CDPHP Universal Benefits, Inc.

Formerly Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc. (CDPHP)

2005

www.cdphp.com

A Prepaid Comprehensive Medical Plan

Serving: Upstate, Hudson Valley, and Central New York

For changes in benefits, see page 7.


Enrollment in this plan is limited. You must live or work in our Geographic service area to enroll. See page 6 for requirements.

Special Notice:

Codes QB1, QB2, PW1, and PW2 have been eliminated. If you were enrolled in one of these codes, you will be automatically transferred to SG1 or SG2, unless you make an Open Season change.


Enrollment codes for this Plan:

SG1 Self Only

SG2 Self and Family

RI 73-549

Dear Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Participant:

Welcome to the 2005 Open Season! By continuing to introduce pro-consumer health care ideas, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) team has given you greater, cost effective choices. This year several national and local health plans are offering new options, strengthening the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and highlighting once again its unique and distinctive market-oriented features. I remain firm in my belief that you, when fully informed as a Federal subscriber, are in the best position to make the decisions that meet your needs and those of your family. Plan brochures provide information to help subscribers make these fully informed decisions. Please take the time to review the plan's benefits, particularly Section 2, which explains plan changes.

Exciting new features this year give you additional opportunities to save and better manage your hard-earned dollars. For 2005, I am very pleased and enthusiastic about the new High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) component. This combination of health plan and savings vehicle provides a new opportunity to save and better manage your money. If an HDHP/HSA is not for you and you are not retired, I encourage you to consider a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health care. FSAs allow you to reduce your out-of-pocket health care costs by 20 to more than 40 percent by paying for certain health care expenses with tax-free dollars, instead of after-tax dollars.

Since prevention remains a major factor in the cost of health care, last year OPM launched the HealthierFeds campaign. Through this effort we are encouraging Federal team members to take greater responsibility for living a healthier lifestyle. The positive effect of a healthier life style brings dividends for you and reduces the demands and costs within the health care system. This campaign embraces four key "actions" that can lead to a healthy America: be physically active every day, eat a nutritious diet, seek out preventative screenings, and make healthy lifestyle choices. Be sure to visit HealthierFeds at www.healthierfeds.opm.gov for more details on this important initiative. I also encourage you to visit the Department of Health and Human Services website on Wellness and Safety, www.hhs.gov/safety/index.html, which complements and broadens healthier lifestyle resources. The site provides extensive information from health care experts and organizations to support your personal interest in staying healthy.

The FEHB Program offers the Federal team the widest array of cost-effective health care options and the information needed to make the best choice for you and your family. You will find comprehensive health plan information in this brochure, in the 2005 Guide to FEHB Plans, and on the OPM Website at www.opm.gov/insure. I hope you find these resources useful, and thank you once again for your service to the nation.

Sincerely,

Kay Coles James
Director

 

Notice of the United States Office of Personnel Management's

Privacy Practices

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

By law, the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which administers the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, is required to protect the privacy of your personal medical information. OPM is also required to give you this notice to tell you how OPM may use and give out ("disclose") your personal medical information held by OPM.

OPM will use and give out your personal medical information:

  • To you or someone who has the legal right to act for you (your personal representative),

  • To the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, if necessary, to make sure your privacy is protected,

  • To law enforcement officials when investigating and/or prosecuting alleged or civil or criminal actions, and

  • Where required by law.

    OPM has the right to use and give out your personal medical information to administer the FEHB Program. For example:

  • To communicate with your FEHB health plan when you or someone you have authorized to act on your behalf asks for our assistance regarding a benefit or customer service issue.

  • To review, make a decision, or litigate your disputed claim.

  • For OPM and the General Accounting Office when conducting audits.

    OPM may use or give out your personal medical information for the following purposes under limited circumstances:

  • For Government health care oversight activities (such as fraud and abuse investigations),

  • For research studies that meet all privacy law requirements (such as for medical research or education), and

  • To avoid a serious and imminent threat to health or safety.

    By law, OPM must have your written permission (an "authorization") to use or give out your personal medical information for any purpose that is not set out in this notice. You may take back ("revoke") your written permission at any time, except if OPM has already acted based on your permission.

    By law, you have the right to:

  • See and get a copy of your personal medical information held by OPM.

  • Amend any of your personal medical information created by OPM if you believe that it is wrong or if information is missing, and OPM agrees. If OPM disagrees, you may have a statement of your disagreement added to your personal medical information.

  • Get a listing of those getting your personal medical information from OPM in the past 6 years. The listing will not cover your personal medical information that was given to you or your personal representative, any information that you authorized OPM to release, or that was given out for law enforcement purposes or to pay for your health care or a disputed claim.

  • Ask OPM to communicate with you in a different manner or at a different place (for example, by sending materials to a P.O. Box instead of your home address).

  • Ask OPM to limit how your personal medical information is used or given out. However, OPM may not be able to agree to your request if the information is used to conduct operations in the manner described above.

  • Get a separate paper copy of this notice.

    For more information on exercising your rights set out in this notice, look at www.opm.gov/insure on the Web. You may also call 202-606-0745 and ask for OPM's FEHB Program privacy official for this purpose.

    If you believe OPM has violated your privacy rights set out in this notice, you may file a complaint with OPM at the following address:

    Privacy Complaints

    Unites States Office of Personnel Management

    P.O. Box 707

    Washington, DC 20004-0707

    Filing a complaint will not affect your benefits under the FEHB Program. You also may file a complaint with the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

    By law, OPM is required to follow the terms in this privacy notice. OPM has the right to change the way your personal medical information is used and given out. If OPM makes any changes, you will get a new notice by mail within 60 days of the change. The privacy practices listed in this notice are effective April 14, 2003.


    Table of Contents

     

    Introduction

    Plain Language

    Stop Health Care Fraud!

    Preventing medical mistakes

    Section 1. Facts about this prepaid plan

    How we pay providers

    Your Rights

    Service Area

    Section 2. How we change for 2005

    Program-wide changes

    Changes to this Plan

    Section 3. How you get care

    Identification cards

    Where you get covered care

  • Plan providers

  • Plan facilities

    What you must do to get covered care

  • Primary care

  • Specialty care

  • Hospital care

    Circumstances beyond our control

    Services requiring our prior approval

    Section 4. Your costs for covered services

    Copayments

    Deductible

    Coinsurance

    Your catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum

    Section 5. Benefits - OVERVIEW (See page 7 for how our benefits changed this year and page 55 for a benefits summary.)

    Section 5(a) Medical services and supplies provided by physicians and other health care professionals

    Section 5(b) Surgical and anesthesia services provided by physicians and other health care professionals

    Section 5(c) Services provided by a hospital or other facility, and ambulance services

    Section 5(d) Emergency services/accidents

    Section 5(e) Mental health and substance abuse benefits

    Section 5(f) Prescription drug benefits

    Section 5(g) Special features

  • Flexible benefits option

  • Non-emergency care for full-time students out of the area

  • Services for deaf and hearing impaired

  • Childbirth Education Reimbursement Progam

  • Centers of excellence

    Section 5(h) Dental benefits

    Section 5(i) Non-FEHB benefits available to Plan members

    Section 6. General exclusions - things we don't cover

    Section 7. Filing a claim for covered services

    Section 8. The disputed claims process

    Section 9. Coordinating benefits with other coverage

    When you have other health coverage

    What is Medicare?

  • Should I enroll in Medicare?

  • The Original Medicare Plan (Part A or Part B)

  • Medicare Advantage

    TRICARE and CHAMPVA

    Workers' Compensation

    Medicaid

    When other Government agencies are responsible for your care

    When others are responsible for injuries

    Section 10. Definitions of terms we use in this brochure

    Section 11. FEHB Facts

    Coverage information

  • No pre-existing condition limitation

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

  • Types of coverage available for you and your family

  • Children's Equity Act

  • When benefits and premiums start

  • When you retire

    When you lose benefits

  • When FEHB coverage ends

  • Spouse equity coverage

  • Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC)

  • Converting to individual coverage

  • Getting a Certificate of Group Health Plan Coverage

    Section 12. Two Federal Programs complement FEHB benefits

    The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program - FSAFEDS

    The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program

    Index

    Summary of benefits for CDPHP UBI - 2005

    2005 Rate Information for CDPHP UBI

     

    Introduction

     

    This brochure describes the benefits of CDPHP Universal Benefits, Inc. (CDPHP UBI) under Capital District Physicians' Health Plan's contract (CS 2901) with the United States Office of Personnel Management, as authorized by the Federal Employees Health Benefits law. The address for CDPHP UBI administrative offices is:

    CDPHP UBI
    Patroon Creek Corporate Center
    1223 Washington Avenue
    Albany, NY 12206

    This brochure is the official statement of benefits. No oral 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 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, 2005, unless those benefits are also shown in this brochure.

    OPM negotiates benefits and rates with each plan annually. Benefit changes are effective January 1, 2005, and changes are summarized on page 8. Rates are shown at the end of this brochure.

     

    Plain Language

     

    All FEHB brochures are written in plain language to make them responsive, accessible, and understandable to the public. For instance,

  • Except for necessary technical terms, we use common words. For instance, "you" means the enrollee or family member, "we" means CDPHP UBI.

  • 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 first.

  • Our brochure and other FEHB plans' brochures have the same format and similar descriptions to help you compare plans.

    If you have comments or suggestions about how to improve the structure of this brochure, let OPM know. Visit OPM's "Rate Us" feedback area at www.opm.gov/insure or e-mail OPM at fehbwebcomments@opm.gov. You may also write to OPM at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Insurance Services Programs, Program Planning & Evaluation Group, 1900 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20415-3650.

     

    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:

  • Be wary of giving your plan identification (ID) number over the telephone or to people you do not know, except to your doctor, other provider, or authorized 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 explanations of benefits (EOBs) that you receive from us.

  • 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 (518) 641-3228 and explain the situation.

    If we do not resolve the issue:

     

    CALL ¾ THE HEALTH CARE FRAUD HOTLINE

    202-418-3300

    OR WRITE TO:

    United States Office of Personnel Management

    Office of the Inspector General Fraud Hotline

    1900 E Street NW Room 6400

    Washington, DC20415-1100



  • 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 22 (unless he/she is disabled and incapable of self support).

  • 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.

  • You can be prosecuted for fraud and your agency may take action against you if you falsify a claim to obtain FEHB benefits or try to obtain services for someone who is not an eligible family member or who is no longer enrolled in the Plan.

     

    Preventing medical mistakes

    An influential report from the Institute of Medicine estimates that up to 98,000 Americans die every year from medical mistakes in hospitals alone. That's about 3,230 preventable deaths in the FEHB Program a year. 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. By asking questions, learning more and understanding your risks, you can improve the safety of your own health care, and that of your family members. 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 ask questions and understand answers.

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

  • Give your doctor and pharmacist a list of all the medicines that you take, including non-prescription medicines.

  • Tell them about any drug allergies you have.

  • Ask about side effects and what to avoid while taking the medicine.

  • Read the label when you get your medicine, including all warnings.

  • Make sure your medicine is what the doctor ordered and know how to use it.

  • Ask the pharmacist about your medicine if it looks different than you expected.

    3. Get the results of any test or procedure.

  • Ask when and how you will get the results of tests or procedures.

  • Don't assume the results are fine if you do not get them when expected, be it in person, by phone, or by mail.

  • Call your doctor and ask for your results.

  • Ask what the results mean for your care.

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

  • Ask your doctor about which hospital has the best care and results for your condition if you have more than one hospital 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.

    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 reaction to anesthesia, and any medications you are taking.

    Want more information on patient safety?

  • http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/pathqpack.html. 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.npsf.org. The National Patient Safety Foundation has information on how to ensure safer health care for you and your family.

  • www.talkaboutrx.org/consumer.html. The National Council on Patient Information and Education is dedicated to improving communication about the safe, appropriate use of medicines.

  • 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.

  • www.quic.gov/report. Find out what federal agencies are doing to identify threats to patient safety and help prevent mistakes in the nation's health care delivery system.

     

    Section 1. Facts about this prepaid plan

    This Plan is a prepaid comprehensive medical plan. We require you to see specific physicians, hospitals, and other providers that contract with us. You are encouraged to select a personal doctor within the Plan's network The Plan is solely responsible for the selection of these providers in your area. Contact the Plan for a copy of their most recent CDPHP UBI provider directory.

    Prepaid plans emphasize preventive care such as routine office visits, physical exams, well-baby care, and immunizations, in addition to treatment for illness and injury. Our providers follow generally accepted medical practice when prescribing any course of treatment.

    When you receive services from Plan providers, you will not have to submit claim forms or pay bills. You pay only the copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles described in this brochure. When you receive emergency services from non-Plan providers, you may have to submit claim forms. With the exception of emergency services, all services by non-participating practitioners and providers must be authorized in advance by CDPHP UBI. When you choose a non-participating provider, and the care has not been preauthorized by CDPHP UBI, you will pay all charges.

    You should join a prepaid plan because you prefer the plan's benefits, not because a particular provider is available. You cannot change plans because a provider leaves our Plan. We cannot guarantee that any one physician, hospital, or other provider will be available and/or remain under contract with us.

    How we pay providers

    We contract with individual physicians, medical groups, and hospitals to provide the benefits in this brochure. These Plan providers accept a negotiated payment from us, and you will only be responsible for your copayments or coinsurance.

    Your Rights

    OPM requires that all FEHB Plans provide certain information to their FEHB members. You may get information about us, our networks, providers, and facilities. OPM's FEHB Web site (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.

  • CDPHP Universal Benefits, Inc. (CDPHP UBI) is licensed under Article 43 in New York State.

  • CDPHP UBI is an affiliate of Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc. (CDPHP), a health plan that has been in existence for 20 years.

  • CDPHP UBI is a non-profit health services corporation.

    If you want more information about us, call 1-877-269-2134, or write to CDPHP UBI, Patroon Creek Corporate Center, 1223 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12206. You may also contact us by fax at (518) 641-5005 or visit our Web site at www.cdphp.com.

    Service Area

    To enroll in this Plan, you must live in or work in our Service Area. This is where our providers practice. Our service area is: Albany, Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Orange, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Tioga, Ulster, Warren, and Washington counties.

    Ordinarily, you must get your care from providers who contract with us. If you receive care outside our service area, we will pay only for emergency care benefits. We will not pay for any other health care services out of our service area unless the services have prior plan approval.

    If you or a covered family member move outside of our service area, you can enroll in another plan. If your dependents live out of the area (for example, if your child goes to college in another state), you should consider enrolling in a fee-for-service plan or an HMO that has agreements with affiliates in other areas. If you or a family member move, you do not have to wait until Open Season to change plans. Contact your employing or retirement office.

     

    Section 2. How we change for 2005

    Do not rely on these change descriptions; this page 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.

    Program-wide changes

  • In Section 9, we revised the Medicare Primary Payer Chart and updated the language regarding Medicare Advantage plans (formerly called Medicare + Choice plans).

  • In Section 12, we revised the language regarding the Flexible Spending Account Program - FSAFEDS and the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program.

    Changes to this Plan

  • Your share of the non-Postal premium will increase by 5.2% for Self Only and decrease by 3% for Self and Family for enrollment code SG. Enrollment codes PW and QB have been consolidated under enrollment code SG for 2005.

  • Your share of the Postal premium will increase by 5.2% for Self Only and decrease by 13.5% for Self and Family for enrollment code SG. Enrollment codes PW and QB have been consolidated under enrollment code SG for 2005.

  • The HMO plan will be replaced by a Prepaid comprehensive medical plan in 2005 and will eliminate the referral requirement for specialty services. Members must use a provider who participates with the CDPHP UBI network to obtain coverage except for emergency care or when the care has been preauthorized by CDPHP UBI. A listing is available from CDPHP UBI Member Services at 1-877-269-2134 or on Find-A-Doc at our Web site, www.cdphp.com.

  • The primary/specialist office visit copay has increased to $20.

  • The inpatient hospital copay has changed to $100 copay per day up to a maximum of $500 per admission. For family coverage, inpatient copays are limited to two per calendar year. The copay will also apply to inpatient hospital rehabilitation, but is waived if the patient is admitted within one day of discharge.

  • The copay for routine annual exam for patients over age 19 including routine screenings has increased to $20 per visit.

  • Physical, occupational, and speech short-term therapy are limited to one course each for two consecutive months for each specific diagnosis and related conditions per calendar year. The $20 specialist office visit will apply.

  • Coverage for cardiac rehabilitation is based on medical necessity. The $20 office copay visit will apply.

  • The copay for local professional ambulance will increase to $50.

  • The copay for diabetic supplies and insulin will increase to $20 per item.

  • The copay for diabetic durable medical equipment will increase to $20 and must be preauthorized only if over $500.

  • The copay for hospital or ambulatory surgical center will increase to $50 per day.

  • The prescription drug copay has changed to $10 generic, $25 preferred brand, and $40 non-preferred brand for a 30-day supply. The copay for a 90-day mail order plan has been changed to $20 generic, $50 preferred brand and $80 non-preferred brand.

  • The brochure has been clarified to include new preventive guidelines for children and adults. See page 13 and 14.


    Section 3. How you get care

     

    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 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 1-877-269-2134 or write to us at Patroon Creek Corporate Center, 1223 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12206. You may also request replacement cards through our Web site at www.cdphp.com.

    Where you get covered care

    You get care from "Plan providers" and "Plan facilities." You will only pay copayments and/or coinsurance, and you will not have to file claims.

  • Plan providers
  • Plan providers are physicians and other health care professionals in our service area that we contract with to provide covered services to our members. We credential Plan providers according to national standards set by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

    We list Plan providers in the CDPHP UBI provider directory, which we update periodically. The list is also available at Find-A-Doc on our Web site at www.cdphp.com.

  • Plan facilities
  • Plan facilities are hospitals and other facilities in our service area that we contract with to provide covered services to our members. We list these in the CDPHP UBI provider directory, which we update periodically. The list is also available at Find-A-Doc on our Web site at www.cdphp.com.

    What you must do to get covered care

    It depends on the type of care you need. You can go to any participating provider you want, but we must approve some care in advance.

  • Primary care
  • Because all covered services must be provided or arranged by CDPHP UBI participating providers, you are encouraged to select a personal doctor within the network to coordinate your care. Your primary care provider can be an internist, family practitioner, general practitioner, or pediatrician (for children). Alternate primary care providers are obstetricians and gynecologists.

  • Specialty care
  • Participating specialists are listed in our CDPHP UBI directory and in Find-A-Doc at our Web site at www.cdphp.com.

  • No referral is necessary to visit a participating specialist.

  • If you have a chronic and disabling condition and lose access to your specialist because we:

    - Terminate our contract with your specialist for other than cause; or

    - Drop out of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and you enroll in another FEHB program Plan; or

    - Reduce our service area and you enroll in another FEHB Plan, you may be able to continue seeing your specialist 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 specialist based on the above circumstances, you can continue to see your specialist until the end of your postpartum care, even if it is beyond the 90 days.

  • Hospital
  • care

    Your Plan primary care physician or specialist will make necessary hospital arrangements and supervise your care. This includes admission to a skilled nursing or other type of facility.

    If you are in the hospital when your enrollment in our Plan begins, call our customer service department immediately at 1-877-269-2134. If you are new to the FEHB Program, we will arrange for you to receive care.

    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; or

  • 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 Program in whole or in part, or if OPM orders an enrollment change, this continuation of coverage provision does not apply. In such case, the hospitalized family member's benefits under the new plan begin on the effective date of enrollment.

  • Circumstances beyond our control

    Under certain extraordinary circumstances, such as natural disasters, we may have to delay your services or we may be unable to provide them. In that case, we will make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the necessary care.

    Services requiring our prior approval

    For certain services, you or your physician must obtain approval from us. Before giving approval, we consider if the service is covered, medically necessary, and follows generally accepted medical practice.

    We call this review and approval process pre-certification. It is your responsibility to make sure this review process is followed. Your physician or specialist must obtain prior approval for the following services: hospitalization or skilled nursing facility care, home health care, inpatient rehabilitation unit or facility services, prosthetic devices, some identified medications, durable medical equipment, home dialysis, and hospice care. Prior approval is also required for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, mental health/substance abuse, GHT, and other services such as off-plan referrals.

    Your physician contacts CDPHP's Resource Coordination Management Department with a description of the medical necessity of the request.

    A nurse reviewer reviews the request. Clinical information is obtained to support the medical necessity of the request. Clinical information is reviewed against established criteria. Decisions are based on the appropriateness of care. Ultimate determinations are made by the Plan's Medical Director. Upon approval you and your provider are notified via telephone and mail. Services that do not receive prior approval will not be covered by the Plan.

     


    Section 4. Your costs for covered services

    You must share the costs of some services. You are responsible for:

    Copayments

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

    Example: When you see your primary care physician you pay a copayment of $20 per office visit and when you go in the hospital, you pay $100 per day, up to a maximum of $500 per confinement.

    Deductible

    We do not have a deductible.

    Coinsurance

    Coinsurance is the percentage of our negotiated fee that you must pay for your care. Example: In our Plan, you pay 20 percent of our allowance for durable medical equipment.

    Your catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum

    We do not have a catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum.

     

    Section 5. Benefits - OVERVIEW
    (See page 8 for how our benefits changed this year and page 52 for a benefits summary.)

    Note: This benefits section is divided into subsections. Please read the important things you should keep in mind at the beginning of each subsection. 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 our benefits, contact us at (518) 641-3140 or 1-877-269-2134 or at our Web site at www.cdphp.com.

    Section 5(a) Medical services and supplies provided by physicians and other health care professionals

    Diagnostic and treatment services

    Lab, X-ray and other diagnostic tests

    Preventive care, adult

    Preventive care, children

    Maternity care

    Family planning

    Infertility services

    Allergy care

    Treatment therapies

    Physical and occupational therapies

    Speech therapy

    Hearing services (testing, treatment, and supplies)

    Vision services (testing, treatment, and supplies)

    Foot care

    Orthopedic and prosthetic devices

    Durable medical equipment (DME)

    Home health services

    Chiropractic

    Alternative treatments

    Educational classes and programs

    Section 5(b) Surgical and anesthesia services provided by physicians and other health care professionals

    Surgical procedures

    Reconstructive surgery

    Oral and maxillofacial surgery

    Organ/tissue transplants

    Anesthesia

    Section 5(c) Services provided by a hospital or other facility, and ambulance services

    Inpatient hospital

    Outpatient hospital or ambulatory surgical center

    Extended care benefits/Skilled nursing care facility benefits

    Hospice care

    Ambulance

    Section 5(d) Emergency services/accidents

    Emergency within our service area

    Emergency outside our service area

    Ambulance

    Section 5(e) Mental health and substance abuse benefits

    Mental health and substance abuse benefits

    Section 5(f) Prescription drug benefits

    Covered medications and supplies

    Section 5(g) Special features

    Flexible benefits option

    Services for deaf and hearing impaired

    Centers of excellence

    Section 5(h) Dental benefits

    Accidental injury benefit

    Dental benefits

    Section 5(i) Non-FEHB benefits available to Plan members

    Summary of benefits for CDPHP UBI, Inc. - 2005

    2005 Rate Information for CDPHP UBI, Inc


    Section 5(a) Medical services and supplies provided by physicians and other health care professionals

    IMPORTANT

    Here are some 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.

  • Plan physicians must provide or arrange your care. You pay all charges for non-participating providers.

  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services, for valuable information about how cost sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare.
  • IMPORTANT

    Benefit Description

    You pay

     

    Diagnostic and treatment services

     

    Professional services of physicians

  • In physician's office
  •  

    $20 per office visit

     

    Professional services of physicians

  • In an urgent care center
  • $25 per visit

  • During a hospital stay

  • In a skilled nursing facility
  • Nothing

  • Office medical consultations

  • Second surgical opinion
  • $20 per office visit

    At home

    $20 per visit

    Not covered:

  • Surgery primarily for cosmetic purposes

  • Homemaker services
  • All charges.

    Diagnostic and treatment services - continued on next page

     

    Lab, X-ray and other diagnostic tests

     

    Tests, such as:

  • Blood tests

  • Urinalysis

  • Pathology

  • X-rays

  • Non-routine Mammograms

  • CAT Scans/MRI

  • Ultrasound

  • Electrocardiogram and EEG
  • Nothing if you receive these services at a preferred facility; otherwise, $20 per office visit

     

  • Non-routine Pap tests
  • $20 per office visit

    Preventive care, adult

     

    Routine screenings, such as:

  • Total Blood Cholesterol—Once every five years

  • Colorectal Cancer Screening, including

    - Fecal occult blood test - every five years starting at age 50

    - Sigmoidoscopy, screening - every five years starting at age 50

    - Double contrast barium enema—every five years starting at age 50

    - Colonoscopy—once every 10 years starting at age 50.

  • $20 per office visit

     

     

    Routine Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test - one annually for men age 40 and older

    $20 per office visit

    Routine pap test

    Note: The office visit is covered if pap test is received on the same day; see Diagnosis and Treatment, above.

    $20 per office visit

    Routine mammogram - covered for women age 35 and older, as follows:

  • From age 35 through 39, one during this five year period

  • From age 40 through 49, one every one to two calendar years

  • From age 50 to 70, annually

  • Over age 71, as indicated
  • Nothing

    Routine immunizations, limited to:

  • Tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster - once every 10 years, ages 19 and over (except as provided for under Childhood immunizations)

  • Influenza vaccine, annually

  • Pneumococcal vaccine, age 65 and older
  • Nothing, office visit copay applies

    Not covered: Physical exams required for obtaining or continuing employment or insurance, attending schools or camp, or travel.

    All charges.

     


     

    Preventive care, children

     

  • Childhood immunizations recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
  • Nothing

  • Well-child care charges for routine examinations, immunizations and care (up to age 22). Visits covered at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, and 18 months, then annually to age 22.
  • Nothing for children to age 19.

    $20 per visit age 19-22.

  • Examinations, such as:

    - Eye exams through age 17 to determine the need for vision correction. Limited to one every 24 months.

    - Ear exams through age 17 to determine the need for hearing correction

    - Examinations done on the day of immunizations (up to age 22)

  • Nothing when performed during well child routine visits up to age 19. $20 per office visit, otherwise.

    Maternity care

    You pay

    Complete maternity (obstetrical) care, such as:

  • Prenatal care

     

  • $20 per office visit for the initial diagnosis. You pay nothing thereafter.

  • Delivery

  • Postnatal care

    Note: Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • You do not need to precertify your normal delivery; see page 10 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 extend your inpatient 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 only if we cover the infant under a Self and Family enrollment.

  • We pay hospitalization and surgeon services (delivery) the same as for illness and injury. See Hospital benefits (Section 5c) and Surgery benefits (Section 5b).
  • $100 copay per day up to a maximum of $500 per admission. The copayment does not apply to hospital inpatient charges for newborn nursery care.

     

     

    Not covered: Elective sonograms to determine fetal sex.

    All charges.


     

    Family planning

     

    A range of voluntary family planning services, limited to:

  • Voluntary sterilization (See Surgical procedures Section 5 (b))

  • Genetic counseling when approved

  • Visits to insert or implant covered contraceptive devices
  • $20 per office visit

    Note: We cover oral contraceptives under the prescription drug benefit.

  • Oral and transdermal contraceptives

  • Surgically implanted contraceptives

  • Injectable contraceptive drugs (such as Depo provera)

  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

  • Diaphragms
  • $25 per covered preferred brand name drug or device

    $40 per non-preferred drug

     

    (30-day supply)

    Not covered:

  • Reversal of voluntary surgical sterilization

     

  • All charges.

    Infertility services

    You pay

    Diagnosis and treatment of infertility such as:

  • Artificial insemination:

    - intravaginal insemination (IVI)

    - intracervical insemination (ICI)

    - intrauterine insemination (IUI)

  • Fertility drugs

    Note: Members must be at least 21 years of age but no more than 44 years old to be covered for infertility services.

    Note: We cover fertility drugs under the prescription drug benefit for up to six cycles per lifetime.

  • $20 per office visit

    $100 copay per day up to a maximum of $500 per admission. For family coverage, inpatient copays are limited to two per calendar year

    Not covered:

  • Assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, such as:

    - in vitro fertilization

    - embryo transfer, gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT) and zygote intra-fallopian transfer (ZIFT)

  • Services and supplies related to ART procedures

  • Cost of donor sperm

  • Leuprolide Acetate when used for cessation of ovulation.

  • Items such as ovulation predictor kits and home pregnancy kits.

  • IVIG when utilized for infertility or pregnancy loss.
  • All charges.

    Allergy care

     

  • Testing and treatment
  • $20 per office visit

  • Allergy injections

  • Allergy serum
  • Nothing

    Not covered: Provocative food testing and sublingual allergy desensitization

    All charges.

    Treatment therapies

    You pay

  • Chemotherapy and radiation therapy

    Note: High dose chemotherapy in association with autologous bone marrow transplants is limited to those transplants listed under Organ/Tissue Transplants on page 28.

  • Respiratory and inhalation therapy

  • Dialysis - hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
  • $20 per office visit

    Intravenous (IV)/Infusion Therapy - Home IV and antibiotic therapy

    $20 per office visit if received as an outpatient. Covered in full if part of home health care.

  • Growth hormone therapy (GHT)

    Note: We only cover GHT when we preauthorize the treatment. We will ask you to submit information that establishes that the GHT is medically necessary. 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 Services requiring our prior approval in Section 3.

  • $20 per office visit

    Physical and occupational therapies

    You pay

    Physical and occupational therapy are limited to one course each for two consecutive months for each specific diagnosis and related conditions per calendar year:

  • qualified physical therapists and

  • occupational therapists

    Note: We only cover therapy to restore bodily function when there has been a total or partial loss of bodily function due to illness or injury.

  • Medically necessary cardiac rehabilitation following a heart transplant, bypass surgery or a myocardial infarction.
  •  

     

    $20 per office visit

    $20 per outpatient visit

    Nothing per visit during covered inpatient admission

    Not covered:

  • Long-term rehabilitative therapy

  • Exercise programs

  • Continuous ECG monitoring and Thallium stress tests

  • Services for chronic or maintenance phase of cardiac rehabilitation
  • All charges.

    Speech therapy

     

    Speech therapy is limited to one course for two consecutive months for each specific diagnosis and related conditions per calendar year.

    $20 per office visit

    $20 per outpatient visit

    Nothing per visit during covered inpatient admission.

    Not covered:

  • Care beyond treatment period.
  • All charges.

    Hearing services (testing, treatment, and supplies)

     

  • First hearing aid and testing only when necessitated by accidental injury

  • Hearing testing for children through age 17 (see Preventive care, children)
  • $20 per office visit

    Not covered:

  • All other hearing testing

  • Hearing aids, testing and examinations for them
  • All charges.

    Vision services (testing, treatment, and supplies)

    You pay

  • One pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct an impairment directly caused by accidental ocular injury or intraocular surgery (such as for cataracts)
  • $20 per office visit

  • Eye exam to determine the need for vision correction for children through age 17 (see Preventive Care, Children)

  • Eye refractions once every 24 months

  • Eye exercises and orthoptics when approved
  • $20 per office visit

    Not covered:

  • Eyeglasses or contact lenses

  • Radial keratotomy and other refractive surgery
  • All charges.

    Foot care

     

    Routine foot care when you are under active treatment for a metabolic or peripheral vascular disease, such as diabetes.

    Note: See Orthopedic and prosthetic devices for information on podiatric shoe inserts.

    $20 per office visit

    Not covered:

  • Cutting, trimming or removal of corns, calluses, or the free edge of toenails, and 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 charges.

    Orthopedic and prosthetic devices

    You pay

  • Artificial limbs and eyes

  • Externally worn breast prostheses and surgical bras, including necessary replacements following a mastectomy
  • 20% of charges. Must be preauthorized

  • Internal prosthetic devices, such as artificial joints, pacemakers, cochlear implants, and surgically implanted breast implant following mastectomy. Note: Internal prosthetic devices are paid as hospital benefits; see Section 5(c) for payment information. Insertion of the device is paid as surgery; see Section 5(b) for coverage of the surgery to insert the device.
  • Nothing

  • Corrective orthopedic appliances for non-dental treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain dysfunction syndrome.

  • Approved lumbosacral supports
  • 20% of charges. Must be preauthorized

  • Hair prosthesis. CDPHP provides benefits for the purchase of one medically necessary cranial prosthesis, wig, or toupee per lifetime per member for replacement of hair loss as a result of injury, disease, or treatment of a disease. You pay 20 percent of charges. Coverage is limited to a maximum amount of $200 per prosthesis, wig or toupee. This limitation is applied to the balance remaining after the member's payment of the 20 percent coinsurance.
  • 20% of charges.

    Not covered:

  • Orthopedic and corrective shoes

  • Arch supports

  • Foot orthotics

  • Heel pads and heel cups

  • Corsets, trusses, elastic stockings, support hose, and other supportive devices

  • Prosthetic replacements provided less than 3 years after the last one we covered unless medically indicated

  • Stump hose
  • All charges.

    Durable medical equipment (DME)

    You pay

    Rental or purchase, at our option, including repair and adjustment, of durable medical equipment prescribed by your Plan physician, such as oxygen and dialysis equipment. Under this benefit, we also cover:

  • Hospital beds;

  • Wheelchairs

  • Crutches

  • Walkers
  • 20% of charges. Must be preauthorized

  • Blood glucose monitors; and

  • Insulin pumps.

    Your Plan physician will call us for authorization of this equipment. We will arrange with a health care provider to rent or sell you durable medical equipment.

  • $20 per item, must be preauthorized

    Not covered: Motorized wheelchairs.

    All charges.

    Home health services

     

  • Home health care ordered by a Plan physician, approved by the Plan's medical director, and provided by a registered nurse (R.N.), licensed practical nurse (L.P.N.), licensed vocational nurse (L.V.N.), or home health aide.
  • Nothing

  • Services include oxygen therapy, intravenous therapy and medications.
  • 20% of charges.

    Not covered:

  • Nursing care requested by, or for the convenience of, the patient or the patient's family;

  • Home care primarily for personal assistance that does not include a medical component and is not diagnostic, therapeutic, or rehabilitative.

  • Rest cures
  • All charges.


    Chiropractic

    You pay

  • Medically necessary care for spinal manipulation
  • $20 per office visit

    Alternative treatments

     

    No benefit

     

    All charges

    Educational classes and programs

     

    Coverage is limited to:

  • Smoking Cessation - Provided at no cost to you through CDPHP UBI's wellness program.

  • Peak Asthma Performance - Members are encouraged to call toll-free for telephonic education about asthma. Members who participate may receive a semi-annual newsletter and materials including a peak flow meter, a video on asthma, a daily diary, and medication spacer.

  • PressureWise - An interactive program for members identified as hypertensive. Members attending program receive a blood pressure monitor and information on taking their blood pressure at home.
  • Nothing

     

    Section 5(b) Surgical and anesthesia services provided by physicians and other health care professionals

  • IMPORTANT

    Here are some 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.

  • Plan physicians must provide or arrange your care. You pay all charges for non-participating providers.

  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services, for valuable information about how cost sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare.

  • The amounts listed below are for the charges billed by a physician or other health care professional for your surgical care. Look in Section 5(c) for charges associated with the facility (i.e. hospital, surgical center, etc.).

  • YOU MUST GET PRECERTIFICATION OF SOME SURGICAL PROCEDURES. Please refer to the precertification information shown in Section 3 to be sure which services require precertification and identify which surgeries require precertification.
  • IMPORTANT

    Benefit Description

    You pay

    Surgical procedures

     

    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 (see Reconstructive surgery)

     

  • $20 per office visit

  • Surgical treatment of morbid obesity -- a condition in which an individual weighs 100 pounds or 100% over his or her normal weight according to current underwriting standards; and there is documented failure of a non-surgical attempt.

  • Insertion of internal prosthetic devices. See 5(a) - Orthopedic and prosthetic devices for device coverage information

  • Voluntary sterilization (e.g., Tubal ligation, Vasectomy)

  • Surgically implanted contraceptive and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Note: Devices are covered under 5(a) Prescription drug coverage.

  • Treatment of burns

    Note: Generally, we pay for internal prostheses (devices) according to where the procedure is done.

  • $20 per office visit; nothing for hospital visit

     

    Not covered:

  • Reversal of voluntary sterilization

  • Routine treatment of conditions of the foot; see Foot care
  • All charges.

    Reconstructive surgery

    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: protruding ear deformities; cleft lip; cleft palate; birth marks; webbed fingers; and webbed toes.

  • All stages of breast reconstruction surgery following a mastectomy, 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 Prosthetic devices)

    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.

  • $20 per office visit; nothing for hospital visit

    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

  • Surgeries related to sex transformation
  • All charges.

    Oral and maxillofacial surgery

    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 leukoplakia or malignancies;

  • Excision of cysts and incision of abscesses when done as independent procedures; and

  • Other surgical procedures that do not involve the teeth or their supporting structures.
  • $20 per office visit; nothing for hospital visit

     

    Not covered:

  • Oral implants and transplants

  • Procedures that involve the teeth or their supporting structures (such as the periodontal membrane, gingiva, and alveolar bone)

  • Dental work related to TMJ

     

  • All charges.

    Organ/tissue transplants

    You pay

    Limited to:

  • Cornea

  • Heart

  • Heart/lung

  • Kidney

  • Kidney/Pancreas

  • Liver

  • Lung: Single - Double

  • Pancreas

  • Allogenic donor bone marrow transplants

  • Autologous bone marrow transplants (autologous stem cell and peripheral stem cell support) for the following conditions: acute lymphocytic or non-lymphocytic leukemia; advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma; advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; advanced neuroblastoma; breast cancer; multiple myeloma; epithelial ovarian cancer; and testicular, mediastinal, retroperitoneal and ovarian germ cell tumors

  • Intestinal transplants (small intestine) and the small intestine with the liver or small intestine with multiple organs such as the liver, stomach, and pancreas when medically necessary.

  • National Transplant Program (NTP) - CDPHP UBI facilitates organ transplants at a CDPHP UBI approved transplant center

    Limited Benefits - Treatment for breast cancer, multiple myeloma, and epithelial ovarian cancer may be provided in a National Cancer Institute - or National Institutes of Health-approved clinical trial at a Plan-designated center of excellence and if approved by the Plan's medical director in accordance with the Plan's protocols.

    Note: We cover related medical and hospital expenses of the donor when we cover the recipient.

  • $20 per office visit; nothing at hospital visit.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Not covered:

  • Donor screening tests and donor search expenses, except those performed for the actual donor

  • Implants of artificial organs

  • Transplants not listed as covered
  • All charges.

    Anesthesia

     

    Professional services provided in -

  • Hospital (inpatient)

  • Hospital outpatient department

  • Skilled nursing facility

  • Ambulatory surgical center
  • Nothing

    Professional services provided in -

  • Office
  • $20 per office visit


    Section 5(c) Services provided by a hospital or other facility, and ambulance services

    IMPORTANT

    Here are some 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.

  • Plan physicians must provide or arrange your care and you must be hospitalized in a Plan facility. You pay all charges for non-participating providers.

  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services for valuable information about how cost sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare.

  • 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 (b).

  • YOU MUST GET PRECERTIFICATION OF HOSPITAL STAYS. Please refer to Section 3 to be sure which services require precertification.
  • IMPORTANT

    Benefit Description

    You pay

    Inpatient hospital

     

    Room and board, such as

  • Ward, semiprivate, or intensive care accommodations;

  • General nursing care; and

  • Meals and special diets.

    Note: If you want a private room when it is not medically necessary, you pay the additional charge above the semiprivate room rate.

  • $100 copay per day up to a maximum of $500 per admission. For family coverage, inpatient copays are limited to two per calendar year. The copayment does not apply to hospital inpatient charges for newborn nursery care.

    Other hospital services and supplies, such as:

  • Operating, recovery, maternity, and other treatment rooms

  • Prescribed drugs and medicines

  • Diagnostic laboratory tests and X-rays

  • Administration of blood and blood products

  • 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

     

  • Nothing

    Not covered:

  • Custodial care

  • Non-covered facilities, such as nursing homes, schools

  • Personal comfort items, such as telephone, television, barber services, guest meals and beds

  • Private nursing care except when medically necessary in the hospital when ordered and approved by a CDPHP UBI participating physician
  • All charges.

    Outpatient hospital or ambulatory surgical center

     

  • Operating, recovery, and other treatment rooms

  • Prescribed drugs and medicines

  • Diagnostic laboratory tests, X-rays, and pathology services

  • Administration of blood, blood plasma, and other biologicals

  • Blood and blood plasma, if not donated or replaced

  • Pre-surgical testing

  • Dressings, casts, and sterile tray services
  • $50 per day

  • Medical supplies, including oxygen
  • 20% of charges

  • Anesthetics and anesthesia service

    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.

  • $20 per day

    Not covered: Blood and blood derivatives not replaced by the member. Storage of blood and blood derivatives, except in the case of autologous blood donations required for a scheduled surgical procedure.

    All charges.

    Extended care benefits/Skilled nursing care facility benefits

    You pay

    Skilled nursing facility (SNF): up to 90 days in lieu of hospitalization.

    Nothing

    Not covered: Custodial care

    All charges.

    Hospice care

     

    Up to 210 days combined inpatient and outpatient

    Nothing

    Not covered: Independent nursing, homemaker services

    All charges.

    Ambulance

     

  • Local professional ambulance service when medically appropriate
  • $50 per trip

  • Not covered: Transportation for convenience
  • All charges

     

    Section 5(d) Emergency services/accidents

    IMPORTANT

    Here are some important things to 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.

  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services, for valuable information about how cost sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare.

     

  • IMPORTANT

    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.

    What to do in case of emergency:

    You should go directly to the emergency room, call 911 or the appropriate emergency response number, or call an ambulance if the situation is a medical emergency as defined above.

    Emergencies within our service area:If you are unsure whether your condition is an emergency, contact your primary care physician for assistance and guidance. However, if you believe you need immediate medical attention, follow the emergency procedures.

    Emergencies outside our service area:If you have an emergency outside of CDPHP's service area, simply go to the nearest hospital emergency room. If you are required to pay for services at the time of treatment, please request an itemized bill. Send the bill along with your name and member ID number to CDPHP's Member Services Department, Patroon Creek Corporate Center, 1223 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12206.

    If you are not admitted to the hospital for further services or care, you will be responsible for a $50 copayment. If you are admitted immediately, the emergency room copayment is waived and the hospital services will cost you $100 copay per day up to a maximum of $500 per admission.

    After receiving emergency medical care, be sure your primary care physician is notified within forty-eight (48) hours, unless it is not reasonably possible to do so. He or she will need to know what services were provided before scheduling any of your follow-up care. All follow-up care must be provided or directed by a Plan physician. Examples of follow-up care are removal of stitches, cast removal, and X-rays.

    Benefit Description

    You pay

    Emergency within our service area

     

  • Emergency care at a doctor's office
  • $20 per visit

  • Emergency care at an urgent care center
  • $25 per visit

  • Emergency care as an outpatient or inpatient at a hospital, including doctors' services
  • $50 per visit

    $100 per day if admitted, up to a maximum of $500 per confinement, limited to two copayments per family per calendar year.

    Not covered: Elective care or non-emergency care

    All charges.

    Emergency outside our service area

     

  • Emergency care at a doctor's office
  • $20 per visit

  • Emergency care at an urgent care center
  • $25 per visit

  • Emergency care as an outpatient or inpatient at a hospital, including doctors' services
  • $50 per visit

    $100 per day if admitted, up to a maximum of $500 per confinement, limited to two copayments per family per calendar year.

    Ambulance

     

  • Local professional ambulance service when medically appropriate

  • Air ambulance if medically appropriate

    Note: See 5(c) for non-emergency service.

  • $50 per trip

    Not covered: Non-emergency or routine transport

    All charges.

     

    Section 5(e) Mental health and substance abuse benefits

    IMPORTANT

    When you get our approval for services and follow a treatment plan we approve, cost-sharing and limitations for Plan mental health and substance abuse benefits will be no greater than for similar benefits for other illnesses and conditions.

    Here are some important things to 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.

  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services, for valuable information about how cost sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare.

  • YOU MUST GET PREAUTHORIZATION OF THESE SERVICES. See the instructions after the benefits description below. Participating providers must provide all care.

     

  • IMPORTANT

    Benefit Description

    You pay

     

    Mental health and substance abuse benefits

     

    All diagnostic and treatment services recommended by a Plan provider and contained in a treatment plan that we approve. The treatment plan may include services, drugs, and supplies described elsewhere in this brochure.

    Note: Plan benefits are payable only when we determine the care is clinically appropriate to treat your condition and only when you receive the care as part of a treatment plan that we approve.

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

  • Professional services, including individual or group therapy by providers such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or clinical social workers

  • Medication management
  • $20 per visit

  • Diagnostic tests
  • $20 per visit or test

  • Services provided by a hospital or other facility

  • Services in approved alternative care settings such as partial hospitalization, half-way house, residential treatment, full-day hospitalization, facility based intensive outpatient treatment
  • $20 outpatient

    $100 copay per day up to a maximum of $500 per admission. For family coverage, inpatient copays are limited to two per calendar year.

    Not covered: Services we have not approved.

    Note: 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.

    All charges.


     

    Preauthorization To be eligible to receive these benefits you must obtain a treatment plan and follow all of the following network authorization processes:

    Mental Health CareYou have direct access to in-network mental health care. A direct access toll-free telephone number, 1-800-700-4824, to ValueOptions, will connect you to a qualified mental health clinician who will assist and arrange for treatment. For your convenience, the telephone number for mental health services is imprinted on your CDPHP UBI ID card.

    Alcohol/Substance Abuse Benefits You have access to alcohol and substance abuse care. These benefits are coordinated by St. Peter's Addiction Recovery Center (SPARC). CDPHP UBI members can contact SPARC directly at 1-800-427-9025.

    Limitation We may limit your benefits if you do not obtain a treatment plan.


    Section 5(f) Prescription drug benefits

    IMPORTANT

    Here are some important things to keep in mind about these benefits:

  • We cover prescribed drugs and medications, as described in the chart beginning on the next page.

  • All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.

  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services, for valuable information about how cost sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare.
  • IMPORTANT

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

  • Who can write your prescription. A Plan physician or Plan dentist must write the prescription.

  • Where you can obtain them. You must fill the prescription at a plan pharmacy, or by mail for a maintenance medication. Approved maintenance prescriptions can be refilled through the mail at two copayments for a 90-day supply.

  • We use a formulary. A formulary is a list of prescription drugs covered by CDPHP UBI based on their efficacy and cost in providing effective patient care. We cover non-formulary drugs prescribed by a Plan doctor at a higher copayment. Coverage is available for both formulary drugs and non formulary drugs.

  • These are the dispensing limitations. Prescriptions filled at a participating pharmacy are limited to a 30-day supply. Maintenance prescriptions are filled up to a 90-day supply by mail order. Only certain maintenance prescriptions are available via mail order to insure quality, proper dosage, and medical appropriateness. Prescription refills received prior to the next scheduled refill date will not be filled.

    There are different copayments for generic and brand name prescriptions. A generic will be dispensed whenever possible. If there is no generic equivalent available, you will still be responsible for the brand name copayment.

  • Why use generic drugs? Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients and are equivalent in strength and dosage to the original brand name product. Generic drugs cost you and your plan less money than brand name drugs.

  • When you do have to file a claim. You do not have to submit claims.

    Plan members called to active duty (or members in time of national emergency) who need to obtain prescribed medications should call our Member Services Department at 1-877-269-2134.
  • Prescription drug benefits begin on the next page

     

    Benefit Description

    You pay

    Covered medications and supplies

     

    We cover the following medications and supplies prescribed by a Plan physician and obtained from a Plan pharmacy or through our mail order program:

  • Drugs and medicines that by Federal law of the United States require a physician's prescription for their purchase, except those listed as Not covered.

  • Self-administered injectable drugs

  • Implanted time-release medications. There will be no refund of any portion of the copay if the medication is removed before the end of the expected life.

  • Drugs for sexual dysfunction within applicable limits

  • Contraceptive drugs and devices

  • Smoking cessation prescriptions up to a 12-week supply

  • Contraceptive drugs and devices

  • Nutritional supplements for the therapeutic treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU).

  • Infertility prescriptions available for members between 21 and 44 years of age.

  • Intravenous fluids and medication for home use.

  • Prescription drugs for certain inherited disease of amino acid and organic acid metabolism shall include modified sold food products that are low protein or which contain modified protein which are medically necessary for up to 12 months. Benefit limit of $2,500.
  • $10 generic/$25 preferred brand/$40 non-preferred brand for a 30-day supply.

    $20 generic/$50 preferred brand/$80 non-preferred brand for a 90-day supply by mail order

    Note: If there is no generic equivalent available, you will still have to pay the brand name copay.

  • Insulin, oral agents to control blood sugar, needles, test strips, lancets, and visual reading and urine test strips

  • Disposable needles and syringes for the administration of covered medication

  • Durable medical equipment for insulin dependent persons, preauthorization needed only if over $500.
  • $20 per item

    Not covered:

  • Drugs and supplies for cosmetic purposes

  • Vitamins, nutrients, and food supplements that can be purchased without a prescription

  • Nonprescription medicines

  • Weight loss prescriptions

  • Drugs to enhance athletic performance

  • Drugs obtained at a non-Plan pharmacy; except for out-of-area emergencies
  • All charges.

     

    Section 5(g) Special features

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