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2005 |
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RI 73-814 |
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SiouxValley Health Plan |
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A Health Maintenance Organization with a point of service product |
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Serving:Central, Eastern South Dakota and counties surrounding the Rapid City area, and Northwestern Iowa Enrollment in this plan is limited. You must live or work in our Geographic service area to enroll. See page 6 for requirements. |
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For changes in benefits see page 8. |
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Sioux Valley Health Plan’s Commercial HMO product received NCQA’s Excellent Accreditation Status. Effective July 23, 2004 |
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Enrollment code for this Plan: AU1 High Option Self Only AU2 High Option Self and Family AU4 Standard Option Self Only AU5 Standard Option Self and Family |
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.shtml, which complements and broadens healthier lifestyle resources. The site provides extensive information from health care experts and organizations to support your personal interest is 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.
Preventing medical mistakes. 4
Section 1. Facts about this HMO plan. 6
We also have Point of Service (POS) benefits. 6
Section 2. How we changed for 2005. 8
Section 3. How you get care. 9
What you must do to get covered care. 9
Circumstances beyond our control 11
Services requiring our prior approval 11
Section 4. Your costs for covered services. 12
Your catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum.. 12
Section 5(c) Services provided by a hospital or other facility, and ambulance services. 32
Section 5(d) Emergency services/accidents. 36
Section 5(e) Mental health and substance abuse benefits. 39
Section 5(f) Prescription drug benefits. 41
Section 5(g) Special features. 44
Services for deaf and hearing impaired. 44
Section 5(h) Dental benefits. 45
Section 5(i) Point of Service benefits. 46
Section 6. General exclusions – things we don’t cover 49
Section 7. Filing a claim for covered services. 50
Section 8. The disputed claims process. 51
Section 9. Coordinating benefits with other coverage. 53
When you have other health coverage. 53
Should I enroll in Medicare?. 53
The Original Medicare Plan (Part A or Part B) 53
When other Government agencies are responsible for your care. 57
When others are responsible for injuries. 57
Section 10. Definitions of terms we use in this brochure. 58
No pre-existing condition limitation. 59
Where you can get information about enrolling in the FEHB Program.. 59
Types of coverage available for you and your family. 59
When benefits and premiums start 60
Your medical claims records are confidential 60
Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) 61
Converting to individual coverage. 61
Getting a Certificate of Group Health Plan Coverage. 61
Getting a Certificate of Group Health Plan Coverage (continued). 62
Section 12.Two Federal Programs complement FEHB benefits. 63
The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program – FSAFEDS. 63
The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program.. 66
Summary of benefits for the Sioux Valley Health Plan - 2005 Standard Option. 68
Summary of benefits for the Sioux Valley Health Plan - 2005 High Option. 69
This brochure describes the benefits of Sioux Valley Health Plan under our contract (CS 2443) with the United States Office of Personnel Management, as authorized by the Federal Employees Health Benefits law. The address for Sioux Valley Health Plan administrative offices is:
Sioux Valley Health Plan
5300 Broadband Lane, Suite 300
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
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.
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 Sioux Valley Health Plan.
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.
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 605/328-6868 and explain the situation.
If we do not resolve the issue:
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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.
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?
Ø 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.
Ø www.npsf.org. The National Patient Safety Foundation has information on how to ensure safer health care for you and your family.
Ø 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.
Ø www.leapfroggroup.org. The Leapfrog Group is active in promoting safe practices in hospital care.
Ø www.ahqa.org. The American Health Quality Association represents organizations and health care professionals working to improve patient safety.
Ø 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.
This Plan is a health maintenance organization (HMO). We require you to see specific physicians, hospitals, and other providers that contract with us. These Plan providers coordinate your health care services. You are encouraged to select a Sioux Valley Health Plan participating Primary Care Provider (PCP) to provide and coordinate your health services. However, the Plan does not require that you select a PCP or that a PCP refer you for specialty care. You can self-refer yourself to a Sioux Valley Health Plan participating specialty provider at any time. The Plan is solely responsible for the selection of these providers in your area. Contact the Plan for a copy of their most recent provider directory.
HMOs 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.
You should join an HMO 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.
We also have Point of Service (POS) benefits
Our HMO offers POS benefits. This means you can receive covered services from a participating provider without a required referral, or from a non-participating provider. These out-of-network benefits have higher out-of-pocket costs than our in-network benefits.
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 or deductible (if applicable).
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.
Years in existence
Profit status
If you want more information about us, call 1-800/752-5863, or write to Sioux Valley Health Plan, PO Box 91110, Sioux Falls, SD 57109-1110. You may also contact us by fax at 605/328-6812 or visit our website at www.svhp.com.
To enroll in this Plan, you must live in or work in our Service Area. This is where our providers practice.
In South Dakota our service area is: Aurora, Beadle, Bennett, Bon Homme, Brookings, Brown, Brule, Buffalo, Butte, Campbell, Charles Mix, Clark, Clay, Codington, Davison, Day , Deuel, Douglas, Edmunds, Faulk, Grant, Gregory, Hamlin, Hand, Hanson, Hughes, Hutchinson, Hyde, Jerauld, Kingsbury, Lake, Lawrence, Lincoln, Lyman, Marshall, McCook, McPherson, Meade, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Potter, Roberts, Sanborn, Spink, Stanley, Sully, Todd, Tripp, Turner, Union, Walworht, and Yankton.
In Iowa our service area is: Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Lyon, O’Brien, Ocseola, and Sioux.
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 moves 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 moves, you do not have to wait until Open Season to change plans. Contact your employing or retirement office.
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.
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.
Your share of the non-Postal premium for High Option will decrease by 1 % for Self Only and will not change for Self and Family.
Your share of the non-Postal premium for Standard Option will increase by 14.1 % for Self Only and 14.7 % for Self and Family.
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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. | |
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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 1-800/752-5863 or write to us at PO Box 91110 Sioux Falls, SD 57109-1110. You may also request replacement cards through our website at www.svhp.com | |
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You get care from “Plan providers” and “Plan facilities.” You will only pay copayments, deductibles, and/or coinsurance, and you will not have to file claims, If you use our point-of-service program, you can also get care from non-Plan providers, or from participating providers without a required referral, but it will cost you more. You may also have to file your own claims. | |
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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 NCQA national standards We list Plan providers in the provider directory, which we update periodically. The list is also on our Web site. | |
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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 provider directory, which we update periodically. The list is also on our Web site. | |
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It depends on the type of care you need. First, you and each family member must choose a primary care physician. This decision is important since your primary care physician provides or arranges for most of your health care. Primary care physicians are included in our provider directory. You may choose the physician who best meets your needs | |
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Your primary care physician can be a family practitioner, internist, pediatrician, general practitioner or OB/GYN. Your primary care physician will provide most of your health care, or give you a referral to see a specialist. Appropriate access for Primary Care Physicians and Hospital Provider sites is within thirty (30) miles of your city of residence. Appropriate access includes access to our providers when you have traveled outside of the service area. If you are traveling within the service area where other Plan providers are available then you must use Plan providers If you want to change primary care physicians or if your primary care physician leaves the Plan, call us. We will help you select a new one. | |
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Your primary care physician may refer you to a specialist for needed care. However, you may also self–refer to Plan specialist providers. No referral is necessary. Appropriate access for Specialty Physicians and Hospital Provider sites is within ninety (90) miles of your city of residence. Appropriate access includes access to Plan providers when you have traveled outside of the service area. If you are traveling within the service area where other Plan providers are available then you must use Plan providers. Here are some other things you should know about specialty care: If you need to see a specialist frequently because of a chronic, complex, or serious medical condition, you may directly access the specialist for needed services If you are seeing a specialist when you enroll in our Plan, talk to your primary care physician. Your primary care physician will decide what treatment you need. If he or she decides to refer you to a specialist, ask if you can see your current specialist. If your current specialist does not participate with us, you must receive treatment from a specialist who does. Generally, we will not pay at the in-network benefit level if you choose to see a specialist who does not participate with our Plan. If you are seeing a specialist and your specialist leaves the Plan, call your primary care physician, who will arrange for you to see another specialist. You may receive services from your current specialist until we can make arrangements for you to see someone else. 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. | |
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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 Member Service department immediately at 605/328-6800 or 1-800/752-5863 (TYY 605/328-6869). 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. |
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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. | |
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You are ultimately responsible for obtaining Prior Approval from the Health Services Department in order to receive In-Network coverage. However, information provided by the provider’s office will also satisfy this requirement. Primary care physicians and any Participating Specialists have been given instructions on how to get the necessary authorizations for surgical procedures or hospitalizations you may need. We determine approval for Prior Approval based on appropriateness of care and service and existence of coverage. Services that Require Prior Approval Include: • Inpatient hospital admissions including admissions for medical, surgical, neonatal intensive care nursery, mental health and chemical dependency services; • Partial Hospital Program (PHP)/Day Treatment for mental health and chemical dependency services; • Outpatient Surgeries; • Covered dental procedures; • Physician office site surgical center; • Home Health, Hospice and Home IV therapy services; • Durable Medical Equipment (rental or purchase over $200); • Rehabilitative services; including speech, occupational and physical therapy and one-to-one water therapy; • Skilled nursing and sub-acute care; • Organ transplants; • Ambulance Services for non-emergency situations; and • Referrals to Non-Participating Providers which are recommended by Participating Providers. Prior Approval is required for the purposes of receiving In-Network coverage only. If Prior Approval is not obtained for referrals to Non-Participating Providers, the services will be covered at the Out of Network coverage level. Prior Approval does not apply to services that are provided by Non-Participating Providers as a result of a lack of appropriate access to Participating Providers as described in Part III, Section A. | |
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To receive detailed instructions on the Prior Approval process for elective inpatient hospitalizations, non urgent care, pharmaceutical decisions, behavioral health, concurrent review and retrospective review (post-service) contact our Health Services Department, available between the hours of 8:00a.m. and 5:00p.m. Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday, by calling our toll-free number 1-800-805-7938 or (650)328-6807. After hours you may leave a message on the confidential voice mail of the Health Services Department and someone will return your call. You are ultimately responsible for obtaining Prior Approval from the Health Services Department. Failure to obtain Prior Approval will result in a reduction to the Out of Network benefits level. However, information provided by the physician’s office also satisfies this requirement. |
You must share the costs of some services. You are responsible for:
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A copayment is a fixed amount of money you pay to the provider, facility, pharmacy, etc., when you receive services. Example: Under High Option, your office visit copayment per visit is $20 for primary care physicians and $30 for Specialist. Under Standard Option, office visit copayments are $25 per visit. | |
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A deductible is a fixed expense you must incur for certain covered services and supplies before we start paying benefits for them. Example: Under High Option, deductibles only apply when you use our Point of Services (POS) benefits. There is a $500 deductible for Self enrollment and a $1,000 deductible for Self and Family enrollment. Under Standard Option, deductibles apply to both Participating providers and POS benefits. The deductible for Participating provider benefits is $500 Self enrollment and $1,000 Self and Family. The POS benefit deductible is $1,000 Self enrollment and $3,000 Self and Family. Note: If you change plans during open season, you do not have to start a new deductible under your old 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. And, if you change 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. | |
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Coinsurance is thepercentage of our negotiated fee that you must pay for certain in-network and all out-of-network care. Coinsurance doesn’t begin until you meet your deductible (there is no deductible for in-network care under the High Option). Example: Under High Option, you pay 40% of our allowance for medical office visits when you receive services from a Non-Participating Provider or you pay 20% of our negotiated fee for durable medical equipment and orthopedic appliances received by in-network providers. Under Standard Option, you pay 20% of our allowance for outpatient surgery when you receive services from Participating Providers or you pay 40% of our allowance for medical office visits when you receive services from non-Participating Providers with POS benefits. | |
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Under the High Option, after your in-network copayments total $4,000 Self enrollment or $4,000 Self and Family enrollment in any calendar year, you do not have to pay any more for covered services. Under the Standard Option, after your in-network copayments and coinsurances total $3,000 Self enrollment or $4,000 Self and Family enrollment in any calendar year, you do not have to pay any more for covered services. However, copayments for the following services do not count toward your catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum, and you must continue to pay copayments for these services. Prescription drugs; and Physician office visits. Be sure to keep accurate records of your copayments, deductibles and coinsurance since you are responsible for informing us when you reach the maximum. |
Section 5. Benefits – OVERVIEW
(See page 8 for how our benefits changed this year and page 68-69 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 1-800/752-5863(TYY at 605/328-6869or at our Web site at www.svhp.com.
Diagnostic and treatment services. 15
Lab, X-ray and other diagnostic tests. 16
Physical, Cariac and occupational therapies. 20
Hearing services (testing, treatment, and supplies) 21
Vision services (testing, treatment, and supplies) 21
Orthopedic and prosthetic devices. 22
Durable medical equipment (DME) 24
Durable medical equipment (DME) 25
Educational classes and programs. 26
Oral and maxillofacial surgery. 30
Section 5(c) Services provided by a hospital or other facility, and ambulance services. 32
Outpatient hospital or ambulatory surgical center 34
Extended care benefits/Skilled nursing care facility benefits. 34
Section 5(d) Emergency services/accidents. 36
Emergency within our service area. 37
Emergency outside our service area. 38
Section 5(e) Mental health and substance abuse benefits. 39
Mental health and substance abuse benefits. 39
Section 5(f) Prescription drug benefits. 41
Covered medications and supplies. 42
Covered medications and supplies. 43
Section 5(g) Special features. 44
Services for deaf and hearing impaired. 44
Section 5(h) Dental benefits. 45
Section 5(i) Point of Service benefits. 46
Summary of benefits for the Sioux Valley Health Plan – 2005 Standard Option. 67
Summary of benefits for the Sioux Valley Health Plan – 2005 High Option. 67
Section 5(a) Medical services and supplies provided by physicians and other health care professionals
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I M P O R T A N T |
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. Under High Option, we have no calendar year deductible for In Network services. Under Standard Option, the calendar year deductible for In Network services is $500 per person ($1,000 per family). The calendar year deductible applies to almost all benefits in this section. We added “(No deductible)” to show when the calendar year deductible does not apply. Under both High and Standard Options, you must use Plan Providers in order to receive In Network benefit coverage. 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. |
I M P O R T A N T |
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Benefit Description |
You pay - High Option |
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible...… | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Note: The calendar year deductible applies to almost all benefits in this Section. | ||||||
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| ||||||
|
Professional services of physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician’s assistants In physician’s office In an urgent care center Office medical consultations Second surgical opinions |
$20 copay per primary care visit
$30 copay per specialist visit |
$25 copay primary or specialist per visit (No deductible) | ||||
|
During a hospital stay In a skilled nursing facility |
Nothing |
Nothing | ||||
|
Home visits |
Nothing |
Nothing | ||||
|
You pay - High Option |
You pay Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... | |||||
|
Such as: Blood tests Urinalysis Non-routine pap tests Pathology X-rays Non-routine Mammograms CAT Scans/MRI Ultrasound Electrocardiogram and EEG |
Nothing |
20% of charges | ||||
|
|
| |||||
|
Routine screenings, such as: Total Blood Cholesterol – lipid profile between ages 18-24, once every five years between ages 25-44 and once every year ages 45 and over Colorectal Cancer Screening, including Fecal occult blood test Sigmoidoscopy, screening – every five years starting at age 50 Double contrast barium enema – every five years starting at age 50 Colonoscopy screening – every ten years starting at age 50 Routine Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test – one annually for men age 40 and older |
Nothing |
$25 copay per visit (No deductible) | ||||
|
Routine pap test Note: The office visit is covered if pap test is received on the same day; see Diagnosis and Treatment, above. |
Nothing |
$25 copay per 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 64, one every calendar year At age 65 and older, one every two consecutive calendar years |
Nothing |
Nothing | ||||
|
Preventive care, adult – continued on next page | ||||||
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You pay - High Option |
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... | |||||
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Routine immunizations, limited to: Tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster – once every 10 years, ages19 and over (except as provided for under Childhood immunizations) Influenza vaccine, annually Pneumococcal vaccine, age 65 and older |
Nothing |
Nothing | ||||
|
Not covered: Physical exams required for obtaining or continuing employment or insurance, attending schools or camp, or travel. |
All charges. |
All charges. | ||||
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|
| |||||
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Childhood immunizations recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics |
Nothing |
Nothing | ||||
|
Well-child care charges for routine examinations, immunizations and care (up to age 22) Examinations, such as: Eye exams through age 17 to determine the need for vision correction Ear exams through age 17 to determine the need for hearing correction |
Nothing $20 copay per primary care visit $30 copay per specialist visit |
Nothing $25 copay per visit | ||||
|
You pay - High Option |
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... | |||||
|
Complete maternity (obstetrical) care, such as: Prenatal care Delivery Postnatal care Note: Here are some things to keep in mind: You need to pre-approve your normal delivery due to the inability to predict admission; obstetrical admissions shall be authorized when the pregnancy is confirmed. C-sections must be pre-approved as an elective admission. See Services requiring our prior approval in Section 3. 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. Infant circumcision is covered under the maternity benefit when it is done during the mother’s inpatient hospital stay during delivery. We pay hospitalization and surgeon services (delivery) the same as for illness and injury. See Hospital benefits (Section 5c) and Surgery benefits (Section 5b). We cover 2 routine sonograms per pregnancy to determine fetal age, size or sex. NOTE: We encourage you to participate in our Healthy Pregnancy Program; see Special Features Section. |
Nothing |
Nothing | ||||
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|
| |||||
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A range of voluntary family planning services, limited to: Surgically implanted contraceptives Injectable contraceptive drugs (such as Depo provera) Intrauterine devices (IUDs) Diaphragms Note: We cover oral contraceptives under the prescription drug benefit. |
$20 copay per primary care visit $30 copay per specialist visit 20% of charges per inpatient admission $50 per outpatient surgery |
20% of all charges | ||||
|
Voluntary Sterilization Note: We pay voluntary sterilization performed secondary to a Cesarean section under Surgical procedures (See Section 5(b)). |
20% of charges per inpatient admission, |
20% of charges | ||||
|
Not covered: reversal of voluntary surgical sterilization, genetic counseling or testing. |
All charges. |
All charges. | ||||
|
You pay - High Option |
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... | |||||
|
Diagnosis and treatment of infertility such as: Artificial insemination: intravaginal insemination (IVI) intracervical insemination (ICI) intrauterine insemination (IUI) |
$30 per specialist visit 20% of charges per inpatient admission $50 per outpatient surgery |
20% of all charges | ||||
|
Not covered: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, such as: in vitro fertilization embryo transfer, gamete (GIFT) and zygote (ZIFT) Zygote transfer Services and supplies related to ART procedures Cost of donor sperm Cost of donor egg Fertility Drugs Expenses related to surrogate parenting Other preservation techniques |
All charges. |
All charges. | ||||
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| |||||
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Testing and treatment Allergy injections |
$30 per specialist visit |
$25 copay per visit (No deductible) | ||||
|
Allergy serum |
Nothing |
Nothing | ||||
|
Not covered: Provocative food testing and sublingual allergy desensitization |
All charges. |
All charges. | ||||
|
You pay - High Option |
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... | |||||
|
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 in Section 5(b). Respiratory and inhalation therapy Dialysis – hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis Intravenous (IV)/Infusion Therapy – Home IV and antibiotic therapy Growth hormone therapy (GHT) Note: Growth hormone is covered under the medical benefit. NOTE: We will only cover GHT when we pre-authorize the treatment. Call 1-800/805-7938 for prior approval. We will ask you to submit information that establishes that the 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 Services requiring our prior approval in Section 3 |
$30 per specialist visit |
20% of charges | ||||
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|
| |||||
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Coverage up to 2 consecutive months per condition for the services of each of the following: qualified physical therapists 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 (see Services requiring our Prior Approval in Section 3). Cardiac rehabilitation following a heart transplant, bypass surgery or a myocardial infarction |
$30 per outpatient visit Nothing per visit during covered inpatient admission |
20% of charges | ||||
|
Not covered: Long-term rehabilitative therapy Exercise programs |
All charges. |
All charges. | ||||
|
You pay - High Option |
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... | |||||
|
Coverage up to 2 consecutive months per condition by speech therapists (see Services requiring our Prior Approval in Section 3). |
$30 per outpatient visit Nothing per visit during covered inpatient admission |
20% of charges | ||||
|
Not covered: long term therapy |
All charges. |
All charges. | ||||
|
|
| |||||
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First hearing aid(s) (unilateral or bilateral, one time only), and testing and fitting of hearing aid(s) when necessitated by accidental injury only NOTE: Hearing services must be received within 6 months of injury. Hearing testing for children through age 17 (see Preventive care, children) |
$30 per specialist visit |
$25 copay per visit (No deductible) | ||||
|
Not covered: All other hearing testing All other hearing aids All other hearing supplies and services |
All charges. |
All charges. | ||||
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|
| |||||
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Eyeglasses or one pair of contact lenses to correct an impairment directly caused by accidental ocular injury or intraocular surgery (such as for cataracts) |
$20 per primary care visit $30 per specialist visit |
$25 copay per visit (No deductible) | ||||
|
Eye exam including refraction error to determine the need for vision correction for children through age 17 (see Preventive care, children) |
$20 per primary care visit $30 per specialist visit |
$25 copay per visit (No deductible) | ||||
|
Not covered: surgery for the purpose of modifying or correcting myopia, hyperopia or stigmatic error all other vision services except as described above |
All charges. |
All charges. | ||||
|
You pay - High Option |
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... | |||||
|
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 primary care visit $30 per specialist |
$25 copay per visit (No deductible) | ||||
|
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. |
All charges. | ||||
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|
| |||||
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Artificial limbs and eyes; stump hose Externally worn breast prostheses and surgical bras, including necessary replacements following a mastectomy Internal prosthetic devices, such as artificial joints, pacemakers, cochlear implants, and surgically implanted breast implant following mastectomy. Note: See 5(b) for coverage of the surgery to insert the device. 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. Corrective orthopedic appliances for non-dental treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain dysfunction syndrome. (See Services requiring our prior approval in Section 3.) |
20% of charges |
20% of charges | ||||
|
Orthopedic and prosthetic devices - continued on next page | ||||||
|
Orthopedic and prosthetic devices (continued) |
You pay - High Option |
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... | ||||
|
Not covered: Orthopedic and corrective shoes Arch supports Foot orthotics Heel pads and heel cups Lumbosacral supports Corsets, trusses, elastic stockings, support hose, and other supportive devices Prosthetic replacements provided less than 3 years after the last one we covered {Plan specific} Dental appliances of any sort, including but not limited to bridges, braces, and retainers, except those for non-dental treatment of TMJ. Wigs, scalp hair prosthesis or hair transplants |
All charges. |
All charges. | ||||
|
You pay - High Option |
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... | |||||
|
Rental or purchase, at our option, including repairs (repairs are limited to $750 allowable charges per year) and adjustments, of durable medical equipment prescribed by your Plan physician, such as oxygen and dialysis equipment Under this benefit, we also cover: standard hospital beds; standard wheelchairs; crutches; walkers; canes; diabetes supplies including blood glucose monitors and insulin pumps; spacers initial casts, braces, and/or slings provided on day of treatment; air compressor pressure pads, mattresses, and decubitus care equipment; apnea monitor; sleeve compression; home intravenous therapy supplies; commodes; compression hose NOTE: We will cover motorized wheelchairs and electric beds up to, but not to exceed, the cost of standard wheelchairs or standard hospital beds. Call us at 605/328-6807 or toll free at 1-800/805-7938 as soon as your Plan physician prescribes this equipment. We will arrange with a health care provider to rent or sell you durable medical equipment at discounted rates and will tell you more about this service when you call. |
20% of charges Note: You must obtain prior-authorization for supplies/equipment with a retail value of $200 or more. Failure to obtain Prior Approval will result in benefits being pad at the Point of Service benefit level. |
20% of charges Note: You must obtain prior-authorization for supplies/equipment with a retail value of $200 or more. Failure to obtain prior approval will result in benefits being pad at the Point of Service benefit level. | ||||
|
Durable medical equipment (DME) - continued on next page | ||||||
|
You pay - High Option |
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... | |||||
|
Not covered: Medical supplies/equipment that can be purchased over-the-counter Household equipment/fixtures, such as air purifiers and ramps Convenience items Self-help items Educational equipment Communication aids or devices, such as speech processors Replacement or repair of items, if the items are damaged or destroyed by your misuse, abuse or carelessness, lost, or stolen Duplicate or similar items Service call charges, labor charges, charges for repair estimates Vehicle/car or van modifications including, but not limited to, hand brakes, hydraulic lifts and car carrier |
All charges. |
All charges. | ||||
|
|
| |||||
|
Home health care ordered by a Plan physician and provided by a registered nurse (R.N.), licensed practical nurse (L.P.N.), licensed vocational nurse (L.V.N.), or home health aide. Services include oxygen therapy, intravenous therapy and medications. NOTE: Prior approval is required; failure to get prior approval will result in payment at the point of service level. (See Services requiring our prior approval in Section 3.) |
$20 copay per visit |
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. |
All charges. |
All charges. | ||||
|
You pay - High Option |
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... | |||||
|
Manipulation of the spine and extremities Adjunctive procedures such as ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, vibratory therapy NOTE: Office visits are limited to 20 visits per calendar year. |
$20 per visit |
$25 copay per visit (No deductible) | ||||
|
Not covered: Vitamins, minerals, therabands, cervical pillows, traction services, and hot/cold pack application. |
All charges. |
All charges. | ||||
|
|
| |||||
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Acupuncture – by a doctor of medicine or osteopathy for anesthesia, pain relief Sleep therapy for central of obstructive apnea when we have approved it |
$30 per specialist visit |
20% of charges | ||||
|
Not covered: Biofeedback All other Homeopathic or Naturopathic services |
All charges. |
All charges. | ||||
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|
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|
Coverage is limited to: Smoking Cessation – Up to $100 for one smoking cessation program per member per lifetime, including all related expenses such as prescription drugs Diabetes self management from qualified providers for persons who meet plan criteria – limited to no more than two (2) comprehensive education programs per lifetime and up to eight (8) follow-up visits per year will be covered. |
Nothing |
Nothing | ||||
Section 5(b) Surgical and anesthesia services provided by physicians and other health care professionals
|
I M P O R T A N T |
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. Under High Option, we have no calendar year deductible for In Network services Under Standard Option The calendar year deductible is: $500 per person ($1000 per family). The calendar year deductible applies to almost all benefits in this Section. We added "(No deductible)" to show when the calendar year deductible does not apply. Under both High and Standard Options, you must use Plan Providers in order to receive in-network benefit coverage. 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 OR YOUR PHYSICIAN MUST GET PRIOR APPROVAL OF SOME SURGICAL PROCEDURES. Please refer to the prior approval information shown in Section 3 to be sure which services require prior approval and identify which surgeries require prior approval. |
I M P O R T A N T |
||||
|
Benefit Description |
You pay - High Option
|
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Note: The calendar year deductible applies to almost all benefits in this Section. We say “(No deductible)” when it does not apply. | ||||||
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|
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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) |
$30 per specialist visit $100 per day copay up to $500 per inpatient surgery or service $50 per outpatient surgery or service |
$25 copay per office visit (No deductible) $100 per day copay up to $500 per inpatient surgery or service 20% of outpatient charges | ||||
Surgical procedures - continued on next page
|
Surgical procedures (continued) |
You pay - High Option |
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... |
|---|---|---|
|
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; eligible members must be age 18 or over Insertion of internal prosthetic devices. See 5(a) – Orthopedic and prosthetic devices for device coverage information Voluntary sterilization (e.g., Tubal ligation, Vasectomy) Treatment of burns Note: Generally, we pay for internal prostheses (devices) according to where the procedure is done. For example, we pay Hospital benefits for a pacemaker and Surgery benefits for insertion of the pacemaker. |
$30 per specialist visit $100 per day copay up to $500 per inpatient surgery or service $50 per outpatient surgery or service |
$25 copay per office visit (No deductible) $100 per day copay up to $500 per inpatient surgery or service 20% of outpatient charges |
|
Not covered: Reversal of voluntary sterilization |
All charges. |
All charges. |
|
You pay - High Option |
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible...... | |
|
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. |
$30 per specialist visit $100 day copay up to $500 per inpatient surgery or service $50 per outpatient surgery or service |
$25 copay per office visit (No deductible) $100 per day copay up to $500 per inpatient surgery or service 20% of outpatient charges |
Not covered: Cosmetic surgery – any surgical procedure (or any portion of a procedure) performed primarily to improve physical appearance through change in bodily form, including skin tag removal, except repair of accidental injury Surgeries related to sex transformation |
All charges. |
All charges. |
|
You pay - High Option |
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... | |
|
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. Surgery to correct TMJ is covered upon radiological determination of pathology (See Services requiring our prior approval in Section 3) |
$30 per specialist visit $100 per day copay up to $500 per inpatient surgery or service $50 per outpatient surgery or service |
$25 copay per visit (No deductible) $100 per day copay up to $500 per inpatient surgery or service 20% of outpatient charges |
|
Not covered: Oral implants and transplants Procedures that involve the teeth or their supporting structures (such as the periodontal membrane, gingiva, and alveolar bone) |
All charges. |
All charges. |
|
|
| |
|
Limited to: Cornea Heart Heart/lung Kidney Kidney/Pancreas Liver Intestinal transplants (small intestine) and the small intestine with the liver or small intestine with multiple organs such as the liver, stomach, and pancreas |
Nothing |
Nothing |
|
Organ/tissue transplants – continued on next page | ||
|
|
You pay - High Option |
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... |
|
Lung: Single – Double Pancreas Allogeneic (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 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. All transplants must be provided at Plan participating Center of Excellence facilities. |
Nothing |
20% of charges |
|
Not covered: Donor screening tests and donor search expenses, except those performed for the actual donor Autologous tandem transplants Harvesting and storage of stem cells Transplants not listed as covered
|
All charges. |
All charges. |
|
|
| |
|
Professional services provided in – Hospital (inpatient) |
Nothing |
20% of charges |
|
Hospital outpatient department Skilled nursing facility Ambulatory surgical center Office |
Nothing |
20% of charges |
|
Not Covered: Hypnotic Anesthesia |
All charges. |
All charges. |
|
I M P O R T A N T |
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. Under High Option, we have no calendar year deductible for In Network services. Under Standard Option, the calendar year deductible for Participating Providers is $500 per person ($1,000 per family). The calendar year deductible applies to almost all benefits in this section. We added “(No deductible)” to show when the calendar year deductible does not apply. Under both High and Standard Options, you must use Plan Providers in order to receive in-network benefit coverage. 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). YOUR PHYSICIAN MUST GET PRIOR APPROVAL OF HOSPITAL STAYS. Please refer to Section 3 to be sure which services require Prior approval. |
I M P O R T A N T |
||||
|
Benefit Description |
You pay - High Option
|
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Note: The calendar year deductible for the Standard Option applies to almost all benefits in this section. We say “(No deductible)” when it does not apply. | ||||||
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Inpatient hospital |
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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 per day copay up to $500 per admission |
$100 per day copay up to $500 per admission | ||||
Inpatient hospital - continued on next page.
|
You pay - High Option |
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... | |
|---|---|---|
|
Other hospital services and supplies, such as: Operating, recovery, maternity, and other treatment rooms
Diagnostic laboratory tests and X-rays Administration of blood or blood products. Dressings, splints, casts, and sterile tray services Medical supplies and equipment, including oxygen Anesthetics, including nurse anesthetist services Medical supplies, appliances, medical equipment, and any covered items billed by a hospital for use at home or take home items |
Nothing |
Nothing |
|
Not covered: Custodial care Non-covered facilities, such as nursing homes, schools Personal comfort items (telephone, television, guest meals and beds Private nursing care or costs associated with private rooms Admissions to hospitals performed only for the convenience of the member, the member’s family or the member’s physician or other provider |
All charges. |
All charges. |
|
You pay - High Option |
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... | |
|
Operating, recovery, and other treatment rooms
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 Dressings, casts, and sterile tray services Medical supplies, including oxygen 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. |
$50 per visit |
20% of charges |
|
Outpatient hospital services: Diagnostic laboratory tests, X-rays, and pathology services Pre-surgical testing |
Nothing |
20% of charges |
|
Not covered: Blood and blood derivatives not replaced by the member |
All charges. |
All charges. |
|
Extended care benefits/Skilled nursing care facility benefits |
||
|
All necessary services ordered by a Plan doctor are covered, including: Unlimited days bed, board, and general nursing care drugs, biologicals, supplies, and equipment ordinarily provided or arranged by the skilled nursing facility when prescribed by a Plan doctor Care must be received from a state licensed nursing facility |
$100 per day copay up to $500 per admission |
$100 per day copay up to $500 per admission |
|
Not covered: Custodial care Convalescent care Intermediate level or domiciliary care Residential care Rest cures or services to assist in activities of daily living |
All charges. |
All charges. |
|
You pay - High Option |
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... | |
|
Admission to a hospice facility, hospital, or skilled nursing facility for room and board, supplies and services for pain management and other acute/chronic symptom management Part-time or intermittent nursing care by an RN, LPN, LVN or home health aide for patient care for up to 8 hours a day Social services Psychological and dietary counseling Physical or occupational therapy Consultation and case management services by a participating practitioner Medical supplies and drugs prescribed by a participating practitioner |
Nothing |
20% of charges |
|
Not covered: Independent nursing, homemaker services |
All charges. |
All charges. |
|
|
| |
|
Local professional ground and/or air ambulance service when medically necessary and plan approved hospital transfers. |
$50 copay |
20% of charges |
|
Not covered: Transfers to hospitals performed only for the convenience of the member, the member’s family or the member’s physician or other provider. Non-emergency services and/or travel, unless pre-approved and arranged by us.
|
All charges. |
All charges. |
|
|
I M P O R T A N T |
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. Under High Option, we have no calendar year deductible for In Network services. Under Standard Option, the calendar year deductible for Participating Providers is $500 per person ($1,000 per family). The calendar year deductible applies to almost all benefits in this section. We added “(No deductible)” to show when the calendar year deductible does not apply. Under both High and Standard Options, you must use Plan Providers in order to receive in-network benefit coverage. 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.
|
I M P O R T A N T |
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|
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 | ||||||
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What to do in case of emergency: In the event of an Emergency Medical Condition, go to the closest emergency room, or call 911 for assistance. We will cover Emergency Services whether you are in or out of the Service Area. Sioux Valley Health Plan offers world-wide emergency coverage. Prior approval for treatment of Emergency Medical Conditions is not required. You should have someone telephone us at 1-800/805-7938 (TYY 605/328-6869) as soon as reasonably possible. Inpatient or outpatient emergency services that are furnished by any qualified Provider and needed to evaluate or stabilize an Emergency Medical Condition are covered. Emergencies within our service area: If you have an Emergency Medical Condition within the Service Area, you should contact your PCP and the Plan after an emergency so that we can arrange for your follow-up care. Emergencies outside our service area: If you have an Emergency Medical Condition while out of the Service Area, we prefer that you return to the Service Area to receive care through Plan Participating Providers after you have been treated for your condition. However, services will be covered out of the Service Area as long as the care required continues to meet the definition for either Emergency Services or Urgently Needed Services. Whether you are inside or outside of our service area, $100 copay for Emergency or Urgent services applies. However, this copay is waived if you are admitted to a hospital as a result of the emergency visit. Post-Stabilization Care We also provide coverage for services needed to ensure that you remain stabilized (or, in certain instances, to improve or resolve your condition) if: We provide prior approval for such services; or Emergency services/accidents - continued on next page The services were not pre-approved by us, but were administered within 1 hour of a request from the Provider for prior approval of additional post-stabilization care; or We do not respond within one (1) hour to a request for prior approval from a Non-Contracting Medical Provider or Facility (or we could not be contacted for prior approval). Coverage for Post-Stabilization Care is effective until: You are discharged; or A Contracting Medical Provider with privileges at the hospital in which you are treated arrives and assumes responsibility for your care; or The Non-Contracting Medical Provider and Sioux Valley Health Plan agree to other arrangements; or A Contracting Medical Provider assumes responsibility for your care through transfer. Remember, if you receive services from Non-Contracting Medical Providers without Prior approval, except for Emergency Services, Urgently Needed Services, or out-of-area renal dialysis, SiouxValley Health Plan will pay for those services at the Out-of-Network benefit level. Refunds for Emergency, Urgently Needed, or Out-of-Area Dialysis Services Paid by Members: Providers should submit bills to us for payment. However, if you paid for any Emergency Services, Urgently Needed Services, or Out-of-Area Renal Dialysis services obtained from Non-Contracting Medical Providers, you should submit your bills us to Sioux Valley Health Plan for payment. Bills should be submitted to the following address: Sioux Valley Health Plan, PO Box 91110, Sioux Falls, SD 57109-1110. If you have questions about any bills, contact the SVHP Member Service Department at 1-800/752-5863 or 605/328-6800. The TTY # is 605/328-6869. (The hours of operation for these numbers are 8:00a.m. until 5:00p.m. Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday.) | ||||||
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You pay - High Option |
You pay - Standard Option After the calendar year deductible... | |||||
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