would be due October 15. When automatic withdrawals occur: If you pay via automatic withdrawals, your payment will be drawn from your bank account on the 15th of the month (or next business day) before the coverage month. Similar to our current system, the total amount due will be withdrawn, including any past-due amounts and fees. Paying only your past-due amount: In the past, if members wanted to pay a past-due amount separately from the current amount due, they had to pay by paper check. With the new system, you will be able to make online payments for past-due balances separately from current balances, which provides more flexibility and convenience for subscribers. All insurance subscribers will continue to receive important notices via email or paper mail, and I welcome your questions and comments here as well. As always, Member Services is available to answer any questions and our Problem Resolution Team is here to investigate ongoing billing problems that haven’t been resolved. Sara Horowitz is the Executive Director of Freelancers Union.