Page numbers referenced within this brochure apply only to the printed brochure

GEHA Indemnity Benefit Plan

www.geha.com
Customer Service: 800-821-6136

2021



IMPORTANT:
  • Rates
  • Changes for 2021
  • Summary of Benefits
  • Accreditations
A Fee-for-Service Plan (Elevate Plus and Elevate Options) with a Preferred Provider Network

This plan's health coverage qualifies as minimum essential coverage and meets the minimum value standard for the benefits it provides.  See page (Applies to printed brochure only) for details. This plan is accredited. See page (Applies to printed brochure only).

Sponsored and administered by:   
Government Employees Health Association, Inc.


Who may enroll in this Plan:  All Federal employees and annuitants who are eligible to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program may become members of Government Employees Health Association, Inc. (GEHA). You must be, or must become a member of GEHA.

To become a member:  You join simply by signing a completed Standard Form 2809, Health Benefits Registration Form, evidencing your enrollment in the Plan.

Membership dues:  There are no membership dues for the Year 2021.

Enrollment codes for this Plan:

    251 Elevate Plus Option - Self Only
    253 Elevate Plus Option - Self Plus One
    25
2 Elevate Plus Option - Self and Family
    254 Elevate Option - Self Only
    256 Elevate Option - Self Plus One
    25
5 Elevate Option - Self and Family
    

 
FEHB LogoOPM Logo
RI71-018








Important Notice

Important Notice from Government Employees Health Association, Inc. About

 Our Prescription Drug Coverage and Medicare

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has determined that the Government Employees Health Association, Inc. prescription drug coverage is, on average, expected to pay out as much as the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage will pay for all plan participants and is considered Creditable Coverage. This means you do not need to enroll in Medicare Part D and pay extra for prescription drug coverage. If you decide to enroll in Medicare Part D later, you will not have to pay a penalty for late enrollment as long as you keep your FEHB coverage.

However, if you choose to enroll in Medicare Part D, you can keep your FEHB coverage and your FEHB plan will coordinate benefits with Medicare.

Remember: If you are an annuitant and you cancel your FEHB coverage, you may not re-enroll in the FEHB Program.

Please be advised

If you lose or drop your FEHB coverage and go 63 days or longer without prescription drug coverage that is at least as good as Medicare’s prescription drug coverage, your monthly Medicare Part D premium will go up at least 1% per month for every month that you did not have that coverage. For example, if you go 19 months without Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, your premium will always be at least 19 percent higher than what many other people pay. You will have to pay this higher premium as long as you have Medicare prescription drug coverage. In addition, you may have to wait until the next Annual Coordinated Election Period (October 15 through December 7) to enroll in Medicare Part D.


For people with limited income and resources, extra help paying for a Medicare prescription drug plan is available. Information regarding this program is available through the Social Security Administration (SSA) online at 
www.socialsecurity.gov, or call the SSA at 800-772-1213, TTY: 800-325-0778.

Medicare’s Low Income Benefits

You can get more information about Medicare prescription drug plans and the coverage offered in your area from these places:

  • Visit www.medicare.gov for personalized help.
  • Call 800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), (TTY: 1-877-486-2048).



Table of Contents

(Page numbers solely appear in the printed brochure)

Table of Content



Introduction

This brochure describes the benefits of the GEHA Indemnity Benefit Plan under contract (CS 2962) with the United States Office of Personnel Management, as authorized by the Federal Employees Health Benefits law. This Plan is underwritten by Government Employees Health Association, Inc. (GEHA, Inc.) and Surety Life Insurance Company and administered by GEHA, Inc. The Carrier of the Plan is a voluntary association comprised of GEHA, Inc. and Surety Life Insurance Company. Customer service may be reached at 800-821-6136 or through our website: www.geha.com. GEHA’s administrative address is:

Government Employees Health Association, Inc.
310 NE Mulberry St. 
Lee's Summit, MO 64086

This brochure is the official statement of benefits. No verbal statement can modify or otherwise affect the benefits, limitations, and exclusions of this brochure. It is your responsibility to be informed about your health benefits.

If you are enrolled in this Plan, you are entitled to the benefits described in this brochure. If you are enrolled in Self Plus One or Self and Family coverage, each eligible family member is also entitled to these benefits. You do not have a right to benefits that were available before January 1, 2021, unless those benefits are also shown in this brochure.

OPM negotiates benefits and rates with each plan annually. Benefit changes are effective January 1, 2021, and changes are summarized on page (Applies to printed brochure only). Rates are shown at the end of this brochure.




Plain Language

 All FEHB brochures are written in plain language to make them easy to understand. Here are some examples:

  • Except for necessary technical terms, we use common words. For instance, “you” means the enrollee and each covered family member, “we” means Government Employees Health Association, Inc.
  • We limit acronyms to ones you know. FEHB is the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. OPM is the United States Office of Personnel Management. If we use others, we tell you what they mean.
  • Our brochure and other FEHB plans’ brochures have the same format and similar descriptions to help you compare plans.  



Stop Health Care Fraud!

Fraud increases the cost of health care for everyone and increases your Federal Employees Health Benefits Program premium.

OPM’s Office of the Inspector General investigates all allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse in the FEHB Program regardless of the agency that employs you or from which you retired.

Protect Yourself From Fraud – Here are some things that you can do to prevent fraud:

  • Do not give your plan identification (ID) number over the phone or to people you do not know, except for your health care provider, authorized health benefits plan, or OPM representative.
  • Let only the appropriate medical professionals review your medical record or recommend services.
  • Avoid using health care providers who say that an item or service is not usually covered, but they know how to bill us to get it paid.
  • Carefully review Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) statements that you receive from us.
  • Periodically review your claims history for accuracy to ensure we have not been billed for services you did not receive.
  • Do not ask your doctor to make false entries on certificates, bills, or records in order to get us to pay for an item or service.
  • If you suspect that a provider has charged you for services you did not receive, billed you twice for the same service, or misrepresented any information, do the following:
    • Call the provider and ask for an explanation. There may be an error.  
    • If the provider does not resolve the matter, call us at 844-510-0048 or go to www.lighthouse-services.com/geha and explain the situation.
    • If we do not resolve the issue:

CALL - THE HEALTH CARE FRAUD HOTLINE
877-499-7295
OR go to www.opm.gov/our-inspector-general/hotline-to-report-fraud-waste-or-abuse/complaint-form

The online reporting form is the desired method of reporting fraud in order to ensure accuracy, and a quicker response time.

You can also write to:
United States Office of Personnel Management
Office of the Inspector General Fraud Hotline
1900 E Street NW Room 6400
Washington, DC 20415-1100 

  • Do not maintain as a family member on your policy:
    • Your former spouse after a divorce decree or annulment is final (even if a court order stipulates otherwise); or
    • Your child over age 26 (unless he/she was disabled and incapable of self-support prior to age 26). 
    • A carrier may request that an enrollee verify the eligibility of any or all family members listed as covered under the enrollee’s FEHB enrollment.
  • If you have any questions about the eligibility of a dependent, check with your personnel office if you are employed, with your retirement office (such as OPM) if you are retired, or with the National Finance Center if you are enrolled under Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC).
  • Fraud or intentional misrepresentation of material fact is prohibited under the Plan. You can be prosecuted for fraud and your agency may take action against you. Examples of fraud include falsifying a claim to obtain FEHB benefits, trying to or obtaining service or coverage for yourself or for someone else who is not eligible for coverage, or enrolling in the Plan when you are no longer eligible.
  • If your enrollment continues after you are no longer eligible for coverage (i.e., you have separated from Federal service) and premiums are not paid, you will be responsible for all benefits paid during the period in which premiums were not paid. You may be billed by your provider for services received. You may be prosecuted for fraud for knowingly using health insurance benefits for which you have not paid premiums. It is your responsibility to know when you or a family member is no longer eligible to use your health insurance coverage.



Discrimination is Against the Law

Government Employees Health Association, Inc. complies with all applicable Federal civil rights laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 

You can also file a civil rights complaint with the Office of Personnel Management by mail at: Office of Personnel Management Healthcare and Insurance Federal Employee Insurance Operations, Attention: Assistant Director FEIO, 1900 E Street NW, Suite 3400 S, Washington, DC 20415-3610.




Preventing Medical Mistakes

Medical mistakes continue to be a significant cause of preventable deaths within the United States. While death is the most tragic outcome, medical mistakes cause other problems such as permanent disabilities, extended hospital stays, longer recoveries, and even additional treatments. Medical mistakes and their consequences also add significantly to the overall cost of health care. Hospitals and health care providers are being held accountable for the quality of care and reduction in medical mistakes by their accrediting bodies. You can also improve the quality and safety of your own health care and that of your family members by learning more about and understanding your risks. Take these simple steps:

 1.  Ask questions if you have doubts or concerns.

      • Ask questions and make sure you understand the answers.
      • Choose a doctor with whom you feel comfortable talking.
      • Take a relative or friend with you to help you take notes, ask questions, and understand answers.

 2.  Keep and bring a list of all the medications you take.

      • Bring the actual medication or give your doctor and pharmacist a list of all the medications and dosages that you take, including non-prescription (over-the-counter) medications and nutritional supplements.
      • Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any drug, food, and other allergies you have, such as latex.
      • Ask about any risks or side effects of the medication and what to avoid while taking it. Be sure to write down what your doctor or pharmacist says.
      • Make sure your medication is what the doctor ordered. Ask the pharmacist about your medication if it looks different than you expected.
      • Read the label and patient package insert when you get your medication, including all warnings and instructions.
      • Know how to use your medication. Especially note the times and conditions when your medication should and should not be taken.
      • Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
      • Understand both the generic and brand names of your medication. This helps ensure you do not receive double dosing from taking both a generic and a brand. It also helps prevent you from taking a medication to which you are allergic.

3.  Get the results of any test or procedure.

      • Ask when and how you will get the results of tests or procedures. Will it be in person, by phone, mail, through the Plan or Provider's portal? 
      • Don’t assume the results are fine if you do not get them when expected. Contact your health care provider and ask for your results.
      • Ask what the results mean for your care.

4.  Talk to your doctor about which hospital or clinic is best for your health needs.

      • Ask your doctor about which hospital or clinic has the best care and results for your condition if you have more than one hospital or clinic to choose from to get the health care you need.
      • Be sure you understand the instructions you get about follow-up care when you leave the hospital or clinic.

5.  Make sure you understand what will happen if you need surgery.

      • Make sure you, your doctor, and your surgeon all agree on exactly what will be done during the operation.
      • Ask your doctor, “Who will manage my care when I am in the hospital?”
      • Ask your surgeon:

     -    “Exactly what will you be doing?”
     -    “About how long will it take?”
     -    “What will happen after surgery?”
     -    “How can I expect to feel during recovery?”

      • Tell the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nurses about any allergies, bad reactions to anesthesia, and any medications or nutritional supplements you are taking.

Patient Safety Links

For more information on patient safety, please visit

      • www.jointcommission.org/speakup.aspx.  The Joint Commission's Speak Up™ patient safety program.

      • www.jointcommission.org/topics/patient_safety.aspx.  The Joint Commission helps health care organizations to improve the quality and safety of the care they deliver.

      • www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers.  The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality makes available a wide-ranging list of topics not only to inform consumers about patient safety but to help choose quality health care providers and improve the quality of care you receive.

      • www.bemedwise.org.  The National Council on Patient Information and Education is dedicated to improving communication about the safe, appropriate use of medications.

      • www.leapfroggroup.org.  The Leapfrog Group is active in promoting safe practices in hospital care.

      • www.ahqa.org.  The American Health Quality Association represents organizations and health care professionals working to improve patient safety.

Preventable Health Care Acquired Conditions (“Never Events”)

When you enter the hospital for treatment of one medical problem, you do not expect to leave with additional injuries, infections, or other serious conditions that occur during the course of your stay. Although some of these complications may not be avoidable, patients do suffer from injuries or illnesses that could have been prevented if doctors or the hospital had taken proper precautions. Errors in medical care that are clearly identifiable, preventable and serious in their consequences for patients can indicate a significant problem in the safety and credibility of a health care facility. These conditions and errors are sometimes called “Never Events” or “Serious Reportable Events.”

We have a benefit payment policy that encourages hospitals to reduce the likelihood of hospital-acquired conditions such as certain infections, severe bedsores, and fractures, and to reduce medical errors that should never happen. When such an event occurs, neither you nor your FEHB plan will incur costs to correct the medical error.

You will not be billed for inpatient services related to treatment of specific hospital acquired conditions or for inpatient services needed to correct “Never Events.” “Never Event” is defined by your claims administrator using national standards. This policy helps to protect you from preventable medical errors and improve the quality of care you receive.




FEHB Facts

Coverage information




TermDefinition
  • No pre-existing condition limitation

We will not refuse to cover the treatment of a condition you had before you enrolled in this Plan solely because you had the condition before you enrolled.

 

  • Minimum essential coverage (MEC)

Coverage under this plan qualifies as minimum essential coverage. Please visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website at www.irs.gov/uac/Questions-and-Answers-on-the-Individual-Shared-Responsibility-Provision for more information on the individual requirement for MEC.

  • Minimum value standard (MVS)

Our health coverage meets the minimum value standard of 60% established by the ACA. This means that we provide benefits to cover at least 60% of the total allowed costs of essential health benefits. The 60% standard is an actuarial value; your specific out-of-pocket costs are determined as explained in this brochure.

  • Where you can get information about enrolling in the FEHB Program

See www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare for enrollment information as well as:

  • Information on the FEHB Program and plans available to you;
  • A health plan comparison tool;
  • A list of agencies that participate in Employee Express;
  • A link to Employee Express; and
  • Information on and links to other electronic enrollment systems.

Also, your employing or retirement office can answer your questions, and give you brochures for other plans and other materials you need to make an informed decision about your FEHB coverage. These materials tell you:

  • When you may change your enrollment;
  • How you can cover your family members;
  • What happens when you transfer to another Federal agency, go on leave without pay, enter military service or retire;
  • What happens when your enrollment ends; and
  • When the next Open Season for enrollment begins.

We don’t determine who is eligible for coverage and, in most cases, cannot change your enrollment status without information from your employing or retirement office. For information on your premium deductions, you must also contact your employing or retirement office.

  • Types of coverage available for you and your family

Self Only coverage is for you alone. Self Plus One coverage is for you and one eligible family member. Self and Family coverage is for you and one eligible family member, or you, your spouse, and your dependent children under age 26, including any foster children authorized for coverage by your employing agency or retirement office. Under certain circumstances, you may also continue coverage for a disabled child 26 years of age or older who is incapable of self-support.

If you have a Self Only enrollment, you may change to a Self Plus One or Self and Family enrollment if you marry, give birth, or add a child to your family. You may change your enrollment 31 days before to 60 days after that event. The Self Plus One or Self and Family enrollment begins on the first day of the pay period in which the child is born or becomes an eligible family member. When you change to Self Plus One or Self and Family because you marry, the change is effective on the first day of the pay period that begins after your employing office receives your enrollment form. Benefits will not be available to your spouse until you are married. A carrier may request that an enrollee verify the eligibility of any or all family members listed as covered under the enrollee’s FEHB enrollment.

Your employment or retirement office will not notify you when a family member is no longer eligible to receive benefits, nor will we. Please tell us immediately of changes in family member status including your marriage, divorce, annulment, or when your child reaches age 26.  

If you or one of your family members is enrolled in one FEHB plan, you or they cannot be enrolled in or covered as a family member by another enrollee in another FEHB plan.

If you have a qualifying life event (QLE) – such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child – outside of the Federal Benefits Open Season, you may be eligible to enroll in the FEHB Program, change your enrollment, or cancel coverage. For a complete list of QLEs, visit the FEHB website at www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/life-events. If you need assistance, please contact your employing agency, Tribal Benefits Officer, personnel/payroll office, or retirement office.

  • Family member coverage

Family members covered under your Self and Family enrollment are your spouse (including your spouse by valid common-law marriage if you reside in a state that recognizes common-law marriages) and children as described below. A Self Plus One enrollment covers you and your spouse, or one other eligible family member as described below.

Natural children, adopted children, and stepchildren
Coverage: Natural children, adopted children, and stepchildren are covered until their 26th birthday.

Foster children
Coverage: Foster children are eligible for coverage until their 26th birthday if you provide documentation of your regular and substantial support of the child and sign a certification stating that your foster child meets all the requirements. Contact your human resources office or retirement system for additional information.

Children incapable of self-support
Coverage: Children who are incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical disability that began before age 26 are eligible to continue coverage. Contact your human resources office or retirement system for additional information.

Married children
Coverage: Married children (but NOT their spouse or their own children) are covered until their 26th birthday.

Children with or eligible for employer-provided health insurance
Coverage: Children who are eligible for or have their own employer-provided health insurance are covered until their 26th birthday.

Newborns of covered children are insured only for routine nursery care during the covered portion of the mother's maternity stay.

You can find additional information at www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance.

  • Children’s Equity Act

OPM has implemented the Federal Employees Health Benefits Children’s Equity Act of 2000. This law mandates that you be enrolled for Self Plus One or Self and Family coverage in the FEHB Program, if you are an employee subject to a court or administrative order requiring you to provide health benefits for your child(ren).

If this law applies to you, you must enroll in Self Plus One or Self and Family coverage in a health plan that provides full benefits in the area where your children live or provide documentation to your employing office that you have obtained other health benefits coverage for your children. If this law applies to you, and only one child is involved in the court or administrative order, you may enroll for Self Plus One coverage in a health plan that provides full benefits in the area where your child lives or provide documentation to your employing office that you have obtained other health benefits coverage for the child. If you do not do so, your employing office will enroll you involuntarily as follows:

  • If you have no FEHB coverage, your employing office will enroll you for Self Plus One or Self and Family coverage, as appropriate in the lowest-cost nationwide plan option as determined by OPM;
  • If you have a Self Only enrollment in a fee-for-service plan or in an HMO that serves the area where your children live, your employing office will change your enrollment to Self Plus One or Self and Family, as appropriate, in the same option of the same plan; or
  • If you are enrolled in an HMO that does not serve the area where the children live, your employing office will change your enrollment to Self Plus One or Self and Family, as appropriate, in the lowest-cost nationwide plan option as determined by OPM.

As long as the court/administrative order is in effect, and you have at least one child identified in the order who is still eligible under the FEHB Program, you cannot cancel your enrollment, change to Self Only, or change to a plan that does not serve the area in which your children live, unless you provide documentation that you have other coverage for the children.

If the court/administrative order is still in effect when you retire, and you have at least one child still eligible for FEHB coverage, you must continue your FEHB coverage into retirement (if eligible) and cannot cancel your coverage, change to Self Only, or change to a plan that does not serve the area in which your children live as long as the court/administrative order is in effect. Similarly, you cannot change to Self Plus One if the court/administrative order identifies more than one child. Contact your employing office for further information.

  • When benefits and premiums start

The benefits in this brochure are effective January 1. If you joined this Plan during Open Season, your coverage begins on the first day of your first pay period that starts on or after January 1. If you changed plans or plan options during Open Season and you receive care between January 1 and the effective date of coverage under your new plan or option, your claims will be processed according to the 2021 benefits of your prior plan or option. If you have met (or pay cost-sharing that results in your meeting) the out-of-pocket maximum under the prior plan or option, you will not pay cost-sharing for services covered between January 1 and the effective date of coverage under your new plan or option.  However, if your prior plan left the FEHB Program at the end of the year, you are covered under that plan’s 2020 benefits until the effective date of your coverage with your new plan. Annuitants’ coverage and premiums begin on January 1. If you joined at any other time during the year, your employing office will tell you the effective date of coverage.

If your enrollment continues after you are no longer eligible for coverage (i.e., you have separated from Federal service) and premiums are not paid, you will be responsible for all benefits paid during the period in which premiums were not paid. You may be billed for services received directly from your provider. You may be prosecuted for fraud for knowingly using health insurance benefits for which you have not paid premiums. It is your responsibility to know when you or a family member are no longer eligible to use your health insurance coverage.

  • When you retire

When you retire, you can usually stay in the FEHB Program. Generally, you must have been enrolled in the FEHB Program for the last five years of your Federal service. If you do not meet this requirement, you may be eligible for other forms of coverage, such as Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC).




When you lose benefits




TermDefinition
  • When FEHB coverage ends

You will receive an additional 31 days of coverage, for no additional premium, when:

  • Your enrollment ends, unless you cancel your enrollment, or
  • You are a family member no longer eligible for coverage.

Any person covered under the 31 day extension of coverage who is confined in a hospital or other institution for care or treatment on the 31st day of the temporary extension is entitled to continuation of the benefits of the Plan during the continuance of the confinement but not beyond the 60th day after the end of the 31 day temporary extension.

You may be eligible for spouse equity coverage or assistance with enrolling in a conversion policy (a non-FEHB individual policy).

  • Upon divorce

If you are divorced from a Federal employee or annuitant, you may not continue to get benefits under your former spouse’s enrollment. This is the case even when the court has ordered your former spouse to provide health coverage for you. However, you may be eligible for your own FEHB coverage under either the spouse equity law or Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC). If you are recently divorced or are anticipating a divorce, contact your ex-spouse’s employing or retirement office to get additional information about your coverage choices. You can also visit OPM’s website,              www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/guides. A carrier may request that an enrollee verify the eligibility of any or all family members listed as covered under the enrollee’s FEHB enrollment.

  • Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC)

If you leave Federal service, Tribal employment, or if you lose coverage because you no longer qualify as a family member, you may be eligible for Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC). The Affordable Care Act (ACA) did not eliminate TCC or change the TCC rules. For example, you can receive TCC if you are not able to continue your FEHB enrollment after you retire, if you lose your Federal or Tribal job, if you are a covered dependent child and you turn age 26, regardless of marital status, etc.

You may not elect TCC if you are fired from your Federal or Tribal job due to gross misconduct.

Enrolling in TCC. Get the RI 79-27, which describes TCC, from your employing or retirement office or from www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/guides. It explains what you have to do to enroll.

Alternatively, you can buy coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace where, depending on your income, you could be eligible for a new kind of tax credit that lowers your monthly premiums. Visit www.HealthCare.gov to compare plans and see what your premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket costs would be before you make a decision to enroll. Finally, if you qualify for coverage under another group health plan (such as your spouse’s plan), you may be able to enroll in that plan, as long as you apply within 30 days of losing FEHBP coverage.

  • Converting to individual coverage

If you leave Federal or Tribal service, your employing office will notify you of your right to convert.You must contact us in writing within 31 days after you receive this notice.However, if you are a family member who is losing coverage, the employing or retirement office will not notify you. You must contact us in writing within 31 days after you are no longer eligible for coverage.Your benefits and rates will differ from those under the FEHB Program; however, you will not have to answer questions about your health, a waiting period will not be imposed,and your coverage will not be limited due to pre-existing conditions.When you contact us, we will assist you in obtaining information about health benefits coverage inside or outside the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace in your state. For assistance in finding coverage, please contact us at 800-821-6136 or visit our website at www.geha.com.

  • Health Insurance Marketplace

If you would like to purchase health insurance through the ACA's Health Insurance Marketplace, please visit www.HealthCare.gov. This is a website provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides up-to-date information on the Marketplace.    




Section 1. How This Plan Works

This Plan is a fee-for-service (FFS) plan. You can choose your own physicians, hospitals, and other health care providers. We give you a choice of enrollment in the Elevate Plus Option or the Elevate Option.

OPM requires that FEHB plans be accredited to validate that plan operations and/or care management meet nationally recognized standards. GEHA holds the following accreditations: Health Plan Accreditation with Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and Dental Network Accreditation with URAC. To learn more about this plan’s accreditations, please visit the following websites: Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (www.aaahc.org) and URAC (www.urac.org).

We reimburse you or your provider for your covered services, usually based on a percentage of the amount we allow. The type and extent of covered services, and the amount we allow, may be different from other plans. Read brochures carefully.

This Plan provides preventive services and screenings to you without any cost-sharing; you may choose any available primary care provider for adult and pediatric care, and visits for specialists do not require a referral. 




General features of our Elevate Plus and Elevate Options




We have Point of Service (POS) benefits

Our fee-for-service plan offers in-network benefits through the UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus network. This means that we designate certain hospitals and other health care providers as “preferred providers.” Providers in the network accept a contracted payment from us, and you will only be responsible for your cost-sharing (copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and non-covered services and supplies). You also have benefits to receive covered services from non-participating providers; however, out-of-network benefits may have higher out-of-pocket costs than the in-network benefits.

To find in-network providers, use the provider search tool on the www.geha.com/find-care website or call GEHA at 800-821-6136. When you phone for an appointment, please remember to verify that the physician is still an in-network provider. In-network providers are required to meet licensure and certification standards established by State and Federal authorities; however, inclusion in the network does not represent a guarantee of professional performance nor does it constitute medical advice.

The out-of-network benefits are the standard benefits of this Plan. In-network benefits apply only when you use an in-network provider. Provider networks may be more extensive in some areas than others. We cannot guarantee the availability of every specialty in all areas. If no network provider is available, or you do not use a network provider, the standard out-of-network benefits apply. However, if the services are rendered at an in-network hospital, we will pay up to the Plan allowance for services of radiologists, anesthesiologists, emergency room physicians, hospitalists, neonatologists and pathologists who are not preferred providers at the preferred provider rate. You will be responsible for the difference between the plan allowance and the billed amount. In addition, providers outside the United States will be paid at the in-network level of benefits.




How we pay providers




Fee-for-service plans reimburse you or your provider for covered services. They do not typically provide or arrange for health care. Fee-for-service plans let you choose your own physicians, hospitals and other health care providers.

We offer Point of Service (POS) benefits through the UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus network of individual physicians, medical groups, and hospitals. These Plan providers accept a negotiated payment from us, and you will only be responsible for your cost-sharing (copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and non-covered services and supplies), which may vary by plan.

We reserve the right to audit medical expenses to ensure that the provider’s billed charges match the services that you received.




Health education resources




GEHA offers on-site wellness events and ongoing communications by print, social media, email and web to help federal employees live healthier. This includes general health topics, health care news, cancer and other specific diseases, drugs/medication interactions, children’s health and patient safety information.




Your rights and responsibilities




OPM requires that all FEHB plans provide certain information to their FEHB members. You may get information about us, our networks, and our providers. OPM’s FEHB website (www.opm.gov/insure) lists the specific types of information that we must make available to you. Some of the required information is listed below.

  • GEHA was founded in 1937 as the Railway Mail Hospital Association. For over 80 years, GEHA has provided health insurance benefits to Federal employees and retirees.
  • GEHA is incorporated as a General Not-For-Profit Corporation pursuant to Chapter 355 of the Revised Statutes of the State of Missouri.
  • GEHA’s provider network includes over 10,000 hospitals and over 4 million in-network physician locations throughout the United States. In circumstances where there is limited access to network providers, GEHA may negotiate discounts with some providers, which will reduce your overall out-of-pocket expenses.

You are also entitled to a wide range of consumer protections and have specific responsibilities as a member of this Plan. You can view the complete list of these rights and responsibilities by visiting our website, www.geha.com. You can also contact us to request that we mail a copy to you.

If you wish to make a suggestion, a formal complaint, or if you want more information about us, call 800-821-6136, or write to GEHA, P. O. Box 21542, Eagan, MN 55121. You may also visit our website at www.geha.com.

By law, you have the right to access your protected health information (PHI). For more information regarding access to PHI, visit our website at www.geha.com/phi to obtain our Notice of Privacy Practices. You can also contact us to request that we mail you a copy of that Notice.




Your medical and claims records are confidential




We will keep your medical and claims records confidential. Please note that we may disclose your medical and claims information (including your prescription drug utilization) to any of your treating physicians or dispensing pharmacies.




Section 2. Changes for 2021

Do not rely only on these change descriptions; this Section is not an official statement of benefits. For that, go to Section 5 Benefits. Also, we edited and clarified language throughout the brochure; any language change not shown here is a clarification that does not change benefits.




Changes to Elevate Plus




  • Your share of the non-Postal or Postal premium will increase for Self Only, Self Plus One and Family. See back cover. 
  • The Plan will add unlimited coverage for professional services of physicians for advance care planning at an in-network office visit cost of $20 copayment for primary care providers and $35 copayment for specialists; and at an out-of-network cost of 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between the Plan allowance and the billed amount. Previously, there was no coverage. See Section 5(a), Medical Services and Supplies, page (Applies to printed brochure only).
  • The Plan will cover two fills annually of generic Naloxone with no cost under the preventive benefit. Previously, members paid the generic cost share of $5 per 30-day supply. See Section 5(f), Preventive care medications, page (Applies to printed brochure only).
  • The Plan will cover preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for Truvada and Descovy to persons who are at high risk of HIV acquisition when filled at a participating pharmacy at no cost. Previously, members paid the specialty cost share for both drugs of 40% of Plan allowance up to a maximum of $500 for up to a 30-day supply. See Section 5(f), Preventive care medications, page (Applies to printed brochure only).
  • The Plan will remove coverage of Depo-Provera as an injectable contraceptive drug at no cost. Depo-Provera is brand name, and it is our intent to only offer generic contraceptives at 100% coverage. As there is an approved generic equivalent available, Depo-Provera will be offered subject to the Dispense As Written penalty whereby members will pay the generic copayment plus the difference between the cost of the generic drug and the brand name drug dispensed. See Section 5(f), Prescription Drug Benefits, page 77 and Preventive care medications, page (Applies to printed brochure only). 
  • The Plan will decrease the outpatient facility fee copayment for in-network lab, x-ray and diagnostic tests to $0, $50 per day or 25% of Plan allowance (no maximum). Currently, members pay $200 per day per facility when receiving these services. See Section 5(c), Outpatient hospital, clinical or ambulatory surgical center, page 65.



Changes to Elevate 




  • The Plan will add unlimited coverage for professional services of physicians for advance care planning at an in-network office visit cost of $10 copayment for primary care providers and $25 copayment for specialists; and at an out-of-network cost of 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between Plan allowance and the billed amount. Previously, there was no coverage. See Section 5(a), Medical Services and Supplies, page (Applies to printed brochure only).
  • The Plan will cover two fills annually of generic Naloxone with no cost under the preventive benefit. Previously, members paid the generic cost share of $4 per 30-day supply. See Section 5(f), Preventive care medications, page (Applies to printed brochure only).
  • This Plan will cover preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for Truvada and Descovy to persons who are at high risk of HIV acquisition when filled at a participating pharmacy at no cost. Previously, members paid the specialty cost share for both drugs of 50% of Plan allowance up to a maximum of $500 for up to a 30-day supply. See Section 5(f), Preventive care medications, page (Applies to printed brochure only).
  • The Plan will remove coverage of Depo-Provera as an injectable contraceptive drug at no cost, including the deductible. The member will be responsible for the non-preferred drug cost share which is 100% of all charges. See Section 5(f), Covered medications and supplies, page (Applies to printed brochure only) and Preventive care medications, page (Applies to printed brochure only).



Changes to Elevate Plus and Elevate Options




  • The Carrier will add coverage for aromatase inhibitors, exemestane and anastrozole, for breast cancer prevention for women ages 35 and over, at no cost. Previously, only generic tamoxifen and raloxifene were covered as breast cancer prevention medications at 100% coverage. See Section 5(f), Preventive care medications, page (Applies to printed brochure only).
  • The Plan will impose a limit on urine drug testing to 16 per person per calendar year. Previously, there was no limit. See pages (Applies to printed brochure only), (Applies to printed brochure only), 65, (Applies to printed brochure only).
  • The Plan will add coverage up to $10,000 per covered transplant (excluding kidney or cornea) for transportation to a designated facility and reasonable temporary living expenses. See Section 5(b), Surgical and Anesthesia Services, page 60.

 




Section 3. How You Get Care

TermDefinition

Identification cards

We will send you an identification (ID) card when you enroll. You should carry your ID card with you at all times. You must show it whenever you receive services from a Plan provider or fill a prescription at a Plan pharmacy. Until you receive your ID card, use your copy of the Health Benefits Election Form, SF-2809, your health benefits enrollment confirmation (for annuitants), or your electronic enrollment system (such as Employee Express) confirmation letter.

If you do not receive your ID card within 30 days after the effective date of your enrollment, or if you need replacement cards, call us at 800-821-6136 or write to us at GEHA, P. O. Box 21542, Eagan, MN 55121. You may also request replacement cards through our website: www.geha.com/my-elevate.

Where you get covered care

You get care from “Plan providers” and “Plan facilities.” You will only pay copayments, deductibles, and/or coinsurance if you use our network providers. You can also get care from non-Plan providers but it will cost you more.

  • Plan providers

We provide benefits for the services of plan providers as required by Section 2706(a) of the Public Health Service Act. Coverage of practitioners is not determined by your state’s designation as a medically underserved area.

Plan providers are physicians and other health care professionals in our service area that are contracted to provide covered services to our members when acting within the scope of their license or certification under applicable state law. Plan providers are credentialed according to national standards. A listing of plan providers can be found on our website at www.geha.com/my-elevate.

These covered providers may include: a licensed doctor of medicine (M.D.) or a licensed doctor of osteopathy (D.O.); chiropractor; nurse midwife; nurse anesthetist; audiologist; dentist; optometrist; licensed clinical social worker; licensed clinical psychologist; licensed professional counselor; licensed marriage and family therapist; podiatrist; speech, physical and occupational therapist; nurse practitioner/clinical specialist; nursing school administered clinic; physician assistant; registered nurse first assistants; certified surgical assistants; board certified behavior analyst; board certified assistant behavior analyst; registered behavior technician; and a dietitian as long as they are providing covered services which fall within the scope of their state licensure or statutory certification.

The terms "doctor", "physician", "practitioner", “professional provider”, or “primary care provider” includes any provider when the covered service is performed within the scope of their license or certification. The term "primary care physician", as outlined in the benefit plan, includes family or general practitioners, pediatricians, obstetricians/gynecologists, medical internists, and mental health/substance use disorder treatment providers.

Telehealth with MDLIVE - Practitioners must be licensed in the state where the patient is physically located at the time services are rendered.

  • Plan facilities

Plan facilities are hospitals and other facilities in our service area that are contracted to provide covered services to our members. The plan facilities list is also on our web site at www.geha.com/find-care. You should also contact that provider to verify that they participate with the Plan.

Covered facilities include:

  • Freestanding ambulatory facility:
    • A facility which is licensed by the state as an ambulatory surgery center or has Medicare certification as an ambulatory surgical center, has permanent facilities and equipment for the primary purpose of performing surgical and/or renal dialysis procedures on an outpatient basis; provides treatment by or under the supervision of doctors and nursing services whenever the patient is in the facility; does not provide inpatient accommodations; and is not, other than incidentally, a facility used as an office or clinic for the private practice of a doctor or other professional.
    • If the state does not license Ambulatory Surgical Centers and the facility is not Medicare certified as an ambulatory surgical center, then they must be accredited with AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care), AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation for Ambulatory Surgery Facilities), IMQ (Institute for Medical Quality) or TJC (The Joint Commission).
    • Ambulatory Surgical Facilities in the state of California do not require a license if they are physician owned. To be covered these facilities must be accredited by one of the following: AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care), AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation for Ambulatory Surgery Facilities), IMQ (Institute for Medical Quality) or TJC (The Joint Commission).
  • Hospice:
    A facility which meets all of the following:
    • Primarily provides inpatient hospice care to terminally ill persons;
    • Is certified by Medicare as such, or is licensed or accredited as such, by the jurisdiction it is in;
    • Is supervised by a staff of M.D.’s or D.O.’s, at least one of whom must be on call at all times;
    • Provides 24-hour-a-day nursing services under the direction of an R.N. and has a full-time administrator; and
    • Provides an ongoing quality assurance program.
  • Skilled Nursing Facility licensed by the state or certified by Medicare if the state does not license these facilities. See limitations on page (Applies to printed brochure only).
  • Hospital:
    • An institution which is accredited as a hospital under the Hospital Accreditation Program of The Joint Commission (TJC) or the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitative Facilities (CARF) or is certified by Medicare; or
    • A medical institution which is operated pursuant to law, under the supervision of a staff of doctors, and with 24-hour-a-day nursing service, and which is primarily engaged in providing general inpatient acute care and treatment of sick and injured persons through medical, diagnostic, and major surgical facilities, all of which must be provided on its premises or have such arrangements by contract or agreement; or
    • An institution which is operated pursuant to law, under the supervision of a staff of doctors and with 24-hour-a-day nursing service and which provides services on the premises for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of persons with mental/substance use disorders and has, for each patient, a written treatment plan, which must include diagnostic assessment of the patient and a description of the treatment to be rendered, and provides for follow-up assessments by, or under, the direction of the supervising doctor.
  • The term hospital does not include a convalescent home or skilled nursing facility, or any institution or part thereof which: a) is used principally as a convalescent facility, nursing facility, or facility for the aged; b) furnishes primarily domiciliary or custodial care, including training in the routines of daily living; or c) is operating as a school.

  • Residential Treatment Center:
    • Residential Treatment Centers (RTCs) must be accredited by a nationally recognized organization (e.g. CARF, Council on Accreditation (COA) or The Joint Commission (formerly JCAHO)) and licensed by the state, district or territory (if applicable) to provide residential treatment for medical conditions, mental health conditions and/or substance use disorder. If the RTC is not accredited nationally, or if state licensure is available but not obtained, the facility must be Medicare certified. Accredited health care facilities (see page (Applies to printed brochure only) for exclusions) provide 24-hour residential evaluation, treatment, and comprehensive specialized services relating to the individual's medical, physical, mental health, and/or substance use disorder therapy needs.
  • Partial Hospital Program or Intensive Outpatient Treatment Facility:
    • Is licensed by the state, district or territory (if applicable) (See Section 5(e),Services we do not cover, page (Applies to printed brochure only));
    • And is accredited for behavioral health services by a nationally recognized organization.
  • Transitional care

Specialty care: If you have a chronic or disabling condition and

  • lose access to your specialist because we drop out of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and you enroll in another FEHB plan, or
  • lose access to your in-network specialist because we terminate our contract with your specialist for reasons other than for cause,

you may be able to continue seeing your specialist and receiving any in-network benefits for up to 90 days after you receive notice of the change. Contact us or, if we drop out of the Program, contact your new plan.

If you are in the second or third trimester of pregnancy and you lose access to your in-network specialist based on the above circumstances, you can continue to see your specialist and your in-network benefits will continue until the end of your postpartum care, even if it is beyond the 90 days.

  • If you are hospitalized when your enrollment begins

We pay for covered services from the effective date of your enrollment. However, if you are in the hospital when your enrollment in our Plan begins, call our customer service department immediately at 800-821-6136. If you are new to the FEHB Program, we will reimburse you for your covered services while you are in the hospital beginning on the effective date of your coverage.

If you changed from another FEHB plan to us, your former plan will pay for the hospital stay until:

  • You are discharged, not merely moved to an alternative care center;
  • The day your benefits from your former plan run out; or
  • The 92nd day after you become a member of this Plan, whichever happens first.

These provisions apply only to the benefits of the hospitalized person. If your plan terminates participation in the FEHB in whole or in part, or if OPM orders an enrollment change, this continuation of coverage provision does not apply. In such cases, the hospitalized person's benefits under the new plan begin on the effective date of enrollment.

You need prior Plan approval for certain services

Precertification is the process by which we evaluate the medical necessity of your hospital stay and the number of days required to treat your condition. In most cases, your network physician will make necessary hospital arrangements and supervise your care. If you are using a non-network provider or facility, you are responsible for contacting the Plan at 866-257-0721.

  • Inpatient hospital admission

Your plan physician or specialist will make necessary hospital arrangements and supervise your care. This includes admission to a skilled nursing or other type of facility. Because you are still responsible for ensuring that we are asked to precertify your care, you should always ask your physician or hospital whether or not they have contacted the Plan.

If you are using a non-network provider or facility, you are responsible for contacting the Plan at 866-257-0721.

Warning

Network Plan physicians must provide or arrange your in-network care and get precertification or preauthorization for certain services and/or procedures, including but not limited to those noted below in Other services that require preauthorization.

For out-of-network services, you are responsible for obtaining precertification for these services. Failure to do so will result in the following penalties:

  • We will reduce our out-of-network benefits for the Inpatient Hospital stay, Long Term Acute Care stay or Rehabilitation Facility stay by $500 if no one contacts us for precertification. If the stay is not medically necessary, we will only pay for any covered medical services and supplies that are otherwise payable on an outpatient basis.
  • We will reduce our out-of-network benefits for the Skilled Nursing Facility stay by $500 if no one contacts us for precertification. If the stay is not medically necessary we will not pay any benefits.
  • We will reduce our out-of-network benefits for outpatient CT, MRI, MRA, NC and PET studies by $100 if no one contacts us for preauthorization. If the procedure is not medically necessary, we will not pay any benefits.

Note: Avoid paying providers for services prior to preauthorization. It is important to assure services are authorized and provided by a covered provider or facility.

Exceptions

You do not need precertification in these cases:  

  • You are admitted to a hospital outside the United States, or the procedure is performed outside the United States;
  • You have another health insurance policy that is the primary payor for the hospital stay or other services, including Medicare Part A and B or Part B only;
  • The procedure is performed when you are an inpatient in a hospital or observation stay; or
  • The procedure is performed as an emergency.

Note: If you exhaust your Medicare hospital benefits and do not want to use your Medicare lifetime reserve days, then we will become the primary payor and you do need precertification.

  • Other services that require preauthorization

Some surgeries and procedures, services and equipment require a precertification or preauthorization such as, but not limited to the following:

  • Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
  • Bariatric surgery - Morbid obesity surgery
  • Certain prescription drugs
  • Clinical trials
  • Computed tomography (CT) scans
  • Congenital anomaly repair
  • Dialysis
  • Discetomy/fusion
  • Durable medical equipment over $1,000
  • Electro-convulsive therapy
  • Genetic testing
  • Growth hormone therapy (GHT)
  • Inpatient admissions
  • Intensive outpatient therapy
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA)
  • Non-emergency/air ambulance services
  • Nuclear medicine studies including nuclear cardiology
  • Orthopedic and prosthetic devices over $1,000
  • Partial hospitalization
  • PET scans
  • Psychological and extended developmental testing
  • Reconstructive surgery
  • Sleep apnea evaluation:
    • Surgery
    • Sleep studies (in-lab) - attended or performed in a healthcare facility (home sleep studies do not require preauthorization) 
  • Substance use disorder treatment
  • Transplants
  • Vein ablation

Please note this list is subject to change upon notification to Plan providers. Please call customer service 866-257-0721 to verify if your procedure/services do require preauthorization.

How to request precertification for an admission or get preauthorization for Other Services

If the admission is non-urgent or to a non-network hospital, you must get the admission authorized by calling the Plan at 866-257-0721. This must be done at least four business days before the admission. If the admission is an emergency or an urgent admission, you, your provider, your representative, or the hospital must notify us by calling 866-257-0721 within one business day, the same day of admission, or as soon as reasonably possible.

Provide the following information:

  • Enrollee’s name and plan identification number;
  • Patient’s name, birth date, and phone number;
  • Reason for hospitalization, proposed treatment, or surgery;
  • Name and phone number of admitting doctor;
  • Name of hospital or facility; and
  • Number of days requested for hospital stay.
  • Non-urgent care claims

For non-urgent care claims, we will tell the physician and/or hospital the number of approved inpatient days, or the care that we approve for other services that must have precertification. We will make our decision within 15 days of receipt of the pre-service claim.

If matters beyond our control require an extension of time, we may take up to an additional 15 days for review and we will notify you of the need for an extension of time before the end of the original 15-day period. Our notice will include the circumstances underlying the request for the extension and the date when a decision is expected.

If we need an extension because we have not received necessary information from you, our notice will describe the specific information required and we will allow you up to 60 days from the receipt of the notice to provide the information.

  • Urgent care claims

If you have an urgent care claim (i.e., when waiting for the regular time limit for your medical care or treatment could seriously jeopardize your life, health, or ability to regain maximum function, or in the opinion of a physician with knowledge of your medical condition, would subject you to severe pain that cannot be adequately managed without this care or treatment), we will expedite our review and notify you of our decision within 72 hours. If you request that we review your claim as an urgent care claim, we will review the documentation you provide and decide whether or not it is an urgent care claim by applying the judgment of a prudent layperson that possesses an average knowledge of health and medicine.

If you fail to provide sufficient information, we will contact you within 24 hours after we receive the claim to let you know what information we need to complete our review of the claim. You will then have up to 48 hours to provide the required information. We will make our decision on the claim within 48 hours of (1) the time we received the additional information, or (2) the end of the time frame, whichever is earlier.

We may provide our decision orally within these time frames, but we will follow up with written or electronic notification within three days of oral notification.

You may request that your urgent care claim on appeal be reviewed simultaneously by us and OPM. Please let us know that you would like a simultaneous review of your urgent care claim by OPM either in writing at the time you appeal our initial decision, or by calling us at 800-821-6136. You may also call OPM’s FEHB 3 at 202-606-0737 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time to ask for the simultaneous review. We will cooperate with OPM so they can quickly review your claim on appeal. In addition, if you did not indicate that your claim was a claim for urgent care, then call us at 800-821-6136. If it is determined that your claim is an urgent care claim, we will expedite our review (if we have not yet responded to your claim).

  • Concurrent care claims

A concurrent care claim involves care provided over a period of time or over a number of treatments. We will treat any reduction or termination of our pre-approved course of treatment before the end of the approved period of time or number of treatments as an appealable decision. This does not include reduction or termination due to benefit changes or if your enrollment ends. If we believe a reduction or termination is warranted, we will allow you sufficient time to appeal and obtain a decision from us before the reduction or termination takes effect. 

If you request an extension of an ongoing course of treatment at least 24 hours prior to the expiration of the approved time period and this is also an urgent care claim, we will make a decision within 24 hours after we receive the claim.

  • The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program – FSAFEDS
  • Health Care FSA (HCFSA) – Reimburses you for eligible out-of-pocket health care expenses (such as copayments, deductibles, physician prescribed over-the-counter drugs and medications, vision and dental expenses, and much more) for you and your tax dependents, including adult children (through the end of the calendar year in which they turn 26).
  • FSAFEDS offers paperless reimbursement for your HCFSA through a number of FEHB and FEDVIP plans. This means that when you or your provider files claims with your FEHB or FEDVIP plan, FSAFEDS will automatically reimburse your eligible out-of-pocket expenses based on the claim information it receives from your plan.
  • Emergency inpatient admission

If you have an emergency admission due to a condition that you reasonably believe puts your life in danger or could cause serious damage to bodily function, you, your representative, the physician, or the hospital must phone us within one business day, the same day of admission, or as soon as reasonably possible following the emergency admission, even if you have been discharged from the hospital. If you do not phone the Plan within one business day, the same day of admission, or as soon as reasonably possible, penalties may apply - see Warning section above for more information.

  • Maternity care

You do not need precertification of a maternity admission for a routine delivery. However, if your medical condition requires you to stay more than 48 hours after a vaginal delivery or 96 hours after a cesarean section, then your physician or the hospital must contact us for precertification of additional days. Further, if your baby stays after you are discharged, your physician or the hospital must contact us for precertification of additional days for your baby.

Note: When a newborn requires definitive treatment during or after the mother’s confinement, the newborn is considered a patient in his or her own right. If the newborn is eligible for coverage, regular medical or surgical benefits apply rather than maternity benefits.

  • If your hospital stay needs to be extended

If your hospital stay - including for maternity care - needs to be extended, you, your representative, your doctor or the hospital must ask us to approve the additional days. If you remain in the hospital beyond the number of days we approved and did not get the additional days precertified, then

  • for the part of the admission that was medically necessary, we will pay inpatient benefits, but,
  • for the part of the admission that was not medically necessary, we will pay only medical services and supplies otherwise payable on an outpatient basis and will not pay inpatient benefits. 
  • If your treatment needs to be extended

If you request an extension of an ongoing course of treatment at least 24 hours prior to the expiration of the approved time period and this is also an urgent care claim, we will make a decision within 24 hours after we receive the claim.

If you disagree with our pre-service claims decision

If you have a pre-service claim and you do not agree with our decision regarding precertification of an inpatient admission or preauthorization of other services, you may request a review in accord with the procedures detailed below.

If you have already received the service, supply, or treatment, then you have a post-service claim and must follow the entire disputed claims process detailed in Section 8.

  • To reconsider a non-urgent care claim

Within 6 months of our initial decision, you may ask us in writing to reconsider our initial decision. Follow Step 1 of the disputed claims process detailed in Section 8 of this brochure.

In the case of a pre-service claim and subject to a request for additional information, we have 30 days from the date we receive your written request for reconsideration to:

  1. Precertify your hospital stay or, if applicable, arrange for the health care provider to give you the care or grant your request for preauthorization for a service, drug, or supply; or
  2. Ask you or your provider for more information. You or your provider must send the information so that we receive it within 60 days of our request. We will then decide within 30 more days. If we do not receive the information within 60 days, we will decide within 30 days of the date the information was due. We will base our decision on the information we already have. We will write to you with our decision.
  3. Write to you and maintain our denial.
  • To reconsider an urgent care claim

In the case of an appeal of a pre-service urgent care claim, within 6 months of our initial decision, you may ask us in writing to reconsider our initial decision. Follow Step 1 of the disputed claims process detailed in Section 8 of this brochure.

Unless we request additional information, we will notify you of our decision within 72 hours after receipt of your reconsideration request. We will expedite the review process, which allows oral or written requests for appeals and the exchange of information by phone, electronic mail, facsimile, or other expeditious methods.

  • To file an appeal with OPM

After we reconsider your pre-service claim, if you do not agree with our decision, you may ask OPM to review it by following Step 3 of the disputed claims process detailed in Section 8 of this brochure.

Overseas claims

For covered services you receive by physicians and hospitals outside the United States and Puerto Rico, send a completed Overseas Claim Form and the itemized bills to: GEHA, Foreign Claims Department, P.O. Box 21542, Eagan, MN 55121. You may obtain overseas claim forms from www.geha.com.

If you have questions about the processing of overseas claims, contact us at 877-320-9469 or by email overseas@geha.com. If possible, include a receipt showing the exchange rate on the date the claimed services were performed. Covered providers outside the United States will be paid at the in-network level of benefits, subject to the plan deductible, copays and/or coinsurance.

Precertification is not required when procedures are performed or you are admitted to a hospital, outside of the United States. However, the procedure/service to be performed, the number of days required to treat your condition, and any other applicable benefit criteria, will be reviewed for medical necessity

When members living abroad are stateside and seeking medical care, contact us at 800-821-6136, or visit www.geha.com/find-care to locate an in-network provider. If you utilize an out-of-network provider, out-of-network benefits would apply.




Section 4. Your Costs for Covered Services

This is what you will pay out-of-pocket for your covered care:




TermDefinition

Coinsurance

Coinsurance is the percentage of our allowance that you must pay for your care. Coinsurance doesn't begin until you meet your deductible. We will base this percentage on either the billed charge or the Plan allowance, whichever is less.

Example: Under the Elevate Plus Option, you pay 50% of our allowance for out-of-network office visits and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount. 

Copayments

A copayment is a fixed amount of money you pay to the provider, facility, pharmacy, etc., when you receive certain services.

Example: When you see your in-network primary care physician (PCP), under the Elevate Plus Option you pay a copayment of $20 per visit.

Note: If the billed amount (or the Plan allowance that providers we contract with have agreed to accept as payment in full) is less than your copayment, you pay the lower amount.

Cost-sharingCost-sharing is the general term used to refer to your out-of-pocket costs (e.g., deductible, coinsurance, and copayments) for the covered care you receive.

Deductible

A deductible is a fixed amount of covered expenses you must incur for certain covered services and supplies before we start paying benefits for them. Copayments and coinsurance amounts do not count toward any deductible. When a covered service or supply is subject to a deductible, only the Plan allowance for the service or supply counts toward the deductible.

Elevate Plus Option

In-Network: There is no calendar year deductible for services received from an in-network provider.

Out-of-Network: Under a Self Only enrollment, the deductible is considered satisfied and benefits are payable for you when your covered expenses applied to the calendar year deductible for your enrollment reach $500. Under the Self Plus One and the Self and Family enrollments, once the calendar year deductible amount of $500 is satisfied for an individual, covered benefits are payable for that individual; the calendar year deductible is met for all family members when the covered expenses accumulated to the calendar year deductible for any combination of family members reaches the Self Plus One or the Self and Family limit of $1,000.

Elevate Option

In-Network: Under a Self Only enrollment, the deductible is considered satisfied and benefits are payable for you when your covered expenses applied to the calendar year deductible for your enrollment reach $500. Under the Self Plus One and the Self and Family enrollments, once the calendar year deductible amount of $500 is satisfied for an individual, covered benefits are payable for that individual; the calendar year deductible is met for all family members when the covered expenses accumulated to the calendar year deductible for any combination of family members reaches the Self Plus One or the Self and Family limit of $1,000.

Out-of-Network: Under a Self Only enrollment, the deductible is considered satisfied and benefits are payable for you when your covered expenses applied to the calendar year deductible for your enrollment reach $1,000. Under the Self Plus One and the Self and Family enrollments, once the calendar year deductible amount of $1,000 is satisfied for an individual, covered benefits are payable for that individual; the calendar year deductible is met for all family members when the covered expenses accumulated to the calendar year deductible for any combination of family members reaches the Self Plus One or the Self and Family limit of $2,000.

If the billed amount (or the Plan allowance that providers we contract with have agreed to accept as payment in full) is less than the remaining portion of your deductible, you pay the lower amount.

Example: If the billed amount is $100, the provider has an agreement with us to accept $80, and you have not paid any amount toward meeting your Elevate Option calendar year deductible, you must pay $80. We will apply $80 to your deductible. We will begin paying benefits once the remaining portion of your calendar year deductible ($500 per person under Elevate Option for in-network providers) has been satisfied.

Note: If you change plans during Open Season and the effective date of your new plan is after January 1 of the next year, you do not have to start a new deductible under your prior plan between January 1 and the effective date of your new plan. If you change plans at another time during the year, you must begin a new deductible under your new plan.

If you change enrollment options in this Plan during the year, we will credit the amount of covered expenses already applied toward the deductible of your old option to the deductible of your new option.

If your provider routinely waives your cost

If your provider routinely waives (does not require you to pay) your copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance, the provider is misstating the fee and may be violating the law. In this case, when we calculate our share, we will reduce the provider's fee by the amount waived.

For example, if your physician ordinarily charges $100 for a service but routinely waives your 25% coinsurance, the actual charge is $75. We will pay $56.25 (75% of the actual charge of $75).

Waivers

In some instances, a provider may ask you to sign a "waiver" prior to receiving care. This waiver may state that you accept responsibility for the total charge for any care that is not covered by your health plan. If you sign such a waiver, whether or not you are responsible for the total charge depends on the contracts that the Plan has with its providers. If you are asked to sign this type of waiver please be aware that if benefits are denied for the services, you could be legally liable for the related expenses. If you would like more information about waivers, please contact us at 800-821-6136 or write to GEHA, P. O. Box 21542, Eagan, MN 55121.

Differences between our allowance and the bill

Our "Plan allowance" is the amount we use to calculate our payment for covered services. Fee-for-service plans arrive at their allowances in different ways, so their allowances vary. For more information about how we determine our Plan allowance, see the definition of Plan allowance in Section 10.

Often, the provider's bill is more than a fee-for-service plan's allowance. Whether or not you have to pay the difference between our allowance and the bill will depend on the provider you use. For more information about out-of-area services, see We have Point of Service (POS) benefits in Section 1.

  • In-network providers agree to limit what they will bill you. Because of that, when you use a network provider, your share of covered charges consists only of your deductible and coinsurance or copayment. Here is an example about coinsurance: You see a network physician who charges $150, but our allowance is $100. If you have met your deductible, you are only responsible for your coinsurance. That is, with the Elevate Option, you pay just – 25% of our $100 allowance ($25). Because of the agreement, your network physician will not bill you for the $50 difference between our allowance and his/her bill.
  • Out-of-network providers, on the other hand, have no agreement to limit what they will bill you. When you use a non-network provider, you will pay your deductible and coinsurance - plus any difference between our allowance and charges on the bill. Here is an example. You see a non-network physician who charges $150 and our allowance is again $100. Because you've met your deductible, you are responsible for your coinsurance, so with the Elevate Option you pay 50% of our $100 allowance ($50). Plus, because there is no agreement between the non-network physician and us, the physician can bill you for the $50 difference between our allowance and his/her bill.

The following table illustrates the examples of how much you have to pay out-of-pocket, under the Elevate Option, for services from an in-network physician vs. an out-of-network physician. The table uses our example of a service for which the physician charges $150 and our allowance is $100. The table shows the amount you pay if you have met your calendar year deductible.

EXAMPLE
In-network physician
Physician’s charge: $150
Our allowance: We set it at: $100
We pay: 75% of our allowance: $75
You owe: Coinsurance: 25% of our allowance: $25
+Difference up to charge?: No: $0
TOTAL YOU PAY: $25

Out-of-network physician
Physician’s charge: $150
Our allowance: We set it at: $100
We pay: 50% of our allowance: $50
You owe: Coinsurance: 50% of our allowance: $50
+Difference up to charge?: Yes: $50
TOTAL YOU PAY: $100

Your catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum for deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments

For Elevate Plus and Elevate medical and surgical services, we pay 100% of our allowable amount for the remainder of the calendar year after out-of-pocket expenses for deductibles, coinsurance and copayments exceed:

In-network

  • For the Elevate Plus Option, the out-of-pocket maximum is $6,000 for Self Only enrollment; $12,000 when enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family when you use in-network providers. For the Elevate Option, the out-of-pocket maximum is $7,000 for Self Only enrollment; $14,000 when enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family if you use in-network providers. Only eligible out-of-pocket expenses from in-network providers count toward these limits.
    • An individual under Self Plus One and Self and Family enrollment will never have to satisfy more than what is required for the out-of-pocket maximum under a Self only enrollment.

Out-of-network

  • For the Elevate Plus Option, the out-of-pocket maximum is $12,000 for Self Only enrollment; $24,000 when enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family. For the Elevate Option, the out-of-pocket maximum is $14,000 for Self Only enrollment; $28,000 when enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family if you use out-of-network providers. Only eligible out-of-pocket expenses from out-of-network providers count toward these limits.
    • An individual under Self Plus One and Self and Family enrollment will never have to satisfy more than what is required for the out-of-pocket maximum under a Self only enrollment.

Out-of-pocket expenses for in-network and out-of-network benefits are the expenses you pay for covered services.

The following cannot be counted toward catastrophic protection out-of-pocket expenses:

  • Expenses you pay for non-covered services;
  • Expenses in excess of our allowable amount or maximum benefit limitations;
  • Charges incurred by failure to obtain pre-certification when using non-network facilities and other amounts you pay because benefits have been reduced/denied for non-compliance with the plans requirements (see Section 3); and
  • Expenses in excess of plan limits for dental;
  • The cost for non-approved medication and drugs that we exclude; and
  • The difference (Elevate Plus and Elevate Options) between the cost of the generic and brand name medication.

Carryover

If you changed to this Plan during Open Season from a plan with a catastrophic protection benefit and the effective date of the change was after January 1, any expenses that would have applied to that plan's catastrophic protection benefit during the prior year will be covered by your prior plan if they are for care you received in January before your effective date of coverage in this Plan. If you have already met your prior plan's catastrophic protection benefit level in full, it will continue to apply until the effective date of your coverage in this Plan. If you have not met this expense level in full, your prior plan will first apply your covered out-of-pocket expenses until the prior year's catastrophic level is reached and then apply the catastrophic protection benefit to covered out-of-pocket expenses incurred from that point until the effective date of your coverage in this Plan. Your prior plan will pay these covered expenses according to this year's benefits; benefit changes are effective January 1.

Note: If you change enrollment options in this Plan during the year, we will credit the amount of covered expenses already accumulated toward the catastrophic out-of-pocket limit of your old option to the catastrophic protection limit of your new option.

If we overpay you

We will make diligent efforts to recover benefit payments we made in error but in good faith. We may reduce subsequent benefit payments to offset overpayments.

When Government facilities bill us

Facilities of the Department of Veteran Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the Indian Health Service are entitled to seek reimbursement from us for certain services and supplies they provide to you or a family member. They may not seek more than their governing laws allow. You may be responsible to pay for certain services and charges. Contact the government facility directly for more information.




Section 5. Elevate Plus and Elevate Benefits (Elevate Plus and Elevate Options)

See page (Applies to printed brochure only) for how our benefits changed this year.  Pages (Applies to printed brochure only) and (Applies to printed brochure only) have benefits summaries of each option. Make sure that you review the benefits that are available under the option in which you are enrolled.




(Page numbers solely appear in the printed brochure)

Table of Content



Elevate Plus and Elevate Overview (Elevate Plus and Elevate Options)

This Plan offers both an Elevate Plus Option and an Elevate Option. Both benefit packages are described in Section 5. Make sure that you review the benefits that are available under the option in which you are enrolled.

The Elevate Plus and Elevate Options Section 5 is divided into subsections. Please read Important things you should keep in mind about these benefits at the beginning of the subsections. For more information about services, see We have Point of Service (POS) benefits in Section 1. Also read the General Exclusions in Section 6; they apply to the benefits in the following subsections. To obtain claim forms, claims filing advice, or more information about Elevate Plus and Elevate benefits, contact us at 800-821-6136 or on our website at www.geha.com/my-elevate.

Each option offers unique features.

Elevate Plus

  • Generic drugs: $5 copay at an in-network retail pharmacy for a 30-day supply, $12 for mail order up to a 90-day supply.
  • Predictable out-of-pocket copayments for in-network health care services:
    • Telehealth visits at $0 through MDLIVE.
    • MinuteClinic® copay of $10/visit.
    • Office visit copay of $20 to any primary care physician including family or general practitioners, pediatricians, OB/GYN and medical internists; specialist provider copay is $35.
    • Urgent Care copay of $50.
    • Outpatient facility copayment of $200/day per facility.
    • Inpatient facility copayment of $200/day (up to a maximum of $1,000/admission) for room and board and for other hospital charges. Precertification is required.
  • Extensive provider network and freedom to choose any doctor with extra savings when you see a preferred provider.
  • No requirement to choose a single doctor as your primary physician.
  • No referral needed to see a specialist. However, you might need preauthorization for certain services.

Elevate

  • Generic drugs: $4 copay at an in-network retail pharmacy for a 30-day supply.
  • Low cost access to a wide variety of in-network providers for wellness and acute care visits:
    • Telehealth visits at $0 through MDLIVE.
    • Copay of $10/visit for:
      • MinuteClinic®
      • Primary care physician including family or general practitioners, pediatricians, OB/GYN and medical internists
      • Chiropractic and acupuncture services
    • Specialist office visit copay is $25.
    • Urgent Care copay of $50.
  • Extensive provider network and freedom to choose any doctor with extra savings when you see a preferred provider.
  • No requirement to choose a single doctor as your primary physician.
  • No referral needed to see a specialist. However, you might need preauthorization for certain services.



Section 5(a). Medical Services and Supplies Provided by Physicians and Other Health Care Professionals (Elevate Plus and Elevate Options)

Important things you should keep in mind about these benefits:

  • Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.
  • Under the Elevate Plus Option, there is no calendar year deductible for services received from an in-network provider. If you use an out-of-network provider, the calendar year deductible is $500 per person ($1,000 if enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family). We state whether or not the out-of-network calendar year deductible applies for each benefit listed in this section.
  • Under the Elevate Option, the calendar year deductible is $500 per person ($1,000 if enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family). If you use an out-of-network provider, the calendar year deductible is $1,000 per person ($2,000 if enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family). We state whether or not the calendar year deductible applies for each benefit listed in this section.
  • The out-of-network benefits are the standard benefits of this Plan. In-network benefits apply only when you use an in-network provider. When no in-network provider is available, out-of-network benefits apply.
  • When you use an in-network hospital, the professionals who provide services to you in a hospital may not all be preferred providers. If they are not, they will be paid by this Plan as out-of-network providers. However, if the services are rendered at an in-network hospital, we will pay up to the Plan allowable for services of radiologists, anesthesiologists, emergency room physicians, hospitalists, neonatologists and pathologists who are not preferred providers at the preferred provider rate. You will be responsible for the difference between the plan allowance and the billed amount. 
  • We will provide in-network benefits if you are admitted to an out-of-network hospital due to a medical emergency. We will also provide in-network benefits for professionals who provide services in a non-network hospital, when admitted due to a medical emergency.
  • YOUR NETWORK PHYSICIAN MUST GET PREAUTHORIZATION FOR SOME IN-NETWORK SERVICES AND/OR PROCEDURES. You are responsible for obtaining preauthorization for out-of-network services, and failure to do so may result in penalties. Please refer to the preauthorization information shown in Section 3 or call customer service to be sure which services require preauthorization.
  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your Costs For Covered Services, for valuable information about how cost- sharing works. Also, read Section 9 for information about how we pay if you have other coverage, or if you are age 65 or over.



Benefits Description : Diagnostic and treatment services Elevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Professional services of physicians

  • In physician's office
  • Office medical consultations
  • Home visits by a physician
  • Second surgical opinions
  • Advance care planning

In-network: $20 copayment for office visits to primary care providers; $35 copayment for office visits to specialists

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $10 copayment for office visits to primary care providers (no deductible); $25 copayment for office visits to specialists (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

MinuteClinic®

MinuteClinic® is available in several states and the District of Columbia. Walk-in medical clinics are located inside select  CVS pharmacy locations and no appointment is necessary.

MinuteClinic® is staffed by certified family nurse practitioners and physician assistants who diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common illnesses, injuries and skin conditions. MinuteClinic® also offers physical exams, routine vaccinations and screenings for disease monitoring. To locate a MinuteClinic®, visit www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/clinic-locator or call 866-389-2727.

$10 copayment for office visit

Note: Other services rendered may take additional cost share. 

$10 copayment for office visit (no deductible)

Note: Other services rendered may take additional cost share. 

Benefits Description : TelehealthElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

MDLIVE Telehealth professional services for:

  • Minor acute conditions (see Section 10 for definition)
  • Dermatology conditions (see Section 10 for definition)

Note: Services must be provided through MDLIVE at https://members.mdlive.com/geha-callmd/ or call 888-912-1183.

Note: For more information on telehealth benefits, please see Section 5(h)Wellness and Other Special Features.

Nothing

Nothing (no deductible)

Telehealth visit provided by a healthcare provider other than MDLIVE.

In-network: $20 copayment for office visits to primary care providers; $35 copayment for office visits to specialist

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $10 copayment for office visits to primary care providers; $25 copayment for office visits to specialist

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Benefits Description : Lab, X-ray and other diagnostic testsElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Diagnostic tests, such as but not limited to:

  • Blood tests
  • Urinalysis
  • Pathology
  • Non-routine Pap tests

Note:  We cover up to 16 tests for Urine Drug Testing (UDT)      per person per calendar year.

Note: See Section 5(c) for any applicable outpatient facility charges.

Note: If your in-network provider uses an out-of-network lab, imaging facility or radiologist, we will pay out-of-network benefits for lab and radiology charges.

In-network: $0

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Diagnostic tests, such as but not limited to:

  • X-rays
  • Ultrasound
  • Electrocardiogram and EEG
  • Non-routine mammograms
  • Non-routine colonoscopy
  • Neurological testing

Note: See Section 5(c) for any applicable outpatient facility charges.

Note: If your in-network provider uses an out-of-network lab, imaging facility or radiologist, we will pay out-of-network benefits for lab and radiology charges.

In-network: $50 copayment 

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Diagnostic tests, such as but not limited to:

  • CT, MRI, MRA, Nuclear Cardiology and PET studies
  • Double contrast barium enemas
  • Bone density tests
  • Specialized diagnostic genetic testing

Note: See Section 5(c) for any applicable outpatient facility charges.

Note: Preauthorization may be required for these tests.

Note: Benefits are available for specialized diagnostic genetic testing when it is medically necessary to diagnose and/or manage a patient’s existing medical condition. Benefits are not provided for genetic panels when some or all of the tests included in the panel are experimental or investigational, or are not medically necessary.

Note: If your in-network provider uses an out-of-network lab, imaging facility or radiologist, we will pay out-of-network benefits for lab and radiology charges.

In-network: 25% of the  Plan allowance

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Sleep Study (Polysomnography) 

  • Home
  • In-Lab 

Note: In-Lab requires preauthorization.

Note: Refer to Section 5(c) for outpatient facility fees  associated with in-lab sleep studies.

In-network: 25% of the  Plan allowance 

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Not covered:

  • Professional fees for automated lab tests.
  • Physical exams and immunizations required for obtaining or continuing employment or insurance, attending schools or camps, sports physicals, or travel.
  • Immunizations, boosters, and medications for travel or work-related exposure.
  • Home test kits including but not limited to HIV and drug home test kits, except as specified by the brochure.
All chargesAll charges
Benefits Description : Preventive care, adultElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Routine physical every year. 

The following preventive services are covered at the time interval recommended at each of the links below. 

  • Immunizations such as Pneumococcal, influenza, shingles, tetanus/DTaP, and human papillomovirus (HPV). For a complete list of immunizations go to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/
  • Screenings such as cancer, osteoporosis, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, total blood cholesterol, HIV, and colorectol cancer screening. For a complete list of screenings go the the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) website at https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org
  • Individual counseling on prevention and reducing health  risks
  • Well woman care such as Pap smears, gonorrhea  prophylactic medication to protect newborns, annual counseling for sexually transmitted infections, contraceptive methods, and screening for interpersonal and domestic violence. For a complete list of Well Women preventive care services go to the Health and Human Services (HHS)   website at https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-women/

Note: Screenings subject to appropriate age and gender requirements, see additional online references below.

In-network: Nothing

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: Nothing (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Routine mammogram - covered for women, including 3D mammograms

In-network: Nothing

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: Nothing (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Adult immunizations endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) based on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) schedule

Note: See Section 5(a) under Educational classes and programs, page (Applies to printed brochure only), for coverage of tobacco cessation treatment.

Note: Any procedure, injection, diagnostic service, laboratory, or X-ray service done in conjunction with a routine examination and is not included in the preventive listing of services will be subject to the applicable member copayments, coinsurance, and deductible.

In-network: Nothing

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: Nothing (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Not covered:

  • Physical exams and immunizations required for obtaining or continuing employment or insurance, attending schools or camps, sports physicals, or travel.
  • Immunizations, boosters, and medications for travel or work-related exposure.
All chargesAll charges
Benefits Description : Preventive care, childrenElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

In-network: Nothing

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: Nothing (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible  applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

  • Examinations, limited to:
    • Examinations for amblyopia and strabismus – limited to one screening examination (ages 3 through 5)
    • Examinations done on the day of immunizations (ages 3  up to age 22)

Note: See Section 5(a) under Educational classes and programs, page (Applies to printed brochure only), for coverage of tobacco cessation treatment.

Note: Any procedure, injection, diagnostic service, laboratory, or X-ray service done in conjunction with a routine examination and is not included in the preventive recommended listing of services will be subject to the applicable member copayments, coinsurance, and deductible.

In-network: $20 copayment for office visits to primary care providers; $35 copayment for office visits to specialists

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $10 copayment for office visits to primary care providers (no deductible); $25 copayment for office visits to specialists (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Not covered:

  • Professional fees for automated lab tests
  • Physical exams and immunizations required for obtaining or continuing employment or insurance, attending schools or camps, sports physicals, or travel.
  • Immunizations, boosters, and medications for travel or work-related exposure.

All charges

All charges

Benefits Description : Maternity careElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Complete maternity (obstetrical) care, such as:

  • Screening for gestational diabetes for pregnant women
  • Prenatal care
  • Delivery professional fees
  • Postnatal care
  • Bacteriuria screening

Note: Refer to Section 5(c) for applicable maternity inpatient facility fees. 

Note: Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • You do not need to precertify your vaginal delivery; see page (Applies to printed brochure only) for other circumstances, such as extended stays for you or your baby.
  • You may remain in the hospital up to 48 hours after a vaginal delivery and 96 hours after a cesarean delivery. We will cover an extended stay if medically necessary.
  • We cover routine nursery care of the newborn child during the covered portion of the mother's maternity stay.
  • We will cover other care of an infant who requires non-routine treatment if we cover the infant under Self Plus One or Self and Family enrollment. Surgical benefits, not maternity benefits, apply to circumcision.
  • We pay hospitalization and surgeon services for non-maternity care the same as for illness and injury. See hospital benefits, Section 5(c), and surgery benefits, Section 5(b).
  • Skilled nursing services, intravenous/infusion therapy, and injections (such as Rhogam) are covered the same as other medical benefits for diagnostic and treatment services.

Note: When a newborn requires definitive treatment during or after the mother’s confinement, the newborn is considered a patient in his or her own right. If the newborn is eligible for coverage, regular medical or surgical benefits apply rather than maternity benefits.

Note: Maternity care expenses incurred by a Plan member serving as a surrogate mother are covered by the Plan subject to reimbursement from the other party to the surrogacy contract or agreement. The involved Plan member must execute our Reimbursement Agreement against any payment she may receive under a surrogacy contract or agreement. Expenses of the newborn child are not covered under this or any other benefit in a surrogate mother situation.

In-network: Nothing for routine, preventive prenatal care or the first postpartum care visit

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: Nothing for routine, preventive prenatal care or the first postpartum care visit (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Breastfeeding support, supplies and counseling for each birth: 

  • One double channel electric breast pump with double suction capability for pregnant or nursing members with a physicians prescription every 24 months. A new prescription is required when requesting a new/replacement pump.
    • There is no cost to the member when the designated pump is obtained through a contracted provider. Call 800-821-6136 for a designated contracted provider or visit www.geha.com/maternity.
    • An initial all-inclusive supply kit is provided with a new pump order. Two supplemental supply kits are allowed in a 12 month period. Supplemental supply kits contain new tubing and canisters. 

In-network: Nothing 

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: Nothing (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Not covered:

  • Home uterine monitoring devices
  • Childbirth education classes, services for birth coaching or labor support

All charges

All charges

Benefits Description : Family planningElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

A range of voluntary family planning services, limited to:

  • Contraceptive methods and annual counseling
  • Voluntary sterilizations, limited to
    • Vasectomy
    • Tubal ligation
  • Surgically implanted contraceptives
  • Injectable contraceptive drugs 
  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
  • Diaphragms

Note: We cover other oral contraceptives under the Prescription drug benefits in Section 5(f).

In-network: Nothing

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: Nothing (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Not covered:

  • Reversal of voluntary surgical sterilizations
  • Genetic counseling and screening
  • Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)
  • Expenses for sperm collection and storage
All chargesAll charges
Benefits Description : Infertility servicesElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Diagnosis and treatment of infertility, except as shown in Not covered

Note: See Section 5(a) for covered labs, diagnostic tests, and   X-rays.

Note: See Section 5(b) for covered surgical services.

Note: See Section 5(f) for covered prescription drugs.

In-network: $20 copayment for office visits to primary care providers; $35 copayment for office visits to specialists

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $10 copayment for office visits to primary care providers (no deductible); $25 copayment for office visits to specialists (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Not covered:

  • Infertility services after voluntary sterilizations
  • Fertility drugs
  • Genetic counseling and screening
  • Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)
  • Assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, such as:
    • Artificial insemination (AI)
    • In vitro fertilization (IVF)
    • Embryo transfer and gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) and zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT)
    • Intravaginal insemination (IVI)
    • Intracervical insemination (ICI)
    • Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
  • Services and supplies related to ART procedures
  • Cost of donor sperm
  • Cost of donor egg
All chargesAll charges
Benefits Description : Allergy careElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)
  • Testing and treatment, including materials (such as allergy serum)
  • Allergy injections

In-network: $20 copayment for office visits to primary care providers; $35 copayment for office visits to specialists

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $10 copayment for office visits to primary care providers (no deductible); $25 copayment for office visits to specialists (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance and any difference (deductible applies) between our allowance and the billed amount

Not covered:

  • Clinical ecology and environmental medicine
  • Provocative food testing
  • Non-FDA approved sublingual allergy desensitization drugs

All charges

All charges

Benefits Description : Treatment therapiesElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)
  • Antibiotic therapy - Intravenous (IV)/Infusion
  • Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
  • Intrathecal pumps

Note: The per diem (daily) rate for intrathecal pump refill will only be reimbursed on the day of the refill. No daily per diems will be allowed.

  • Outpatient cardiac rehabilitation following qualifying event/condition
  • Chemotherapy and radiation therapy

Note: Preauthorization required for chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Note: High-dose chemotherapy in association with autologous bone marrow transplants is limited to those transplants listed on page (Applies to printed brochure only). Specialty benefits may apply, see page (Applies to printed brochure only).

  • Intravenous (IV)/Infusion Therapy - Outpatient and home IV antibiotic therapy
  • Respiratory and inhalation therapies

Note: Growth hormone therapy (GHT) is covered under the prescription drug benefit. We only cover GHT when we preauthorize the treatment. Call 800-821-6136 for preauthorization. We will ask you to submit information that establishes GHT is medically necessary. Ask us to authorize GHT before you begin treatment; otherwise, we will only cover GHT services from the date you submit the information. If you do not ask or if we determine GHT is not medically necessary, we will not cover the GHT or related services and supplies. See Other services that require preauthorization in Section 3.

Note: Some medications required for treatment therapies may  be available through CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy or a CVS Caremark participating network pharmacy. Medications obtained from these sources are covered under the Prescription drug benefits in Section 5(f).

  • Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy
    • Inclusive of the services of the Board certified behavior analyst, Board certified assistant behavior analyst, and Registered behavior technician.
    • Note: Here are some things to keep in mind:
      • Preauthorization required.  
      • Required diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) by  a provider qualified to make the diagnosis: Board certified behavior analyst (BCBA), psychiatrist, pediatrician.
      • Initiation of treatment and on-going treatment and intensity  of treatment must be medically necessary and appropriate for the child.
      • A functional behavioral assessment must be submitted prior to treatment and must demonstrate appropriateness of ABA Therapy.
      • Services must be directed by a Board certified behavior analyst and services may be provided by Board certified assistant behavior analysts (BCaBA) or Registered behavior technicians (RBTs).
      • Approval of on-going services requires demonstrated involvement by family.

In-network: $20 copayment for office visits to primary care providers; $35 copayment for office visits to specialists

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

  • Dialysis - hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysisUp to three outpatient dialysis treatments are covered each week (any combination of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis).

Note: Notification for all dialysis requests is required, even when an extension is being requested.

Note: For out-of-network services, we bundle charges for dialysis; labs drawn during the week of dialysis treatments, and drugs supplies provided on the day of dialysis, are part of the bundled payment.

Note: For out-of-network services, home dialysis training for  the member and a helper are covered outside of the bundled payment.

In-network: $20 copayment for office visits to primary care providers; $35 copayment for office visits to specialists

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Not covered:

  • Chelation therapy except for acute arsenic, gold or lead poisoning
  • Maintenance cardiac rehabilitation
  • Topical hyperbaric oxygen therapy
  • Prolotherapy
  • ABA therapy services provided by the school are not reimbursable by the health plan.

All charges

All charges

Benefits Description : Physical, occupational, and speech therapyElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Elevate Plus Option: Up to 60 outpatient therapy visits per person  per calendar year for the combined services of each of the following:

Elevate Option: Up to 30 outpatient therapy visits per person  per calendar year for the combined services of each of the following:

  • Qualified physical therapists
  • Qualified occupational therapists
  • Qualified speech therapists

Note: Inpatient therapy services are not applied to the visit  limits above.

  

Note: We only cover therapy when a physician:

  • orders the care,
  • identifies the specific professional skills the patient requires and the medical necessity for skilled services; and
  • indicates the length of time the services are needed.

Note: Combined therapy visits may be used for rehabilitative therapy or habilitative therapy.

  • Rehabilitative: Therapy is initiated to restore bodily function when there has been a total or partial loss of bodily function due to illness, surgery, or injury.
  • Habilitative: Therapy is initiated to address a genetic, congenital, or early acquired disorder resulting in significant deficit of Activities of Daily Living (ADL), fine motor, or gross motor skills. Therapy services are provided to enhance functional status and is focused on developing skills that  were never present.

In-network: $20 copayment for office visits to primary care providers; $35 copayment for office visits to specialists

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $10 copayment for office visits to primary care providers (no deductible); $25 copayment for office visits to specialists (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Not covered:

  • Exercise programs
  • Long-term rehabilitation therapy
  • Maintenance therapy-measurable improvement is not expected or progress is no longer demonstrated
  • Hot and cold packs
  • Computers, tablets, computer programs/games used in association with communication aides, internet or phone services used in conjunction with communication devices
  • Hippotherapy
  • Rehabilitative services intended to teach or enhance Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (therapy to promote skills associated with independent living, such as shopping, using a phone, cleaning, laundry, preparing meals, managing medications, driving, or managing money/finances)
  • Sensory, Auditory, or Sensory Integration Therapy
  • Biofeedback, educational, recreational or milieu therapy

All charges

All charges

Benefits Description : Cognitive rehabilitationElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Provided when medically necessary following brain injury or traumatic brain injury.

Services will only be covered when provided by the following while practicing within their scope of care:

      • Speech, occupational and/or physical therapists
      • Psychologists
      • Physicians

In-network: $20 copayment for office visits to primary care providers; $35 copayment for office visits to specialists

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $10 copayment for office visits to primary care providers (no deductible); $25 copayment for office visits to specialists (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Benefits Description : Hearing services (testing, treatment and supplies)Elevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)
  • For treatment related to illness or injury, including evaluation and diagnostic hearing tests performed by an M.D., D.O., or audiologist

Note: For routine hearing screening performed during a child's preventive care visit, see Section 5(a) Preventive care children.

  • Implanted hearing-related devices, such as bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA) and cochlear implants

Note: For benefits for the devices, see Section 5(a) Orthopedic and prosthetic devices.

In-network: $20 copayment for office visits to primary care providers; $35 copayment for office visits to specialists

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $10 copayment for office visits to primary care providers (no deductible); $25 copayment for office visits to specialists (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed
amount

  • External hearing aids

Note: Elevate Plus Option benefit is payable per person every  36 months for adults and every 12 months for children up to age 22.

Note: See Non-FEHB Benefits Available to Plan Members for additional hearing aid discount program information.

In-network: All charges in excess of $1,500

Out-of-network: All charges in excess of $1,500 (no deductible)

All charges

Not covered:

  • Hearing services that are not shown as covered
All chargesAll charges
Benefits Description : Vision services (testing, treatment and supplies)Elevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)
  • Diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the eye
  • Outpatient vision therapy for treatment of convergence insufficiency up to a maximum of 12 visits per year

Note: See Preventive care, children for eye exams for children.

In-network: $20 copayment for office visits to primary care providers; $35 copayment for office visits to specialists

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $10 copayment for office visits to primary care providers (no deductible); $25 copayment for office visits to specialists (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

  • First pair of contact lenses or standard ocular implant lenses  if required to correct an impairment existing after intraocular surgery or accidental injury

In-network: 25% of the  Plan allowance

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Not covered:

  • Computer programs of any type, including but not limited to those to assist with vision therapy
  • Eyeglasses or contact lenses and examinations for them except as shown above
  • Radial keratotomy and other refractive surgery
  • Special multifocal ocular implant lenses
  • Vision therapy except as noted above

All charges

All charges

Benefits Description : Foot care Elevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)
  • Routine foot care only when you are under active treatment for a metabolic or peripheral vascular disease, such as diabetes

In-network: $20 copayment for office visits to primary care providers; $35 copayment for office visits to specialists

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $10 copayment for office visits to primary care providers (no deductible); $25 copayment for office visits to specialists (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

  • Diabetic shoes and shoe inserts individually designed and fitted to offload pressure points on the diabetic foot

Note: Limited to $150 per person per calendar year.

In-network: All charges in excess of $150

Out-of-network: All charges in excess of $150 (no deductible)

In-network: All charges in excess of $150 (no deductible)

Out-of-network: All charges in excess of $150 (no deductible)

Not covered:

  • Cutting, trimming of toenails or removal of corns, calluses,  or similar routine treatment of conditions of the foot, except as stated above
  • Treatment of weak, strained or flat feet or bunions or spurs; and of any instability, imbalance or subluxation of the foot (unless the treatment is by open cutting surgery)
All chargesAll charges
Benefits Description : Orthopedic and prosthetic devices Elevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)
  • Artificial limbs and eyes
  • Prosthetic sleeve or sock
  • Externally worn breast prostheses and surgical bras,  including necessary replacements following a mastectomy
  • Corrective orthopedic appliances for non-dental treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain dysfunction syndrome
  • Internal prosthetic devices, such as artificial joints, pacemakers and surgically implanted breast implant  following mastectomy
  • Implanted hearing-related devices, such as bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA) and cochlear implants

Note: For information on the professional charges for the surgery to insert an implant, see Section 5(b) Surgical procedures. For information on the hospital and/or ambulatory surgery center benefits, see Section 5(c) Services Provided by a Hospital or Other Facility, and Ambulance Services.

Note: We will pay only for the cost of the standard item. Coverage for specialty items such as bionics is limited to the cost of the standard item.

Note: Preauthorization required for orthopedic and prosthetic devices over $1,000.

In-network: 25% of the  Plan allowance

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

  • External hearing aids

Note: Elevate Plus Option benefit is payable per person every  36 months for adults and every 12 months for children up to  age 22.

Note: See Non-FEHB Benefits Available to Plan Members for additional hearing aid discount program information.

In-network: All charges in excess of $1,500

Out-of-network: All charges in excess of $1,500 (no deductible)

All charges

Not covered:

  • Orthopedic and corrective shoes, arch supports, foot  orthotics, heel pads and heel cups
  • Bioelectric, computer programmed prosthetic devices
All chargesAll charges
Benefits Description : Durable medical equipment (DME)Elevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

We cover rental or purchase of durable medical equipment, at our option, including repair and adjustment.

Covered items include:

  • Oxygen
  • Rental of dialysis equipment
  • Standard hospital beds
  • Standard wheelchairs
  • Crutches
  • Walkers
  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine
  • Braces including necessary adjustments to shoes to accommodate braces, which are used for the purpose of supporting a weak or deformed body part
  • Braces restricting or eliminating motion in a diseased or injured part of the body

Note: DME is equipment and supplies that:

    • Are prescribed by your attending physician
      (i.e., the physician who is treating your illness or injury)
    • Are medically necessary
    • Are primarily and customarily used only for a medical purpose
    • Are generally useful only to a person with an illness or injury
    • Are designed for prolonged use
    • Serve a specific therapeutic purpose in the treatment of an illness or injury

Note: If you need assistance locating a provider for the equipment, or if you have benefit coverage questions, call GEHA at 800-821-6136. Most DME items must be preauthorized by your provider by calling 866-257-0721. Providers must request medical necessity review for DME that has a cumulative rental and/or retail price of $1,000 or more. Rentals are covered up to purchase price not to exceed rental  for greater than 10 months.

Note: Refer to Section 5(f) for glucose meter and diabetic supplies.

Note: Refer to Section 5(a) Maternity Care for obtaining breast pump and supplies.

In-network: 25% of the  Plan allowance

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Speech generating devices

Note: Electronic voice output communication aids, which are electronic augmentative and alternative communication systems used to supplement or replace speech or writing for individuals with severe speech impairments, for patients suffering from severe expressive speech disorders and have a medical  condition that warrants the use of such device. Requires a formal speech and language evaluation by licensed speech therapist. 

In-network: All charges in excess of $1,250 per calendar year

Out-of-network: All  charges in excess of $1,250 per calendar year (no deductible)

In-network: All charges in excess of $1,250 per calendar year (no deductible)

Out-of-network: All charges in excess of $1,250 per calendar year (no deductible)

Not covered:

  • Motorized wheelchairs and other power operated vehicles unless meeting ACA requirements and medical necessity
  • Deluxe or upgraded equipment and supplies
  • Computers, tablets, computer programs/games used in association with communication aides, internet or phone services used in conjunction with communication devices
  • Air purifiers, air conditioners, heating pads, cold therapy units, whirlpool bathing equipment, sun and heat lamps, exercise devices (even if ordered by a doctor), and other equipment that does not meet the definition of durable medical equipment page (Applies to printed brochure only)
  • Lifts, such as seat, chair or van lifts
  • Wigs
  • Bone stimulators except for established non-union fractures
  • Devices or programs to eliminate bed wetting
  • If a member is a patient in a facility other than the member's primary residence, or in a distinct part of a facility that provides services such as skilled nursing, rehabilitation services, or provides medical or nursing, DME will not be covered separately for rental or purchase.
All chargesAll charges
Benefits Description : Home health servicesElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

50 in-home intermittent visits per person, per calendar year, not to exceed one visit up to two hours per day when:

  • A registered nurse (R.N.), a licensed practical nurse (L.P.N.) under the supervision of a registered nurse, or qualified* medical social worker (M.S.W.) provides the services
  • The attending physician orders the care
  • The physician identifies the specific professional skills required by the patient and the medical necessity for skilled services
  • The physician indicates the length of time the services are needed
  • Medical social services provided by a qualified* medical social worker may be covered under the home health service benefit when the member meets the following criteria:
    • Member must be in need of home health services on an intermittent basis; home health skilled nursing, physical therapy, speech-language, or occupational therapy.
    • Member must be under the care of a physician who signs the plan of care.
    • The plan of care indicates how the services which are required necessitate the skills of a qualified* medical  social worker to be performed safely and effectively.
    • In-home assessment services from a qualified* medical social worker are required to support accurate diagnosis and amelioration of social determinants of health identified as an impediment to the effective treatment of the patient’s medical condition or rate of recovery.

*Services performed by a qualified medical social worker are only eligible for reimbursement when furnished through a licensed home health agency or under the supervision of an eligible physician actively involved in the member’s care.

Note: Please refer to the Specialty drug benefits beginning on page (Applies to printed brochure only) for information on benefits for home infusion therapies.

Note: See Durable medical equipment (DME) above for coverage of DME benefit services received in the home.

In-network: $20 copayment

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Not covered:

  • Nursing care requested by, or for the convenience of, the patient or the patient’s family
  • Services primarily for hygiene, feeding, exercising, moving the patient, homemaking, companionship or giving oral medications
  • Home care primarily for personal assistance that does not include a medical component and is not diagnostic, therapeutic, or rehabilitative
  • Custodial care
  • Hourly nursing where there is no skilled need or the need is beyond a two hour visit per day (otherwise known as private duty nursing) provided in the acute care facility, post-acute facilities (skilled nursing facilities), rehabilitation facilities, long-term acute care facilities, long-term care facilities, in  the home
  • On-going licensed/unlicensed dialysis assistance in the home after initial dialysis training
  • Foods that can be obtained over the counter (without a prescription) even if prescribed by a physician
All chargesAll charges
Benefits Description : Manipulative therapyElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Manipulative therapy services limited to:

  • Chiropractic spinal and/or extraspinal manipulative treatment
  • Adjunctive procedures such as ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, and vibratory therapy
  • X-rays used to detect and determine nerve interferences due to spinal subluxations or misalignments
  • Elevate Plus Option limited to 15 visits per person per calendar year
  • Elevate Option limited to 12 visits per person per calendar year

In-network: $20 copayment

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $10 copayment (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Not covered:

  • Any treatment not specifically listed as covered
  • Maintenance therapy - measurable improvement is not expected or progress is no longer demonstrated
All chargesAll charges
Benefits Description : Alternative treatmentsElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Acupuncture:

  • Benefits are limited to 20 procedures per person per calendar year for medically necessary acupuncture treatments for:
    • Anesthesia
    • Pain relief

Note: Services may be obtained from any plan provider acting within the scope of their license or certification under  applicable state law.

In-network: $20 copayment

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $10 copayment (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Not covered:

  • All other alternative treatments, including clinical ecology and environmental medicine
  • Any treatment not specifically listed as covered, including
    • Naturopathic services
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Biofeedback
    • Acupressure
    • Aroma therapy
    • Massage therapy
    • Rolfing
  • Services provided by Christian Science practitioners or facilities
All chargesAll charges
Benefits Description : Educational classes and programsElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Coverage is limited to:

  • Tobacco Cessation programs – We cover counseling sessions such as proactive phone counseling, group counseling and individual counseling for adult males, pregnant and non-pregnant females, and children and adolescents.
  • In addition, we cover over-the-counter (with a physician’s prescription) and prescription tobacco cessation drugs approved by the FDA.

Note: The quantity of drugs reimbursed will be subject to recommended courses of treatment. You may obtain tobacco cessation drugs with your plan identification card, through a participating network retail Pharmacy or Elevate Plus Option members may obtain through CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy. (See filing instructions in Section 5(f) Prescription drug benefits.)

In-network: Nothing for counseling for up to two attempts per person per calendar year, with up to four counseling sessions  per attempt.

Nothing for OTC and prescription drugs  approved by the FDA to treat tobacco dependence.

Out-of-network: Nothing, except any difference between our Plan  allowance and the billed amount (no deductible) for counseling for up to two attempts per person per calendar year, with up to four counseling sessions  per attempt.

Nothing for OTC and prescription drugs  approved by the FDA to treat tobacco dependence.

In-network: Nothing (no deductible) for counseling for up to two attempts per person per calendar year, with up to four counseling sessions per attempt.

Nothing (no deductible) for OTC and prescription drugs approved by the FDA to treat tobacco dependence.

Out-of-network: Nothing, except any difference between our Plan allowance and the billed amount (no deductible) for counseling for up to two attempts per person per calendar year, with up to four counseling sessions per attempt.

Nothing (no deductible) for OTC and prescription drugs approved by the FDA to treat tobacco dependence.

Diabetes Education

Note: Provided by Certified Diabetes Educators or physician through a program certified by the American Diabetes Association. The following program criteria needs to be met:

  • Consists of services by healthcare professionals (physicians, registered dieticians, registered nurses,   registered pharmacists);
  • Designed to educate the member about medically necessary diabetes self-care upon initial diagnosis; and 
  • Ordered by the physician treating the member’s diabetes that includes a statement signed by the physician that the service is needed.

In-network: Nothing up to the Plan allowance (up to  10 hours of instruction per year)

Out-of-network: Nothing  up to the Plan allowance and any difference between our allowance and the  billed amount (up to 10 hours of instruction per year, no deductible)

In-network: Nothing up to the Plan allowance (up to 10 hours of instruction per year, no deductible)

Out-of-network: Nothing up to the Plan allowance and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount (up to 10 hours of instruction per year, no deductible)

Nutritional Counseling

Note: Provided by a dietitian with state license or statutory certification. Nutritional counseling must be ordered by a physician.

In-network: $20 copayment

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Not covered:

  • Weight loss programs, except as specified by the brochure.

All charges

All charges




Section 5(b). Surgical and Anesthesia Services Provided by Physicians and Other Health Care Professionals (Elevate Plus and Elevate Options)

Important things you should keep in mind about these benefits:

  • Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.
  • Under the Elevate Plus Option, there is no calendar year deductible for services received from an in-network provider. If you use an out-of-network provider, the calendar year deductible is $500 per person ($1,000 if enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family). We state whether or not the out-of-network calendar year deductible applies for each benefit listed in this section. 
  • Under the Elevate Option, the calendar year deductible is $500 per person ($1,000 if enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family). If you use an out-of-network provider, the calendar year deductible is $1,000 per person ($2,000 if enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family). We state whether or not the calendar year deductible applies for each benefit listed in this section.
  • The out-of-network benefits are the standard benefits of this Plan. In-network benefits apply only when you use an in-network provider. When no in-network provider is available, out-of-network benefits apply. 
  • The services listed below are for the charges billed by a physician or other health care professional for your surgical care. See Section 5(c) for charges associated with the facility (i.e., hospital, surgical center, etc.).
  • When using an in-network hospital, the professionals who provide services may not all be in-network providers. If they are not, they will be paid by this Plan as out-of-network providers. However, if services are performed by out-of-network radiologists, anesthesiologists, emergency room physicians, hospitalists, neonatologists or pathologists at an in-network hospital, we will pay up to the Plan allowable at the preferred provider rate. You will be responsible for the difference between the plan allowance and the billed amount. 
  • We will provide in-network benefits if you are admitted to an out-of-network hospital due to a medical emergency. We will also provide in-network benefits for professionals who provide services in a non-network hospital, when admitted due to a medical emergency.
  • YOUR NETWORK PHYSICIAN MUST GET PREAUTHORIZATION FOR SOME IN-NETWORK SERVICES AND/OR PROCEDURES. You are responsible for obtaining preauthorization for out-of-network services, and failure to do so may result in penalties. Please refer to the preauthorization information shown in Section 3 or call customer service to be sure which services require preauthorization.
  • Copayments for physician surgical services are limited to two per surgery when co-surgeons are utilized.
  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your Costs For Covered Services, for valuable information about how cost sharing works. Also read Section 9 for information about how we pay if you have other coverage, or if you are age 65 or over.



  

  




Benefits Description : Surgical proceduresElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

A comprehensive range of services, such as:

  • Operative procedures
  • Treatment of fractures, including casting
  • Normal pre- and post-operative care by the surgeon
  • Correction of amblyopia and strabismus
  • Endoscopy procedures
  • Biopsy procedures 
  • Removal of tumors and cysts
  • Correction of congenital anomalies - limited to children under the age of 18 unless there is a functional deficit (see Reconstructive surgery)
  • Insertion of internal prosthetic devices (see Section 5(a) Orthopedic and prosthetic devices for device coverage information)
  • Treatment of burns
  • Surgical treatment of morbid obesity (bariatric surgery)
    • Note: Requirements for bariatric surgery:
      • Eligible members must be age 18 or over; or for adolescents, have achieved greater than 95% of estimated adult height and a minimum Tanner Stage of 4, and
      • Have a minimum Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or  greater than or equal to 35 (with at least one co-morbid condition present), and
      • Have completed a 6 month Plan physician supervised diet documented within the last two years, and
      • Complete a multi-disciplinary surgical preparatory regimen, which includes a psychological evaluation. 
      • Preauthorization required.
    • Note: One bariatric surgery per lifetime unless complications. Removal of excess skin covered only if medically necessary.
  • Surgical treatment of gender dysphoria such as surgical change of sex characteristics (bilateral mastectomy) and genital reconstructive surgeries (vaginectomy, urethroplasty, scrotoplasty, penectomy, vaginoplasty, labiaplasty and clitoroplasty)
    • Note: Requirements for surgical treatment of gender dysphoria:
      • Must be 18 years of age or older with documented evidence of persistent gender dysphoria
      • Must have evidence of well-controlled physical and mental health conditions, with letter from qualified mental health professional supporting decision for procedure (two letters if requesting genital reconstructive surgery)
      • Additional information to above based on specific surgical requests: Note genital reconstructive surgeries require 1) an additional letter of support from a qualified mental health provider, 2) 12 months of hormone therapy as appropriate for member's gender goal, and 3) greater than 12 months living a gender role congruent with  gender identity.

Note: Post-operative care is considered to be included in the fee charged for a surgical procedure by a doctor. Any additional fees charged by a doctor are not covered unless such charge is for an unrelated condition.

Note: Voluntary sterilizations, surgically implanted contraceptives, injectable contraceptive drugs, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and diaphragms are listed as covered at no cost share under Section 5(a) Family planning.

Note: When multiple or bilateral surgical procedures performed during the same operative session add time or complexity to patient care, our benefits are:

  • For the primary procedure based on:
    • Full Plan allowance
  • For the secondary and subsequent procedures based on:
    • One-half of the Plan allowance

Note: Multiple or bilateral surgical procedures performed through  the same incision are “incidental” to the primary surgery. That is,    the procedure would not add time or complexity to patient care. We do not pay extra for incidental procedures.

In-network: $200 copayment per  performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in an inpatient setting

In-network: $150 copayment per  performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in all other settings

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $250 copayment (no deductible) per performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in an inpatient setting

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies), for surgical procedures performed in all other settings

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Not covered:

  • Reversal of voluntary sterilization
  • Services of a standby physician or surgeon
  • Routine treatment of conditions of the foot (see Foot care)
  • Surgical treatment of hyperhidrosis unless alternative therapies such as botox injections or topical aluminum chloride and pharmacotherapy have been unsuccessful
  • Transgender procedures not specifically listed above, such as: augmentation mammoplasty, rhinoplasty, face-lifting, lip enhancement, facial bone reduction, blepharoplasty, body contouring, reduction thyroid chondroplasty, hair removal, voice modification surgery, skin resurfacing or other procedures  used for feminization, chin or nose implants, lip reductions or other procedures used for masculization transgender reversal unless secondary to surgical complications
All chargesAll charges
Benefits Description : Reconstructive surgeryElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)
  • Surgery to correct a functional defect
  • Surgery to correct a condition caused by injury or illness if:
    • the condition produced a major effect on the member’s appearance and
    • the condition can reasonably be expected to be corrected by such surgery
  • Surgery to correct a condition that existed at or from birth and is a significant deviation from the common form or norm. Examples  of congenital anomalies are: cleft lip; cleft palate; birth marks;  and webbed fingers and toes.

Note: Covered for children under the age of 18 regardless of functional deficit. Covered for ages 18 and over only if there is a functional deficit.

  • All stages of breast reconstruction surgery following a  mastectomy or lumpectomy, such as:
    • surgery to produce a symmetrical appearance of breasts
    • treatment of any physical complications, such as lymphedemas
    • breast prostheses; and surgical bras and replacements (see Section 5(a) Orthopedic and prosthetic devices for coverage)

Note: We pay for internal breast prostheses as hospital benefits if billed by a hospital. If included with the surgeon’s bill, surgery benefits will apply.

Note: If you need a mastectomy, you may choose to have the procedure performed on an inpatient basis and remain in the hospital up to 48 hours after the procedure.

Note: Preauthorization may be required.

In-network: $200 copayment per  performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in an inpatient setting

In-network: $150 copayment per  performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in all other settings

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $250 copayment (no deductible) per performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in an inpatient setting

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies), for surgical procedures performed in all other settings 

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Not covered:

  • Cosmetic surgery – any surgical procedure (or any portion of a procedure) performed primarily to improve physical appearance through change in bodily form, except repair of accidental injury  if repair is initiated promptly or as soon as  the member’s condition permits
  • Surgeries related to sexual dysfunction
  • Surgeries to correct congenital anomalies for individuals age 18 and older unless there is a functional deficit
  • Charges for photographs to document physical conditions
All chargesAll charges
Benefits Description : Oral and maxillofacial surgeryElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Oral surgical procedures, limited to:

  • Reduction of fractures of the jaws or facial bones
  • Surgical correction of cleft lip, cleft palate, or severe functional malocclusion
  • Removal of stones from salivary ducts
  • Excision of cysts and incision of abscesses unrelated to tooth structure
  • Extraction of impacted (unerupted or partially erupted) teeth
  • Alveoloplasty, partial or radical removal of the lower jaw with bone graft
  • Excision of tori, tumors, leukoplakia, premalignant and malignant lesions, and biopsy of hard and soft oral tissues
  • Open reduction of dislocations and excision, manipulation, aspiration or injection of temporomandibular joints
  • Removal of foreign body, skin, subcutaneous areolar tissue, reaction-producing foreign bodies in the musculoskeletal system and salivary stones and incision/excision of salivary glands and ducts
  • Repair of traumatic wounds
  • Incision of the sinus and repair of oral fistulas
  • Surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia
  • Orthognathic surgery for the following conditions only:
    • severe sleep apnea only after conservative treatment of sleep apnea has failed
    • cleft palate and Pierre Robin Syndrome
  • Other oral surgery procedures that do not involve the teeth or their supporting structures

In-network: $200 copayment per  performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in an inpatient setting

In-network: $150 copayment per  performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in all other settings

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $250 copayment (no deductible) per performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in an inpatient setting

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies), for surgical procedures performed in all other settings

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Not Covered:

  • Oral implants and transplants; including for the treatment of accidental injury
  • Procedures that involve the teeth or their supporting structures (such as the periodontal membrane, gingiva, and alveolar  bone)
  • Orthodontic treatment
  • Any oral or maxillofacial surgery not specifically listed as covered
All chargesAll charges
Benefits Description : Organ/tissue transplantsElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

These solid organ transplants are subject to medical necessity and experimental/investigational review by the Plan. Refer to Other services in Section 3 for preauthorization procedures. 

Solid organ transplants limited to:

  • Allogeneic islet
  • Autologous pancreas islet cell transplant (as an adjunct to total or near total pancreatectomy) only for patients with chronic pancreatitis
  • Cornea
  • Heart
  • Heart/lung
  • Intestinal transplants
    • Isolated small intestine
    • Small intestine with the liver
    • Small intestine with multiple organs, such as the liver, stomach, and pancreas
  • Kidney
  • Kidney - pancreas
  • Liver
  • Lung single/bilateral/lobar
  • Pancreas

In-network: $200 copayment per  performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in an inpatient setting

In-network: $150 copayment per  performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in all other settings

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $250 copayment (no deductible) per performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in an inpatient setting

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies), for surgical procedures performed in all other settings

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

These tandem blood or marrow stem cell transplants for covered transplants are subject to medical necessity review by the Plan. Refer to Other services in Section 3 for prior authorization procedures.

  • Autologous tandem transplants for:
    • AL Amyloidosis
    • Multiple myeloma (de novo and treated)
    • Recurrent germ cell tumors (including testicular cancer)

In-network: $200 copayment per  performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in an inpatient setting

In-network: $150 copayment per  performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in all other settings

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $250 copayment (no deductible) per performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in an inpatient setting

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies), for surgical procedures performed in all other settings

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Blood or marrow stem cell transplants

The Plan extends coverage for the diagnoses as indicated below. Refer to Other services in Section 3 for preauthorization procedures.

For the diagnoses listed below, the medical necessity limitation is considered satisfied if the patient meets the staging description.

  • Allogeneic transplants for:
    • Acute lymphocytic or non-lymphocytic (i.e., myelogenous) leukemia
    • Acute myeloid leukemia
    • Advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
    • Advanced Myeloproliferative Disorders (MPDs)
    • Advanced neuroblastoma
    • Advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
    • Amyloidosis
    • Beta Thalassemia Major
    • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL)
    • Chronic myelogenous leukemia
    • Hemoglobinopathy
    • Infantile malignant osteopetrosis
    • Kostmann's syndrome
    • Leukocyte adhesion deficiencies
    • Marrow Failure and Related Disorders
      (i.e., Fanconi’s, Paroxysmal Noctural Hemoglobinuria, Pure Red Cell Aplasia)
    • Mucolipidoses (e.g., Gaucher’s disease, metachromatic leukodystrophy, adrenoleukodystrophy)
    • Mucopolysaccharidoses (e.g., Hunter’s syndrome, Hurler’s syndrome, Sanfillippo’s syndrome, Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome variants)
    • Multiple myeloma
    • Myelodysplasia/Myelodysplastic syndromes
    • Myeloproliferative disorders
    • Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
    • Phagocytic/Hemophagocytic deficiency diseases (e.g., Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
    • Severe combined immunodeficiency
    • Severe or very severe aplastic anemia
    • Sickle cell anemia
    • X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome

   

 

  • Autologous transplants for:
    • Acute lymphocytic or non-lymphocytic (i.e., myelogenous) leukemia
    • Advanced childhood kidney cancers
    • Advanced Ewing sarcoma
    • Advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
    • Advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
    • Aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (Mantle Cell lymphoma, adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, peripheral T-cell lymphomas and aggressive Dendritic Cell neoplasms)
    • Amyloidosis
    • Breast cancer
    • Childhood rhabdomyosarcoma
    • Ependymoblastoma
    • Epithelial ovarian cancer
    • Mantle Cell (Non-Hodgkin lymphoma)
    • Medulloblastoma
    • Multiple myeloma
    • Multiple sclerosis
    • Neuroblastoma
    • Scleroderma
    • Scleroderma - SSc (severe, progressive)
    • Systemic sclerosis
    • Testicular, mediastinal, retroperitoneal and ovarian germ   cell tumors,
    • Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia

In-network: $200 copayment per  performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in an inpatient setting

In-network: $150 copayment per  performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in all other settings

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $250 copayment (no deductible) per performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in an inpatient setting

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies), for surgical procedures performed in all other settings

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Mini-transplants performed in a clinical trial setting (non-myeloablative, reduced intensity conditioning or RIC) for members with a diagnosis listed below are subject to medical necessity review by the Plan. 

Refer to Other services in Section 3 for preauthorization procedures:

  • Allogeneic transplants for:
    • Acute lymphocytic or non-lymphocytic 
      (i.e., myelogenous) leukemia
    • Acute myeloid leukemia
    • Advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
    • Advanced Myeloproliferative Disorders (MPDs)
    • Advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
    • Amyloidosis
    • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL)
    • Chronic myelogenous leukemia
    • Hemoglobinopathy
    • Marrow failure and related disorders (i.e., Fanconi’s, Paroxysmal Noctural Hemoglobinuria, Pure Red Cell Aplasia)
    • Multiple myeloma
    • Myelodysplasia/Myelodysplastic syndromes
    • Paroxysmal Nocmirturnal Hemoglobinuria
    • Severe combined immunodeficiency
    • Severe or very severe aplastic anemia
    • Sickle Cell disease
  • Autologous transplants for:
    • Acute lymphocytic or non-lymphocytic
      (i.e., myelogenous) leukemia
    • Advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
    • Advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
    • Amyloidosis
    • Neuroblastoma

In-network: $200 copayment per  performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in an inpatient setting

In-network: $150 copayment per  performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in all other settings

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $250 copayment (no deductible) per performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in an inpatient setting

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies), for surgical procedures performed in all other settings

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

These blood or marrow stem cell transplants are covered in-network at a National Career Institute or National Institutes of health approved clinical trial or a Plan-designated facility and if approved by the Plan's medical director in accordance with the Plan's protocols. These transplants include, but are not limited to the diagnoses below. 

If you are a participant in a clinical trial, the Plan will provide benefits for related routine care this is medically necessary (such as doctor visits, lab tests, x-rays and scans, and hospitalization related to treating the patient's condition) if it is not provided by the clinical trial. Section 9 has additional information on costs related to clinical trials. We encourage you to contact the Plan to discuss specific services if you participate in a clinical trial. 

  • Allogeneic transplants for
    • Advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma
    • Advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
    • Beta Thalassemia Major
    • Chronic inflammatory demyelination polyneuropathy (CIDP)
    • Early stage (indolent or non-advanced) small cell lymphocytic lymphoma
    • Multiple myeloma
    • Multiple sclerosis
    • Sickle Cell anemia
  • Mini-transplants (non-myeloablative allogeneic, reduced intensity conditioning or RIC) for
    • Acute lymphocytic or non-lymphocytic (i.e., myelogenous) leukemia
    • Advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma
    • Advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
    • Breast cancer
    • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
    • Chronic lymphocytic lymphoma/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL)
    • Chronic myelogenous leukemia
    • Colon cancer
    • Early stage (indolent or non-advanced) small cell lymphocytic lymphoma
    • Multiple myeloma
    • Multiple sclerosis
    • Myelodysplasia/Myelodysplastic Syndromes
    • Myeloproliferative disorders (MDDs)
    • Non-small cell lung cancer
    • Ovarian cancer
    • Prostate cancer
    • Renal cell carcinoma
    • Sarcomas
    • Sickle cell anemia
  • Autologous Transplants for
    • Advanced childhood kidney cancers
    • Advanced Ewing sarcoma
    • Advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma
    • Advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
    • Aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas
    • Breast Cancer
    • Childhood rhabdomyosarcoma
    • Chronic lymphocytic lymphoma/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL)
    • Chronic myelogenous leukemia
    • Early stage (indolent or non-advanced) small cell lymphocytic lymphoma
    • Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
    • Mantle Cell (Non-Hodgkin lymphoma)
    • Multiple sclerosis
    • Small cell lung cancer
    • Systemic lupus erythematosus
    • Systemic sclerosis

In-network: $200 copayment per  performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in an inpatient setting

In-network: $150 copayment per  performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in all other settings

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $250 copayment (no deductible) per performing surgeon, for surgical procedures performed in an inpatient setting

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies), for surgical procedures performed in all other settings

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Donor expenses

  • We will cover donor screening tests and donor search expenses for up to four potential donors of organ/tissue transplants.
  • We cover related medical and hospital expenses of the donor when we cover the recipient, in addition to the testing of family members.

Note: All allowable charges incurred for a surgical transplant, whether incurred by the recipient or donor will be considered expenses of the recipient and will be covered the same as for any other illness or injury subject to the limits stated below. This benefit applies only if the recipient is covered by the Plan and if the donor’s expenses are not otherwise covered.

Transportation Benefit

  • We will also provide up to $10,000 per covered transplant, excluding cornea or kidney, for transportation (mileage or airfare) to a plan designated facility and reasonable temporary living expenses (i.e. lodging and meals) for the recipient and one other individual (or in the case of a minor, two other individuals), if the recipient lives more than 100 miles from  the designated transplant facility.  You must contact Customer Service at 800-821-6136 for what are considered reasonable temporary living expenses. 
  • Transportation benefits are only payable when GEHA is the primary payor. Transportation benefits are payable to follow-up care up to one year following the transplant.

Notes:

  • If you are a participant in a clinical trial, please see Section 9,Clinical Trials, on page (Applies to printed brochure only) for coverage details.
  • We will pay for a second transplant evaluation recommended by a physician qualified to perform the transplant, if the transplant diagnosis is covered and the physician is not associated or in practice with the physician who recommended and will perform the organ transplant. A third transplant evaluation is covered only if the second evaluation does not confirm the initial evaluation.
  • The transplant must be performed at a Plan-designated organ transplant facility to receive maximum benefits.
  • If precertification is not obtained or a Plan-designated organ transplant facility is not used, our allowance will be limited for hospital and surgery expenses up to a maximum of $100,000 per transplant. If we cannot refer a member in need of a transplant to  a designated facility, the $100,000 maximum will not apply.
  • If benefits are limited to $100,000 per transplant, included in the maximum are all charges for hospital, medical and surgical care incurred while the patient is hospitalized for a covered transplant surgery and subsequent complications related to the transplant. Outpatient expenses for chemotherapy and any process of obtaining stem cells or bone marrow associated with bone marrow transplant (stem cell support) are included in benefits limit of $100,000 per transplant. Tandem bone marrow transplants approved as one treatment protocol are limited to $100,000 when not performed at a Plan designated facility. All treatment within 120 days following the transplant is subject to the $100,000 limit. Outpatient prescription drugs are not a part of the $100,000 limit.
  • Chemotherapy and procedures related to bone marrow transplantation must be performed only at a Plan-designated organ transplant facility to receive maximum benefits.
  • Simultaneous transplants such as kidney/pancreas, heart/lung, heart/liver are considered as one transplant procedure and are limited to $100,000 when not performed at a Plan-designated organ transplant facility.

 

Services are paid at regular Plan benefits.

Note: See Sections 5(a) through 5(f) for applicable services and benefits

Services are paid at regular Plan benefits.

Note: See Sections 5(a) through 5(f) for applicable services and benefits

Not covered:

  • Services or supplies for or related to surgical transplant  procedures (including administration of high-dose chemotherapy) for artificial or human organ/tissue transplants not listed as specifically covered
  • Donor screening tests and donor search expenses, except those listed above
  • Expenses for sperm collection and storage
All chargesAll charges
Benefits Description : AnesthesiaElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Professional fees for the administration of anesthesia in:

  • Hospital (inpatient)
  • Hospital outpatient department
  • Skilled nursing facility
  • Ambulatory surgical center
  • Office 

In-network: Nothing

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) 

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Not covered:

  • Anesthesia related to non-covered surgeries or procedures.

All charges

All charges




Section 5(c). Services Provided by a Hospital or Other Facility, and Ambulance Services (Elevate Plus and Elevate Options)

Important things you should keep in mind about these benefits:

  • Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.
  • Under the Elevate Plus Option, there is no calendar year deductible for services received from an in-network provider. If you use an out-of-network provider, the calendar year deductible is $500 per person ($1,000 if enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family). We state whether or not the out-of-network calendar year deductible applies for each benefit listed in this section.
  • Under the Elevate Option, the calendar year deductible is $500 per person ($1,000 if enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family). If you use an out-of-network provider, the calendar year deductible is $1,000 per person ($2,000 if enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family). We state whether or not the calendar year deductible applies for each benefit listed in this section.
  • The out-of-network benefits are the standard benefits of this Plan. In-network benefits apply only when you use an in-network provider. When no in-network provider is available, out-of-network benefits apply.
  • The amounts listed below are for the charges billed by the facility (i.e., hospital or surgical center) or ambulance service for your surgery or care. Any costs associated with the professional charge    (i.e., physicians, etc.) are in Sections 5(a) or 5(b).
  • Charges billed by an out-of-network facility for implantable devices, surgical hardware, etc., are subject to the Plan allowance, which is based on the provider's cost plus 20% with submitted invoice, or two times the Medicare allowance without an invoice. Providers are encouraged to notify us on admission to determine benefits payable.
  • When you receive hospital observation services, we apply outpatient benefits to covered services. Inpatient benefits will apply only when your physician formally admits you to the hospital as an inpatient. It is either your provider's or your responsibility to ensure that we are contacted for precertification if you are admitted as an inpatient.
  • Cost for observation care lasting 24 hours or more will not exceed the cost of inpatient care. 
  • When using an in-network hospital, the professionals who provide services may not all be in-network providers. If they are not, they will be paid by this Plan as out-of-network providers. However, if services are performed by out-of-network radiologists, anesthesiologists, emergency room physicians, hospitalists, neonatologists or pathologists at an in-network hospital, we will pay up to the Plan allowable at the preferred provider rate. You will be responsible for the difference between the plan allowance and the billed amount. 
  • We will provide in-network benefits if you are admitted to an out-of-network hospital due to a medical emergency. We will also provide in-network benefits for professionals who provide services in an out-of-network hospital, when admitted due to a medical emergency.
  • YOUR NETWORK PHYSICIAN MUST GET PRECERTIFICATION FOR HOSPITAL STAYS. You are responsible for obtaining precertification for out-of-network hospital stays, unless due to a medical emergency, and failure to do so may result in penalties. Please refer to the precertification information shown in Section 3.
    • When requested, itemized bills with supporting documentation are required for benefit consideration.
  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your Costs For Covered Services, for valuable information about how cost sharing works. Also, read Section 9 for information about how we pay if you have other coverage, or if you are age 65 or over.







Benefits Description : Inpatient hospitalElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Room and board, such as:

  • Ward, semiprivate, or intensive care accommodation
  • General nursing care
  • Meals and special diets

Note: We only cover a private room if we determine it to be medically necessary. Otherwise, we will pay the hospital's average charge for semiprivate accommodations. The remaining balance is not a covered expense. If the hospital only has private rooms, we will cover the private room rate.  

Other hospital services and supplies, such as:

  • Operating, recovery, maternity and other treatment rooms
  • Prescribed drugs and medications 
  • Diagnostic laboratory tests and X-rays
  • Blood or blood plasma, if not donated or replaced
  • Dressings, splints, casts, and sterile tray services
  • Medical supplies and equipment, including oxygen
  • Anesthetics, including nurse anesthetist services
  • Take-home items
  • Medical supplies, appliances, medical equipment, and any  covered items billed by a hospital for use at home

Note: We cover up to 16 tests for Urine Drug Testing (UDT) per person per calendar year. 

Note: We base payment on whether the facility or a health care professional bills for the services or supplies. For example, when  the hospital bills for its nurse anesthetists’ services, we pay hospital benefits and when the anesthesiologist bills, we pay surgery benefits.

Note: Here are some things to keep in mind regarding maternity benefits:

  • You do not need to precertify your normal delivery;
  • See page (Applies to printed brochure only) for other circumstances, such as extended stays for you or your baby.
  • You may remain in the hospital up to 48 hours after a regular delivery and 96 hours after a cesarean delivery. We will cover an extended stay if medically necessary.
  • We cover routine nursery care of the newborn child during the covered portion of the mother’s maternity stay.
  • We will cover other care of an infant who requires non-routine treatment under regular Plan benefits if we cover the  infant under a Self and Family or Self Plus One enrollment. Surgical benefits, not maternity benefits, apply to circumcision.
  • Maternity care expenses incurred by a Plan member serving as a surrogate mother are covered by the Plan subject to reimbursement from the other party to the surrogacy contract or agreement. The involved Plan member must execute our Reimbursement Agreement against any payment she may receive under a surrogacy contract or agreement. Expenses of the  newborn child are not covered under this or any other benefit in a surrogate mother situation.

In-network: $200 copayment per day, up to a maximum of $1,000/admission

Out-of-network: 50%  of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Not covered:

  • Any part of a hospital admission that is not medically necessary (see Section 10), such as when you do not need acute hospital inpatient (overnight) care, but could receive care in some other setting without adversely affecting your condition or the quality  of your medical care. Note: In this event, we pay benefits for services and supplies other than room and board and in-hospital physician care at the level they would have been covered if provided in an alternative setting.  
  • Any part of a hospital admission that is related to a non-covered surgery or procedure

  • Custodial care (see Section 10)
  • Non-covered facilities such as nursing homes, schools
  • Personal comfort items such as phone, television, barber services, guest meals and beds
  • Private nursing care
  • Biofeedback, educational, recreational or milieu therapy
All chargesAll charges
Benefits Description : Outpatient hospital, clinic or ambulatory surgical centerElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)
  • Operating, recovery, maternity, observation, and other treatment rooms
  • Prescribed drugs and medications
  • Administration of blood, blood plasma, and other biologicals
  • Blood or blood plasma, if not donated or replaced
  • Pre-surgical testing such as, but not limited to, laboratory tests  and X-rays
  • Dressings, splints, casts, and sterile tray services
  • Medical supplies, including oxygen
  • Anesthetics and anesthesia service
  • Observation care 

Note: Observation care is covered as an outpatient hospital service, see Section 10.

Note: We cover up to 16 tests for Urine Drug Testing (UDT) per person per calendar year.

Note: Please refer to page (Applies to printed brochure only) for information on benefits for Specialty drug medications dispensed by hospitals.

Note: We cover hospital services and supplies related to dental procedures when necessitated by a non-dental physical impairment. We do not cover the dental procedures.

Note: Maternity care expenses incurred by a Plan member serving  as a surrogate mother are covered by the Plan subject to  reimbursement from the other party to the surrogacy contract or agreement. The involved Plan member must execute our Reimbursement Agreement against any payment she may receive under a surrogacy contract or agreement. Expenses of the newborn child are not covered under this or any other benefit in a surrogate mother situation.

In-network: $200 copayment per day per facility

Out-of-network: 50%  of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Outpatient diagnostic and treatment services performed and billed  by a facility, such as but not limited to: 

  • Laboratory tests (blood tests, urinalysis, non-routine Pap tests)  and pathology services

Note: If your in-network provider uses an out-of-network lab, imaging facility or radiologist, we will pay out-of-network benefits for lab and radiology charges. 

In-network: $0

Out-of-network: 50%  of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount 

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) 

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Outpatient diagnostic testing and treatment services performed and billed by a facility, such as but not limited to: 

  • X-rays 
  • Ultrasound
  • Electrocardiogram and EEG 
  • Non-routine mammograms 
  • Non-routine colonoscopy
  • Neurological testing 

Note: If your in-network provider uses an out-of-network lab, imaging facility or radiologist, we will pay out-of-network benefits for lab and radiology charges. 

In-network: $50 copayment per day per facility

Out-of-Network: 50%  of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) 

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Outpatient diagnostic testing and treatment services performed and billed by a facility, such as but not limited to: 

  • CT, MRI, MRA, Nuclear Cardiology and PET studies 
  • Double contrast barium enemas
  • Bone density tests
  • Specialized diagnostic genetic testing
  • Psychological and Neuropsychological testing
  • In Lab Attended Polysomnography (sleep study)

Note: Preauthorization may be required for these tests.

Note: If your in-network provider uses an out-of-network benefits for lab, imaging facility or radiologist, we will pay out-of-network benefits for lab and radiology charges. 

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance

Out-of-network: 50%  of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) 

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Not covered:

  • Maintenance cardiac rehabilitation
  • Services that are related to a non-covered surgery or procedure

All chargesAll charges
Benefits Description : Extended care benefits/Skilled nursing care facility benefitsElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Elevate Plus Option:

  • Inpatient confinement at a Skilled nursing facility for the first 21 days following transfer from an authorized acute inpatient confinement when skilled care is still required. Benefits limited to $700 per day. No other benefits are payable for inpatient skilled nursing facility charges.

Note: When Medicare Part A is primary, Medicare pays the initial  20 days in full for confinement in a qualified skilled nursing facility, for each Medicare defined benefit period; this plan covers copayments or coinsurance incurred during the initial 20 days not paid by Medicare as well as the 21st day of confinement during the benefit period.

Charges in excess of $700 per day for the first 21 days. All charges after 21 days

All charges

Benefits Description : Hospice/End of life careElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Hospice is a coordinated program of maintenance and supportive care for the terminally ill provided by a medically supervised team, under the direction of a Plan-approved independent hospice administration.

  • We pay up to $15,000 for hospice care provided in an outpatient setting, or for room, board, and care while receiving hospice care in an inpatient setting. Services may include a combination of inpatient and outpatient care up to a maximum of $15,000.

These benefits will be paid if the hospice care program begins after  a person’s primary doctor certifies terminal illness and life expectancy of six months or less and any services or inpatient hospice stay that is part of the program is:

  • Provided while the person is covered by this Plan
  • Ordered by the supervising doctor
  • Charged by the hospice care program
  • Provided within six months from the date the person entered or  re-entered (after a period of remission) a hospice care program

Remission is the halt or actual reduction in the progression of illness resulting in discharge from a hospice care program with no further expenses incurred. A readmission within three months of a prior discharge is considered as the same period of care. A new period begins after three months from a prior discharge with maximum benefits available.

Note: See Section 5(a), Diagnostic treatment and services, for information on advance care planning coverage. 

In-network: Charges in excess of $15,000

Out-of-network: Charges in excess of $15,000 (deductible applies)

Charges in excess of $15,000 (deductible applies)

Not covered:

  • Charges incurred during a period of remission
  • Bereavement counseling, pastoral counseling, financial or legal counseling
  • Funeral arrangements
  • Homemaker or caretaker services
All chargesAll charges
Benefits Description : AmbulanceElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)
  • Local ambulance service (within 100 miles) to the first hospital where treated, from that hospital to the next nearest one if necessary treatment is unavailable or medically unsuitable at the first hospital, then to either the home (if ambulance transport is medically necessary) or other medical facility (if required for the patient to receive necessary treatment and if ambulance transport is medically necessary).

* Member is responsible for all charges for 100 miles or greater when medically necessary treatment is available within 100 miles.

In-network: $200 copayment within 100 miles*

Out-of-network: $200 copayment and any difference between our allowance and the  billed amount within 100 miles*

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance within 100 miles* (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 25% of the Plan allowance and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount within 100 miles* (deductible applies)

  • Air ambulance to nearest facility where necessary treatment is available is covered if no emergency ground transportation is available or medically suitable and the patient’s condition warrants immediate evacuation. Air ambulance will not be covered if transport is beyond the nearest available medically suitable facility, but is requested by patient or physician for continuity of care or other reasons.

* Member is responsible for all charges for 100 miles or greater when medically necessary treatment is available within 100 miles.

Note: Preauthorization may be required.

In-network: $400 copayment within 100 miles*

Out-of-network: $400 copayment and any difference between our allowance and the  billed amount within 100 miles*

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance within 100 miles* (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 25% of the Plan allowance and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount within 100 miles* (deductible applies)

Not covered:

  • Ambulance transportation when the patient does not require the assistance of medically trained personnel and can be safely transferred (or transported) by other means
  • All ambulance charges for 100 miles or greater when medically necessary treatment is available within 100 miles

All charges

All charges




Section 5(d). Emergency Services/Accidents (Elevate Plus and Elevate Options)

Important things you should keep in mind about these benefits:

  • Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.
  • Under the Elevate Plus Option, there is no calendar year deductible for services received from an in-network provider. If you use an out-of-network provider, the calendar year deductible is $500 per person ($1,000 if enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family). We state whether or not the out-of-network calendar year deductible applies for each benefit listed in this section.
  • Under the Elevate Option, the calendar year deductible is $500 per person ($1,000 if enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family). If you use an out-of-network provider, the calendar year deductible is $1,000 per person ($2,000 if enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family). We state whether or not the calendar year deductible applies for each benefit listed in this section.
  • The out-of-network benefits are the standard benefits of this Plan. In-network benefits apply only when you use an in-network provider. When no in-network provider is available, out-of-network benefits apply.
  • When you use an in-network hospital, the professionals who provide services to you in a hospital may not all be preferred providers. If they are not, they will be paid by this Plan as out-of-network providers. However, if the services are rendered at an in-network hospital, we will pay up to the Plan allowable for services of radiologists, anesthesiologists, emergency room physicians, hospitalists, neonatologists and pathologists who are not preferred providers at the preferred provider rate. You will be responsible for the difference between the plan allowance and the billed amount. 
  • Cost for observation care lasting 24 hours or more will not exceed the cost of inpatient care. 
  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your Costs For Covered Services, for valuable information about how cost sharing works. Also, read Section 9 for information about how we pay if you have other coverage, or if you are age 65 or over.



What is a medical emergency?

A medical emergency is the sudden and unexpected onset of a condition or an injury that you believe endangers your life or could result in serious injury or disability, and requires immediate medical or surgical care. Some problems are emergencies because, if not treated promptly, they might become more serious; examples include deep cuts and broken bones. Others are emergencies because they are potentially life threatening, such as heart attacks, strokes, poisonings, gunshot wounds, or sudden inability to breathe. There are many other acute conditions that we may determine are medical emergencies – what they all have in common is the need for quick action.




Benefits Description : Medical emergencyElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)
  • Outpatient medical or surgical services and supplies billed by a hospital for emergency room treatment.

Note: We pay hospital benefits if you are admitted.

Note: We will provide in-network benefits if you are admitted to an out-of-network hospital due to a medical emergency.  We will also provide in-network benefits for professionals who provide services in an out-of-network hospital, when admitted  due to a medical emergency.

In-network: $150 copayment per visit

Out-of-network: $150 copayment per visit and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Benefits Description : Urgent Care FacilityElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)
  • Outpatient medical services and supplies billed by an urgent care facility

In-network: $50 copayment

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $50 copayment (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Benefits Description : MinuteClinic®Elevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

MinuteClinic® is available in several states and the District of Columbia. Walk-in medical clinics are located inside select CVS pharmacy locations and no appointment is necessary. 

MinuteClinic® is staffed by certified family nurse practitioners and physician assistants who diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common illnesses, injuries and skin conditions. MinuteClinic® also offers physical exams, routine vaccinations and screenings for disease monitoring. To locate a MinuteClinic®, visit www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/clinic-locator or call 866-389-2727.

$10 copayment for office visit

Note: Other services rendered may take additional cost share. 

$10 copayment for office visit (no deductible)

Note: Other services rendered may take additional cost share. 

Benefits Description : TelehealthElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

MDLIVE Telehealth professional services for:

  • Minor acute conditions (see Section 10 for definition)

Note: Services must be provided through MDLIVE at https://members.mdlive.com/geha-callmd/ or call 888-912-1183.

Note: For more information on telehealth benefits, please see Section 5(h) Wellness and Other Special Features.

Nothing

Nothing (no deductible)

Telehealth visit provided by a primary care or specialist  healthcare provider other than MDLIVE. 

In-network: $20 copayment for visits to primary care providers: $35 copayment for visits to specialists. 

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $10 copayment for visits to primary care providers: $25 copayment for visits to specialists. 

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Benefits Description : AmbulanceElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)
  • Local ambulance service (within 100 miles) to the first hospital where treated, from that hospital to the next nearest  one if necessary treatment is unavailable or medically unsuitable at the first hospital, then to either the home (if ambulance transport is medically necessary) or other medical facility (if required for the patient to receive necessary treatment and if ambulance transport is medically necessary).

* Member is responsible for all charges for 100 miles or greater when medically necessary treatment is available within 100 miles.

In-network: $200 copayment within 100 miles*

Out-of-network: $200 copayment and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount within 100 miles*

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance within 100 miles* (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount within 100 miles*

  • Air ambulance to nearest facility where necessary treatment is available is covered if no emergency ground transportation is available or medically suitable and the patient’s condition warrants immediate evacuation. Air ambulance will not be covered if transport is beyond the nearest available medically suitable facility, but is requested by patient or physician for continuity of care or other reasons. 

* Member is responsible for all charges for 100 miles or greater when medically necessary treatment is available within 100 miles.

In-network: $400 copayment within 100 miles*

Out-of-network: $400 copayment and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount within 100 miles*

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance within 100 miles* (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount within 100 miles*

Not covered:

  • Ambulance transportation when the patient does not require the assistance of medically trained personnel and can be safely transferred (or transported) by other means
  • All ambulance charges for 100 miles or greater when medically necessary treatment is available within 100 miles

All charges

All charges




Section 5(e). Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits (Elevate Plus and Elevate Options)

Important things you should keep in mind about these benefits:

  • Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.
  • Under the Elevate Plus Option, there is no calendar year deductible for services received from an in-network provider. If you use an out-of-network provider, the calendar year deductible is $500 per person ($1,000 if enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family). We state whether or not the out-of-network calendar year deductible applies for each benefit listed in this section.
  • Under the Elevate Option, the calendar year deductible is $500 per person ($1,000 if enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family). If you use an out-of-network provider, the calendar year deductible is $1,000 per person ($2,000 if enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family). We state whether or not the calendar year deductible applies for each benefit listed in this section.
  • The out-of-network benefits are the standard benefits of this Plan. In-network benefits apply only when you use an in-network provider. When no in-network provider is available, out-of-network benefits apply.
  • When you receive hospital observation services, we apply outpatient benefits to covered services. Inpatient benefits will apply only when your physician formally admits you to the hospital as an inpatient. It is your provider's or your responsibility to ensure that we are contacted for precertification if you are admitted as an inpatient.
  • YOUR NETWORK PHYSICIAN MUST GET PREAUTHORIZATION FOR SOME IN-NETWORK SERVICES AND/OR PROCEDURES AND PRECERTIFICATION FOR HOSPITAL STAYS. You are responsible for obtaining preauthorization or precertification for out-of-network services, and failure to do so may result in penalties. Please refer to the preauthorization and precertification information shown in Section 3 or call customer service to be sure which services require preauthorization.
    • When requested, itemized bills with supporting documentation are required for benefit consideration for hospital stays.
  • Note: Avoid paying providers for services prior to preauthorization. It is important to assure services are authorized and provided by a covered provider or facility.
  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your Costs For Covered Services, for valuable information about how cost sharing works. Also, read Section 9 for information about how we pay if you have other coverage, or if you are age 65 or over.
  • We will provide medical review criteria or reasons for treatment plan denials to enrollees, members or providers upon request or as otherwise required.
  • OPM will base its review of disputes about treatment plans on the treatment plan’s clinical appropriateness. OPM will generally not order us to pay or provide one clinically appropriate treatment plan in favor of another.



Benefits Description : Professional servicesElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

We cover professional services by licensed professional mental health and substance use  disorder treatment practitioners when acting within the scope of their license, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists.

Your cost-sharing responsibilities are no greater than for other illnesses or conditions.Your cost-sharing responsibilities are no greater than for other illnesses or conditions.

Diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric conditions, mental illness, or mental disorders. Services include:

  • Diagnostic evaluation
  • Crisis intervention and stabilization for acute episodes
  • Medication evaluation and management (pharmacotherapy)
  • Treatment and counseling (including individual, group or in-home therapy visits)
  • Diagnosis and treatment of alcoholism and drug misuse, including detoxification, treatment and counseling
  • Professional charges for intensive day treatment in a provider’s office or other professional setting (requires preauthorization) 
  • Electroconvulsive therapy (facility fees may also apply) (requires preauthorization)

In-network: $20 copayment per office visit

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $10 copayment per office visit (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

  • Non-surgical inpatient professional services during a covered hospital stay.

In-network: Nothing 

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed mount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

  • First primary care or specialist visit for the management of a mental health condition as a follow up within 30 days of a mental health inpatient confinement.

In-network: Nothing

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: Nothing (no deductible)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Benefits Description : TelehealthElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

MDLIVE Mental health professional telehealth services for:

  • Behavioral health counseling
  • Substance use disorder counseling

Note: Services must be provided through MDLIVE at https://members.mdlive.com/geha-callmd/ or call 888-912-1183.

Note: For more information on telehealth benefits, please see Section 5(h) Wellness and Other Special Features.

Nothing

Nothing (no deductible)

Telehealth visit provided by a healthcare provider other than MDLIVE.

In-network: $20 copayment for office visits to primary care providers: $35 copayment for office visits to specialist

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: $10 copayment for office visits to primary care providers: $25 copayment for office visits to specialist

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Benefits Description : DiagnosticsElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)
  • Outpatient diagnostic tests provided and billed by  a licensed mental health and substance use  disorder treatment practitioner
  • Outpatient diagnostic tests provided and billed by  a laboratory, hospital or other covered facility

Note: Preauthorization may be required.

Note: We cover up to 16 tests for Urine Drug Testing (UDT) per person per calendar year. 

Your cost-sharing responsibilities are no greater than for other illnesses or conditions. See diagnostic tests Section 5(a).

Your cost-sharing responsibilities are no greater than for other illnesses or conditions. See diagnostic tests Section 5(a).

  • Psychological and neuropsyschological testing necessary to determine the appropriate psychiatric treatment

Note: Preauthorization may be required.

Note: See Section 5(c) for any applicable outpatient facility charges. 

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Benefits Description : Inpatient hospital and inpatient residential treatment centers (RTC)Elevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Room and board, such as:

  • Ward, semiprivate, or intensive care accommodations
  • General nursing care
  • Meals and special diets
  • Ancillary charges
  • Covered therapy services when billed by the facility (see page (Applies to printed brochure only) for services billed by professional providers)

Note: We only cover a private room if we determine  it to be medically necessary. Otherwise, we will pay the hospital's average charge for semiprivate accommodations. The remaining balance is not a covered expense. If the hospital only has private rooms, we will cover the private room rate.

Note: We limit covered facilities for medically necessary substance use disorder treatment to a hospital and/or RTC.

Note: Preauthorization required.

In-network: $200 copayment per day, up to a maximum of $1,000/admission

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Benefits Description : Outpatient hospitalElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Services such as

  • Partial hospitalization or intensive day treatment programs (preauthorization required)
  • Electroconvulsive therapy (preauthorization required)
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

In-network: $35 per day per facility

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 50% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Benefits Description : Emergency roomElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)
  • Outpatient services and supplies billed by a hospital for emergency room treatment

Note: We pay hospital benefits if you are admitted.

 

In-network: $150 copayment 

Out-of-network: $150 copayment and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

In-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies)

Out-of-network: 25% of the Plan allowance (deductible applies) and any difference between our allowance and the billed amount

Benefits Description : Services we do not coverElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Not covered:

  • Pastoral, marital, educational counseling or training services
  • Therapy for sexual dysfunction or inadequacy
  • Services performed by a non-covered provider
  • Travel time to the member’s home to conduct therapy
  • Services rendered or billed by schools or sober homes, or billed by their staff
  • The following services are not covered as a part   of any inpatient or outpatient mental health or substance use disorder treatment services: respite care; outdoor residential programs; recreational therapy; educational therapy or classes; Outward Bound programs; equine therapy provided during the approved stay; personal comfort items, such as guest meals and beds, phone, television, beauty  and barber services; custodial or long term care provided because home care is not available or is unsuitable.
All chargesAll charges



TermDefinition

Precertification/Preauthorization

To be eligible to receive full benefits for mental health and substance use disorder treatment, you must call UnitedHealthcare Clinical Services at 866-257-0721.




Section 5(f). Prescription Drug Benefits (Elevate Plus and Elevate Options)

Important things you should keep in mind about these benefits:

  • We cover prescribed drugs and medications, as described in this section.
  • Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.
  • Some medications must be approved by GEHA and/or CVS Caremark, our Pharmacy Benefit Manager, before they are a covered benefit. Members must make sure their prescribers obtain preauthorizations for certain prescription drugs and supplies before coverage applies. Medication may be limited as to its quantity, total dose, duration of therapy, age, gender or specific diagnosis. Preauthorizations must be renewed periodically.
  • Federal Law prohibits the return of prescription medications. Medication cannot be returned to dispensing pharmacies and you will be responsible for the cost. Be sure to check the cost of your medication before filling the prescription.
  • There is no calendar year deductible for prescription drugs processed under the prescription benefit. Copayments and coinsurance for prescription drugs go toward the annual out-of-pocket limit except for the difference between the cost of the generic and brand name medication.
  • If you need an extra supply of medications in emergency situations such as if you are called to active military duty or as a part of the government’s continuity of operations, you may receive an extra 30-day supply at retail. Call CVS Caremark Customer Care at 844-4-GEHARX or 844-443-4279 so we can assist with your emergency prescription needs.
  • As part of our administration of prescription drug benefits, we may disclose information about your prescription drug utilization, including names of your prescribing physicians, to any treating physician or dispensing pharmacies.
  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your Costs For Covered Services, for valuable information about how cost-sharing works. Also, read Section 9 for information about how we pay if you have other coverage, or if you are age 65 or over.



Details

Prescription drug benefits

There are important features you should be aware of. These include:

  • Your plan participates in the Exclusive Choice Pharmacy Network. All prescriptions need to be purchased through an in-network pharmacy. Out-of-network claims are not eligible for benefits.
  • Drug coupon/copay cards: We do not honor or coordinate benefits with drug coupon/copay cards. You are responsible for your copay or coinsurance as indicated in this brochure.
  • Who can write your prescription: A licensed physician or dentist, and in states allowing it, licensed or certified providers with prescriptive authority prescribing within their scope of practice must prescribe your medication. In addition, your mailing address must be within the United States or include an APO address.
  • Where you can obtain them: You may fill the prescription at a participating network retail pharmacy or for Elevate Plus Option members, CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy. CVS Caremark Specialty Pharmacy is the exclusive provider for specialty medications. You may contact the Specialty Pharmacy at 800-237-2767.
  • How to submit a prescription reimbursement claim: Include original drug receipts and submit to:

CVS Caremark
P.O. Box 52136
Phoenix, AZ 85072-2136

Reimbursement will be based on GEHA’s costs had the participating pharmacy submitted the claim electronically. Members are responsible for their applicable copayment and/or coinsurance, and the difference between our allowance and the cost of the drug.

Prescription drug benefits (cont.)

  • How to obtain preauthorization: If you are filling a medication requiring a preauthorization for medical necessity please call 855-240-0536. For Elevate Plus Option members using mail service, CVS Caremark will conduct the preauthorization for medical necessity review.
  • Our prescription benefit includes a step therapy program. GEHA’s preauthorization process includes step therapy which requires you to use a generic/preferred medication(s) before a brand and/or non-preferred medication is covered. If you are filling a brand and/or non-preferred medication and have already tried a generic/preferred medication(s), the brand and/or non-preferred medication will be dispensed for the applicable plan copayment/coinsurance. When you try to fill a brand and/or non-preferred medication and you have not tried a generic/preferred medication(s), the pharmacist will contact your physician to notify them of the generic/preferred alternative. If the physician approves, a generic/preferred medication will be dispensed for the applicable plan copayment/coinsurance. If the physician does not approve, a preauthorization review will be initiated to determine the medical necessity of the brand and/or non-preferred drug. If the preauthorization for the brand and/or non-preferred medication is approved, you will be responsible for the applicable plan copayment/coinsurance. If not, you will be responsible for 100% of the cost of the brand and/or non-preferred drug, which will not apply to your annual out-of-pocket maximum.
  • Select therapies are included in the Starter Fill Program. For these medications, you will receive 14 or 15 day supplies for the first 2 months of therapy. Your coinsurance will be prorated based on the days of therapy.
  • Recurring oral non-specialty and specialty medications must be obtained through the pharmacy benefit. Medications will not be covered when dispensed by other sources, including physician offices, home health agencies and outpatient hospitals.
  • Compound Medication: A compound drug is a medication made by combining, mixing or altering ingredients to create a customized drug. Some ingredients often found in compounds including, but not limited to, over-the-counter (OTC) products, experimental or investigational agents, bulk powders, bulk chemicals, and certain bases, are not covered. Coverage for other ingredients commonly found in compound prescriptions may require preauthorization.

Claim pricing is based on the contractual discounts plus a professional fee and any applicable sales tax. Pharmacies must submit all ingredients in a compound prescription for online and paper claim submissions. At least one of the ingredients must require a physician’s prescription in order to be covered by the Plan. You are responsible for the appropriate brand or generic copay or coinsurance based on the ingredients. Preauthorization may be required. If the compound includes an experimental or investigational drug, the compound will not be covered. Compound medications are limited to a 30-day supply.

Ask the pharmacist to submit your claim electronically. If the participating retail pharmacy is unable to submit the claim electronically, you will pay the full cost and must submit for reimbursement. Make sure the pharmacy provides a list of the National Drug Codes (NDCs), quantity and cost for every ingredient in the compound medication, and include this information on your claim.

  • We use a formulary drug list that excludes coverage for certain medications unless we determine they are medically necessary. Refer to www.geha.com/my-elevate for a list of drugs that require preauthorization for medical necessity.
  • We divide prescription drugs into categories or tiers. When an approved generic equivalent is available, that is the drug you will receive, unless you or your physician specifies the prescription must be dispensed as written. When an approved generic equivalent is not available, you will pay the brand name drug's applicable plan copayment/coinsurance. If an approved generic equivalent is available, but you or your physician specifies that the prescription must be dispensed as written with the brand name medication, you will pay the generic copayment plus the difference between the cost of the generic drug and the brand name drug dispensed. Your physician may request the brand name drug be reviewed and if approved as medically necessary, you will pay the applicable brand name copayment/coinsurance.
    • Generic drugs are FDA approved prescription medications. They are chemically and therapeutically equivalent to the corresponding brand name drug, but are available at a lower price. The FDA requires that generic equivalent medications contain the same active ingredients and be equivalent in strength and dosage to brand name drugs.
    • Preferred drugs are FDA approved prescription medications included on the Preferred Drug List developed by CVS Caremark.
    • Non-Preferred drugs are FDA approved prescription medications that may or may not be covered by GEHA, however they are not included on the CVS Caremark Preferred Drug List. Most commonly utilized medications have generic or preferred medications available.
CVS Caremark formulary

Your prescription drug program includes use of the CVS Caremark formulary which is developed by an independent panel of doctors and pharmacists who ensure the medications are clinically appropriate and cost-effective. In an effort to continue to help promote affordable and clinically appropriate products, there are a select number of drugs that are excluded from the formulary and/or not covered by the Plan closed formulary. For these drugs, generics and/or therapeutic alternative medications are available. If one of these excluded drugs is medically necessary, a preauthorization for medical necessity is required.  New drugs and supplies may require a review for medical necessity until the formulary status is determined. 

Our benefit includes the Advanced Control Specialty Formulary (ACSF). The ACSF may reduce your out-of-pocket costs, yet may limit your options due to a strict formulary. The ACSF focuses on specialty medications that are similar to one another, with similar effectiveness and safety. The formulary incorporates step therapy, where a generic/preferred medication is used prior to a brand and/or non-preferred medication.

Formularies are reviewed quarterly and medications may change formulary status. You will receive notification if your cost share increases due to a formulary change. Please visit our website at www.geha.com/my-elevate to view formulary medications and the most current list of specialty drugs. You may also call CVS Caremark at 844-4-GEHARX or 844-443-4279 or CVS Specialty at 800-237-2767.

Your physician may be contacted to discuss your prescriptions for drugs that are excluded by the Plan’s formulary. No change in the medication prescribed will be made without your physician’s approval.

Refills cannot be obtained until 80% of the drug has been used. Refills for maintenance medications are not considered new prescriptions except when the doctor changes the strength or the prescription has expired. As part of the administration of the prescription drug program, we reserve the right to maximize your quality of care as it relates to the utilization of pharmacies. Some medications may require preauthorization by CVS Caremark or GEHA.

Coordinating with other drug coverage

For other commercial coverage: If you also have drug coverage through another group health insurance plan and we are your secondary insurance, follow these procedures:

If you obtain your prescription from a retail pharmacy using your primary insurance plan:

  1. Present prescription ID cards from both your primary insurance plan and GEHA. 
  2. If able, the pharmacy will electronically process both your primary and secondary claims and the pharmacist will tell you if you have any remaining copay/coinsurance to pay.
  3. If the pharmacy cannot electronically process the secondary claim, purchase your prescription using the prescription ID card issued by your primary insurance carrier and pay any copay/coinsurance required by the primary insurance. Then, mail your pharmacy receipt and primary Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to CVS Caremark for consideration of possible reimbursement through your GEHA, secondary benefit. Submit these claims to CVS Caremark, PO Box 52136, Phoenix, AZ 85072-2136.

If you obtain your prescription from a mail service pharmacy using your primary insurance plan, your GEHA reimbursement will be based on the GEHA retail Plan benefit:

  1. Purchase your prescription using the prescription ID card issued by your primary insurance carrier and pay any copay/coinsurance required by the primary insurance.  
  2. Then, mail your pharmacy receipt and primary EOB to CVS Caremark for consideration of possible reimbursement through your GEHA, secondary benefit. Submit these claims to CVS Caremark, PO Box 52136, Phoenix, AZ 85072-2136. 

If your primary insurance does not provide a prescription ID card: 

  1. Purchase your drug from the pharmacy and submit the bill to your primary insurance. 
  2. When the primary insurance has made payment, file the claims and the primary EOB with CVS Caremark for consideration of possible reimbursement using your secondary benefit. Submit these claims to CVS Caremark, PO Box 52136, Phoenix, AZ 85072-2136.

In any event, if you use GEHA’s plan ID card when another insurance plan is primary, you will be responsible for reimbursing GEHA any amount in excess of our secondary benefit. If another insurance plan is primary, you should use their drug benefit. 

Coordinating with other drug coverage (cont.)

When coordination of benefits apply, reimbursement is based on GEHA’s retail Plan allowable benefit. Our benefit payment will be based on the lesser of: 

  • what GEHA would have paid in the absence of other primary coverage 
  • or, the balance due after the primary carrier’s payment.

Should Medicare rules change on prescription drug coverage, we reserve the right to require you to use your Medicare coverage as the primary insurance for these drugs.

For Medicare Part B insurance coverage: If Medicare Part B is primary, discuss with the retail pharmacy and/or CVS Caremark the options to submit Medicare covered medications and supplies to allow Medicare to pay as the primary carrier. Prescriptions typically covered by Medicare Part B include diabetes supplies (test strips, meters), specific medications used to aid tissue acceptance from organ transplants, certain oral medications used to treat cancer, and ostomy supplies.

Retail - When using a retail pharmacy for eligible Medicare Part B medication or supplies, present the Medicare ID card. Request the retail pharmacy bill Medicare as primary. Most independent pharmacies and national chains are Medicare providers. To locate a retail pharmacy that is a Medicare Part B participating provider, visit the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov/supplier/home.asp or call Medicare Customer Service at 800-633-4227.

Mail Order – Elevate Plus Option members also have the opportunity to receive Medicare Part B-eligible medications by mail. The CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy will review the prescriptions to determine whether it could be eligible for Medicare Part B coverage and submit to Medicare if appropriate. Please note, the CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy is not a Medicare Part B provider for diabetic supplies. You must use a retail pharmacy willing to bill Medicare as primary.

For Medicare Part D insurance coverage: GEHA supplements the coverage you get with your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Your Medicare drug plan provides your primary prescription drug benefit. GEHA provides your secondary prescription drug benefit. To ensure that you maximize your benefits, use a pharmacy in network for both the GEHA Plan and your Medicare Part D plan, and provide both the plan ID cards when filling a prescription allowing the pharmacy to coordinate coverage on your behalf.

Exclusive Choice Pharmacy Network

You must fill your prescription at a participating network retail pharmacy. Pharmacies in the network include CVS Pharmacy, Walmart Pharmacy, Sam’s Club Pharmacy, Cardinal Health affiliated pharmacies, select independent pharmacies, VA Pharmacy, IHS Pharmacy, CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy (Elevate Plus Option only), CVS Specialty Pharmacy, Longs Drugs, and Navarro Discount Pharmacy. Claims (electronic or paper) processed through a non-network pharmacy will not be paid unless they are filled outside of the United States and United States territories. To locate participating pharmacies, call CVS Caremark at 844-4-GEHARX or 844-443-4279 or visit  www.caremark.com.

How to use CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy for Elevate Plus Option

Through this service, Elevate Plus Option members may receive up to a 90-day supply per prescription of maintenance medications for drugs which require a prescription, ostomy supplies, diabetic supplies and insulin, syringes and needles for covered injectable medications, and oral contraceptives. Some medications may not be available in a 90-day supply from CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy even though the prescription is for 90 days. Although insulin, syringes, diabetic supplies and ostomy supplies do not require a physician’s prescription, to obtain through CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy you should obtain a prescription (including the product number for ostomy and insulin pump supplies) from your physician for a 90-day supply.

Not all drugs are available through CVS Caremark. In order to use CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy, your prescriptions must be written by a licensed prescriber in the United States. In addition, your mailing address must be within the United States or include an APO address.

To order new prescriptions, ask your physician to prescribe needed medication for up to a 90-day supply, plus refills, if appropriate. Complete the information on the Ordering Medication Form; enclose your prescription and the correct copayment.

Under regular circumstances, you should receive your medication within approximately 14 days from the date you mail your prescription. You will also receive reorder instructions. If you have any questions or need an emergency consultation with a registered pharmacist, you may call CVS Caremark toll-free at 844-4-GEHARX or 844-443-4279 available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Forms necessary for refills will be provided each time you receive a supply of medication.

How to use CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy for Elevate Plus Option (cont.)

Mail to:
CVS Caremark
PO Box 94467
Palatine, IL 60094-4467

Fax: You can ask your physician to fax your prescriptions to CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy. To do this, provide your physician with your ID number (located on your ID card) and ask him or her to fax the prescription to the CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy fax number: 800-378-0323.

Electronic transmission: You can ask your physician to transmit your prescriptions electronically to CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy.

Refilling your medication: To be sure you never run short of your prescription medication, you should re-order on or after the refill date indicated on the refill slip or when you have approximately 18 days of medication left.

To order by phone: Call Member Services at 844-4-GEHARX or 844-443-4279. Have your refill slip with the prescription information ready.

To order by mail: Simply mail your refill slip and copayment in the return envelope.

To order online: Go to www.caremark.com.




  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

    

   

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   




Benefits Description : Covered medications and suppliesElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Network Retail Pharmacy

You must fill your prescription at a participating network retail pharmacy.

  • Drugs and medications (including those administered during a non-covered admission or in a non-covered facility) that by Federal Law of the United States require a physician's prescription for their purchase, except those listed as not covered;
  • FDA approved contraceptive drugs and devices for  women;
  • Diabetic medications and supplies, such as:
    • Insulin;
    • Needles and syringes for the administration of covered medications;
    • Blood glucose meter to be provided at no charge by the manufacturer. Elevate Plus Option members may  contact CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy toll free: 877-418-4746; Elevate Option members may contact their participating retail pharmacy or CVS Caremark Customer Care for specifics on how to obtain a free meter: 844-4-GEHARX or 844-443-4279.
  • Prenatal vitamins for pregnant women;
  • Ostomy supplies (please include the manufacturer’s product number to ensure accurate fill of the product).

Generic:

  • $5 for up to a 30 day supply
  • $10 for a 31-60 day supply
  • $15 for a 61-90 day supply 

or the retail pharmacy’s usual and customary cost of the drug, whichever is less

Preferred:

  • $80 for up to a 30 day supply
  • $160 for a 31-60 day supply
  • $240 for a 61-90 day supply 

or the retail pharmacy’s usual and customary cost of the drug, whichever is less

Non-Preferred: 40% of Plan allowance for up to a 90-day supply

Generic:

  • $4 for up to a 30 day supply
  • $8 for a 31-60 day supply
  • $12 for a 61-90 day supply

or the retail pharmacy’s usual and customary cost of the drug, whichever is less 

Preferred:

  • 50% of Plan allowance up to a maximum of $500, for up to a 30-day supply
  • 50% of Plan allowance up to a maximum of $1,000, for a 31-60 day supply
  • 50% of Plan allowance up to a maximum of $1,500, for a 61-90 day supply

Non-Preferred: You pay 100% of all charges

Non-Network Retail Pharmacy

You pay 100% of all charges

You pay 100% of all charges

CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy

All copayments are for up to a 90-day supply per prescription.

  • Drugs and medications (including those administered during a non-covered admission or in a non-covered facility) that by Federal Law of the United States require a physician's prescription for their purchase, except those listed as not covered;
  • FDA approved contraceptive drugs and devices for women;
  • Diabetic medications and supplies, such as:
    • Insulin;
    • Needles and syringes for the administration of covered medications;
    • Blood glucose meter to be provided at no charge by the manufacturer. Elevate Plus Option members may  contact CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy toll free: 877-418-4746; Elevate Option members may contact their participating retail pharmacy or CVS Caremark Customer Care for specifics on how to obtain a free meter: 844-4-GEHARX or 844-443-4279.
  • Prenatal vitamins for pregnant women;
  • Ostomy supplies (please include the manufacturer’s product number to ensure accurate fill of the product).

Generic: $12 or the cost of the drug, whichever is less

Preferred: $200 or the cost of the drug, whichever is less

Non-Preferred: 40% of Plan allowance, for up to a 90-day supply

Not available




Benefits Description : Specialty drug benefitsElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Specialty medications are certain pharmaceuticals which may be biotech or biological drugs. Specialty medications are oral, injectable or infused, and/or may require special handling. These drugs are used in the treatment of complex, chronic medical conditions which include but are not limited to hemophilia, multiple sclerosis, hepatitis, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, pulmonary hypertension, transplant, HIV, osteoarthritis, and immune deficiency.

*Your specialty benefit is limited to a 30-day supply. However, some specialty medications may not be available in a 30-day supply. Your copayment/coinsurance will be based on days of therapy (length of time medication remains in  your system).

Note: If you are new to select specialty therapies (i.e.: Oral Oncology, Hepatitis B, Parkinson's Disease Psychosis and Hematological Disorders), you will receive a 14 or 15 day supply for the first 2 months of therapy. Your copayment will be prorated based on days of therapy. If you continue on this therapy, you may receive up to a 30-day supply of the medication.

Note: Outpatient, non-surgical cancer treatments require preauthorization by calling 855-690-0359.

Note: Specialty drugs require preauthorization.  See “How to obtain preauthorization” on page 77.

Note: A separate coinsurance/copayment applies per prescription fill up to a 30- day supply. This coinsurance/copayment does apply to the out-of-pocket maximum.

Note: When other coverage is primary and the primary coverage does not pay benefits, the $500 copayment for specialty pharmacy medications  not dispensed by the CVS Specialty Pharmacy does apply. If Medicare denies benefit, GEHA  does not waive the coinsurance.

Medications dispensed by CVS Specialty Pharmacy:

Generic and Preferred: 40% of  Plan allowance up to a maximum of:

  • $500 for up to a 30-day supply
  • $1,000 for up to a 60-day supply*
  • $1,500 for up to a 90-day supply*

Non-Preferred: 40% of Plan allowance for up to a 30-day supply*

Medications dispensed by other sources including physician offices, home health agencies, outpatient hospitals may be paid under the medical benefit. Recurring oral medications must be obtained through the pharmacy benefit.

  • When GEHA is Primary or  when other coverage is primary and denies claim, you pay after the calendar year deductible, if applicable:
    • Generic and Preferred: $500 copayment applies per prescription fill and 40% of the Plan allowance, up to a 30-day supply
    • Non-Preferred: $500 copayment applies per prescription fill and 60% of the Plan allowance, up to a 30-day supply

Medications dispensed by CVS Specialty Pharmacy:

Generic and Preferred: 50% of Plan allowance up to a maximum of:

  • $500 for up to a 30-day supply
  • $1,000 for up to a 60-day supply*
  • $1,500 for up to a 90-day supply*

Non-Preferred: You pay 100% of all charges

Medications dispensed by other sources including physician offices, home health agencies, outpatient hospitals may be paid under the medical benefit. Recurring oral medications must be obtained through the pharmacy benefit.

  • When GEHA is Primary or when other coverage is primary and denies claim, you pay after the calendar year deductible:
    • Generic and Preferred: $500 copayment applies per prescription fill and 50% of the Plan allowance, up to a 30-day supply
    • Non-Preferred: You pay 100% of all charges

Non-Specialty Pharmacy retail purchase

When GEHA is primary:

You pay 100% of all charges

When GEHA is primary:

You pay 100% of all charges




Benefits Description : Preventive care medicationsElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

Preventive Care - Medications to promote better health will be offered with no cost-sharing at a participating pharmacy as recommended under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). To obtain a list of these medications, link to the website www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation-topics/uspstf-and-b-recommendations. Age restrictions apply.

To receive preventive care benefits, a prescription from a doctor must be presented to the pharmacy.

  • Aspirin - All single ingredient generic oral dosage forms <81 mg OTC only (requires a prescription) for prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) for age ranges 50-59; and 81mg generic OTC for the prevention of pre-eclampsia after 12 weeks of gestation. Limit of 100 units per fill applies for both populations.
  • Fluoride supplements (not toothpaste or rinses) - Single ingredient brand name and generic prescription products in an oral dosage form < 0.5mg for children 5 years of age and younger.
  • Folic acid supplements - Single ingredient generic 0.4mg and 0.8mg tabs. OTC only (requires a prescription) for women 55 years of age and younger. Limit of 100 units per fill.
  • Generic Naloxone - limited to two fills annually (requires a prescription). Prior authorization may be required on some formulations.
  • Generic tamoxifen, raloxifene, exemestane and anastrozole - with prescription for women ages 35 and over for the prevention of breast cancer.
  • HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis - brand name until generic becomes available; prior authorization may apply. 
  • Colorectal Cancer Prevention - Bowel prep products - brand name and generic, Rx only, age 50-75 years.
  • Women’s Preventive Service - Contraceptives - oral, emergency, injectable, patch, barrier, and misc - generic Rx or OTC (requires a prescription) and brand name only when generic is not available. If the brand name is medically necessary, a preauthorization for medical necessity is required. Women only and limits may apply.
  • Statins - low to moderate dose of certain generic statins for individuals age 40-75 years.
  • Immunizations: Vaccines; childhood and adult, Rx only
    • Coverage dependent on vaccine type.
    • GEHA members can go to a participating retail pharmacy to receive certain vaccinations. Influenza vaccine is commonly administered by retail pharmacies. Other vaccines, such as those for pneumococcal pneumonia (Pneumovax), varicella (Zostavax and Shingrix) and hepatitis B (Heptavax) may also be available through retail pharmacies.

Note: Members may call CVS Caremark at 844-4-GEHARX  or 844-443-4279 to identify a participating vaccine pharmacy or go to www.caremark.com. GEHA members should check with the retail pharmacy to ensure availability of a pharmacist who can inject vaccines and availability of the vaccine product before going to the pharmacy. GEHA members should also ask retail pharmacies if there is an age requirement for vaccines that can be administered at that pharmacy.

Nothing (no deductible)Nothing (no deductible)

Not covered under the prescription drug benefit:

  • Drugs and supplies for cosmetic purposes
  • Vitamins, nutrients and food supplements (alone or in combination) not listed as a covered benefit or that do not require a prescription are not covered, including enteral formula available without a prescription
  • Hyperinflated medications
  • Nonprescription medications not shown as covered
  • Services or supplies for the administration of a non-covered medication. 
  • Medical supplies such as dressings and antiseptics
  • Drugs which are investigational
  • Drugs prescribed for weight loss
  • Drugs to treat infertility
  • Drugs to treat impotency
  • Certain prescription drugs that have an over-the-counter (OTC) equivalent drug are not covered
  • Certain compounding chemicals including, but not limited to, OTC products, experimental, investigational, bulk powders, bulk chemicals, and certain bases.

Note: Over-the-counter and appropriate prescription drugs approved by the FDA to treat tobacco dependence are covered under the Tobacco Cessation programs benefit. (See page (Applies to printed brochure only))

All charges

All charges




Section 5(g). Dental Benefits (Elevate Plus and Elevate Options)

Important things you should keep in mind about these benefits:

  • Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.
  • If you are enrolled in a Federal Employees Dental/Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) Dental Plan, your FEHB plan will be First/Primary payor of any Benefit payments and your FEDVIP plan is secondary to your FEHB plan. See Section 9, Coordinating Benefits with Other Coverage.
  • The calendar year deductible applies to Accidental dental benefits.
  • Under the Elevate Plus Option, there is no calendar year deductible for services received from an in-network provider. If you use an out-of-network provider for accidental dental benefits, the calendar year deductible is $500 per person ($1,000 if enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family).
  • Under the Elevate Option, the calendar year deductible for accidental dental benefits is $500 per person ($1,000 if enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family). If you use an out-of-network provider, the calendar year deductible is $1,000 per person ($2,000 if enrollment is Self Plus One or Self and Family).
  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your Costs For Covered Services, for valuable information about how cost sharing works. Also, read Section 9 for information about how we pay if you have other coverage, or if you are age 65 or over.
  • Note: We cover hospitalization for dental procedures only when a non-dental physical impairment exists, which makes hospitalization necessary to safeguard the health of the patient. We do not cover the dental procedure. See Section 5(c) for Inpatient hospital benefits.



Benefits Description : Accidental dental benefitsElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

We cover restorative services and supplies necessary to promptly repair sound natural teeth. The need for these services must result from an accidental injury.

  • Repair to sound natural teeth such as: expenses for X-rays, drugs, crowns, bridgework, inlays and dentures.

Note: We may review X-rays and/or treatment records in order to determine benefit coverage.

Services are paid at regular medical Plan benefits.

Note: See Sections 5(a) through 5(f) for applicable services and benefits

Services are paid at regular medical Plan benefits.

Note: See Sections 5(a) through 5(f) for applicable services and benefits

Not covered:

  • Oral implants and transplants
  • Masticating (biting or chewing) incidents are not considered to be accidental injuries. 

All charges

All charges

Benefits Description : Dental BenefitsElevate Plus (You pay)Elevate (You pay)

We have no other dental benefits.

N/A

N/A




Section 5(h). Wellness and Other Special Features (Elevate Plus and Elevate Options)

TermDefinition

Flexible benefits option

Under the flexible benefits option, we determine the most effective way to provide services.

  • We may identify medically appropriate alternatives to regular contract benefits as a less costly alternative. If we identify a less costly alternative, we will ask you to sign an alternative benefits agreement that will include all of the following terms in addition to other terms as necessary. Until you sign and return the agreement, regular contract benefits will continue.
  • Alternative benefits will be made available for a limited time period and are subject to our ongoing review. You must cooperate with the review process.
  • By approving an alternative benefit, we do not guarantee you will get it in the future. 
  • The decision to offer an alternative benefit is solely ours, and except as expressly provided in the agreement, we may withdraw it at any time and resume regular contract benefits.
  • If you sign the agreement, we will provide the agreed-upon alternative benefits for the stated time period (unless circumstances change). You may request an extension of the time period, but regular contract benefits will resume if we do not approve your request.
  • Our decision to offer or withdraw alternative benefits is not subject to OPM review under the disputed claims process. However, if at the time we make a decision regarding alternative benefits, we also decide that regular contract benefits are not payable, then you may dispute our regular contract benefits decision under the OPM disputed claim process (see Section 8).

Services for deaf and hearing impaired

TTY service is available at 800-821-4833 for members who are hearing impaired.

Health Rewards/Health Survey

The GEHA Health Rewards program provides rewards for participation in activities that promote health maintenance as well as improvements.

Members age 18 and over can earn rewards up to a total of $500 each (maximum $1,000 per subscriber plus one additional member per household) annually for completion or participation in the following activities:

  1. Health Survey 
  2. Annual physical exam 
  3. Preventive screenings such as biometric, cervical, colon and mammogram 
  4. Virtual physician consultation 
  5. Flu shot 
  6. First trimester prenatal care 
  7. A choice of online coaching programs around healthy eating, improved sleep, stress management and financial wellbeing 
  8. Completion of 6 missions through the Rally Health digital platform 
  9. Participation in the targeted health programs Real Appeal or Quit for Life 
  10. Stride step goa

Members will be issued a Health Rewards card, which can only be used for eligible medical expenses. For detailed information about how to access the health survey and available rewards, visit www.geha.com/rewards.

Telehealth

Telehealth is available at a reduced cost through MDLIVE. Go to https://members.mdlive.com/geha-callmd/ or call 888-912-1183 to access on demand, affordable, high-quality care for adults and children experiencing non-emergency medical issues, including treatment of minor acute conditions (see Section 10 for definition), dermatology conditions (see Section 10 for definition), and counseling for behavioral health and substance use disorder.

Note: This benefit is available at a reduced cost only through the MDLIVE contracted telehealth provider network.

Note: Practitioners must be licensed in the state the patient is physically located at the time services are rendered.

Member Portal

Your family’s health care resources, in your hands whether at home or on the go. The online member portal provides instant access to your family’s critical health information – anytime and anywhere. Whether you want to find a physician near you, check the status of a claim or speak directly with a health care professional, the portal is a your go-to resource. Key features include:

  • Search for physicians or facilities by location or specialty
  • Store favorite physicians and facilities
  • View and share health plan ID card information
  • Utilize MDLIVE for virtual visits as an alternative to seeing a physician onsite
  • Check reward program status and activities
  • Can be personalized with individual member avatar, notes and reminders
  • Complete confidentiality
  • Access and update your Personal Health Record
  • Check health-related financial account balance
  • Locate nearby convenience clinics, urgent care facilities, and ER’s
  • Check status of deductible and out-of-pocket spending

For more information, visit www.geha.com/my-elevate.

Rally – It’s time for an easy digital resource for improving health

Rally® helps simplify your health care experience by making it easier to understand and make the best use of your benefits. Get started online with the Rally Health Survey, where you’ll receive personalized recommendations for activities and programs. Learn how to work healthy habits into your daily routine — and get rewarded for taking action to improve your health. Plus, search for providers and compare costs to help make more informed decisions. For more information, visit www.geha.com/my-elevate.

Real Appeal

Start living a healthier and happier life with help from Real Appeal®, an online weight loss program available at no additional cost as part of your health benefits plan. Real Appeal is proven to help you achieve lifelong results, one small step at a time. By providing access to tools for goal setting and progress tracking, online group sessions led by a coach, a Success Kit delivered to your door, and a community of members to keep you motivated, Real Appeal delivers the support you need to lose weight successfully. For more information, visit www.geha.com/my-elevate.

Quit for Life

Quit For Life® program addresses smoking cessation as a holistic issue. Our program reaches each member through personal coaching to define accountability, offer consistent support and motivate those who are willing to change. We provide immediate goals, support medication and practical tools while also coaching members toward long-term behavior change that helps prevent costly health issues. For more information, visit www.geha.com/my-elevate.

BridgeHealth

BridgeHealth is a value-based healthcare partner that guides members to surgical Centers of Excellence (COEs) nationwide for certain pre-planned surgeries. This program is available to members age 18 and over with GEHA primary coverage*. If your pre-planned surgery is coordinated and approved through BridgeHealth, we will waive any plan deductible, coinsurance, and copayments. Your total out-of-pocket cost will be $0, including any needed travel. Provider approvals outside of BridgeHealth do not apply. 

BridgeHealth Care Coordinators guide plan members through every step of the process: decision support, scheduling, administrative assistance, pre-surgery prep and post-op recovery. At each stage, the member’s care coordinator provides guidance and support: explaining the benefit, identifying top-rated provider options, collecting medical records, arranging a second opinion, obtaining plan approvals, coordinating surgeon review, scheduling the procedure, and handling travel arrangements for plan member and a companion should travel be necessary to ensure high-quality surgical care. Benefits are subject to preauthorization requirements as set forth in Section 3. How You Get Care. For more information, visit www.geha.com/bridge-to-better-health.                                 

*BridgeHealth is only available to members with GEHA primary coverage who live in the continental US, and for members aged 18 and over. Certain surgeries may be available for members under the age of 18, please call the GEHA Clinical Concierge team at 888-216-8246, Ext. 7922 to learn more. Availability of the BridgeHealth benefit is not guaranteed. 

GEHA maternity program

GEHA makes various maternity resources available to you or your covered dependent.  Visit www.geha.com/elevate-maternity-program to order your packet on pregnancy and prenatal care and to learn more about the maternity program.    

24-Hour Health Advice Line

Call the toll-free GEHA 24-Hour Health Advice Line number 888-257-4342 and speak with a registered nurse – any time, 24 hours a day. The nurse can help you understand your symptoms and determine appropriate care for your needs.

The Health Advice Line allows you to conveniently manage your symptoms and treatment anywhere you have access to a phone.

Personal Health Record

Our Personal Health Record helps you track health conditions, allergies, medications and more. This program is voluntary and confidential. To access this tool, log in through your member dashboard at www.geha.com/my-elevate

Value Added Programs and Services

GEHA offers a number of programs and services to members to assist with special conditions and needs. Members can work with a nurse or health coach to deal with obesity, chronic conditions, cancer while in active treatment, and others. Visit www.geha.com/my-elevate for a list of programs, program criteria, and contact information.




Non-FEHB Benefits Available to Plan Members

The benefits in this Section are not part of the FEHB contract or premium, and you cannot file an FEHB disputed claim about them. Fees you pay for these services do not count toward FEHB deductibles or catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximums. These programs and materials are the responsibility of the Plan, and all appeals must follow their guidelines. For additional information contact the Plan at 800-821-6136 or visit their website at www.geha.com/my-elevate.

Non-Covered Prescription Drugs 844-4-GEHARX or 844-443-4279

Certain erectile dysfunction prescription drugs not covered by GEHA’s Prescription Drug Program are available to GEHA health plan members at a discount. If your physician writes a prescription for a non-covered erectile dysfunction drug (excluding Levitra and Viagra) to treat impotency, you may purchase it through the CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy (Elevate Plus only) or at a retail pharmacy (Elevate and Elevate Plus), paying 100% of the discounted amount. Elevate Plus members utilizing mail service will need to complete the form called CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy Order Form, which is available from www.geha.com and mail along with full payment to the address on the order form.

CVS Caremark ExtraCare® Health Card www.cvs.com

The CVS ExtraCare® Health Card provides a 20 percent discount on items purchased for the health care of cardholder, spouse or dependents and applies to regular priced CVS Health Brand health-related items valued at $1 or more.

Connection Hearing® powered by TruHearing

844-513-0890

www.TruHearing.com

GEHA members save 30 percent to 60 percent off the average retail price of hearing aids with TruHearing, making it affordable to address your unique hearing needs. GEHA also offers you a hearing aid allowance of $1,500 on the Elevate Plus Option (see the Hearing Services section of this brochure). You can apply your allowance to the cost of hearing aids through TruHearing to further minimize your out-of-pocket cost. TruHearing will submit the claim on your behalf, and you will only be responsible for charges in excess of your allowance.




Connection Vision® Powered by EyeMed

877-808-8538

www.geha.com/my-elevate

Free to all GEHA Elevate Plus and Elevate Plan members, you receive vision exam coverage for no additional premium. Through Connection Vision powered by EyeMed, you and your covered family members each pay $0 for an annual routine eye exam when you use an in-network EyeMed participating provider. Or, if you seek services from a non-participating provider, you can be reimbursed up to $45 for your annual eye exam. For a list of participating locations, select Connection Vision on the GEHA website at www.geha.com/my-elevate.

Connection Fitness®

800-821-6136

www.geha.com/my-elevate

GEHA promotes healthy lifestyles and fitness activities. All GEHA health plan members can take advantage of our Connection Fitness program including discounts on gym memberships, access to online tools, and activity tracking. This includes access to more than 9,000 Active&Fit Direct participating fitness centers nationwide for a minimal monthly fee (plus a small, one-time enrollment fee and applicable taxes).

Connection Dental®

800-296-0776

www.geha.com

Free to all GEHA health plan members, Connection Dental® can reduce your costs for dental care. Connection Dental is a network of more than 190,000 provider locations nationwide. Participating providers have agreed to limit their charges to reduced fees for GEHA health plan members. To find a participating Connection Dental provider in your area, call 800-296-0776 or visit www.geha.com.

CONNECTION Dental Plus®

800-793-9335

www.geha.com/cdplus

Available for an additional premium, Connection Dental Plus® is a supplemental dental plan that pays benefits for a wide variety of procedures. Enrollment is open to all current and former Federal employees, retirees and annuitants, including those who are not members of the GEHA health plan. Parents can cover their unmarried dependent children up to their 26th birthday.

Smile Brilliant

855-944-8361

www.smilebrilliant.com/geha

GEHA members save 20% off of the lowest-published price for professional teeth-whitening. Smile Brilliant's custom-fitted trays, teeth whitening gel and desensitizing gel can be ordered online at www.smilebrilliant.com/geha.




Section 6. General Exclusions - Services, Drugs and Supplies We Do Not Cover

The exclusions in this section apply to all benefits. There may be other exclusions and limitations listed in Section 5 of this brochure. Although we may list a specific service as a benefit, we will not cover it unless we determine it is medically necessary to prevent, diagnose, or treat your illness, disease, injury, or condition. For information on obtaining preauthorization for specific services, such as transplants, see Section 3 How You Get Care.

We do not cover the following:

  • Services, drugs, or supplies you receive while you are not enrolled in this Plan.
  • Services, drugs, or supplies not medically necessary.
  • Services, drugs, or supplies not required according to accepted standards of medical, dental, or psychiatric practice.
  • Experimental or investigational procedures, treatments, drugs or devices (see specifics regarding transplants).
  • Services, drugs, or supplies related to abortions, except when the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term, or when the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest.
  • Services, drugs, or supplies you receive from a provider or facility barred from the FEHB Program.
  • Services or supplies for which no charge would be made if the covered individual had no health insurance coverage.
  • Services or supplies we are prohibited from covering under the Federal Law.  
  • Services, drugs, or supplies you receive without charge while in active military service.
  • Services, drugs or supplies furnished, ordered or billed by yourself, immediate relatives or household members, such as spouse, parents, children, brothers or sisters by blood, marriage or adoption.
  • Services or supplies furnished or billed by a non-covered facility, except that medically necessary prescription drugs and physical, occupational and speech therapy rendered by a qualified professional therapist on an outpatient basis are covered subject to Plan limits.
  • Charges which the enrollee or Plan has no legal obligation to pay, such as excess charges for an annuitant age 65 or older who is not covered by Medicare Parts A and/or B (see page (Applies to printed brochure only)), doctor’s charges exceeding the amount specified by the Department of Health & Human Services when benefits are payable under Medicare (limiting charge, see page (Applies to printed brochure only)), or State premium taxes however applied.
  • Services, drugs, or supplies ordered or furnished by a non-covered provider. 
  • Services, drugs, or supplies related to a sexual dysfunction or sexual inadequacy. 



Section 7. Filing a Claim for Covered Services

This Section primarily deals with post-service claims (claims for services, drugs or supplies you have already received).

See Section 3 for information on pre-service claims procedures (services, drugs or supplies requiring prior Plan approval), including urgent care claims procedures.




TermDefinition

How to claim benefits

To obtain claim forms, claims questions or assistance, or answers about our benefits, contact us at 800-821-6136, or at our website at www.geha.com.

In most cases, providers and facilities file claims for you. Your provider must file on the form CMS-1500, Health Insurance Claim Form. Your facility will file on the UB-04 form. Submit claims to the network address on the back of the GEHA ID card, for both in-network and out-of-network claims.

Submit Medicare primary claims, or out-of-network charges that you have paid in full to:

GEHA
P.O. Box 21542
Eagan, MN 55121

When you must file a claim - such as for services you received overseas or when another group health plan is primary - submit it on the CMS-1500 or a claim form that includes the information shown below. Bills and receipts should be itemized and show:

  • Patient’s name, date of birth, address, phone number and relationship to enrollee; 
  • Patient’s Plan identification number;
  • Name and address of person or company providing the service or supply;
  • Dates that services or supplies were furnished;
  • Diagnosis;
  • Type of each service or supply; itemized bill including valid codes such as ADA, CPT, HCPCS (including NDC numbers for all Drug type charges); 
  • The charge for each service or supply; and
  • Provider signature.

Note: Canceled checks, cash register receipts, or balance due statements are not acceptable substitutes for itemized bills.

In addition:

  • If another health plan is your primary payor, you must send a copy of the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) form you received from any primary payor (such as the Medicare Summary Notice (MSN)) with your claim.
  • Bills for home nursing care must show that the nurse is a registered or licensed practical nurse and should include nursing notes.
  • If your claim is for rental or purchase of durable medical equipment; private duty nursing; or physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, you must provide a written statement from the provider specifying the medical necessity for the service or supply and the length of time needed.
  • Claims for prescription drugs and supplies must include receipts that show the prescription number, name of drug or supply, prescribing provider's name, date, and charge. A copy of the provider's script must be included with prescription drugs purchased outside the United States.
  • We will provide translation and currency conversion services for claims for overseas (foreign) services.

Post-service claims procedures

We will notify you of our decision within 30 days after we receive your post-service claim. If matters beyond our control require an extension of time, we may take up to an additional 15 days for review and we will notify you before the expiration of the original 30-day period. Our notice will include the circumstances underlying the request for the extension and the date when a decision is expected.

If we need an extension because we have not received necessary information from you, our notice will describe the specific information required and we will allow you up to 60 days from the receipt of the notice to provide the information.

If you do not agree with our initial decision, you may ask us to review it by following the disputed claims process detailed in Section 8 of this brochure.

Records

Keep a separate record of the medical expenses of each covered family member as deductibles and maximum allowances apply separately to each person. Save copies of all medical bills, including those you accumulate to satisfy a deductible. In most instances they will serve as evidence of your claim. We will not provide duplicate or year-end statements.

Deadline for filing your claim

Send us all of the documents for your claim as soon as possible. You must submit the claim by December 31 of the year after the year you received the service. If you could not file on time because of Government administrative operations or legal incapacity, you must submit your claim as soon as reasonably possible. Once we pay benefits, there is a three-year limitation on the re-issuance of uncashed checks.

Overseas claims

For covered services you receive by providers and hospitals outside the United States and Puerto Rico, send a completed Overseas Claim Form and the itemized bills to: GEHA, Foreign Claims Department, P.O. Box 21542, Eagan, MN 55121. Obtain Overseas Claim Forms from www.geha.com.

If you have questions about the processing of overseas claims, contact us at 877-320-9469 or by email overseas@geha.com. If possible, include a receipt showing the exchange rate on the date the claimed services were performed. Covered providers outside the United States will be paid at the in-network level of benefits, subject to the plan deductible, copays and/or coinsurance.

Precertification is not required when procedures are performed or you are admitted to a hospital, outside of the United States. However, the procedure/service to be performed, the number of days required to treat your condition, and any other applicable benefit criteria, will be reviewed for medical necessity.

When members living abroad are stateside and seeking medical care, contact us at 800-821-6136, or visit www.geha.com/my-elevate to locate an in-network provider. If you utilize an out-of-network provider, out-of- network benefits would apply.

When we need more information

Please reply promptly when we ask for additional information. We may delay processing or deny benefits for your claim if you do not respond. Our deadline for responding to your claim is stayed while we await all of the additional information needed to process your claim.

Authorized Representative

You may designate an authorized representative to act on your behalf for filing a claim or to appeal claims decisions to us. For urgent care claims, a health care professional with knowledge of your medical condition will be permitted to act as your authorized representative without your express consent. For the purposes of this section, we are also referring to your authorized representative when we refer to you.

Notice Requirements

The Secretary of Health and Human Services has identified counties where at least 10 percent of the population is literate only in certain non-English languages. The non-English languages meeting this threshold in certain counties are Spanish, Chinese, Navajo and Tagalog. If you live in one of these counties, we will provide language assistance in the applicable non-English language. You can request a copy of your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statement, related correspondence, oral language services (such as phone customer assistance), and help with filing claims and appeals (including external reviews) in the applicable non-English language. The English versions of your EOBs and related correspondence will include information in the non-English language about how to access language services in that non-English language.

Any notice of an adverse benefit determination or correspondence from us confirming an adverse benefit determination will include information sufficient to identify the claim involved (including the date of service, the health care provider, and the claim amount, if applicable), and a statement describing the availability, upon request, of the diagnosis and procedure codes and its corresponding meaning, and the treatment code and its corresponding meaning.




Section 8. The Disputed Claims Process

You may appeal directly to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) if we do not follow required claims processes. For more information or to make an inquiry about situations in which you are entitled to immediately appeal to OPM, including additional requirements not listed in Sections 3, 7 and 8 of this brochure, please call your plan's customer service representative at the phone number found on your enrollment card, plan brochure, or plan website.

Please follow this Federal Employees Health Benefits Program disputed claims process if you disagree with our decision on your post-service claim (a claim where services, drugs or supplies have already been provided). In Section 3 If you disagree with our pre-service claim decision, we describe the process you need to follow if you have a claim for services, drugs or supplies that must have prior Plan approval, such as inpatient hospital admissions.

To help you prepare your appeal, you may arrange with us to review and copy, free of charge, all relevant materials and Plan documents under our control relating to your claim, including those that involve any expert review(s) of your claim. To make your request, please contact our Customer Service Department by writing GEHA, P.O. Box 21542, Eagan, MN 55121 or calling 800-821-6136.

Our reconsideration will take into account all comments, documents, records, and other information submitted by you relating to the claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination.

When our initial decision is based (in whole or in part) on a medical judgment (i.e., medical necessity, experimental/investigational), we will consult with a health care professional who has appropriate training and experience in the field of medicine involved in the medical judgment and who was not involved in making the initial decision.

Our reconsideration will not take into account the initial decision. The review will not be conducted by the same person, or his/her subordinate, who made the initial decision.

We will not make our decisions regarding hiring, compensation, termination, promotion, or other similar matters with respect to any individual (such as a claims adjudicator or medical expert) based upon the likelihood that the individual will support the denial of benefits.

 




StepDescription
1

Ask us in writing to reconsider our initial decision. You must:

a) Write to us within 6 months from the date of our decision; and

b) Send your request to us at: GEHA, P.O. Box 21542, Eagan, MN 55121; and

c) Include a statement about why you believe our initial decision was wrong, based on specific benefit provisions in this brochure; and

d) Include copies of documents that support your claim, such as physicians' letters, operative reports, bills, medical records, and Explanation of Benefits (EOB) forms.

e) Include your email address (optional for member), if you would like to receive our decision via email. Please note that by giving us your email, we may be able to provide our decision more quickly.

We will provide you, free of charge and in a timely manner, with any new or additional evidence considered, relied upon, or generated by us or at our direction in connection with your claim and any new rationale for our claim decision. We will provide you with this information sufficiently in advance of the date that we are required to provide you with our reconsideration decision to allow you a reasonable opportunity to respond to us before that date. However, our failure to provide you with new evidence or rationale in sufficient time to allow you to timely respond shall not invalidate our decision on reconsideration. You may respond to that new evidence or rationale at the OPM review stage described in step 4.

 

2

In the case of a post-service claim, we have 30 days from the date we receive your request to:

a) Pay the claim or

b) Write to you and maintain our denial or

c) Ask you or your provider for more information. 

You or your provider must send the information so that we receive it within 60 days of our request. We will then decide within 30 more days.

If we do not receive the information within 60 days we will decide within 30 days of the date the information was due. We will base our decision on the information we already have. We will write to you with our decision.

 

3

If you do not agree with our decision, you may ask OPM to review it.

You must write to OPM within:

  • 90 days after the date of our letter upholding our initial decision; or
  • 120 days after you first wrote to us - if we did not answer that request in some way within 30 days; or
  • 120 days after we asked for additional information.

Write to OPM at: United States Office of Personnel Management, Healthcare and Insurance, Federal Employee Insurance Operations, FEHB 3, 1900 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20415-3630.

Send OPM the following information:

  • A statement about why you believe our decision was wrong, based on specific benefit provisions in this brochure;
  • Copies of documents that support your claim, such as physicians' letters, operative reports, bills, medical records, and Explanation of Benefits (EOB) forms;
  • Copies of all letters you sent to us about the claim;
  • Copies of all letters we sent to you about the claim;
  • Your daytime phone number and the best time to call; and
  • Your email address, if you would like to receive OPM’s decision via email. Please note that by providing your email address, you may receive OPM’s decision more quickly.

Note: If you want OPM to review more than one claim, you must clearly identify which documents apply to which claim.

Note: You are the only person who has a right to file a disputed claim with OPM. Parties acting as your representative, such as medical providers, must include a copy of your specific written consent with the review request. However, for urgent care claims, a health care professional with knowledge of your medical condition may act as your authorized representative without your express consent.

Note: The above deadlines may be extended if you show that you were unable to meet the deadline because of reasons beyond your control.

  

4

OPM will review your disputed claim request and will use the information it collects from you and us to decide whether our decision is correct. OPM will send you a final decision within 60 days. There are no other administrative appeals.

If you do not agree with OPM’s decision, your only recourse is to file a lawsuit. If you decide to sue, you must file the suit against OPM in Federal court by December 31 of the third year after the year in which you received the disputed services, drugs, or supplies or from the year in which you were denied precertification or prior approval. This is the only deadline that may not be extended.

OPM may disclose the information it collects during the review process to support their disputed claim decision. This information will become part of the court record.

You may not file a lawsuit until you have completed the disputed claims process. Further, Federal law governs your lawsuit, benefits, and payment of benefits. The Federal court will base its review on the record that was before OPM when OPM decided to uphold or overturn our decision. You may recover only the amount of benefits in dispute.




Note: If you have a serious or life threatening condition (one that may cause permanent loss of bodily functions or
death if not treated as soon as possible), and you did not indicate that your claim was a claim for urgent care, then call us at 800-821-6136. We will expedite our review (if we have not yet responded to your claim); or we will inform OPM so they can quickly review your claim on appeal. You may call OPM’s FEHB 3 at 202-606-0737 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

Please remember that we do not make decisions about plan eligibility issues. For example, we do not determine whether you or a dependent is covered under this plan. You must raise eligibility issues with your Agency personnel/payroll office if you are an employee, your retirement system if you are an annuitant or the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs if you are receiving Workers' Compensation benefits.




Section 9. Coordinating Benefits with Medicare and Other Coverage

TermDefinition

When you have other health coverage or auto insurance

You must tell us if you or a covered family member has coverage under any other health plan or has automobile insurance that pays health care expenses without regard to fault. This is called “double coverage”.

When you have double coverage, one plan normally pays its benefits in full as the primary payor and the other plan pays a reduced benefit as the secondary payor. We, like other insurers, determine which coverage is primary according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) guidelines. For more information on NAIC rules regarding the coordinating of benefits, visit our website at www.geha.com/cob.

When we are the primary payor, we will pay benefits described in this brochure.

In certain circumstances when we are secondary, we will also take advantage of any provider discount arrangements your primary plan may have. For medical and dental services, we will coordinate benefits to the allowable expense of your primary plan.

  • Refer to Section 5(f), Coordinating with other drug coverage, when you have other primary prescription coverage.

If your primary payor requires preauthorization or requires you use designated facilities or provider for benefits to be approved, it is your responsibility to comply with these requirements. In addition you must file the claim to your primary payor within the required time period. If you fail to comply with any of these requirements and benefits are denied by the primary payor, we will pay secondary benefits based on an estimate of what the primary carrier would have paid if you followed their requirements.

Please see Section 4, Your Costs For Covered Services, for more information about how we pay claims.

This plan always pays secondary to:

  • Any medical payment, PIP or No-Fault coverage under any automobile policy available to you.
  • Any plan or program which is required by law.

You should review your automobile insurance policy to ensure that uncoordinated medical benefits have been chosen so that the automobile insurance policy is the primary payer.

  • TRICARE and CHAMPVA

TRICARE is the health care program for eligible dependents of military persons, and retirees of the military. TRICARE includes the CHAMPUS program. CHAMPVA provides health coverage to disabled Veterans and their eligible dependents. If TRICARE or CHAMPVA and this Plan cover you, we pay first. See your TRICARE or CHAMPVA Health Benefits Advisor if you have questions about these programs.

Suspended FEHB coverage to enroll in TRICARE or CHAMPVA: If you are an annuitant or former spouse, you can suspend your FEHB coverage to enroll in one of these programs, eliminating your FEHB premium. (OPM does not contribute to any applicable plan premiums.) For information on suspending your FEHB enrollment, contact your retirement office. If you later want to re-enroll in the FEHB Program, generally you may do so only at the next Open Season unless you involuntarily lose coverage under TRICARE or CHAMPVA.

  • Workers’ Compensation

We do not cover services that:

  • You (or a covered family member) need because of a workplace-related illness or injury that the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) or a similar federal or state agency determines they must provide; or
  • OWCP or a similar agency pays for through a third-party injury settlement or other similar proceeding that is based on a claim you filed under OWCP or similar laws.

Once OWCP or similar agency pays its maximum benefits for your treatment, we will cover your care.

  • Medicaid

When you have this Plan and Medicaid, we pay first.

Suspended FEHB coverage to enroll in Medicaid or a similar state-sponsored program of medical assistance: If you are an annuitant or former spouse, you can suspend your FEHB coverage to enroll in one of these state programs, eliminating your FEHB premium. For information on suspending your FEHB enrollment, contact your retirement office. If you later want to re-enroll in the FEHB Program, generally you may do so only at the next Open Season unless you involuntarily lose coverage under the state program.

When other Government agencies are responsible for your care

We do not cover services and supplies when a local, state, or federal government agency directly or indirectly pays for them.

When others are responsible for injuries

If GEHA pays benefits for an illness or injury for which you accrue a right of action, are entitled to compensation, or receive a settlement, judgment, or recovery from another party, you must agree to the provisions below. All GEHA benefit payments in these circumstances are a condition of and a limitation on the nature, provision, or extent of coverage or benefits under the Plan, and remain subject to all of our contractual benefit limitations, exclusions, and maximums. By accepting these conditional benefits, you agree to the following:

  • You or your representative must contact GEHA’s Subrogation Vendor, The Rawlings Company, LLC, at 855-967-6609 as soon as possible after the event(s) that resulted in the illness or injury, and provide all requested information, including prompt disclosure of the terms of all settlements, judgments, or other recoveries. You must sign any releases GEHA requires to obtain information about any claim(s) for compensation from other sources you may have.
  • You must include all benefits paid by GEHA in any claim for compensation you or your representative assert against any tortfeasor, insurer, or other party for the injury or illness, and assign all proceeds recovered from any party, including your own and/or other insurance, to GEHA for up to the amount of the benefits paid.
  • When benefits are payable under the Plan in relation to the illness or injury, GEHA may, at its option:

Enforce its right of subrogation, that is, take over your right to receive payments from other parties. You will transfer to GEHA any rights you or your representative may have to take legal action arising from the illness or injury, and to recover any sums paid on your behalf as a result of that action; or

Enforce its right of reimbursement, that is, recover any sums paid on your behalf from any payment(s) you or your representative obtain from other parties. The right of reimbursement is cumulative with and not exclusive of the right of subrogation.

You must cooperate in doing what is reasonably necessary to assist us, and you must not take any action that may prejudice, these rights of recovery. It is your duty to notify the plan within 30 days of the date when notice is given to any party, including an insurance company or attorney, of your intention to pursue or investigate a claim to recover damages or obtain compensation due to your injury, illness or condition. You and your agents or representatives shall provide all information requested by the plan or its representatives. You shall do nothing to prejudice your FEHB plan’s subrogation or recovery interest or to prejudice the plan’s ability to enforce the terms of this provision. This includes, but is not limited to, refraining from making any settlement or recovery that attempts to reduce or exclude the full cost of all benefits provided by the plan.

  • To reimburse GEHA on a first priority basis (i.e., before any other party) in full, up to the amount of benefits paid, out of any and all settlements, judgments, or other recoveries that you or your representative obtain, from any source and no matter how characterized, designated, or apportioned (for example, as “pain and suffering only”). GEHA enforces this right of reimbursement by asserting a lien against any and all recoveries obtained, including, but not limited to, first party Medpay, Personal Injury Protection, No-Fault coverage, Third-Party liability coverage, Uninsured and Underinsured coverage, personal liability umbrella coverage, and a workers compensation program or insurance policy. GEHA’s lien consists of the total benefits paid to diagnose or treat the illness or injury. GEHA’s lien applies first, regardless of the “make whole” and “common fund” doctrines. Your plan is not required to participate in or pay court costs or attorney fees to any attorney hired by you to pursue your damage claims.

GEHA’s lien extends to all expenses incurred prior to the settlement or judgment date, even if those expenses were not submitted to GEHA for payment at the time you reimbursed GEHA. The lien remains your obligation until it is satisfied in full. Failure to refund GEHA or cooperate with our recovery efforts may result in an overpayment that can be collected from you.

The provisions of this section apply to all current or former plan participants and also to the parents, guardian, or other representative of a dependent child who incurs claims and is or has been covered by the plan. The plan’s right to recover (whether by subrogation or reimbursement) shall apply to the personal representative of your estate, heirs or beneficiaries, administrators, legal representatives, successors, assignees, minors, and incompetent or disabled persons. “You” or “your” includes anyone on whose behalf the plan pays benefits. No adult covered person hereunder may assign any rights that it may have to recover medical expenses from any tortfeasor or other person or entity to any minor child or children of said adult covered person without the prior express written consent of the plan.

When you have Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Plan (FEDVIP)

Some FEHB plans already cover some dental and vision services. When you are covered by more than one vision/dental plan, coverage provided under your FEHB plan remains as your primary coverage. FEDVIP coverage pays secondary to that coverage. When you enroll in a dental and/or vision plan by phone at 877-888-3337, TTY 877-889-5680 you will be asked to provide information on your FEHB plan so that your plans can coordinate benefits. Providing your FEHB information may reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

Clinical trials

An approved clinical trial includes a phase I, phase II, phase III, or phase IV clinical trial that is conducted in relation to the prevention, detection, or treatment of cancer or other life-threatening disease or condition, and is either Federally-funded; conducted under an investigational new drug application reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or is a drug trial that is exempt from the requirement of an investigational new drug application. 

If you are a participant in a clinical trial, this health plan will provide related care as follows, if it is not provided by the clinical trial:

  • Routine care costs – costs for routine services such as doctor visits, lab tests, X-rays and scans, and hospitalizations related to treating the patient’s condition, whether the patient is in a clinical trial or is receiving standard therapy. These costs are covered by this Plan.
  • Extra care costs – costs related to taking part in a clinical trial such as additional tests that a patient may need as part of the trial, but not as part of the patient’s routine care. This Plan does not cover these costs.
  • Research costs – costs related to conducting the clinical trial such as research physician and nurse time, analysis of results, and clinical tests performed only for research purposes. These costs are generally covered by the clinical trials. This Plan does not cover these costs.

Note: Requires preauthorization.




TermDefinition

When you have Medicare

 

For more detailed information on "What is Medicare?" and "Should I Enroll in Medicare?" please contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). (TTY 1-877-486-2048) or at www.medicare.gov.

  • The Original Medicare Plan (Part A or Part B)

The Original Medicare Plan (Original Medicare) is available everywhere in the United States. It is the way everyone used to get Medicare benefits and is the way most people get their Medicare Part A and Part B benefits now. You may go to any doctor, specialist, or hospital that accepts Medicare. The Original Medicare Plan pays its share and you pay your share.

All physicians and other providers are required by law to file claims directly to Medicare for members with Medicare Part B, when Medicare is primary. This is true whether or not they accept Medicare.

When you are enrolled in Original Medicare along with this Plan, you still need to follow the rules in this brochure for us to cover your care.

Claims process when you have the Original Medicare Plan – You will probably not need to file a claim form when you have both our Plan and the Original Medicare Plan.

When we are the primary payor, we process the claim first.

When Original Medicare is the primary payor, Medicare processes your claim first. In most cases, your claim will be coordinated automatically and we will then provide secondary benefits for covered charges. To find out if you need to do something to file your claim, call us at 800-821-6136 or see our website at www.geha.com.

For members enrolled in Elevate Plus Option we waive some costs if the Original Medicare Plan is your primary payor as follows:

  • Inpatient hospital benefits: If you are enrolled in Medicare Part A, we waive the copayment or the deductible and coinsurance.
  • Outpatient facility benefits: If you are enrolled in Medicare Part B, we waive the copayment or the deductible and coinsurance.
  • Medical and surgery benefits and mental health/substance use disorder care: If you are enrolled in Medicare Part B, we waive the copayment or the deductible and coinsurance.
  • Office visit providers and MinuteClinic (where available): If you are enrolled in Medicare Part B, we waive the copayment or the deductible and coinsurance  for office visits.
  • If you obtain services from a non-Medicare provider, we will limit our payment to the copayment or coinsurance amount we would have paid after Original Medicare’s payment based on our Plan allowable and the type of service you receive.

Please review the following table that illustrates your cost share if you are enrolled in Medicare Part B and the Elevate Plus Option. If you purchase Medicare Part B, then we waive some costs because Medicare will be the primary payor.

     

 

Elevate Plus Option    

Benefit Description: Deductible
You Pay without Medicare: In-Network: $0
You Pay without Medicare: Out-of-Network: $500 self/$1,000 family
You Pay with Medicare Part B: In Network: $0
You Pay with Medicare Part B: Out-of-Network: $0

Benefit Description: Catastrophic Protection Out-of-Pocket Maximum
You Pay without Medicare: In-Network: $6,000 self only/$12,000 family
You Pay without Medicare: Out-of-Network: $12,000 self only/$24,000 family
You Pay with Medicare Part B: In Network: $6,000 self only/$12,000 family
You Pay with Medicare Part B: Out-of-Network: $6,000 self only/$12,000 family

Benefit Description: Part B Premium Reimbursement Offered
You Pay without Medicare: In-Network: N/A
You Pay without Medicare: Out-of-Network: N/A
You Pay with Medicare Part B: In Network: N/A
You Pay with Medicare Part B: Out-of-Network: N/A

Benefit Description: Primary Care Physician
You Pay without Medicare: In-Network: $20
You Pay without Medicare: Out-of-Network: 50%
You Pay with Medicare Part B: In Network: $0
You Pay with Medicare Part B: Out-of-Network: $0

Benefit Description: Specialist
You Pay without Medicare: In-Network: $35
You Pay without Medicare: Out-of-Network: 50%
You Pay with Medicare Part B: In Network: $0
You Pay with Medicare Part B: Out-of-Network: $0

Benefit Description: Inpatient Hospital
You Pay without Medicare: In-Network: $200/day, up to a maximum of $1,000/admission
You Pay without Medicare: Out-of-Network: 50%
You Pay with Medicare Part B: In Network: $0
You Pay with Medicare Part B: Out-of-Network: $0

Benefit Description: Outpatient Hospital
You Pay without Medicare: In-Network: $200 per day per facility
You Pay without Medicare: Out-of-Network: 50%
You Pay with Medicare Part B: In Network: $0
You Pay with Medicare Part B: Out-of-Network: $0

Benefit Description: Incentives Offered
You Pay without Medicare: In-Network: N/A
You Pay without Medicare: Out-of-Network: N/A
You Pay with Medicare Part B: In Network: N/A
You Pay with Medicare Part B: Out-of-Network: N/A

You can find more information about how our Plan coordinates benefits with Medicare as outlined in our Medicare + GEHA booklet at www.geha.com/medicare.

  • Tell us about your Medicare coverage

You must tell us if you or a covered family member has Medicare coverage, and let us obtain information about services denied or paid under Medicare if we ask. You must also tell us about other coverage you or your covered family members may have, as this coverage may affect the primary/secondary status of this Plan and Medicare.

  • Private contract with your physician

If you are enrolled in Medicare Part B, a physician may ask you to sign a private contract agreeing that you can be billed directly for services ordinarily covered by Original Medicare. Should you sign an agreement, Medicare will not pay any portion of the charges, and we will not increase our payment. Regardless of whether the physician requires you to sign an agreement, we will still limit our payment to the coinsurance amount we would have paid after Original Medicare’s payment based on our Plan allowable and the type of service you receive. You may be responsible for paying the difference between the billed amount and the amount we paid.

  • Medicare Advantage (Part C)

If you are eligible for Medicare, you may choose to enroll in and get your Medicare benefits from a Medicare Advantage plan. These are private health care choices (like HMOs and regional PPOs) in some areas of the country. To learn more about Medicare Advantage plans, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE, (1-800-633-4227), (TTY: 877-486-2048) or at www.medicare.gov.

If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, the following options are available to you;

This Plan and another plan’s Medicare Advantage plan: You may enroll in another plan’s Medicare Advantage plan and also remain enrolled in our FEHB plan. We will still provide benefits when your Medicare Advantage plan is primary, even out of the Medicare Advantage plan’s network and/or service area (if you use our Plan providers). However, if you do go outside the Medicare Advantage plan's network and/or service area, we will not waive any of our copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, tell us. We will need to know whether you are in the Original Medicare Plan or in Medicare Advantage plan so we can correctly coordinate benefits with Medicare.

Suspended FEHB coverage to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan: If you are an annuitant or former spouse, you can suspend your FEHB coverage to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, eliminating your FEHB premium. (OPM does not contribute to your Medicare Advantage plan premium.) For information on suspending your FEHB enrollment, contact your retirement office. If you later want to re-enroll in the FEHB Program, generally you may do so only at the next Open Season, unless you involuntarily lose coverage or move out of the Medicare Advantage plan’s service area.

  • Medicare prescription drug coverage
    (Part D)

When we are the primary payor, we process the claim first. If you enroll in Medicare Part D and we are the secondary payor, we will review claims for your prescription drug costs that are not covered by Medicare Part D and consider them for payment under the FEHB plan.

 




Primary Payor Chart

A. When you – or your covered spouse are age 65 or over and have Medicare and you...The primary payor for the individual with Medicare is MedicareThe primary payor for the individual with Medicare is this Plan
1) Have FEHB coverage on your own as an active employee
2) Have FEHB coverage on your own as an annuitant or through your spouse who is an annuitant
3) Have FEHB through your spouse who is an active employee
4) Are a reemployed annuitant with the Federal government and your position is excluded from the FEHB (your employing office will know if this is the case) and you are not covered under FEHB through your spouse under #3 above
5) Are a reemployed annuitant with the Federal government and your position is not excluded from the FEHB (your employing office will know if this is the case) and...
  • You have FEHB coverage on your own or through your spouse who is also an active employee
  • You have FEHB coverage through your spouse who is an annuitant
6) Are a Federal judge who retired under title 28, U.S.C., or a Tax Court judge who retired under Section 7447 of title 26, U.S.C. (or if your covered spouse is this type of judge) and you are not covered under FEHB through your spouse under #3 above
7) Are enrolled in Part B only, regardless of your employment status ✓ for Part B services ✓ for other services
8) Are a Federal employee receiving Workers' Compensation disability benefits for six months ✓ *


B. When you or a covered family member...The primary payor for the individual with Medicare is MedicareThe primary payor for the individual with Medicare is this Plan
1) Have Medicare solely based on end stage renal disease (ESRD) and..
  • It is within the first 30 months of eligibility for or entitlement to Medicare due to ESRD (30-month coordination period)
  • It is beyond the 30-month coordination period and you or a family member are still entitled to Medicare due to ESRD
2) Become eligible for Medicare due to ESRD while already a Medicare beneficiary and...
  • This Plan was the primary payor before eligibility due to ESRD (for 30-month coordination period)
  • Medicare was the primary payor before eligibility due to ESRD
3) Have Temporary Continuation of Coverage(TCC) and...
  • Medicare based on age and disability
  • Medicare based on ESRD (for the 30-month coordination period)
  • Medicare based on ESRD (after the 30-month coordination period)


C. When either you or a covered family member are eligible for Medicare solely due to disability and you...The primary payor for the individual with Medicare is MedicareThe primary payor for the individual with Medicare is this Plan
1) Have FEHB coverage on your own as an active employee or through a family member who is an active employee
2) Have FEHB coverage on your own as an annuitant or through a family member who is an annuitant
D. When you are covered under the FEHB Spouse Equity provision as a former spouse

*Workers' Compensation is primary for claims related to your condition under Workers’ Compensation.




When you are age 65 or over and do not have Medicare




Under the FEHB law, we must limit our payments for inpatient hospital care and physician care to those payments you would be entitled to if you had Medicare. Your physician and hospital must follow Medicare rules and cannot bill you for more than they could bill you if you had Medicare. You and the FEHB benefit from these payment limits. Outpatient hospital care and non-physician based care are not covered by this law; regular Plan benefits apply. The following chart has more information about the limits.


If you:

  • are age 65 or over; and
  • do not have Medicare Part A, Part B, or both; and
  • have this Plan as an annuitant or as a former spouse, or as a family member of an annuitant or former spouse; and
  • are not employed in a position that gives FEHB coverage. (Your employing office can tell you if this applies.)

Then, for your inpatient hospital care:

  • The law requires us to base our payment on an amount - the "equivalent Medicare amount" - set by Medicare’s rules
    for what Medicare would pay, not on the actual charge.
  • You are responsible for your applicable deductibles and coinsurance under this Plan.
  • You are not responsible for any charges greater than the equivalent Medicare amount; we will show that amount on the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) form that we send you.
  • The law prohibits a hospital from collecting more than the "equivalent Medicare amount".

When inpatient claims are paid according to a Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) limit (for instance, for admissions of certain retirees who do not have Medicare), we will pay 30% of the total covered amount as room and board charges and 70% as other charges and will apply your coinsurance accordingly.


And, for your physician care, the law requires us to base our payment and your coinsurance on:

  • an amount set by Medicare and called the "Medicare approved amount," or
  • the actual charge if it is lower than the Medicare approved amount.

If your physician: Participates with Medicare or accepts Medicare assignment for the claim and is a member of our network,
Then you are responsible for: your deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

If your physician: Participates with Medicare and is not in our network,
Then you are responsible for: your deductibles, coinsurance, and any balance up to the Medicare approved amount.

If your physician: Does not participate with Medicare,
Then you are responsible for: your deductibles, coinsurance, and any balance up to 115% of the Medicare approved amount.

If your physician: Does not participate with Medicare and is not a member of our network,
Then you are responsible for: your out-of-network deductibles, coinsurance, and any balance up to 115% of the Medicare approved amount.

If your physician: Opts-out of Medicare via private contract
Then you are responsible for: your deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and any balance your physician charges.


It is generally to your financial advantage to use a physician who participates with Medicare. Such physicians are permitted to collect only up to the Medicare approved amount.

Physicians who opt-out of Medicare

A physician may have opted-out of Medicare and may or may not ask you to sign a private contract agreeing that you can be billed directly for services ordinarily covered by Original Medicare. This is different than a non-participating doctor, and we recommend you ask your physician if he or she has opted-out of Medicare. Should you visit an opt-out physician, the physician will not be limited to 115% of the Medicare approved amount. You may be responsible for paying the difference between the billed amount and our regular in-network/out-of-network benefits.

Our Explanation of Benefits (EOB) form will tell you how much the physician or hospital can collect from you. If your physician or hospital tries to collect more than allowed by law, ask the physician or hospital to reduce the charges. If you have paid more than allowed, ask for a refund. If you need further assistance, call us.




TermDefinition

When you have the Original Medicare Plan (Part A, Part B, or both)

We limit our payment to an amount that supplements the benefits that Medicare would pay under Medicare Part A (Hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical insurance), regardless of whether Medicare pays. Note: We pay our regular benefits for emergency services to an institutional provider, such as a hospital, that does not participate with Medicare and is not reimbursed by Medicare.

We use the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medicare-equivalent Remittance Advice (MRA) when the statement is submitted to determine our payment for covered services provided to you if Medicare is primary, when Medicare does not pay the VA facility.

If you are covered by Medicare Part B and it is primary, your out-of-pocket costs for services that both Medicare Part B and we cover depend on whether your physician accepts Medicare assignment for the claim.

For the Elevate Plus option, if your physician accepts Medicare assignment, we waive some of your deductibles, copayments and coinsurance for covered charges.

If your physician does not accept Medicare assignment, you pay the difference between the “limiting charge” or the physician’s charge (whichever is less) and our payment combined with Medicare’s payment.

It is important to know that a physician who does not accept Medicare assignment may not bill you for more than 115% of the amount Medicare bases its payment on, called the “limiting charge.” The Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) that Medicare will send you will have more information about the limiting charge. If your physician tries to collect more than allowed by law, ask the physician to reduce the charges. If the physician does not, report the physician to the Medicare carrier that sent you the MSN form. Call us if you need further assistance.




Section 10. Definitions of Terms We Use in This Brochure

TermDefinition
Accidental injury

An injury caused by an external force or element such as a blow or fall that requires immediate medical attention. Also included are animal bites, poisonings, and dental care required to repair injuries to sound natural teeth as a result of an accidental injury, not from biting or chewing.

Admission The period from entry (admission) into a hospital or other covered facility until discharge. In counting days of inpatient care, the date of entry and the date of discharge are counted as the same day.

Advance Care Planning

The process of making decisions about future healthcare options in the event of a medical crisis. This might involve the appointment of a substitute decision maker or the completion of an advance care directive or similar document. 

Assignment An authorization by an enrollee or spouse for the Plan to issue payment of benefits directly to the provider. The Plan reserves the right to pay the member directly for all covered services.
Calendar year January 1 through December 31 of the same year. For new enrollees, the calendar year begins on the effective date of their enrollment and ends on December 31 of the same year.

Clinical trials cost categories

An approved clinical trial includes a phase I, phase II, phase III, or phase IV clinical trial that is conducted in relation to the prevention, detection, or treatment of cancer or other life-threatening disease or condition, and is either Federally-funded; conducted under an investigational new drug application reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or is a drug trial that is exempt from the requirement of an investigational new drug application. 

If you are a participant in a clinical trial, this health plan will provide related care as follows, if it is not provided by the clinical trial:

  • Routine care costs – costs for routine services such as doctor visits, lab tests, X-rays and scans, and hospitalizations related to treating the patient’s condition whether the patient is in a clinical trial or is receiving standard therapy. These costs are covered by this Plan.
  • Extra care costs – costs related to taking part in a clinical trial such as additional tests that a patient may need as part of the trial, but not as part of the patient’s routine care. This Plan does not cover these costs.
  • Research costs – costs related to conducting the clinical trial such as research physician and nurse time, analysis of results, and clinical tests performed only for research purposes are generally covered by the clinical trials. This Plan does not cover these costs.

Coinsurance

See Section 4 page (Applies to printed brochure only). 

Compound medications

A compound medication includes more than one ingredient and is custom made by a pharmacist according to your doctor's instructions. Compound prescriptions must contain a Federal legend drug and the ingredients must be covered by the GEHA benefit. 

Congenital anomalyA condition existing at or from birth which is a significant deviation from the common form or norm. For purposes of this Plan, congenital anomalies include cleft lips, cleft palates, birthmarks, webbed fingers or toes and other conditions that the Plan may determine to be congenital anomalies. Surgical correction of congenital anomalies is limited to children under the age of 18 unless there is a functional deficit. In no event will the term congenital anomaly include conditions relating to teeth or intra-oral structures supporting the teeth.

Copayment

See Section 4 page (Applies to printed brochure only). 

Cosmetic Any procedure or any portion of a procedure performed primarily to improve physical appearance and/or treat a mental condition through change in bodily form.

Cost-sharing

See Section 4 page (Applies to printed brochure only). 

Covered servicesServices we provide benefits for, as described in this brochure.

Custodial care

Treatment or services, regardless of who recommends them or where they are provided, that could be rendered safely and reasonably by a person not medically skilled, or that are designed mainly to help the patient with daily living activities. These activities include but are not limited to:

  • Personal care such as help in walking, getting in and out of bed, bathing, eating by spoon, tube or gastrostomy, exercise, and dressing;
  • Homemaking, such as preparing meals or special diets;
  • Moving the patient;
  • Acting as companion or sitter;
  • Supervising medication that can usually be self-administered; and
  • Treatment or services that any person may be able to perform with minimal instruction, including but not limited to recording temperature, pulse, and respirations, or administration and monitoring of feeding systems.

The Carrier determines which services are custodial care. (Custodial care that lasts 90 days or more is sometimes known as long-term care.)

Deductible

See Section 4 page (Applies to printed brochure only). 

Dermatology conditions (telehealth)

Under the telehealth benefit, dermatologic conditions seen and treated include but are not limited to acne, rashes, eczema, suspicious spots/moles, warts and other abnormal bumps, rosacea, inflamed or enlarged hair follicles, psoriasis, cold sore, alopecia, insect bites.

Durable medical equipment

Equipment and supplies that:

  • Are prescribed by your attending doctor;
  • Are medically necessary;
  • Are primarily and customarily used only for a medical purpose;
  • Are generally useful only to a person with an illness or injury;
  • Are designed for prolonged use; or
  • Serve a specific therapeutic purpose in the treatment of an illness or injury.
Effective date

The date the benefits described in this brochure are effective:

  • January 1 for continuing enrollments and for all annuitant enrollments;
  • The first day of the first full pay period of the new year for enrollees who change
    plans or options or elect FEHB coverage during the open season for the first time; and
  • For new enrollees during the calendar year, but not during the open season, the effective date of enrollment as determined by the employing office or retirement system.
Elective surgery Any non-emergency surgical procedure that may be scheduled at the patient’s convenience without jeopardizing the patient’s life or causing serious impairment to the patient’s bodily functions.
Expense An expense is “incurred” on the date the service or supply is rendered.

Experimental or investigational services

Experimental or Investigational Service(s) - medical, surgical, diagnostic, psychiatric, mental health, substance use disorders or other health care services, technologies, supplies, treatments, procedures, drug therapies, medications or devices that , at the time we make a determination regarding coverage in a particular case are determined to be any of the following:

  • Not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be lawfully marketed for the proposed use and not identified in the American Hospital Formulary Service or the United States American Hospital Pharmacopoeia Dispensing Information as appropriate for the proposed use.
  • Not recognized, in accordance with generally accepted medical standards, as being safe and effective for your condition.
  • Subject to review and approval by any institution review board for the proposed use. (Devices which are FDA approved under the Humanitarian Use Device exemption are not considered to be Experimental or Investigational.)
  • The subject of an ongoing clinical trial that meets the definition of a Phase 1, 2 or 3 clinical trial set forth in the FDA regulations, regardless of whether the trial is actually subject to FDA oversight.
Group health coverage

Health care coverage that a member or covered dependent is eligible for because of employment by, membership in, or connection with, a particular organization or group that provides payment for hospital, medical, dental or other health care services or supplies, including extension of any of these benefits through COBRA.

Health care professionalA physician or other health care professional licensed, accredited, or certified to perform specified health services consistent with state law.

Infertility

The condition of an individual who is unable to conceive or produce conception.

Inpatient care

Inpatient care is care rendered to a person who has been admitted to a hospital for bed occupancy for purposes of receiving inpatient hospital services. Generally, a patient is considered an inpatient if formally admitted as an inpatient with the expectation that he or she will remain at least overnight and occupy a bed even if it later develops that the patient can be safely discharged or transferred to another hospital and not actually use a hospital bed overnight. This Plan uses Milliman Care Guidelines to evaluate the appropriateness of observation services. See Section 3, How You Get Care, Covered facilities, for the definition of an Acute Inpatient and Residential Treatment Center.

Medical necessity

Health care services provided for the purpose of preventing, evaluating, diagnosing or treating a sickness, injury, mental illness, substance use disorder or its symptoms, that are all of the following as determined by us or our designee, within our discretion.

  • In accordance with Generally Accepted Standards of Medical Practice.
  • Clinically appropriate, in terms of type, frequency, extent, site and duration, and considered effective for your sickness, injury, mental illness, substance misuse disorder, disease or its symptoms.
  • Not mainly for your convenience or that of your doctor or other health care provider.
  • Not more costly than an alternate drug, service(s) or supply that is at least as likely to produce equivalent therapeutic or diagnostic results as to the diagnosis or treatment of your sickness, injury, disease or symptoms.

If no credible scientific evidence is available then standards are based on Physician specialty society recommendations or professional standards of care may be considered. We reserve the right to consult expert opinion in determining whether health care services are Medically Necessary.

Mental health/substance use disorder

Conditions and diseases listed in the most recent edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) as psychoses, neurotic disorders, or personality disorders; other nonpsychotic mental disorders listed in the ICD, to be determined by the Plan; or disorders listed in the ICD requiring treatment for misuse or dependence upon substances such as alcohol, narcotics, or hallucinogens. Prior authorization is required for all of the following services and must be provided by a covered facility or covered provider as defined in section 3: How You Get Care.

Inpatient Mental Health:

  • Acute Care Hospital
  • Residential Treatment Center (RTC)  

   

   

Intensive Day Treatment:

  • Partial Hospital Program (PHP): An intensive facility based outpatient treatment program for mental health or substance use disorder conditions. The facility providing the service must meet GEHA’s definition of a covered provider in Section 3. Sessions typically are 6-8 hours/day, 5 days per week. Time frames and frequency will vary based upon diagnosis and severity of illness.
  • Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP): A comprehensive, structured outpatient treatment program that includes extended periods of individual or group therapy sessions designed to assist members with mental health and/or substance use disorders. It is an intermediate level of care between traditional outpatient therapy and partial hospitalization, delivered in an outpatient facility or outpatient professional office setting. If delivered in an outpatient facility, the facility must meet GEHA’s definition of a covered facility in Section 3. Sessions typically do not exceed 3-4 hours/day, 3-5 days per week. Time frames and frequency will vary based upon diagnosis and severity of illness. If performed in a professional office setting the provider must meet GEHA’s definition of a covered provider in Section 3.

Minor acute conditions

Common, non-emergent conditions. Examples of common conditions include sinus problems, rashes, allergies, cold and flu symptoms, etc.

Never event policiesFederal or State policies that bar health care providers from charging patients for care that is attributable to certain avoidable complications or errors, such as wrong site surgery.

Observation care

Observation care is a well-defined set of specific, clinically appropriate services, which include ongoing short-term treatment, assessment, and reassessment, that are furnished while a decision is being made regarding whether patients will require further treatment as hospital inpatients or if they are able to be discharged from the hospital. Observation services are commonly ordered for patients who present to the emergency department and who then require a significant period of treatment or monitoring in order to make a decision concerning their admission or discharge. This Plan uses Milliman Care Guidelines to evaluate the appropriateness of observation services. The Plan provides outpatient hospital benefits for observation care. 

Plan allowance

Our Plan allowance is the amount we use to determine our payment and your coinsurance for covered services. Fee-for-service plans determine their allowances in different ways. We determine our Plan allowance as follows.

Allowable expense (plan allowance) is a health care expense, including deductibles, coinsurance and copayments, that is covered at least in part by any plan covering the person. When a plan provides benefits in the form of services, the reasonable cash value of each service will be considered an allowable expense and a benefit paid.

In-network providers: Our network allowances are negotiated with each provider who participates in the network. Network allowances may be based on a standard reduction or on a negotiated fee schedule. For these allowances, the in-network provider has agreed to accept the negotiated reduction and you are not responsible for this discounted amount. In these instances, the benefit paid plus your coinsurance equals payment in full.

Out-of-network providers: To determine our non-network Plan allowance, we must first be provided an itemized bill that includes your diagnosis, the services or supplies you received, and the provider’s charge for each, using the same types of standard codes, descriptions and other information required for processing by public health care plans like Medicare. If we are not provided the itemization of the services or supplies you received, we will assume they were equivalent to the level and extent of services and supplies typically provided by the providers or facilities most commonly used to treat other Plan members with the same principal diagnosis as yours. We will base these equivalent services on claims submitted to the Plan by providers in the same geographic region or a combination of similar geographic regions across the United States.

Based on the itemization of services or supplies you received, we will determine the amount of the maximum non-network Plan allowance by applying the following rules, in order:

 1. We consult standard industry guides, such as national databases of prevailing health 
     care charges from FAIR Health or another identified data source, that are available for 
     our use in a given state or geographic area. After the data supplier removes outliers 
     from the claim data they collect, they group the remaining data by percentiles. We use 
     the 70th percentile. This means that out of every 100 reports remaining after outliers 
     were removed, 30 charges billed may be more, but 70 charges will be the allowed 
     amount or less.

 2. For services or supplies obtained in a state or geographic area where the above data 
     source is unavailable for our use, and also for dialysis centers and outpatient dialysis 
     performed at a hospital our non-network Plan allowance is two times the Medicare 
     participating provider allowance for the service or supply in the geographic area in 
     which it was performed or obtained. This Medicare-based allowance is not used for 
     those services where Medicare sets a fixed national payment amount that does not 
     vary geographically (such as blood draws). Medicare fee schedule information for 
     physician services may be obtained at www.cms.hhs.gov/PFSlookup.

Note: Labs drawn during the week of dialysis treatments and drugs provided on the day of dialysis are part of the bundled dialysis payment.

 3. Some Plan allowances may be submitted to medical consultants who recommend
     allowances based on standard industry relative value guidelines. For services
     or supplies for which Medicare does not provide an allowance amount, we
     may use the current fee schedule used by the Federal Office of Workers
     Compensation (OWCP). OWCP fee schedule information may be obtained
     at www.dol.gov/OWCP/regs/feeschedule/fee.htm.  For services or supplies
     that do not have a value currently established by public health care plans such as
     Medicare or Medicaid, or for implantable devices and surgical hardware, we may
     use medical consultants to determine an appropriate allowance. We may also
     conduct independent studies to determine the usual cost of a service or supply
     in a geographic area, or to establish allowances for services or supplies
     provided outside the United States.

Non-network Plan allowance amounts determined according to these guidelines include, but are not limited to, hospitals, ambulance, ambulatory surgery centers, dialysis centers, surgery, doctor’s services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, lab testing and X-ray expenses, implantable devices and surgical hardware; and under the Elevate Plus Option, diagnostic and preventive dental services. For more information about the source of the data we are currently using you may call us at 800-821-6136.

Plan allowance for prescription drugs is determined using Average Wholesale Price or other industry-standard reference price data. Charges for some Plan allowances are stated in this brochure. These include limited benefits such as manipulative therapy care and routine dental care.

If we negotiate a reduced fee amount on an individual claim for services or supplies which is lower than the Plan allowance, covered benefits will be limited to the negotiated amount. Your coinsurance will be based on the reduced fee amount. If you choose to use a provider other than the one we negotiated a reduction with, you will be responsible for the difference in these amounts.

To estimate our maximum Plan allowance for a non-network provider before you receive services from them, call us at 800-821-6136. For more information, see Differences between our allowance and the bill in Section 4.

Post-service claims

Any claims that are not pre-service claims. In other words, post-service claims are those claims where treatment has been performed and the claims have been sent to us in order to apply for benefits.

Pre-service claims

Those claims 1) that require precertification or preauthorization and 2) where failure to obtain precertification or preauthorization results in a reduction of benefits.

Preauthorization

A decision made by your health plan that a health care service, treatment plan, drug, surgery, or durable medical equipment is medically necessary after review of medical information. Sometimes called prior approval.

Precertification

The process of collecting information and obtaining authorization from the health plan prior to an inpatient admission or other selected ambulatory procedures and services.

Primary care physician

For purposes of the office visit copayment for the Elevate Plus and Elevate benefits, primary care physicians are individual doctors (M.D. or D.O.) whose medical practice is limited to family/ general practice, internal medicine, pediatrics/adolescent medicine, obstetrics/gynecology (OB/ Gyn) or geriatrics, psychiatrists, licensed clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social worker, licensed professional counselors or licensed marriage and family therapists. Doctors listed in provider directories or advertisements under any other medical specialty or sub-specialty area (such as internal medicine doctors also listed under cardiology, or pediatric sub-specialties such as pediatric allergy) are considered specialists, not primary care physicians. Chiropractors, eye doctors, dentists and audiologists, are not considered primary care physicians.

ReimbursementA carrier's pursuit of a recovery if a covered individual has suffered an illness or injury and has received, in connection with that illness or injury, a payment from any party that may be liable, any applicable insurance policy, or a workers' compensation program or insurance policy, and the terms of the carrier's health benefits plan require the covered individual, as a result of such payment, to reimburse the carrier out of the payment to the extent of the benefits initially paid or provided. The right of reimbursement is cumulative with and not exclusive of the right of subrogation.

Sound natural tooth

A sound natural tooth is a whole or properly restored tooth that has no condition that would weaken the tooth or predispose it to injury prior to the accident, such as decay, periodontal disease, or other impairments. For purposes of the Plan, damage to a restoration, such as a prosthetic crown or prosthetic dental appliance (i.e., bridgework), would not be covered as there is no injury to the natural tooth structure.

Specialty medication

Specialty medications are biotech or biological drugs that are oral, injectable or infused, or may require special handling. To maximize patient safety, all specialty medications require prior authorization. These drugs are used in the treatment of complex, chronic medical conditions such as hemophilia, multiple sclerosis, hepatitis, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, pulmonary hypertension, osteoarthritis, and immune deficiency.

SubrogationA carrier's pursuit of a recovery from any party that may be liable, any applicable insurance policy, or a workers' compensation program or insurance policy, as successor to the rights of a covered individual who suffered an illness or injury and has obtained benefits from that carrier's health benefits plan.

Telehealth

Online/virtual doctor visits provided remotely by means of telecommunications technology. 

Unproven

Unproven services, including medications, that are determined not to be effective for treatment of the medical condition and/or not to have a beneficial effect on health outcomes due to insufficient and inadequate clinical evidence from well-conducted randomized controlled trials or cohort studies in the prevailing published peer-reviewed medical literature.

  • Well-conducted randomized controlled trials. (Two or more treatments are compared to each other, and the patient is not allowed to choose which treatment is received.)
  • Well-conducted cohort studies from more than one institution. (Patients who receive study treatment are compared to a group of patients who receive standard therapy. The comparison group must be nearly identical to the study treatment group.)

We have a process by which we compile and review clinical evidence with respect to certain health services. From time to time, we issue medical and drug policies that describe the clinical evidence available with respect to specific health care services. These medical and drug policies are subject to change without prior notice.

Please note: If you have a life-threatening sickness or condition (one that is likely to cause death within one year of the request for treatment) we may, in our discretion, consider an otherwise unproven service to be a covered health service for that sickness or condition. Prior to such a consideration, we must first establish that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that, albeit unproven, the service has significant potential as an effective treatment for that sickness or condition.

Urgent care claims

A claim for medical care or treatment is an urgent care claim if waiting for the regular time limit for non-urgent care claims could have one of the following impacts:

  • Waiting could seriously jeopardize your life or health;
  • Waiting could seriously jeopardize your ability to regain maximum function; or
  • In the opinion of a physician with knowledge of your medical condition, waiting would subject you to severe pain that cannot be adequately managed without the care or treatment that is the subject of the claim.

Urgent care claims usually involve pre-service claims and not post-service claims. We will determine whether or not a claim is an urgent care claim by applying the judgment of a prudent layperson who possesses an average knowledge of health and medicine.

If you believe your claim qualifies as an urgent care claim, please contact our Customer Service Department at 800-821-6136. You may also prove that your claim is an urgent care claim by providing evidence that a physician with knowledge of your medical condition has determined that your claim involves urgent care.

Us/We

Us and We refer to Government Employees Health Association, Inc.

You

You refers to the enrollee and each covered family member.




Index

Do not rely on this page; it is for your convenience and may not show all pages where the terms appear.




Index Entry
(Page numbers solely appear in the printed brochure)
Abortion
Accidental injury
Admission
Advanced Control Specialty Formulary (ACSF)
Allergy tests
Allogeneic (donor) bone marrow transplant
Alternative Treatment - Acupuncture
Ambulance
Ambulatory surgical center
Anesthesia
Applied Behavioral Therapy (ABA)
Artificial insemination
Assignment
Assisted reproductive technology
Autologous bone marrow transplant
Biopsy
Blood or blood plasma
Breast prostheses
Breast pump and supplies
Calendar year
Cardiac rehabilitation
Casts
Catastrophic out-of-pocket max
Changes for 2021
Chemotherapy
Circumcision
Claims
Clinical trials
Coinsurance
Compound medication
Congenital anomalies
Contraceptive devices and drugs
Coordination of benefits
Copayment
Cosmetic
Cost containment
Cost-sharing
Coverage information
Covered facilities
Covered providers
Covered services
Custodial care
Deductible
Definitions
Dental care
Diabetic supplies
Disputed claims review
Dressings
Durable medical equipment
Educational classes and programs
Elective surgery
Elevate Plus and Elevate benefits
Emergency
Environmental medicine
Expense
Experimental or investigational
Family planning
Flexible benefits option
Foot care
Foster children
Fraud
Gamete intrafallopian transfer
GEHA 24-Hour Health Advice Line
General exclusions
Group health coverage
Health care professional
Hearing services
Home health services
Home nursing care
Home uterine devices
Hospice care
Immunizations
Impacted teeth
Infertility
Inpatient hospital
Intensive day treatment
Lab and pathological services
Mail Service Pharmacy
Mammograms
Manipulative Therapy
Maternity
Medicaid
Medical necessity
Medicare
Members
Mental Health/Substance use disorder
Never Events
Newborn
No-fault
Non-FEHB Benefits
Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N.)
Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse Midwife
Nurse Practitioner
Registered Nurse (R.N.)
Nursing School Administered Clinic
Observation care
Obstetrical care
Ocular injury
Office visits
Oral and maxillofacial surgery
Orthopedic devices
Ostomy and catheter supplies
Out-of-pocket expenses
Overseas claims
Oxygen
Pap test
Patient Safety Links
Physical and occupational therapies
Physical examinations
Physician
Plan allowance
Post-service claims
Pre-service claims
Preauthorization
Precertification
Preferred Provider
Prescription Drugs
Inpatient Hospital
Outpatient hospital
Preventive care
Adult/Children
Primary care physician
Private room
Prosthetic devices
Psychologist
Radiation therapy
Radiology/Imaging
Renal dialysis
Room and board
Second surgical opinions
Skilled nursing care facility
Sleep Studies
Social worker
Sound natural tooth
Specialty drugs
Speech therapy
Splints
Sterilization procedures
Subrogation
Substance use disorder
Summary of benefits
Surgery
Anesthesia
Bariatric
Multiple procedures
Oral
Reconstructive
Take-home items
Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC)
Temporomandibular Joints
Tobacco cessation
Transplants (organ/tissue)
Treatment therapies
Urgent care claims
Urgent care facility
Us/We
Vision services
Contact lenses/Eyeglasses
Eye examinations
Vitamins
Well child care
Workers' Compensation
X-rays
You



Summary of Benefits for the Elevate Plus Option of the Government Employees Health Association, Inc. 2021

Do not rely on this chart alone. This is a summary. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure. Before making a final decision, please read this FEHB brochure. You can also obtain a copy of our Summary of Benefits and Coverage as required by the Affordable Care Act at www.geha.com/sbc. On this page we summarize specific expenses we cover; for more detail, look inside.

If you want to enroll or change your enrollment in this Plan, be sure to put the correct enrollment code from the cover on your enrollment form.

Below, an asterisk (*) means the item is subject to the out-of-network calendar year deductible ($500 for Self Only, $1,000 for Self Plus One or Self and Family). And, for most out-of-network services, you pay 50% of the Plan allowance plus any difference between the Plan allowance and the billed amount.




TermDefinition 1Definition 2

Medical services provided by physicians: Diagnostic and treatment services provided in the office

In-network: Nothing for preventive care; $20 copay primary care physician; $35 copay specialist

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Services provided by a hospital: Inpatient

In-network: $200 per day up to a maximum of $1,000 per admission

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Services provided by a hospital: Outpatient

In-network: $200 per day per facility

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Emergency benefits: Medical Emergency

In-network: $150 copayment per visit

Out-of-network: $150 copayment per visit plus the difference between the Plan allowance and the billed amount

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Mental health and substance use disorder treatment:

Regular cost-sharing

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Prescription drugs:

In-network benefits ONLY

    (Applies to printed brochure only)

  • Retail pharmacy

Network pharmacy 30-day supply:

  • Generic: Member pays lesser of $5 or pharmacy’s usual and customary cost
  • Preferred Brand: Member pays lesser of $80 or pharmacy’s usual and customary cost
  • Non-preferred Brand: 40% of Plan allowance

(Applies to printed brochure only)

  • Mail order

Mail order network 90-day supply:

  • Generic: Member pays lesser of $12 or the cost of the drug
  • Preferred Brand: Member pays lesser of $200 or the cost of the drug
  • Non-preferred Brand: 40% of Plan allowance

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Dental care:

Accidental Dental coverage only. Services are paid at regular medical Plan benefits.

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Protection against catastrophic costs (your catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum):

Nothing after $6,000 Self Only ($12,000 Self Plus One or Self and Family) per year for in-network providers.

Nothing after $12,000 Self Only ($24,000 Self Plus One or Self and Family) per year for out-of-network providers.

(Applies to printed brochure only)




Summary of Benefits for the Elevate Option of the Government Employees Health Association, Inc. 2021

Do not rely on this chart alone. This is a summary. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure. Before making a final decision, please read this FEHB brochure. You can also obtain a copy of our Summary of Benefits and Coverage as required by the Affordable Care Act at www.geha.com/sbc. On this page we summarize specific expenses we cover; for more detail, look inside.

If you want to enroll or change your enrollment in this Plan, be sure to put the correct enrollment code from the cover on your enrollment form.

Below, an asterisk (*) means item is subject to the $500 Self Only or $1,000 Self Plus One or Self and Family calendar year deductible when you use in-network providers; or subject to the $1,000 Self Only or $2,000 Self Plus One or Self and Family calendar year deductible when you use out-of-network providers. And, for most out-of-network services, you pay 50% of the Plan allowance plus any difference between the Plan allowance and the billed amount.




TermDefinition 1Definition 2

Medical services provided by physicians: Diagnostic and treatment services provided in the office

In-network: Nothing for preventive care; $10 copay primary care physician; $25 copay specialist

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Services provided by a hospital: Inpatient

In-network: 25%* of the Plan allowance

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Services provided by a hospital: Outpatient

In-network: 25%* of the Plan allowance

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Emergency benefits: Medical Emergency

In-network: 25%* of the Plan allowance

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Mental health and substance use disorder treatment:

Regular cost-sharing

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Prescription drugs:

In-network benefits ONLY

    (Applies to printed brochure only)

Prescription drugs: Retail pharmacy

Network pharmacy 30-day supply:

  • Generic: Member pays lesser of $4 or pharmacy’s usual and customary cost
  • Preferred Brand: Member pays 50% of Plan allowance up to a maximum of $500
  • Non-preferred Brand: 100% of all charges

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Prescription drugs: Mail order

Not available

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Dental care:

Accidental Dental coverage only. Services are paid at regular medical Plan benefits.

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Protection against catastrophic costs (your catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum):

Nothing after $7,000 Self Only ($14,000 Self Plus One or Self and Family) per year for in-network providers.

Nothing after $14,000 Self Only ($28,000 Self Plus One or Self and Family) per year for out-of-network providers.

(Applies to printed brochure only)




2021 Rate Information for Government Employees Health Association, Inc. (GEHA) Benefit Plan

To compare your FEHB health plan options, please go to www.opm.gov/fehbcompare.

To review premium rates for all FEHB health plan options please go to www.opm.gov/FEHBpremiums or www.opm.gov/Tribalpremium.

Non-Postal rates apply to most non-Postal employees. If you are in a special enrollment category, contact the agency that maintains your health benefits enrollment.

Postal rates apply to certain United States Postal Service employees as follows:

  • Postal Category 1 rates apply to career bargaining unit employees who are represented by the following agreement: NALC.
  • Postal Category 2 rates apply to career bargaining unit employees who are represented by the following agreement: PPOA.

Non-Postal rates apply to all career non-bargaining unit Postal Service employees and career bargaining unit employees who are represented by the following agreements: APWU, IT/AS, NPMHU, NPPN and NRLCA. Postal rates do not apply to non-career Postal employees, Postal retirees, and associate members of any Postal employee organization who are not career Postal employees.

USPS Human Resources Shared Service Center 1-877-477-3273, option 5 Federal Relay Service 1-800-877-8339

Premiums for Tribal employees are shown under the monthly non-Postal column. The amount shown under employee contribution is the maximum you will pay. Your Tribal employer may choose to contribute a higher portion of your premium. Please contact your Tribal Benefits Officer for exact rates.




Type of EnrollmentEnrollment CodeNon-Postal Premium
BiWeekly
Gov't Share
Non-Postal Premium
BiWeekly
Your Share
Non-Postal Premium
Monthly
Gov't Share
Non-Postal Premium
Monthly
Your Share
Postal Premium
BiWeekly
Category 1 Your Share
Postal Premium
BiWeekly
Category 2 Your Share
Elevate Plus Option Self Only251$226.08$75.36$489.84$163.28$72.35$62.55
Elevate Plus Option Self Plus One253$517.46$175.81$1,121.16$380.93$168.62$147.06
Elevate Plus Option Self and Family252$560.68$186.89$1,214.81$404.93$179.42$155.12
Elevate Option Self Only254$141.97$47.32$307.60$102.53$45.43$39.28
Elevate Option Self Plus One256$326.54$108.84$707.49$235.83$104.49$90.34
Elevate Option Self and Family255$397.52$132.51$861.30$287.10$127.21$109.98