Helping Emdeon ExpressBill Services Customers Brace for USPS Increases
With the loss of nearly $10 billion in 2011, the USPS faces more operational challenges and rampant questions if it can (or even should) remain solvent. Rate increases are just one of the tactics being employed to help the agency attempt to survive. In an effort to address their financial losses, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has announced an increase in postage rates effective January 22, 2012. While Emdeon will attempt to minimize the impact, Emdeon ExpressBill Services customers may experience a rise in the postage costs associated with their service. Emdeon has communicated directly with all impacted customers to provide specific information regarding their postage increase.
With the decree to reduce operating costs by $20 billion by 2015, the USPS is also planning closures of approximately half of its 500 major mail processing facilities. There’s been strong talk of eliminating Saturday mail delivery and a workforce reduction, as well. Such actions would shift the standard for First Class mail delivery from one to three days to two to three days.
In this age of digital information sharing and online payments, it’s inevitable that the scope, service and cost of traditional mailing would undergo changes as mail volumes have decreased over the past few years. This reality, coupled with the required prefunding of health-benefit premiums for future retirees (approximately $21 billion total) as prescribed by a 2006 law, has put the USPS in a growing sea of red ink.
Of course, Emdeon will stay on the forefront of these issues and provide updated information as necessary. Given the current situation, there has never been a better time to aggressively encourage patients to go paperless by electing to receive an electronic only bill. Emdeon can also help you expand payment collection channels to accept payments over-the-phone, online and at the point-of-service as well. Call 877.EMDEON.6 (866.363.3666) to learn more!
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U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Declares Postage Rate Changes
