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Dear Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Participant:
I am pleased to present this Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program plan brochure for 2003. The brochure explains all the benefits this health plan offers to its enrollees. Since benefits can vary from year to year, you should review your plan's brochure every Open Season. Fundamentally, I believe that FEHB participants are wise enough to determine the care options best suited for themselves and their families. In keeping with the President's health care agenda, we remain committed to providing FEHB members with affordable, quality health care choices. Our strategy to maintain quality and cost this year rested on four initiatives. First, I met with FEHB carriers and challenged them to contain costs, maintain quality, and keep the FEHB Program a model of consumer choice and on the cutting edge of employer-provided health benefits. I asked the plans for their best ideas to help hold down premiums and promote quality. And, I encouraged them to explore all reasonable options to constrain premium increases while maintaining a benefits program that is highly valued by our employees and retirees, as well as attractive to prospective Federal employees. Second, I met with our own FEHB negotiating team here at OPM and I challenged them to conduct tough negotiations on your behalf. Third, OPM initiated a comprehensive outside audit to review the potential costs of federal and state mandates over the past decade, so that this agency is better prepared to tell you, the Congress and others the true cost of mandated services. Fourth, we have maintained a respectful and full engagement with the OPM Inspector General (IG) and have supported all of his efforts to investigate fraud and waste within the FEHB and other programs. Positive relations with the IG are essential and I am proud of our strong relationship. The FEHB Program is market-driven. The health care marketplace has experienced significant increases in health care cost trends in recent years. Despite its size, the FEHB Program is not immune to such market forces. We have worked with this plan and all the other plans in the Program to provide health plan choices that maintain competitive benefit packages and yet keep health care affordable. Now, it is your turn. We believe if you review this health plan brochure and the FEHB Guide you will have what you need to make an informed decision on health care for you and your family. We suggest you also visit our web site at www.opm.gov/insure. |
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Sincerely,![]() Kay Coles James Director |
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A fee-for-service plan with a preferred provider organization
Sponsored and administered by: The Association
Who may enroll in this Plan: Members of the Association
Annuitants (retirees) who are members of the Association may enroll in this Plan.
Enrollment codes for this Plan:
421-Self Only
422-Self andFamily
A PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
Association Benefit Plan 2003
Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company, the underwriter for Association Benefit Plan, has received accreditation
from URAC (also known as the American Accreditation Healthcare Commission) for Health Utilization Manage-ment
Standards. See the 2003 Guide for more informa-tion on accreditation.
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Notice of the 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 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 informa-tion
heldby 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 circum-stances:
For Government healthcare 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 per-mission
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.
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Amend any of your personal medical information created by OPM if you believe that it is wrong or if infor-mation
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 202-606-0191 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
Office of Personnel Management
P. O. Bo x 7 0 7
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 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 will be effective April 14, 2003.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 2 Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction..................................................................................... 4
Plain Language.................................................................................. 4
StopHealthCareFraud!........................................................................... 4
Section1. Factsabout thisfee-for-serviceplan......................................................... 6
Section2. Howwechangefor2003.................................................................. 7
Section3. Howyouget care........................................................................ 8
Identificationcard...................................................................... 8
Where youget coveredcare .............................................................. 8
Covered providers ................................................................... 8
Covered facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Whatyou must do togetcoveredcare...................................................... 10
How toGetApproval for.............................................................. 11
Your hospital stay( precertification)..................................................... 11
Otherservices ..................................................................... 13
Section4. Your costsforcoveredservices............................................................ 14
Copayments ....................................................................... 14
Deductible ........................................................................ 14
Coinsurance ....................................................................... 14
Differencesbetweenourallowance andthebill ........................................... 14
Yourcatastrophic protection out-of-pocketmaximum ......................................... 16
When government facilities bill us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Ifweoverpayyou..................................................................... 16
When you are age 65 or over and you do not haveMedicare.................................... 17
WhenyouhaveMedicare............................................................... 18
Section5. Benefits .............................................................................. 19
Overview............................................................................ 19
(a) Medical services and supplies provided by physicians and other health care professionals . . . . . . . . . 20
(b) Surgical and anesthesia services provided by physicians and other health care professionals . . . . . . . . 31
(c) Services provided by a hospital or other facility, and ambulance services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
(d) Emergency services/ accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
(e) Mental healthandsubstanceabusebenefits............................................... 42
(f) Prescriptiondrug benefits............................................................. 47
(g) Specialfeatures .................................................................... 50
Flexible benefitsoption............................................................. 50
Healthymaternityprogram.......................................................... 50
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 3 Table of Contents
Centersofexcellence .............................................................. 50
Serviceoverseas .................................................................. 50
Healthydirections sm ................................................................ 50
Glucosemonitors.................................................................. 50
Lifestyleprescription medications .................................................... 51
(h) Dental benefits .................................................................... 52
(i) Non-FEHBbenefitsavailable to Plan members ........................................... 53
Section6. Generalexclusions thingswe don'tcover.................................................. 55
Section7. Filingaclaimforcovered services......................................................... 56
Section8. Thedisputedclaimsprocess.............................................................. 58
Section9. Coordinatingbenefitswithother coverage................................................... 60
When youhaveotherhealthcoverage................................................... 60
What isMedicare? ................................................................. 60
Medicare managedcare plan.......................................................... 63
TRICAREandCHAMPVA........................................................... 63
Worker'sCompensation ............................................................. 64
Medicaid.......................................................................... 64
When otherGovernmentagenciesare responsiblefor yourcare .............................. 64
When othersareresponsible forinjuries................................................. 64
Section10. Definitionsoftermsweuse in thisbrochure ................................................ 65
Section11. FEHBfacts.......................................................................... 69
Coverageinformation.................................................................. 69
No pre-existing condition limitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Where you get information about enrolling in the FEHB Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Typesofcoverageavailableforyouandyour family....................................... 69
Children'sEquityAct ............................................................... 70
When benefitsandpremiumsstart...................................................... 70
When youretire.................................................................... 71
Whenyoulose benefits................................................................. 71
When FEHBcoverageends........................................................... 71
Spouse equitycoverage.............................................................. 71
Temporary Continuation of Coverage( TCC)............................................. 71
Convertingtoindividual coverage...................................................... 72
Getting a Certificate of Group Health Plan Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Longtermcareinsuranceisstill available............................................................ 73
INDEX....................................................................................... 74
Summary of benefits ............................................................................ 75
Rates.................................................................................. BackCover
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 4
Introduction
This brochure describes the benefits of the Association Benefit Plan under the Government Employees Health Associa-tion's
contract (CS 1065) with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), as authorized by the Federal Employees
Health Benefits law. This Plan is underwritten by Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company. The address for the Association
Benefit Plan administrative office is:
Association Benefit Plan
PO Box 668587
Charlotte, NC 28266-8587).
This brochure is the official statement of benefits. No oral statement can modify or otherwise affect the benefits, limita-tions,
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, 2003, unless those benefits are also shown in this brochure.
OPM negotiates benefits and rates with each plan annually. Benefit changes are effective January 1, 2003, and are sum-marized
on page 75. 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 Association Benefit Plan.
We limit acronyms to ones you know. FEHB is the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. OPM is
the 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 Office of Personnel Management, Office of Insurance Planning and Evaluation Division, 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 (FEHB)
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 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 physician, 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
toget it paid.
Introduction/ Plain Language
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 5
Stop Health Care Fraud! (continued)
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 1-800-634-0069 and explain the situation.
Ifwe donotresolve theissue:
CALL THE HEALTH CARE FRAUD HOTLINE
202-418-3300
OR WRITE TO:
The United States Office of Personnel Management
Office of the Inspector General Fraud Hotline
1900 E Street, NW, Room 6400
Washington, DC 20415
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 is incapable of self support).
If you have any questions about the eligibility of a dependent, check with your personnel office if you are employed
or with OPM if you are retired.
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.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 6 Section 1
Section 1. Facts about this fee-for-service plan
This Plan is a fee-for-service (FFS) plan. You can choose your own physicians, hospitals, and other health care providers.
We reimburse you or your provider for your covered services, usually based on a percentage of the amount we allow. The
type and extent of covered services, and the amount we allow, may be different from other plans. Read brochures carefully.
We also have a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO):
Our fee-for-service plan offers services through a PPO. When you reside in the PPO network area and use our PPO
providers, you will receive covered services at reduced cost. Contact us at 1-800-634-0069 for information con-cerning
your PPO. You can also go to the Mutual of Omaha website, www. mutualofomaha. com, for PPO informa-tion.
Also, when you phone for an appointment, please verify that your physician is still a PPO provider. Contact
the Association Benefit Plan to request a PPO directory.
PPO benefits apply only when you reside in the PPO network area and use a PPO provider. You must present your
PPO identification (ID) card confirming your PPO participation to be eligible for PPO benefits. Provider networks
may be more extensive in some areas than others. We cannot guarantee the availability of every specialty in all areas. If
no PPO provider is available, or you do not use a PPO provider, the standard non-PPO benefits apply. When you use a
PPO hospital, keep in mind that the professionals who provide services to you in the hospital, such as radiologists, emer-gency
room physicians, anesthesiologists, and pathologists, may not all be preferred providers. If they are not, they will
be paid as non-PPO providers.
The PPO Network Area consists of Washington, D. C. and selected cities and counties in all states with the exception of
Hawaii, Vermont and Wyoming.
If you reside in the PPO network area and no PPO provider is available, or if you do not use a PPO provider, non-PPO
benefits apply.
If you reside outside the PPO network area, Out-of-network benefits apply.
How we pay providers
Our participating providers are generally reimbursed according to an agreed-upon fee schedule and are not offered addi-tional
financial incentives based on care provided or not provided to you. Our standard provider agreements do not con-tain
any contractual provisions that include incentives to restrict a provider's ability to communicate with and advise
patients of any appropriate treatment options. In addition, the Plan has no compensation, ownership, or other influential
interests that are likely to affect provider advice or treatment decisions.
We may, through a negotiated agreement with some non-PPO health care providers, apply a discount to covered services
that you receive from these providers.
To locate a non-PPO provider from whom a discount may be available, call the number on your identification card.
Your Ri ght s
OPM requires that all FEHB Plans provide certain information to their FEHB members. You may get information about
us, our networks, providers, and facilities by calling 1-800-634-0069, or writing to Association Benefit Plan, PO Box
668587, Charlotte, NC 28266-8587.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 7 Section 2
Section 2. How we change for 2003
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
A Notice of the Office of Personnel Management's Privacy Practices is included.
A section on the Children's Equity Act describes when an employee is required to maintain Self and Family coverage.
Program information on TRICARE and CHAMPVA explains how annuitants or former spouses may suspend their
FEHB Program enrollment.
Program information on Medicare is revised.
The Medically Underserved section is revised.
Changes to this Plan
We expanded our optional hospital and physical preferred Provider Organization (PPO) to include selected counties
and cities in the following states: Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana,
Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Wisconsin. (Section 1)
We added Audiologists and Licensed Acupuncturists to our list of covered providers. (Section 3)
We expanded our adult preventative care benefit to include one routine colonoscopy every 10 years for members age
50 and over. We also expanded our benefits to include one routine annual chlamydial screening and one routine non-fasting
blood cholesterol test every three consecutive calendar years. (Section 5( a))
PPO routine well child care coinsurance will change to a $10 copayment, not subject to the deductible. (Section 5( a))
PPO copayments for diagnostic and treatment services performed in a physician's office will change to a 10% coin-surance,
subject to the calendar year deductible. (Section 5( a))
Outpatient surgical facility charges, services and supplies will change to 90% coinsurance for PPO providers, 75% coinsur-ance
for Non-PPO providers, and 85% coinsurance for Out-of-Network providers, subject to the deductible. (Section 5( c))
Outpatient maternity care benefits will be considered the same as inpatient maternity care benefits. (Section 5( a))
Non-PPO coinsurance for physicians, diagnostic tests, and surgical services will change to 30%. (Sections 5( a) and (b))
Non-PPO coinsurance for outpatient nonsurgical facility charges, services, and supplies will increase to 30%, subject
to the deductible. (Section 5( c))
Non-PPO coinsurance for the remaining hospital charges, after your Non-PPO $200 inpatient deductible is met, will
change to 30%. (Section 5( c))
Your mail order generic prescription drug copayment will change to $20. (Section 5( f))
Your mail order formulary prescription drug copayment will change to $40. (Section 5( f))
Retail pharmacy and mail order prescription drug non-formulary brand name drugs will be paid at 30% of the cost of
the drug or the current copayment rate, whichever is greater. (Section 5( f))
Compound prescription drugs are covered under our nonformulary prescription drug benefit. (Section 5( f))
Your catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum for PPO and Out-of-Network providers will change to $3, 000,
and to $7,000 for Non-PPO providers. (Section 4)
Your share of the premiums will increase by 15. 4% for Self Only and 15.3% for Self and Family.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 8 Section 3
Section 3. How you get care
Identification cards We will send you an identification (ID) card and a Prescription Drug Card when you enroll. You should carry both cards with you at all times. You
must show your ID card whenever you receive services from a medical or
dental provider, or your Prescription Drug Card to fill a prescription at a
participating Plan pharmacy. Until you receive your ID card, use your copy
of the Health Benefits Election Form, SF-2809, or your health benefits
enrollment confirmation (for annuitants).
If you do not receive your cards within 30 days after the effective date of
your enrollment, or if you need replacement cards, call us at 1-800-634-0069.
Where you get covered care You can get care from any "covered provider" or "covered facility." How much we pay and you pay depends on the type of covered provider or
facility you use. If you reside in the PPO network area and use our pre-ferred
providers, you will pay less.
Covered providers We consider the following to be covered providers when they perform ser-vices within the scope of their license or certification:
Physician: Doctors of medicine or psychiatry (M. D.), osteopathy
(D. O.), dental surgery (D. D. S.), medical dentistry (D. M. D.), podiatric
medicine (D. P. M.), and optometry (O. D.) when acting within the scope
of their licenses or certification.
Qualified Clinical Psychologist: An individual who has earned either a
Doctoral or Masters Clinical Degree in psychology or an allied disci-pline
and who is licensed or certified in the state where services are per-formed.
This presumes a licensed individual has demonstrated to the
satisfaction of state licensing officials that he/ she, by virtue of academic
and clinical experience, is qualified to provide psychological services in
that state.
Nurse Midwife: A person who is certified by the American College of
Nurse Midwives or is licensed or certified as a nurse midwife in states
requiring licensure or certification.
Nurse Practitioner/ Clinical Specialist: A person who 1) has an active
R. N. license in the United States, 2) has a baccalaureate or higher
degree in nursing, and 3) is licensed or certified as a nurse practitioner
or clinical nurse specialist in states requiring licensure or certification.
Clinical Social Worker: A social worker who 1) has a Master's or
Doctoral degree in social work, 2) has at least two years of clinical
social work practice, and 3) in states requiring licensure, certification or
registration, is licensed, certified, or registered as a social worker where
the services are rendered.
Physician Assistant: A person who is licensed, registered, or certified
in the state where services are performed.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 9 Section 3
Section 3. How you get care (continued)
Licensed Professional Counselor or Master's Level Counselor: A
person who is licensed, registered, or certified in the state where ser-vices
are performed.
Audiologist: A person who is licensed, registered, or certified in the
state where services are performed.
Licensed Acupuncturist (L. A. C.): A person who has completed the
required schooling and licensure to perform acupuncture in the state
where services are performed (see definition of acupuncture benefits,
Section 5( a)).
Nursing School Administered Clinic: A clinic that is
1) licensed or certified in the state where the services are performed,
and
2) provides ambulatory care in an outpatient setting primarily in
rural or inner city areas where there is a shortage of physicians.
Services billed for by these clinics are considered outpatient
'office' services rather than facility charges.
Christian Science Practitioner: If you choose to visit a Christian Sci-ence
practitioner instead of a physician, the charges are still considered
allowable expenses. To qualify for benefits, you must make this choice
annually. The benefits will then apply to all subsequent expenses
incurred during the year. You can change your mind only at the time of
your first claim each year. The practitioner you choose must be listed as
such in the Christian Science Journal that is current at the time the ser-vice
is provided. Your choice will not apply to, or prevent payment of, a
physician's maternity charges.
Medically underserved areas. We cover any licensed medical practitio-ner,
including chiropractors, for any covered service performed within the
scope of that license in states OPM determines are "medically under-served."
For 2003, the states are: Alabama, Idaho, Kentucky, Lousiana,
Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota,
South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Covered facilities Covered facilities include:
Hospital
1) An institution that is accredited as a hospital under the hospital
accreditation program of the Joint Commission on Accreditation
of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO); or
2) Any other institution that is operated pursuant to law, under the
supervision of a staff of doctors and with 24-hour-a-day nursing
service, and that is primarily engaged in providing:
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 10 Section 3
Section 3. How you get care (continued)
a) General patient care and treatment of sick and injured persons
through medical, diagnostic and major surgical facilities, all of
which facilities must be provided on its premises or under its
control; or
b) specialized inpatient medical care and treatment of sick or
injured persons through medical and diagnostic facilities
(including X-ray and laboratory) on its premises, under its
control, or through a written agreement with a hospital (as
defined above) or with a specialized provider of those
facilities.
3) For inpatient and outpatient treatment of alcohol and drug abuse,
the term hospital also includes a freestanding alcohol and drug
abuse treatment facility approved by the JCAHO.
In no event shall the term hospital include a convalescent nursing home or
institution or part thereof that:
1) is used principally as a convalescent facility, rest facility, nursing
facility or facility for the aged;
2) furnishes primarily domiciliary or custodial care including
training in the routines of daily living; or
3) is operated as a school.
Skilled nursing facility: An institution, or that part of an institution that
provides convalescent skilled nursing care 24 hours a day and is
classified as a skilled nursing facility under Medicare.
Birthing Center: A licensed facility that is equipped and operated
solely to provide prenatal care, to perform uncomplicated spontaneous
deliveries and to provide immediate postpartum care.
Hospice: A facility that meets all of the following:
1) primarily provides inpatient hospice care to terminally ill persons;
2) is certified by Medicare as such, or is licensed or accredited as
such by the jurisdiction it is in;
3) is supervised by a staff of M. D. s or D. O. s, at least one of whom
mustbeoncall at alltimes;
4) provides 24-hour-a-day nursing services under the direction of an
R. N. and has a full-time administrator; and
5) provides an ongoing quality assurance program.
What you must do to
get covered care
It depends on the kind of care you want to receive. You can go to any
provider you want, but we must approve some care in advance.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 11 Section 3
Section 3. How you get care (continued)
Transitional care: Specialty care: If you have a chronic or disabling condition and
lose access to your specialist because we drop out of the Federal
Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and you enroll in another
FEHB plan, or
lose access to your PPO specialist because we terminate our contract
with your specialist for other than cause,
you may be able to continue seeing your specialist and receiving any PPO
benefits for up to 90 days after you receive notice of the change. Contact us
or, if we drop out of the Program, contact your new plan.
If you are in the second or third trimester of pregnancy and you lose access
to your 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: We pay for covered services from the effective date of your enrollment. However, if you are in the hospital when your enrollment in our Plan
begins, call our customer service department immediately at
1-800-634-0069.
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
The92 nd day after you become a member of this Plan, whichever
happens first.
These provisions apply only to the benefits of the hospitalized person.
How to Get Approval for
Your hospital stay Precertification is the process by which prior to your hospital admis-sion
we evaluate the medical necessity of your proposed stay and the
number of days required to treat your condition. Unless we are misled
by the information given to us, we will not change our decision on med-ical
necessity.
In most cases, your physician or hospital will take care of precertifica-tion.
Because you are still responsible for ensuring that we are asked to
precertify your care, you should always ask your physician or hospital if
they have contacted us.
Warni ng We will reduce our benefits for the inpatient hospital stay by $500 if no one
contacts us for precertification. If the stay is not medically necessary, we
will not pay any benefits.
14.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 12 Section 3
Section 3. How you get care (continued)
How to precertify an
admission
You, your representative, your physician, or your hospital must call us
before the admission or care. The toll-free number is 1-800-634-0069.
Provide the following information:
Enrollee's name and Plan identification number;
Patient's name, birth date, and phone number;
Reason for hospitalization, proposed treatment, or surgery;
Name and phone number of admitting physician;
Name of hospital or facility; and
Number of planned days of hospital stay.
We will then tell your physician and/ or hospital the number of approved
inpatient days and we will send written confirmation of our decision to
you, your physician, and the hospital.
If you have an emergency admission due to a condition that you
reasonably believe puts your life in danger or could cause serious
damage to bodily function, you, your representative, your physician, or
your hospital must telephone us within two business days following the
day of the emergency admission, even if you have been discharged from
the hospital.
Maternity care You do not need to precertify a maternity admission for a routine delivery.
However, if your medical condition requires you to stay more than 48
hours after a vaginal delivery or 96 hours after a cesarean section, then
your physician or the hospital must contact us for precertification of
additional days. Further, if your baby stays after you are discharged, then
your physician or the hospital must contact us for precertification of
additional days for your baby.
If your hospital stay needs to
be extended
If your hospital stay including for maternity care needs to be extended,
you, your representative, your physician or the hospital must ask us to
approve the additional days.
What happens when you
do not follow the
precertification rules
If no one contacted us, we will decide whether the hospital stay was
medically necessary.
If we determine that the stay was medically necessary, we will pay
the inpatient charges, less the $500 penalty.
If we determine that it was not medically necessary for you to be an
inpatient, we will not pay inpatient hospital benefits. We will only
pay for any covered medical supplies and services that are otherwise
payable on an outpatient basis.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 13 Section 3
Section 3. How you get care (continued)
If no one contacted us for specified services such as Hospice Care,
Skilled Nursing Facility Care, Home Health Care, we will disqualify
higher paid benefits.
If we denied the precertification request, we will not pay inpatient hos-pital
benefits. We will only pay for any covered medical supplies and
services that are otherwise payable on an outpatient basis.
When we precertified the admission but you remained in the hospital
beyond the number of days we approved and did not get the additional
days precertified, then:
for the part of the admission that was medically necessary, we will
pay inpatient benefits, but
for the part of the admission that was not medically necessary, we
will pay only medical services and supplies otherwise payable on an
outpatient basis and will not pay inpatient benefits.
Exceptions You do not need precertification in these cases:
You are admitted to a hospital outside the United States.
You have another group health insurance policy that is the primary
payer for the hospital stay.
Your Medicare Part A is the primary payer for the hospital stay. Note: If
you exhaust your Medicare hospital benefits and do not want to use your
Medicare lifetime reserve days, then we will become the primary payer
and you do need precertification.
Other services Some other services require precertification or prior authorization, such as:
Home health care (See Section 5( a))
Hospice care (See Section 5( c))
Skilled nursing facilities (See Section 5( c))
Psychiatric and substance abuse treatment (See Section 5( e))
Some prescription drugs (See Section 5( f))
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 14 Section 4
Section 4. Your costs for covered services
This is what you will pay out-of-pocket for your covered care:
Copayments A copayment is a fixed amount of money you pay to the provider, facility, pharmacy, etc., when you receive services. You will only be responsible for
one copayment per day per provider.
Example: When you see your PPO physician you pay a copayment of $10
per day, and when you go in a PPO hospital, you pay a copayment of $100
per hospital stay.
Deductible A deductible is a fixed amount of covered expenses you must incur for cer-tain covered services and supplies before we start paying benefits for them.
Copayments do not count toward any deductible.
The calendar year deductible is $300 per person. Under a family enroll-ment,
the deductible is satisfied for all family members when the com-bined
covered expenses applied to the calendar year deductible for
family members reach $600.
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.
Coinsurance Coinsurance is the percentage of our allowance that you must pay for your care. Coinsurance doesn't begin until you meet your deductible.
Example: You pay 10% coinsurance of our allowance for an X-ray.
Note: If your provider routinely waives (does not require you to pay) your
copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance, the provider is misstating the fee
and may be violating the law. In this case, when we calculate our share, we
will reduce the provider's fee by the amount waived.
For example, if your physician ordinarily charges $100 for a service but
routinely waives your 10% coinsurance, the actual charge is $90. We will
pay $81 (90% of the actual charge of $90).
Differences between our
allowance and the bill
Our "Plan allowance" is the amount we use to calculate our payment for covered services. Fee-for-service plans arrive at their allowances in
different ways, so their allowances vary. For more information about how
we determine our Plan allowance, see the definition of Plan allowance in
Section 10.
Often, the provider's bill is more than a fee-for-service plan's allowance.
Whether or not you have to pay the difference between our allowance and
the bill will depend on the provider you use.
When you live in the Plan's PPO area, you should use a PPO provider. The
following two examples explain how we will handle your bill when you go
to a PPO provider and when you go to a non-PPO provider. When you use
a PPO provider, the amount you pay is much less.
PPO providers agree to limit what they will bill you. Because of that,
when you use a preferred provider, your share of covered charges
consists only of your deductible and coinsurance or copayment. Here is
an example about coinsurance: You see a PPO physician who charges
$350, but our allowance is $300. If you have met your deductible, you
17.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 15 Section 4
are only responsible for your coinsurance. That is, you pay just 10% of
our $300 allowance ($ 30). Because of the agreement, your PPO physi-cian
will not bill you for the $50 difference between our allowance and
his bill. Follow these procedures when you use a PPO provider in order
to receive PPO benefits:
Verify with us that your address of record is in a PPO area;
When you phone for an appointment, verify that the physician or facil-ity
is still a PPO provider and;
Present your PPO ID card confirming your PPO participation in order to
receive PPO benefits.
Non-PPO providers, on the other hand, have no agreement to limit
what they will bill you. For instance,
When you reside in the PPO network area and use a non-PPO
provider, you will pay your deductible and coinsurance plus any
difference between our allowance and charges on the bill. Here is an
example: You see a non-PPO physician who charges $350 and our
allowance is again $300. Because you've met your deductible, you
are responsible for your coinsurance, so you pay 30% of our $300
allowance ($ 90). Plus, because there is no agreement between the
non-PPO physician and us, he can bill you for the $50 difference
between our allowance and his bill.
When you reside outside the PPO network area, you will pay
your deductible and coinsurance plus any difference between our
allowance and charges on the bill. As in the example above, once
you have met your deductible, you are responsible for your coinsur-ance.
You will pay 15% of our allowance ($ 45) and the physician
can bill you for the $50 difference between our allowance and his
bill.
The following table illustrates the examples of how much you have to pay
out-of-pocket for services from a PPO physician vs. a non-PPO physician
when you reside in the PPO network area. The table uses our example of a
service for which the physician charges $350 and our allowance is $300.
The table shows the amount you pay if you have met your calendar year
deductible.
EXAMPLE PPO physician Non-PPO physician
Physician's charge $350 $350
Our allowance We set it at: $300 We set it at: $300
We pay 90% of our allowance: $270 70% of our allowance: $210
You owe:
Coinsurance
10% of our allowance: $30 30% of our allowance: $90
+Difference up to charge?
No: 0 Yes: $50
TOTAL YOU PAY $30 $140
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20
2003 Association Benefit Plan 16 Section 4
Your catastrophic protection
out-of-pocket maximum
for deductibles, coinsurance,
and copayments
For those benefits where coinsurance or deductibles apply, we pay 100% of
the Plan allowance for the rest of the calendar year after your expenses total:
PPO providers: $3, 000 For you or any covered family member;
Non-PPO providers: $7, 000 For you or any covered family member;
Out-of-network providers: $3, 000 For you or any covered family
member.
Out-of-pocket expenses are:
Your $300/$ 600 calendar year deductible;
The percentage you pay for covered services after you have met your
deductibles;
The percentage you pay for surgery, anesthesia and extended medical
care after an accidental injury; and
Your copayment for hospital stays.
The following cannot be included in your out-of-pocket expenses:
Expenses in excess of the Plan allowance or maximum benefit
limitations;
Non-covered services and supplies;
Prescription drug copayments;
Copayments, except for hospital admission copayments;
Expenses for dental care including the 20% you pay for dental care after
an accidental injury; or
Any amounts you pay if benefits have been reduced because of
noncompliance with our precertification, prior authorization or prior
approval requirements.
When government facilities
bill us
Facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of
Defense, and the Indian Health Service are entitled to seek reimbursement
from us for certain services and supplies they provide to you or a family
member. They may not seek more than their governing laws allow.
If we overpay you We will make diligent efforts to recover benefit payments we made in error, but in good faith. If your claim has been paid in error for any reason,
we shall make a diligent effort to recover an overpayment to you from you.
If the overpayment was made to a provider, we shall make a diligent effort
to recover the overpayment from the provider. We may also reduce subse-quent
benefit payments to you or to a provider to offset overpayments
made in error.
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21
2003 Association Benefit Plan 17 Section 4
When you are age 65 or over and you do not have Medicare
Under the FEHB law, we must limit our payments for those benefits you would be entitled to if you had Medicare. And,
your physician and hospital must follow Medicare rules and cannot bill you for more than they could bill you if you had
Medicare. The following chart has more information about the limits.
If you
are age 65 or over, and
do not have Medicare Part A, Part B, or both; and
have this Plan as an annuitant or as a former spouse, or as a family member of an annuitant or former
spouse; and
are not employed in a position that gives FEHB coverage. (Your employing office can tell you if this
applies.)
Then, for your inpatient hospital care,
the law requires us to base our payment on an amount the "equivalent Medicare amount" set by
Medicare's rules for what Medicare would pay, not on the actual charge;
you are responsible for your applicable deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments you owe under this
Plan;
you are not responsible for any charges greater than the equivalent Medicare amount; we will show that
amount on the explanation of benefits; and
the law prohibits a hospital from collecting more than the Medicare equivalent amount.
And, for your physician care, the law requires us to base our payment and your coinsurance on
an amount set by Medicare and called the "Medicare approved amount," or
the actual charge if it is lower than the Medicare approved amount.
If your physician Then you are responsible for
Participates with Medicare or accepts
Medicare assignment for the claim and
is a member of our PPO network,
your deductibles, coinsurance, copayments; and
any balance up to the Medicare approved amount;
Participates with Medicare and is not in
our PPO network,
your deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and
any balance up to the Medicare approved amount;
Does not participate with Medicare, your deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and
any balance up to 115% of the Medicare
approved amount.
It is generally to your financial advantage to use a physician who participates with Medicare. Such physicians are
permitted to collect only up to the Medicare approved amount.
Our explanation of benefits (EOB) form will tell you how much the physician or hospital can collect from you. If your
physician or hospital tries to collect more than allowed by law, ask the physician or hospital to reduce the charges. If
you have paid more than allowed, ask for a refund. If you need further assistance, call us.
20.
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22
2003 Association Benefit Plan 18 Section 4
When you the have the Original
Medicare Plan
(Part A, Part B, or both)
We limit our payment to an amount that supplements the benefits that
Medicare would pay under Medicare A (Hospital insurance) and Medicare
B (Medical insurance), regardless of whether Medicare pays. Note: We pay
our regular benefits for emergency services to an institutional provider,
such as a hospital, that does not participate with Medicare and is not reim-bursed
by Medicare.
If you are covered by Medicare Part B and it is primary, your out-of-pocket
costs for services that both Medicare Part B and we cover depend on
whether your physician accepts Medicare assignment for the claim.
If your physician accepts Medicare assignment, then you pay nothing
for covered charges.
If your physician does not accept Medicare assignment, then you pay
the difference between our payment combined with Medicare's payment
and the charge.
Note: The physician who does not accept Medicare assignment may not
bill you for more than 115% of the amount Medicare bases its payment on,
called the "limiting charge." The Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) form
that Medicare will send you will have more information about the limiting
charge. If your physician tries to collect more than allowed by law, ask the
physician to reduce the charges. If the physician does not, report the physi-cian
to your Medicare carrier who sent you the MSN form. Call us if you
need further assistance.
Please see Section 9, Coordinating benefits with other coverage, for
more information about how we coordinate benefits with Medicare.
21.
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23
2003 Association Benefit Plan 19 Section 5
Section 5. Benefits OVERVIEW (See page 7 for how our benefits changed this year and page 75 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 claims forms, claims filing advice, or more information about our benefits, contact us at
1-800-634-0069.
(a) Medical services and supplies provided by physicians and other health care professionals .................................. 20-30
(b) Surgical and anesthesia services provided by physicians and other health care professionals............................... 31-35
(c) Services provided by a hospital or other facility, and ambulance services............................................................. 36-39
(d) Emergency services/ Accidents................................................................................................................................ 40-41
(e) Mental health and substance abuse benefits ........................................................................................................... 42-46
(f) Prescription drug benefits ....................................................................................................................................... 47-49
(g) Special features ....................................................................................................................................................... 50-51
(h) Dental benefits ........................................................................................................................................................ 52
(i) Non-FEHB benefits available to Plan members ..................................................................................................... 53-54
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS.......................................................................................................................................... 75-76
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, occupational, and speech therapies
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
Surgical procedures
Reconstructive surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery
Organ/ tissue transplants
Anesthesia
Inpatient hospital
Outpatient hospital or ambulatory surgical
center
Skilled nursing care facility
Hospice care
Ambulance
Accidental injury
Medical emergency
Ambulance
Flexible benefits option
Services overseas
Healthydirections sm
Centers of excellence
Glucose monitors
Lifestyle prescription medications
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24
2003 Association Benefit Plan 20 Section 5 (a)
Section 5 (a). Medical services and supplies 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.
The calendar year deductible is: $300 per person ($ 600 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.
PPO benefits apply only when you reside in the PPO network area and use a PPO pro-vider.
When no PPO provider is available, non-PPO benefits apply. Out-of-network
benefits apply when you reside outside the PPO network area.
Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services, for valuable information
about how cost sharing works, with special sections for members who are age 65 or
over. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including
with Medicare.
I
M
P
O
R
T
A
N
T
Benefit Description You pa y After the calendar year deductible
NOTE: 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.
Diagnostic and treatment services
Professional services of physicians (not including surgery)
In physician's office
1) office visits
2) consultations (to include second surgical opinion)
3) injections (excluding specialty pharmacy drugs and
medicines)
Note: Drugs provided by the physician are covered under Section 5( f).
Note: Supplies provided by the physician are covered under Section
5( a).
PPO: $10 copayment (No Deductible)
Non-PPO: 30% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount
Professional services of physicians (not including surgery)
In a hospital
In an urgent care center
In a skilled nursing facility
Athome
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance
Non-PPO: 30% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount
23.
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Page 24
25
2003 Association Benefit Plan 21 Section 5 (a)
Lab, X-ray and other diagnostic tests You pa y
Tests, such as:
Blood tests
Urinalysis
Non-routine pap tests
Pathology
X-rays
Non-routine mammograms
CAT Scans/ MRI
Ultrasound
Electrocardiogram and EEG
Sonograms
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance
Note: If your PPO provider uses a non-PPO
lab or radiologist, we will pay non-PPO bene-fits
for any lab or X-ray charges
Non-PPO: 30% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount
Preventive care, adult
One annual routine physical examination per person to include a
history and physical, chest X-ray, urinalysis, blood tests, and EKG
(electrocardiogram).
One annual cervical cancer screening (pap smear) for women age
18 and older. Note: if you see another physician for your pap
smear, the office visit will be covered.
One annual Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test (prostate cancer
screening) for men age 40 and older.
One annual fecal occult blood test (colorectal cancer screening) for
members age 40 and older.
One routine sigmoidoscopy every five years starting at age 50.
One routine colonoscopy every ten years starting at age 50.
One annual routine mammogram (breast cancer screening) for
women age 35 and older.
One non-fasting blood cholesterol test every three consecutive
calendar years
Chlamydial screening
Note: Your physician's bill must clearly state "Routine Physical
Exam." If a medical diagnosis is provided on the bill, those services
will be paid under the medical benefit.
PPO: Services in physician's office$ 10
copayment (No Deductible)
PPO: Services outside physician's office
Nothing (No Deductible)
Non-PPO: 30% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount
Out-of-Network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount (No Deductible)
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26
2003 Association Benefit Plan 22 Section 5 (a)
Preventative care, adult -Continued You Pay
Routine immunizations, limited to:
Tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster once every 10 years, ages 19 and
over (except as provided for under Childhood immunizations)
Pneumococcal vaccine, annually, age 65 and over
Influenza vaccine, annually
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance
Non-PPO: 25% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount
Preventive care, children
Childhood immunizations recommended by the American
Academy of Pediatrics (to age 22)
PPO: Nothing (No Deductible)
Non-PPO: Only the difference between the
Plan allowance and the billed amount (No
Deductible)
Out-of-network: Only the difference between
the Plan allowance and the billed amount (No
Deductible)
Well-child care charges for routine examinations and care
(to age 2):
One annual routine examination (over age 2):
PPO: $10 copayment (No Deductible)
Non-PPO: 30% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount.
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount.
Maternity care
Complete maternity (obstetrical) care such as:
Prenatal care
Amniocentesis
Delivery
Initial, routine examination of your newborn infant covered under
your family enrollment
Circumcision of your newborn infant
Postnatal care
One routine sonogram
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance (No Deduct-
ible)
Non-PPO: 30% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount (No Deductible)
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount (No Deductible)
Note: Here are some things to keep in mind:
You do not have to precertify your normal delivery; see page 9 for
other circumstances, such as extended stays for you or your baby.
You may remain in the hospital up to 48 hours after a regular
delivery and 96 hours after a cesarean delivery. We will cover an
extended stay, if medically necessary, but you, your representative,
your physician or your hospital must precertify.
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27
2003 Association Benefit Plan 23 Section 5 (a)
Maternity care (Continued) You Pa y
We cover routine nursery care of the newborn child during the
covered portion of the mother's maternity stay. We will cover other
care of an infant who requires non-routine treatment if we cover
the infant under a Self and Family enrollment.
If your baby stays in the hospital after your discharge and is
covered under your Self and Family enrollment, you must pay a
separate hospital stay copayment. See Section 5( c).
Bassinet or nursery charges on which you and your baby are
confined are considered your maternity expenses, not your baby's.
Sonograms and other related tests that are not included in your
routine prenatal or postnatal care are covered in Lab, X-ray, and
other diagnostic tests, page 21.
Not covered:
Routine sonograms to determine fetal age, size or sex; or procedures,
services, drugs and supplies related to abortions except when the life
of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term or
when the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest.
All charges
Family planning
A range of voluntary family planning services, limited to:
Voluntary sterilization (See Section 5( b) for surgical procedures)
Surgically implanted contraceptives (such as Norplant)
Fitting, inserting or removing intrauterine devices (such as
diaphragms IUDs)
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance (No Deduct-ible)
Non-PPO: 30% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount (No Deductible)
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount (No Deductible)
Injection of contraceptive drugs (such as Depo-Provera)
Note: We cover FDA-approved prescription drugs and devices for
birth control in Section 5( f).
PPO: $10 copay (No Deductible)
Non-PPO: 30% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount.
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount.
Not covered: reversal of voluntary surgical sterilization,
genetic counseling. All charges
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28
2003 Association Benefit Plan 24 Section 5 (a)
Infertility services You Pa y
Diagnosis and treatment of infertility except as shown in Not covered.
Initial diagnostic tests and procedures done only to identify the
cause of infertility
Fertility drugs, hormone therapy and related services
Medical or surgical procedures done to create or enhance fertility
Note: We will pay up to $5, 000 per person per lifetime for covered
infertility services, including prescription drugs.
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance and charges
in excess of the $5, 000 maximum
Non-PPO: 30% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount and charges in excess of the
$5, 000 maximum
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount and charges in excess of the
$5, 000 maximum
Not covered:
Infertility services after voluntary sterilization
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, such as:
artificial insemination
in vitro fertilization
embryo transfer and GIFT
intravaginal insemination (IVI)
intracervical insemination (ICI)
intrauterine insemination (IUI)
Services and supplies related to ART procedures
Cost of donor sperm
Cost of donor egg
All charges
Allergy care
Allergy testing, injections and treatment
Note: We cover allergy serum in Section 5( f).
PPO services in physician's office:$ 10
copayment (No Deductible)
PPOservices outside physician's office: 10%
of the Plan allowance
Non-PPO: 30% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount
Not covered:
RAST tests
Foodtests
End Point titration techniques
Sublingual allergy desensitation
Hairanalysis
All charges
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29
2003 Association Benefit Plan 25 Section 5 (a)
Treatment therapies You Pa y
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy (High dose chemotherapy in
association with autologous bone marrow transplants is limited to
those transplants listed in Section 5( b), Organ/ tissue transplants.)
Dialysis hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
Intravenous (IV)/ Infusion Therapy Home IV and antibiotic
therapy
Respiratory and inhalation therapies
Growth hormone therapy (GHT) (We only cover GHT when you
obtain prior approval. Call 1-800-634-0069 for preauthorization. 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 deter-mine
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.)
Note: We cover drugs administered for the therapies listed above in
Section 5( f).
PPO services in physician's office:$ 10
copayment (No Deductible)
PPO services outside physician's office:
10% of the Plan allowance
Non-PPO: 30% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount
Physical, occupational, and speech therapies
90 total combined visits per calendar year for the following:
Visits for the services of each of the following:
physicians;
qualified physical therapists;
speech therapists; and
occupational therapists
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance
Non-PPO: 30% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount
Note: We only cover therapy when a physician:
1) orders the care;
2) identifies the specific professional skills you require and the
medical necessity for skilled services; and
3) indicates the length of time you need the services.
Note: We only cover physical and occupational therapy to restore
bodily function when there has been a total or partial loss due to illness
or injury.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 26 Section 5 (a)
Physical, occupational, and speech therapies (continued) You Pa y
Not covered:
Long-term rehabilitative therapy
Exercise programs
All charges
Hearing services (testing, treatment, and supplies)
First hearing aid and testing only when necessitated by accidental
injury or intra-aural surgery.
Note: Services must be received within one year of the date of the acci-dent
or surgery.
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance
Non-PPO: 25% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount
Not covered:
Hearing aids, testing and examinations for them, except for
accidental injury or intra-aural surgery.
All charges
Vision services (testing, treatment, and supplies)
One pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses per incident to correct an
impairment directly caused by:
Accidental ocular injury or
Specifically ordered by the physician in connection with a
diagnosis of:
Cataract
Keratoconus or
Glaucoma
Note: Services must be received within one year of the date of accident
or surgery.
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance
Non-PPO: 25% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount
Not covered:
Eyeglasses or contact lenses and examinations for them, except for
accidental injury and intraocular surgery
Eye exercises and orthoptics
Radial keratotomy and other refractive surgery
Eye refractions
All charges
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 27 Section 5 (a)
Foot care You pa y
We do not provide benefits for routine foot care, such as:
Treatment or removal of corns and calluses, or trimming of toenails
Orthopedic shoes, orthotics and other supportive devices for the feet
All charges
Orthopedic and prosthetic devices
Orthopedic braces
Artificial limbs and eyes to replace natural 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 implants
following mastectomy.
Note: See Section 5( b) for coverage of the surgery to insert the device
and Section 5( c) for hospital or facility coverage.
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance
Non-PPO: 25% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount
Two wigs per lifetime, up to a maximum of $150 each, when
required due to hair loss in connection with chemotherapy or radia-tion
treatment
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance (No Deduct-ible)
Non-PPO: 25% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount (No Deductible)
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount (No Deductible)
Not covered:
Orthopedic and corrective shoes and other supportive devices for
the feet
Arch supports
Footorthotics
Heel pads and heel cups
Corsets, trusses, elastic stockings, support hose, and other
supportive devices
Lumbosacral supports
All charges
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 28 Section 5 (a)
Durable medical equipment (DME) You Pa y
Durable medical equipment (DME) is equipment and supplies that:
1. Are prescribed by your attending physician (i. e., the physician
who is treating your illness or injury);
2. Are medically necessary;
3. Are primarily and customarily used only for a medical pur-pose;
4. Are generally useful only to a person with an illness or injury;
5. Are designed for prolonged use; and
6. Serve a specific therapeutic purpose in the treatment of an ill-ness
or injury.
We cover purchase or rental up to the purchase price, at our option,
including repair and adjustment, of durable medical equipment. Under
this benefit, we also cover:
Oxygen;
Hospital beds;
Dialysis equipment;
Respirators;
Wheelchairs, crutches, canes, walkers, casts;
Cervical collars and traction kits; and
Splints and trusses
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance
Non-PPO: 25% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount
Not covered: Sun or heat lamps, whirlpool baths, heating pads, air
purifiers, humidifiers, air conditioners, and exercise devices
All charges
Home health services
For services provided on a part-time basis (less than an 8-hour shift):
If precertified, 90 visits per calendar year up to a maximum Plan
payment of $80 per visit when:
A registered nurse (R. N.) or licensed practical nurse (L. P. N.)
provides the services;
A licensed therapist provides physical, occupational or speech
therapy;
The attending physician orders the care;
The physician identifies the specific professional skills required by
the patient and the medical necessity for skilled services; and
The physician indicates the length of time the services are needed.
PPO: Charges in excess of $80 per visit (No
Deductible) (90 visit maximum)
Non-PPO: Charges in excess of $80 per visit
and any difference between the Plan allow-ance
and the billed amount (No Deductible)
(90 visit maximum)
Out-of-network: Charges in excess of $80 per
visit and any difference between the Plan
allowance and the billed amount
(No Deductible) (90 visit maximum)
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 29 Section 5 (a)
Home health services (continued) You pa y
If not precertified, 40 visits per calendar year up to a maximum plan
payment of $40, subject to the above provisions.
PPO: Charges in excess of $40 per visit. (No
Deductible) (40 visit maximum)
Non-PPO: Charges in excess of $40 per visit
and any difference between the Plan allow-ance
and the billed amount (No Deductible)
(40 visit maximum)
Out-of-network: Charges in excess of $40 per
visit and any difference between the Plan
allowance and the billed amount (No
Deductible) (40 visit maximum)
For private duty nursing provided on a full-time basis (more than an
8-hour shift) by a Registered Nurse (R. N.) or Licensed Practical Nurse
(L. P. N.) when:
the care is ordered by the attending physician, and
your physician identifies the specific professional nursing skills that
you require, as well as the length of time needed.
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance
Non-PPO: 25% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount
Not covered:
Nursing care requested by, or for the convenience of, the patient or
the patient's family;
Home care primarily for personal assistance that does not include a
medical component and is not diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilita-tive:
Custodial care as defined in Section 10.
All charges.
Chiropractic
No benefits. All charges
Alternative treatments
Acupuncture when used as an anesthetic agent for covered surgery PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance (No Deduct-ible)
Non-PPO: 25% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount (No Deductible)
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount (No Deductible)
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 30 Section 5 (a)
Alternative treatments (Continued) You Pa y
Not covered:
Chiropractic services
Chelation therapy except for acute arsenic, gold, mercury, or lead
poisoning
Naturopathic services
Homeopathic services and medicines
(Note: Benefits of certain alternative treatment providers may be
covered in medically underserved areas; see page 9.)
All charges
Educational classes and programs
Coverage is limited to:
Smoking Cessation Up to $100 maximum for one program per 12
months to include
Individual/ Group counseling and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance and all
charges in excess of the $100 maximum
Non-PPO: 25% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount and all charges in excess of the
$100 maximum
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount and all charges in excess of
the $100 maximum
Office visits for Smoking Cessation PPO: $10 copayment (No Deductible)
Non-PPO: 30% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount
Note: Prescription drugs are covered under Section 5( f).
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35
2003 Association Benefit Plan 31 Section 5 (b)
Section 5 (b). Surgical and anesthesia services provided by physicians and other health care professionals
I
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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 exclu-sions
in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically
necessary.
The calendar year deductible does not apply for these benefits; however, we added
(No Deductible) -to show that the calendar year deductible does not apply.
PPO benefits apply only when you reside in the PPO network area and use a PPO pro-vider.
When no PPO provider is available, non-PPO benefits apply. Out-of-network
benefits apply when you reside outside the PPO network area.
Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services for valuable information
about how cost sharing works, with special sections for members who are age 65 or
over. 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 PROCE-DURES.
Please refer to the precertification information shown in Section 3 to be
sure which services require precertification.
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Benefit Description You pa y
NOTE: We added -(No Deductible) -to show when the calendar year deductible does not apply
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
Endoscopy procedures
Biopsy procedures
Removal of tumors and cysts
Correction of congenital anomalies (see Reconstructive surgery)
Surgical treatment of morbid obesity a condition in which an
individual (1) is the greater of 100 pounds or 100% over his/ her nor-mal
weight (in accordance with our underwriting standards) with
complicating conditions; (2) has been so for at least five years with
documented unsuccessful attempts to reduce under a doctor-moni-tored
diet and exercise program and (3) is age 18 or older.
Insertion of internal prosthetic devices. See Section 5( a) for device
coverage information.
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance (No Deduct-ible)
Non-PPO: 30% of the Plan allowance and
any difference between our allowance and the
billed amount (No Deductible)
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance
and the billed amount (No Deductible)
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36
2003 Association Benefit Plan 32 Section 5 (b)
Surgical procedures Continued You Pa y
Voluntary sterilization (e. g., tubal ligation, vasectomy)
Surgically implanted contraceptives (such as Norplant), and intrau-terine
devices (IUDs)
Treatment of burns
Surgical treatment of bunions or spurs
Assistant surgeons -we cover up to 20% of our allowance for the
surgeon's charge
Note: For related services, see applicable benefits section (i. e., for
inpatient hospital benefits, see Section 5( c)).
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance (No Deduct-ible)
Non-PPO: 30% of the Plan allowance and
any difference between our allowance and the
billed amount (No Deductible)
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance
and the billed amount (No Deductible)
When multiple or bilateral surgical procedures performed during the
same operative session add time or complexity to patient care, our
benefits are:
For the primary procedure:
PPO: 90% of the Plan allowance or (No Deductible)
Non-PPO: 70% of the Plan allowance or (No Deductible)
Out-of-network: 85% of the Plan allowance (No Deductible)
For the secondary procedure( s):
PPO: 90% of one-half of the Plan allowance or (No Deductible)
Non-PPO: 70% of one-half of the Plan allowance (No Deduct-ible)
Out-of-network: 85% of one-half of the Plan allowance (No
Deductible)
Note: Multiple or bilateral surgical procedures performed through the
same incision are "incidental" to the primary surgery. That is, the
procedure would not add time or complexity to patient care. We do not
pay extra for incidental procedures.
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance for the
primary procedure and 10% of one-half of
the Plan allowance for the secondary
procedure( s) (No Deductible)
Non-PPO: 30% of the Plan allowance for the
primary procedure and 30% of one-half of
the Plan allowance for the secondary
procedure( s); and any difference between our
payment and the billed amount (No Deduct-ible)
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
for the primary procedure and 15% of
one-half of the Plan allowance for the
secondary procedure( s); and any difference
between our payment and the billed amount
(No Deductible)
Note: For certain surgical procedures, we
may apply a value of less than 50% of subse-quent
procedures.
Not covered:
Services of a standby surgeon, except during angioplasty or other
high risk procedures when we determine standbys are medically
necessary
All charges
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 33 Section 5 (b)
Reconstructive surgery You Pa y
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; birthmarks; and webbed fingers and toes.
All stages of breast reconstruction surgery following a mastectomy,
such as:
surgery to produce a symmetrical appearance on the other breast;
treatment of any physical complications, such as lymphedemas;
breast prostheses; and surgical bras and replacements (see
Prosthetic devices for coverage)
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance (No Deduct-ible)
Non-PPO: 30% of the Plan allowance and
any difference between our allowance and the
billed amount (No Deductible)
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance
and the billed amount (No Deductible)
Note: Internal breast prostheses are covered under Section 5( a).
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.
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 or sexual dysfunction
All charges
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 34 Section 5 (b)
Oral and maxillofacial surgery You Pa y
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
Surgical correction of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
Surgical removal of impacted teeth, including anesthesia charges
Other surgical procedures that do not involve the teeth or their
supporting structures
20% of the Plan allowance and any difference
between the Plan allowance and the billed
amount (No Deductible)
Not covered:
Oral implants and transplants
Procedures that involve the teeth or their supporting structures (such
as the periodontal membrane, gingiva, and alveolar bone)
Pre-and post-operative examinations in preparation for surgical
removal of impacted teeth
All charges
Organ/ tissue transplants
Limited to the following transplants:
Lung: Single only for the following end-stage pulmonary dis-eases:
pulmonary fibrosis, primary pulmonary hypertension, or
emphysema; Double only for patients with cystic fibrosis
Intestinal transplants (small intestine) and the small intestine with
the liver or small intestine with multiple organs such as the liver,
stomach and pancreas for irreversible intestinal failure
Bone marrow and stem cell support as follows:
Allogeneic bone marrow transplants
Autologous bone marrow transplants (autologous stem support) and
autologous peripheral stem cell support for
1) Acute lymphocytic or non-lymphocytic leukemia;
2) Advanced Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma;
3) Advanced neuroblastoma;
4) Testicular, mediastinal, retroperitoneal and ovarian germ cell
tumors;
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance (No Deduct-ible)
Non-PPO: 30% of the Plan allowance and
any difference between our allowance and the
billed amount (No Deductible)
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance
and the billed amount (No Deductible)
Cornea Heart Kidney/ Pancreas
Kidney Liver Heart/ Lung
Pancreas
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 35 Section 5 (b)
Organ/ tissue transplants Continued You Pa y
5) Breast cancer;
6) Multiple myeloma; and
7) Epithelial ovarian cancer
Note: We cover related medical and hospital expenses of the donor
when we cover the recipient.
Note: We have special arrangements with facilities to provide services
for tissue and organ transplants our Medical Specialty Network. The
network was designed to give you an opportunity to access providers
that demonstrate high quality medical care for transplant patients.
Your physician can coordinate arrangements by calling us at
1-800-634-0069.
Not covered:
Donor screening tests and donor search expenses, except those per-formed
for the actual donor
Transplants not listed as covered
Implants of artificial organs
All charges
Anesthesia
Professional services provided in:
Hospital (inpatient)
Hospital outpatient department
Skilled nursing facility
Ambulatory surgical center
Office
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance (No Deduct-ible)
Non-PPO: 25% of the Plan allowance and
any difference between our allowance and the
billed amount (No Deductible)
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance
and the billed amount (No Deductible)
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 36 Section 5 (c)
Section 5 (c). Services provided by a hospital or other facility, and ambulance services
I
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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.
In this section, unlike Sections 5( a) and 5( b), the calendar year deductible applies to only
a few benefits. We added -(No Deductible) -to show when the calendar year does not
apply.
PPO benefits apply only when you reside in the PPO network area and use a PPO pro-vider.
When no PPO provider is available, non-PPO benefits apply. Out-of-network ben-efits
apply when you reside outside the PPO network area.
Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services for valuable information about
how cost sharing works, with special sections for members who are age 65 or over. 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 Section 5( a) or (b).
YOU MUST GET PRECERTIFICATION OF HOSPITAL STAYS; FAILURE TO
DO SO WILL RESULT IN A MINIMUM $500 PENALTY. Please refer to the precerti-fication
information shown in Section 3 to be sure which services require precertification.
TO OBTAIN THE MAXIMUM BENEFITS, YOU SHOULD GET PRECERTIFI-CATION
OF CARE YOU RECEIVE IN SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES,
HOSPICE, AND ALSO HOME HEALTH CARE. Please refer to this section
(Skilled nursing facility benefits and Hospice care) andSection 5( a)( Home health
services) for details on how your benefits are affected if you do not certify. Also,
please refer to Section 3 for additional details on precertification.
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Benefit Description You pa y
NOTE: We added -(No Deductible) -to show when the calendar year deductible does not apply.
Inpatient hospital
Room and board, such as
semiprivate or intensive care accommodations;
general nursing care; and
meals and special diets.
NOTE: We only cover a private room when you must be isolated to pre-vent
contagion. Otherwise, we will pay the hospital's average charge
for semiprivate accommodations. If the hospital only has private rooms,
we base our payment on the average semiprivate rate of the most com-parable
hospital in the area.
Other hospital services and supplies, such as:
Operating, recovery, maternity, and other treatment rooms
Prescribed drugs and medicines
Diagnostic laboratory tests and X-rays
Blood or blood plasma, if not donated or replaced
PPO: $100 copayment per hospital stay (No
Deductible)
Non-PPO: $200 copayment per hospital stay
and 30% of the covered charges (No Deduct-ible)
Out-of-network: $200 per hospital stay
(No Deductible)
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 37 Section 5 (c)
Inpatient hospital (Continued) You Pa y
Dressings, splints, casts, and sterile tray services
Medical supplies and equipment, including oxygen
Anesthetics
Note: Take-home drugs are covered under Section 5( f).
Note: Take-home medical supplies, appliances, medical equipment, and
any covered items billed by a hospital are covered under Section 5( a).
Pre-admission testing when testing is:
performed within 7 days before your scheduled hospital admission;
related to your covered hospital stay;
accepted by the hospital instead of tests performed during your hos-pital
stay; and
repeated only if your medical record shows the pre-admission test
results and the need for repeated tests when you are admitted.
Note: Charges for professional services of a physician when billed by
the hospital are paid separately. For example, when the hospital bills for
your surgeon's charges, we pay under Section 5( b); and for your physi-cal
therapist's charges, we pay under Section 5( a).
PPO: Nothing (No Deductible)
Non-PPO: Nothing (No Deductible)
Out-of-network: Nothing (No Deductible)
Not covered:
Any part of a hospital admission that is not medically necessary (see
definition in Section 10) such as when you do not need the acute hos-pital
inpatient (overnight) setting but could receive care in some
other setting without adversely affecting your condition or the qual-ity
of the medical care.
Note: In this event, we pay benefits for services and supplies, excluding
room and board and in-patient physician care, at the level of benefits
that would have been covered if provided in another approved setting.
Inpatient hospital services and supplies for surgery that we do not
cover
Custodial care (see definition) even when provided by a hospital
Non-covered facilities, such as nursing homes, rest homes, places for
the aged, convalescent homes or any place that is not a hospital,
skilled nursing facility, or hospice
Personal comfort items, such as radio, television, telephone, beauty
and barber services
Private nursing care
All charges
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 38 Section 5 (c)
Outpatient hospital or ambulatory surgical center You Pa y
Services and supplies related to surgery, such as:
Operating, recovery, and other treatment rooms
Prescribed drugs and medicines for use in the facility
X-ray, laboratory and pathology services, and machine
diagnostic tests
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
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance
Non-PPO: 25% of the Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance
and the billed amount
Services and supplies not related to surgery, such as:
Outpatient facility room charges
Prescribed drugs and medicines for use in the facility
X-ray, laboratory and pathology services and machine diagnostic tests
Medical supplies, including oxygen
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance
Non-PPO: 30% of the Plan allowance and
any difference between our allowance and the
billed amount
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance
and the billed amount
Note: Take-home drugs are covered under Section 5( f).
Note: Take-home medical supplies, appliances, medical equipment and
any covered items billed by a hospital are covered under Section 5( a).
Note: We cover hospital services related to dental procedures (even
though the dental procedure itself may not be covered) only when a
nondental physical impairment exists that makes hospitalization neces-sary
to safeguard your health.
Skilled nursing care facility benefits
If precertified, we cover semiprivate room, board, services and sup-plies
in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) for up to 60 days when:
1) hospital stay is medically necessary and
2) when the hospital stay is under the supervision of a physician
PPO: Charges in excess of 60-day maximum
(No Deductible)
Non-PPO: Charges in excess of 60-day maxi-mum
and the difference between the Plan
allowance and the billed amount (No Deduct-ible)
Out-of-network: Charges in excess of 60-day
maximum and the difference between the
Plan allowance and the billed amount (No
Deductible)
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 39 Section 5 (c)
Skilled nursing care facility benefits (Continued)
If not precertified, we cover semiprivate room, board, services and
supplies for up to 30 days subject to the above conditions
Note: SNF benefits will be restored for each new period of hospital
stay. There is a new period of hospital stay when at least 60 days have
elapsed since you were last confined in a SNF.
PPO: 20% and charges in excess of the
30-day maximum (No Deductible)
Non-PPO: 20% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allow-ance
and the billed amount for 30 days,
then all additional charges (No Deduct-ible)
Out-of-network: 20% of the Plan
allowance and any difference between
our allowance and the billed amount
for 30 days, then all additional charges
(No Deductible)
Not covered: Custodial care All charges
Hospice care You Pay
Hospice is a coordinated inpatient and outpatient program of
maintenance and supportive care for the terminally ill provided by a
medically supervised team under the direction of a
Plan-approved independent hospice administration.
If precertified, we pay $7500 for inpatient or outpatient hospice care
PPO: Charges in excess of $7500
maximum (No Deductible)
Non-PPO: Charges in excess of $7500
maximum and the difference between the
Plan allowance and the billed amount (No
Deductible)
Out-of-network: Charges in excess of $7500
maximum and the difference between the
Plan allowance and the billed amount (No
Deductible)
If not precertified, we pay $4500 for inpatient or outpatient hospice
care
PPO: Charges in excess of $4500 maximum
(No Deductible)
Non-PPO: Charges in excess of $4500
maximum and the difference between the
Plan allowance and the billed amount (No
Deductible)
Note: One hospice program is covered per lifetime. This benefit does
not apply to services covered under any other provisions of the Plan.
Out-of-network: Charges in excess of $4500
maximum and the difference between the
Plan allowance and the billed amount (No
Deductible)
Ambulance
We pay the first $50 for:
Professional ambulance service (including air ambulance when med-
ically necessary) to or from the nearest hospital equipped to handle
your condition.
Transportation by professional ambulance, railroad or commercial air-
line on a regularly scheduled flight to the nearest hospital equipped to
furnish special and unique treatment when medically appropriate
PPO: 10% of Plan allowance after $50 benefit
Non-PPO: 25% of Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount after $50 benefit
Out-of-network: 15% of Plan allowance and
any difference between our allowance and the
billed amount after $50 benefit
Not covered: Ambulance transport for you or your family's
convenience.
All charges
42.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 40 Section 5 (d)
Section 5 (d). Emergency services/ accidents
I
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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.
The calendar year deductible is: $300 per person ($ 600 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.
PPO benefits apply only when you reside in the PPO network area and use a PPO pro-vider.
When no PPO provider is available, non-PPO benefits apply. Out-of-network
benefits apply when you reside outside the PPO network area.
Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services for valuable information
about how cost sharing works, with special sections for members who are age 65 or
over. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including
with Medicare.
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What is an accidental injury? An accidental injury is a bodily injury that requires immediate medical attention and is sustained solely through violent,
external, and accidental means, such as broken bones, animal bites, insect bites and stings, and poisonings. Accidental
dental injury is under Section 5( h).
Benefit Description You pa y After the calendar year deductible
NOTE: We added -(No Deductible) -to show when the calendar year deductible does not apply
Accidental injury
If you are accidentally injured, we will pay 100% of the Plan allowance
up to the maximum benefit of $500 per incident for:
Outpatient facility charges
Outpatient physician services and supplies
Related x-ray, laboratory expenses, or durable medical equipment
Note: We pay Hospital benefits if you are admitted to the hospital. See
Section 5( c).
Note: Charges in excess of the $500 benefit will be paid under the
appropriate benefit (i. e., for follow-up physician visits, see Section
5( a)).
PPO: Nothing up to the $500 maximum
benefit (No Deductible).
Non-PPO: Only the difference between our
allowance and the billed amount up to the
$500 maximum benefit (No Deductible).
Out-of-network: Only the difference between
our allowance and the billed amount up to the
$500 maximum benefit (No Deductible).
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 41 Section 5 (d)
Medical emergency You Pay
Regular Plan benefits apply when you receive care because of a non-accidental
medical emergency. See Section 5( a).
PPO services in physician's office: $10
copayment (No Deductible)
PPO services outside physician's office:
10% of the Plan allowance
Non-PPO: 30% of Plan allowance and any
difference between our allowance and the
billed amount
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance
and the billed amount.
Ambulance
We pay the first $50 for:
Professional ambulance service (including air ambulance when med-ically
necessary) to or from the nearest hospital equipped to handle
your condition.
Transportation by professional ambulance, railroad or commercial
airline on a regularly scheduled flight to the nearest hospital
equipped to furnish special and unique treatment when medically
appropriate
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance after the $50
benefit
Non-PPO: 25% of the Plan allowance and
any difference between our allowance and the
billed amount after the $50 benefit
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance
and the billed amount after the $50 benefit
Not covered: Ambulance transport for you or your family's
convenience.
All charges
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 42 Section 5 (e)
Section 5 (e). Mental health and substance abuse benefits
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If you reside in the PPO Network Area, you may choose to get PPO or Non-PPO care. If
you reside outside the network area, you will receive out-of-network care. PPO members
who choose PPO care must get our approval for services and follow a treatment plan we
approve. Cost-sharing and limitations for PPO or out-of-network 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:
All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure
and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.
The calendar year deductible is $300 per person ($ 600 per family) and applies to
almost all benefits in this Section. We added -(No Deductible) -to show when the
calendar year deductible does not apply.
PPO benefits apply only when you reside in the PPO network area and use a PPO pro-vider.
When no PPO provider is available, non-PPO benefits apply. Out-of-network
benefits apply when you reside outside the PPO network area.
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.
PPO MEMBERS WHO CHOOSE PPO CARE MUST GET PREAUTHORIZA-TION
OF THESE SERVICES. BENEFITS MAY BE REDUCED IF YOU FAIL
TO GET PRECERTIFICATION OF THESE SERVICES. See the instructions
after the benefits descriptions below.
PPO mental health and substance abuse benefits are listed below, then Non-PPO and
Out-of-network benefits begin on page 44.
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Benefit Description You Pa y After the calendar year deductible
NOTE: 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
PPO Network benefits
All diagnostic and treatment services contained in a treatment plan that
we approve. The treatment plan may include services, drugs, and sup-plies
described elsewhere in this brochure.
Note: PPO benefits are payable only when we determine the care is clin-ically
appropriate to treat your condition and only when you receive the
care as part of a treatment plan we approve.
Your cost sharing responsibilities are no
greater than for other illness or conditions.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 43 Section 5 (e)
PPO Network benefits-Continued You Pa y
Professional services provided by a physician PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance (No
Deductible)
Other professional services (i. e., psychologists, clinical social
workers, licensed counselors), inpatient professional services, and
outpatient hospital services
Services in approved alternative care settings, such as partial
hospitalization or facility-based intensive outpatient treatment
(See definitions, Section 10).
Diagnostic tests (including psychological testing)
PPO: 10% of the Plan allowance
Medical management
Note: No preauthorization is required.
PPO: $10 copayment (No Deductible)
Inpatient hospital charges PPO: $100 copayment per hospital stay (No
Deductible)
Not covered:
Services we have not approved.
All charges for chemical aversion therapy, conditioned reflex
treatments, narcotherapy or any similar aversion treatments and all
related charges (including room and board)
Any provider not specifically listed as covered
Counseling or therapy for marital, educational or behavioral
problems, or related to mental retardation or learning disabilities
Community-based programs such as self-help groups or 12 step
program
Treatments for learning disabilities and mental retardation
Services by pastoral (except in medically underserved areas),
marital, or drug/ alcohol counselors
Conjoint therapy, hypnotherapy, interpretation/ preparation of
reports
All charges
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.
Preauthorization and Precertification To be eligible to receive these enhanced mental health and substance abuse benefits,
you must obtain a treatment plan and follow
all of our network authorization processes.
These include:
Outpatient mental health and substance
abuse benefits will be reduced by 50% if
services are not preauthorized within two
business days of the initial visit.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 44 Section 5 (e)
Preauthorization and Precertification (Continued) Preauthorization and concurrent review are required for all levels of care whether
in-or out-of-network.
The medical necessity of your inpatient
services must be precertified for you to
receive full Plan benefits. Otherwise, the
benefits payable will be reduced by $500.
Emergency admissions must be reported
within two business days following the
day of admission even if you have been
discharged.
You, your representative, your physician, or
your hospital must call Mutual of Omaha's
Care Review Unit prior to admission. The
toll-free number is 1-800-634-0069.
You must provide the following information:
enrollee's name and Plan identification num-ber;
patient's name, birth date and phone
number; reason for hospitalization, proposed
treatment; name of hospital or facility; name
and number of admitting physician; and
number of planned days of hospital stay.
Network limitation We will reduce your benefits if you do not follow all of our preauthorization process
and your treatment plan.
Non-PPO and Out-of-network benefits You Pa y
Mental Health
Professional services by physicians, psychologists, clinical social
workers or licensed counselors, and inpatient professional services
Non-PPO: 50% of the Plan allowance and
any difference between our allowance and
the billed amount and all charges in excess
of 50 visit maximum
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and the difference between our allowance
and the billed amount
Diagnostic testing (including psychological testing)
Medical management
Non-PPO: 25% of the Plan allowance and
the difference between our allowance and the
billed amount
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and the difference between our Plan and the
billed amount
Outpatient hospital charges Non-PPO: 50% of the Plan allowance and
the difference between our allowance and the
billed amount
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and the difference between our Plan and the
billed amount
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 45 Section 5 (e)
Non-PPO and Out-of-network benefits (Continued) You Pa y
Inpatient hospital charges Non-PPO: $200 copayment per hospital stay
and 30% of the covered charges (No
Deductible)
Out-of-network: $200 copayment per
hospital stay (No Deductible)
Services in approved alternative care settings, such as partial
hospitalization or facility-based intensive outpatient treatment (See
definitions, Section 10)
Non-PPO: All charges
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance
and the billed amount
Substance Abuse
Inpatient care includes room and board and ancillary charges for
hospital stays in a treatment facility for rehabilitative treatment of
alcoholism or substance abuse
Non-PPO: $200 copayment per hospital stay
and 30% of the covered charges up to $10,500
per 28-day program (No Deductible)
Out-of-network: $200 copayment per
hospital stay (No Deductible)
Outpatient benefits (including aftercare) Non-PPO: 25% of the Plan allowance and
the difference between our allowance and the
billed amount up to the maximum $4,000
benefit
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and the difference between our allowance
and the billed amount
Services in approved alternative care settings, such as partial
hospitalization or facility-based intensive outpatient treatment (See
definitions, Section 10.)
Non-PPO: All charges
Out-of-network: 15% of the Plan allowance
and any difference between our allowance
and the billed amount
Not covered:
Services we have not approved
All charges for chemical aversion therapy, conditioned reflex treat-ments,
narcotherapy or any similar aversion treatments and all
related charges (including room and board)
Any provider not specifically listed as covered
Counseling or therapy for marital, educational or behavioral prob-lems,
or related to mental retardation or learning disabilities
Community-based programs such as self-help groups or 12 step
program
Treatments for learning disabilities and mental retardation
Services by pastoral (except in medically underserved areas), mari-tal,
or drug/ alcohol counselors
Conjoint therapy, hypnotherapy, interpretation/ preparation of
reports
All charges
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 46 Section 5 (e)
Non-PPO and Out-of-network benefits (Continued) You Pa y
Lifetime maximum Non-PPO inpatient or outpatient care for the treatment of alcoholism and drug abuse is limited to three treatment programs per lifetime. With-drawal
from a treatment program prior to completion constitutes use of
one program.
Preauthorization and Preauthorization of treatment programs is not required. The medical Precertification necessity of your admission to a hospital or other covered facility must be
precertified for you to receive these benefits. Emergency admissions must
be reported within two business days following the day of admission even
if you have been discharged. Otherwise, the benefits payable will be
reduced by $500. See Section 3 for details. Precertification is not required
for overseas care.
See these sections of the brochure for more valuable information about these benefits:
Section 3, How you get care, for information about catastrophic protection for these benefits
Section 7, Filing a claim for covered services, for information about submitting non-PPO and Out-of-network
claims
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 47 Section 5 (f)
Section 5 (f) Prescription drug benefits
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Here are some important things to keep in mind about these benefits:
We cover prescribed drugs and medications, as described below.
All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions in this brochure
and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.
Certain drugs require prior authorization or may be subject to quantity limits. If your
prescription is for a drug requiring prior authorization, additional information from
your physician will be needed before the medication is dispensed. Your physician
may call 1-800-634-0069 to begin the review process.
The calendar year deductible does not apply to almost all benefits in this Section. We
added -(No Deductible) -to show when the calendar year deductible does not apply.
Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services for valuable information about
how cost sharing works, with special sections for members who are age 65 or over. Also
read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare.
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These are important features you should be aware of. These include:
Who can write your prescription. A licensed physician or dentist must write the prescription.
Where you can obtain them. You may fill the prescription at a network pharmacy or by mail. To locate a network
pharmacy in your area, call 1-800-752-0598 or you may also visit Mutual of Omaha's website at www. mutualofo-maha.
com. We will send you information on the mail order drug program. To use the program: 1) complete the ini-tial
mail order form; 2) enclose your prescription and copayment; 3) mail your order to Express Scripts, Inc., PO
Box 27226, Albuquerque, NM 87125-9908; 4) allow two to three weeks for delivery. You will receive forms for
refills and future prescription orders each time you receive drugs or supplies under this program. If you have ques-tions
about the mail order program, call 1-800-752-0598.
We use a formulary. A formulary is a list of selected FDA-approved commonly prescribed medications from which
your physician or dentist may choose to prescribe. The formulary is designed to inform you and your physician
about quality medications that, when prescribed in place of other nonformulary medications, can help contain the
increasing cost of prescription drug coverage without sacrificing quality. To find out if your medication is on the
formulary, call Express Scripts, Inc., at 1-800-752-0598 or visit Mutual of Omaha's website at www. mutualofo-maha.
com. If you are prescribed a drug not on the formulary, you will pay a higher copayment. A request for a
nonformulary appeal may be submitted in writing through the Disputed Claims Process as described in Section 8.
Why use generic drugs? Generic drugs are lower-priced drugs that are the therapeutic equivalent to more expen-sive
brand-name drugs. They must contain the same active ingredients and must be equivalent in strength and dos-age
to the original brand-name product. Generics cost less than the equivalent brand-name product. The U. S. Food
and Drug Administration sets quality standards for generic drugs to ensure that these drugs meet the same standards
of quality and strength as brand-name drugs.
Some drugs require prior authorization. Prior Authorization Requirements (PAR) are applied to encourage
appropriate use of medications that are most likely to have certain risk factors. These requirements apply to drugs
that may be used in amounts that exceed dosage or length of treatment recommendations or that may be more costly
than medications that are proven to be clinically and therapeutically similar. If your prescription is identified as a
drug requiring PAR, your physician should call Customer Service at 1-800-634-0069.
These are the dispensing limitations. When you obtain prescription drugs from a pharmacy using your Prescrip-tion
Drug Card, you may obtain up to a 30-day supply of covered drugs. If purchasing more than a 30-day supply on
the same day, any expense exceeding that supply limit will not be covered through the pharmacy arrangement. You
may purchase your covered prescription drugs and supplies by presenting your prescription drug card and your pre-scription
to a participating provider. Prescription refills will be covered when no more than 50% of the 30-day sup-ply
remains based on your physician's prescription.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 48 Section 5 (f)
Section 5 (f). Prescription drug benefits (continued)
If your physician or dentist prescribes a medication that will be taken over an extended period of time, you should
request two prescriptions one for immediate use with a participating retail pharmacy and the other for up to a 90-day
supply from the Mail Order Program. Express Scripts, Inc., will fill your prescription. All drugs and supplies covered
by the Plan are available under this program except fertility drugs. If you have questions about a particular drug or a
prescription, and to request your first order forms, call 1-800-752-0598. If a generic equivalent to the prescribed drug is
available, Express Scripts will dispense the generic equivalent instead of the brand name unless you or your physician
specifies that the brand name is required.
Benefit Description You Pa y
NOTE: We added -(No Deductible) -to show when the calendar year deductible does not apply
Covered medications and supplies
Each new enrollee will receive a prescription drug card (two cards if
enrolled in a Family plan), a mail order form/ patient profile and a pread-dressed
reply envelope. If you need additional cards, call 1-800-634-0069.
You may purchase the following medications and supplies prescribed by
a physician from either a pharmacy or by mail:
Drugs, vitamins and minerals that by Federal law of the United States
require a doctor's prescription for their purchase
Insulin and diabetic supplies
FDA-approved drugs and devices requiring a physician's prescription
for the purpose of birth control
Needles and syringes for the administration of covered medications
Here are some things to keep in mind about our prescription drug pro-gram:
A generic equivalent will be dispensed if it is available, unless your
physician specifically requires a name brand. Your physician must
specify "dispense as written" if a brand name drug is required.
When purchasing drugs at a pharmacy, you must use your Prescrip-tion
Drug Card. Please call us to request additional prescription drug
cards for family members.
We have an open formulary. If your physician believes a name brand
product is necessary or there is no generic available, your physician
may prescribe a name brand drug from a formulary list. To order a pre-scription
drug brochure, call Customer Service at 1-800-752-0598.
Compound prescription drugs are covered as nonformulary brand
name drugs.
Network Retail:
$10 generic (No Deductible)
$20 formulary brand name (No Deductible)
30% nonformulary brand name or $30,
whichever is greater (No Deductible)
Network Retail when Medicare Part B
is primary:
$5 generic (No Deductible)
$15 formulary brand name (No Deductible)
30% nonformulary brand name or $25,
whichever is greater (No Deductible)
Network Mail Order:
$20 generic (No Deductible)
$40 formulary brand name (No Deductible)
30% nonformulary brand name or $45,
whichever is greater (No Deductible)
Network Mail Order when Medicare
Part B is primary:
$8 generic (No Deductible)
$23 formulary brand name (No Deductible)
30% nonformulary brand name or $38,
whichever is greater (No Deductible)
Note: If there is no generic equivalent avail-able,
you will still have to pay the brand
name copay.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 49 Section 5 (f)
Covered medications and supplies (Continued) You Pa y
If you are overseas and do not order prescription drugs through the Mail
Order Prescription Drug Program:
If you are provided drugs directly by a physician or covered facility (not
a pharmacy), including FDA-approved drugs and devices requiring a
physician's prescription for the purpose of birth control:
If you do not use your prescription drug card to purchase needles and
syringes for the administration of covered medications or diabetic
supplies:
If you purchase colostomy or ostomy supplies:
20%
Not covered:
Drugs and supplies for cosmetic purposes
Nutritional supplements and vitamins (including prenatal) that do
not require a prescription
Medication that does not require a prescription under Federal law
even if your physician prescribes it or a prescription is required
under your State law
Medical supplies such as dressings and antiseptics
Medication for which there is a non-prescription equivalent avail-able
Prescriptions received from non-participating pharmacies unless
overseas or through a covered physician or facility. Call 1-800-752-0598
to locate a participating pharmacy.
Drug copayments
Fertility drugs are covered only under "Infertility services"
All charges
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 50 Section 5 (g)
Section 5 (g) Special features
Special features Description
Flexible Benefits Option Under the flexible benefits option, we determine the most effective way to provide services.
We may identify medically appropriate alternatives to traditional care
and coordinate other benefits as a less costly alternative benefit.
Alternative benefits are subject to our ongoing review.
By approving an alternative benefit, we cannot guarantee you will get
it in the future.
The decision to offer an alternative benefit is solely ours, and we may
withdraw it at any time and resume regular contract benefits.
Our decision to offer or withdraw alternative benefits is not subject to
OPM review under the disputed claims process.
Healthy Maternity Program You have access to Mutual of Omaha's Healthy Maternity Program, which provides educational material and support to pregnant women.
Contact Customer Service at 1-800-634-0069 for more information.
Centers of Excellence Mutual of Omaha has special arrangements with facilities to provide ser-vices for tissue and organ transplants its Medical Specialty Network.
The network was designed to give you an opportunity to access providers
that demonstrate high quality medical care for transplant patients. For
additional information regarding our transplant network, please call
1-800-634-0069.
Services Overseas Our overseas customers receive the same out-of-network benefits and prompt customer service as their stateside counterparts. There is no
additional claims processing time for foreign claims.
Healthydirections sm Healthydirections sm a disease management program for members and covered dependents with asthma, diabetes, or congestive heart failure
(CHF). Your health is important to us! If you or your covered dependent
has asthma, diabetes or congestive heart failure (CHF), you will be con-tacted
to voluntarily participate. If you would like to contact us for more
information about this program, please call 1-800-228-0286.
Glucose Monitors If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you may receive a free glucose moni-tor. The monitor is a small device that diabetics used to check and moni-tor
their blood sugar. Monitoring and controlling blood sugars is essential
for managing diabetes and preventing unnecessary complications. To
obtain a glucose monitor, call 1-800-634-0069:
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 51 Section 5 (g)
Section 5 (g) Special features (Continued)
Lifestyle Prescription Medications Many lifestyle prescription drugs are available at a discounted rate through participating pharmacies and the Plan's mail order program. You
are responsible for the entire cost of the drugs; however, they are avail-able
to you at our preferred contracted rate. The following lifestyle pre-scription
drugs are covered under this benefit:
Cosmetic: Renova, Vaniqua, Propecia
Infertility: A. P. L., Chorex-5, Chorex-10, Chronon 10, Clomid, Clomi-phene,
Crinone gel, Fertinex, Follistem, Gonal-F, Gonic, HCG, Hume-gon,
Pergonal, Pregnyl, Profasi, Repronex, Serophone
Obesity: Adipost, Didrex, Ionamin, Merida, Phendimetrazine, Phenter-mine,
Sanorex, Tenuate, Xenical
Sexual Dysfunction: Caverject, Edex, Muse, Viagra
This list is subject to change and may be subject to medical necessity
review if they are covered under another benefit provision (i. e., Infertil-ity).
If you have a question on drug coverage, call 1-800-634-0069.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 52 Section 5 (h)
Section 5 (h) Dental benefits
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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.
The calendar year deductible does not apply to the benefits in this Section. We
added -(No Deductible) -to show that the calendar year deductible does not apply.
Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services for valuable
information about how cost sharing works, with special sections for members
who are age 65 or over. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with
other coverage, including with Medicare.
Note: Even when the dental procedure itself may not be covered, we cover
hospitalization for dental procedures when a non-dental physical impairment exists
which makes hospitalization necessary to safeguard the health of the patient. See
Section 5( c) for outpatient hospital benefits.
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Accidental injury benefit You Pa y
We cover outpatient restorative services necessary to promptly
repair (but not replace) sound natural teeth until treatment is completed.
The need for these services must result from an accidental injury from
an external force such as a blow or fall that requires immediate attention
(not from biting or chewing). You must be enrolled in the Plan at the
time of injury and must remain in the Plan until treatment is completed.
20% of the Plan allowance and any difference
between our allowance and the billed amount
(No Deductible)
Dental benefits
Service We pay (scheduled allowance) You pa y
Routine oral examinations
including X-rays, cleaning,
diagnosis, and preparation of a
treatment plan
Dental fillings:
$39 twice per year All charges in excess of the
scheduled amounts listed to the
left (No Deductible)
One surface $12
Two surfaces $19
Three or more surfaces $24
Not covered:
Dental appliances, study models, splints, and other devices or dental services associated with the treatment of temporo-mandibular
joint (TMJ) dysfunction
Crowns and root canals
Other dental services not listed as covered
Note: Surgical removal of impacted teeth is covered in Section 5( b).
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 53 Section 5 (i)
Section 5 (i) Non-FEHB benefits available to Plan members
The benefits on this page are not part of the FEHB contract or premium, and you cannot file an FEHB disputed claim
about them. Fees you pay for these services do not count toward FEHB deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums.
Supplemental Dental
CAREINGTON International Corporation provides the following dental benefits to you:
20,000 credentialed providers nationwide
Up to 70% savings on most dental procedures, including routine exams, dentures, root canals and crowns
Up to a 20% reduction of the usual and customary fee for specialties, such as Orthodontics for children and adults,
Endodontics, Oral Surgery, Pedodontics, Periodontics and Prothodontics
Cosmetic dentistry such as bleaching, bonding and implants
NO deductibles, NO claim forms and NO pre-existing conditions.
Supplemental Vision Care
EyeMed provides the following vision care benefits to you:
18,000 credentialed Optometrists, Ophthalmologists, Opticians nationwide, including LensCrafters
Up to 45% off all eyewear
Scheduled discounts off eye exams, lenses and lens options
15% discount on contact lenses and LASIK and PRK procedures
Supplemental Complementary and Alternative Medicine
American WholeHealth, Inc. provides Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), defined as any approach or
therapy that is not traditionally used in the practice of western medicine.
Save up to 30% for services provided a comprehensive network of practioners including:
Acupuncturists Chiropractors Dieticians
Exercise specialists Holistic health practitioners Herbal consultants
Massage therapists
Save up to 30% on these popular programs:
Yoga Meditation Biofeedback
Reflexology Nutrition Tai Chi
A careful screening process ensures participating practitioners meet standards.
Save up to 30% on vitamins and nutritional supplements.
Save an additional 15% off online orders and $5 off catalog orders over $25.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 54 Section 5 (i)
Section 5 (i) Non-FEHB benefits available (Continued)
Supplemental Hearing Services
Miracle-Ear, a leader in research and technology, provides savings from over 1,000 hearing professionals nationwide.
These savings include:
15% discount off the retail price on Miracle-Ear brand hearing aids and hearing aid repair charges on any brand
No charge for initial comprehensive hearing test
No charge for an annual check and cleansing of hearing aid on any brand
No charge for video otoscope examination where available
State of the art audiometric evaluations
Long Term Care Insurance
When you or a family member requires assistance with normal daily activities due to aging or a disabling accident or
illness, you may require long term care assistance. These situations can quickly deplete your family's lifetime savings.
Mutuals of Omaha's Long Term Care insurance guards against this circumstance.
It provides:
Very competitive premiums based on your age at the time of enrollment
Inflation protection
Coverage for you, your spouse, parents and parents-in-law, under the age of 80
Coverage in a nursing care or assisted living facility or in your own home
Return of premium option if you never need coverage or need it only for a short time
Option to increase your benefits every five years
For additional information or enrollment in any of these programs, please call 1-800-769-6953.
NON-FEHB Benefits are not part of the FEHB contract.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 55 Section 6
Section 6. General exclusions things we don't cover
The exclusions in this section apply to all benefits. Although we may list a specific service as a benefit, we will not
cover it unless we determine it is medically necessary to prevent, diagnose, or treat your illness, disease, injury, or
condition. The fact that one of our covered providers has prescribed, recommended, or approved a service or supply
does not make it medically necessary or eligible for covereage under this plan.
We do not cover the following:
Services, drugs, or supplies you receive while you are not enrolled in this Plan;
Services, drugs, or supplies that are not medically necessary;
Services, drugs, or supplies not required according to accepted standards of medical, dental, or psychiatric practice;
Experimental or investigational procedures, treatments, drugs or devices;
Services, drugs, or supplies related to abortions, except when the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus
were carried to term, or when the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest;
Services, drugs, or supplies related to sex transformations, sexual dysfunction or sexual inadequacy;
Services, drugs, or supplies you receive from a provider or facility barred from the FEHB Program;
Services, drugs, or supplies you receive without charge while in active military service;
Any portion of a provider's fee or charge that has been waived. If a provider routinely waives (does not require you
to pay) a deductible, copayment or coinsurance, we will calculate the actual provider fee or charge by reducing the
fee or charge by the amount waived).
Charges you or the Plan has no legal obligation to pay, such as excess charges for an annuitant 65 years or older who is not
covered by Medicare Part A and/ or Part B, physician charges exceeding the amount specified by the Department of Health
and Human Services when benefits are payable under Medicare (limiting charge), or State premium taxes however applied;
Services, drugs, or supplies for which you would not be charged if you had no health insurance coverage;
Services, drugs or supplies related to weight control or any treatment of obesity except surgery for morbid obesity as
described in Section 5( b);
Services and supplies furnished or billed by a noncovered facility; however, medically necessary prescription drugs are
covered; and
Services, drugs or supplies you receive from immediate relatives or household members, such as a spouse, parent,
child, brother or sister by blood, marriage, or adoption.
Listed below are examples of some of our exclusions:
Acupuncture, except when used as an anesthetic agent for covered services;
Biofeedback and milieu therapy;
Charges for completion of reports or forms;
Charges for interest on unpaid balances;
Charges for missed or cancelled appointments;
Charges for telephone consultations, conferences, or treatment, mailings, faxes, emails or any other communication
to or from a hospital or covered provider;
Chiropractor services, unless in a medically underserved area;
Custodial care;
Mutually exclusive procedures. These are procedures that are not typically provided to you on the same date of service;
Non-medical services such as social services, recreational, educational, visual and nutritional counseling;
Non-surgical treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction including dental appliances, study models,
splints and other devices;
Services, drugs or supplies not specifically listed as covered; and
Treatment for learning disabilities and mental retardation.
Note: Exclusions that are primarily identified with a specific benefit category may also apply to other categories.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 56 Section 7
Section 7. Filing a claim for covered services
How to claim benefits To obtain claim forms or other claims filing advice or answers about our benefits, contact us at 1-800-634-0069.
In most cases, providers and facilities file claims for you. Your physician
must file on the form HCFA-1500, Health Insurance Claim Form. Your
facility will file on the UB-92 form. For claims questions and assistance,
call us at 1-800-634-0069.
When you must file a claim such as for services you receive overseas or
when another group health plan is primary submit it on the HCFA-1500
or a claim form that includes the information shown below. Itemized bills
and receipts should be sent to Association Benefit Plan, PO Box 668587,
Charlotte, NC 28266-8587.
Name of patient and relationship to enrollee;
Plan identification number of the enrollee;
Name and address of person or firm providing the service or supply;
Dates that services or supplies were furnished;
Diagnosis;
Type of each service or supply; and
The charge for each service or supply.
You should use the Plan's standard claim form to file dental claims. Attach
the dentist's itemized bill. The bill must include the name of the patient,
dates of service, itemized charges and the dentist's tax ID number.
Note: Canceled checks, cash register receipts, or balance due statements
are not acceptable substitutes for itemized bills.
In addition:
You must send a copy of the explanation of benefits (EOB) from any
primary payer (such as the Medicare Summary Notice (MSN)) with
your claim.
Bills for home nursing care must show that the nurse is a registered or
licensed practical nurse and must include nursing notes.
Claims for rental or purchase of durable medical equipment; private
duty nursing; and physical, occupational, and speech therapy may
require a written statement from the physician specifying the medical
necessity for the service or supply and the length of time needed.
Records Keep a separate record of the medical expenses of each covered family member as deductibles and maximum allowances apply separately to each
person. Save copies of all medical bills, including those you accumulate to
satisfy a deductible. In most instances they will serve as evidence of your
claim. We will not provide duplicate or year-end statements.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 57 Section 7
Section 7. Filing a claim for covered services (Continued)
Deadline for filing your claim Send us all of the documents for your claim as soon as possible. You must submit the claim by December 31 of the year after the year you received
the service, unless timely filing was prevented by administrative operations
of Government or legal incapacity and provided the claim was submitted as
soon as reasonably possible. Once we pay benefits, there is a three-year
limitation on the reissuance of uncashed checks.
Overseas claims For covered services you receive in hospitals outside the United States and Puerto Rico and performed by physicians outside the United States, you
must send a completed claim form and the itemized bills.
Overseas (foreign) claims for prescription drugs and supplies that are
not ordered through the Mail Order Prescription Drug Program must
include receipts that include the prescription number, name of drug or
supply, prescribing physician's name, date, and charge.
Claims for overseas (foreign) services should include an English trans-lation.
Charges should be converted to U. S. dollars using the exchange rate
applicable at the time the expense was incurred.
When we need more information Annually you may be asked to verify other health care coverage. We may delay processing or deny your claim if you do not respond.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 58 Section 8
Section 8. The disputed claims process
Follow this Federal Employees Health Benefits Program disputed claims process if you disagree with our decision on
your claim or request for services, drugs, or supplies including a request for preauthorization/ prior approval:
Step Description
1 Ask us in writing to reconsider our initial decision. You must: (a) Write to us within 6 months from the date of our decision; and
(b) Send your request to us at: Association Benefit Plan, PO Box 668587, Charlotte, NC 28266-8587;
and
(c) Include a statement about why you believe our initial decision was wrong, based on specific ben-efit
provisions in this brochure; and
(d) Include copies of documents that support your claim, such as physicians' letters, operative
reports, bills, medical records, and explanation of benefits (EOB) forms.
2 We have 30 days from the date we receive your request to: (a) Pay the claim (or arrange for the health care provider to give you the care); or
(b) Write to you and, if applicable, maintain our denial go to step 4; or
(c) Ask you or your provider for more information. If we ask your provider, we will send you a
copy of our request go to step 3.
3 You or your provider must send the information so that we receive it within 60 days of our request. We will then decide within 30 more days.
If we do not receive the information within 60 days, we will decide within 30 days of the date the informa-tion
was due. We will base our decision on the information we already have.
We will write to you with our decision.
4 If you do not agree with our decision, you may ask OPM to review it. You must write to OPM within:
90 days after the date of our letter upholding our initial decision; or
120 days after you first wrote to us if we did not answer that request in some way within 30 days; or
120 days after we asked for additional information.
Write to OPMat: Office of Personnel Management, Office of Insurance Programs, Health Benefits Contracts
Division 2, 1900 E Street, NW, Washington, D. C. 20415-3620.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 59 Section 8
NOTE: If you have a serious or life threatening condition (one that may cause permanent loss of bodily functions or
death if not treated as soon as possible), and
a) We haven't responded yet to your initial request for care or preauthorization/ prior approval, then call us at 1-800-634-0069
and we will expedite our review; or
b) We denied your initial request for care or preauthorization/ prior approval, then:
If we expedite our review and maintain our denial, we will inform OPM so that they can give your claim expe-dited
treatment too, or
You may call OPM's Health Benefits Contracts Division 2 at 202/ 606-3818 between 8 a. m. and 5 p. m. eastern
time.
Section 8. The disputed claims process (Continued)
Send OPM the following information:
A statement about why you believe our decision was wrong, based on specific benefit provisions in this
brochure;
Copies of documents that support your claim, such as physicians' letters, operative reports, bills, medical
records, and explanation of benefits (EOB) forms;
Copies of all letters you sent to us about the claim;
Copies of all letters we sent to you about the claim; and
Yourdaytime phone numberandthe best time to call.
Note: If you want OPM to review more than one claim, you must clearly identify which documents apply to
which claim.
Note: You are the only person who has a right to file a disputed claim with OPM. Parties acting as your rep-resentative,
such as medical providers, must include a copy of your specific written consent with the review
request.
Note: The above deadlines may be extended if you show that you were unable to meet the deadline because
of reasons beyond your control.
5 OPM will review your disputed claim request and will use the information it collects from you and us to decide whether our decision is correct. OPM will send you a final decision within 60 days. There are no
other administrative appeals.
If you do not agree with OPM's decision, your only recourse is to sue. If you decide to sue, you must file the
suit against OPM in Federal court by December 31 of the third year after the year in which you received the
disputed services, drugs, or supplies or from the year in which you were denied precertification or prior
approval. This is the only deadline that may not be extended.
OPM may disclose the information it collects during the review process to support its disputed claim deci-sion.
This information will become part of the court record.
You may not sue until you have completed the disputed claims process. Further, Federal law governs your
lawsuit, benefits, and payment of benefits. The Federal court will base its review on the record that was
before OPM when OPM decided to uphold or overturn our decision. You may recover only the amount of
benefits in dispute.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 60 Section 9
Section 9. Coordinating benefits with other coverage
When you have other health
coverage
You must tell us if you or a covered family member has coverage under
another group health plan or has automobile insurance that pays health care
expenses without regard to fault. This is called "double coverage."
When you have double coverage, one plan normally pays its benefits in full
as the primary payer and the other plan pays a reduced benefit as the sec-ondary
payer. We, like other insurers, determine which coverage is primary
according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' guide-lines.
When we are the primary payer, we will pay the benefits described in this
brochure.
When we are the secondary payer, we will determine our allowance. After
the primary plan pays, we will pay what is left of our allowance, up to our
regular benefit. We will not pay more than our allowance.
WhatisMedicare Medicare is a Health Insurance Program for:
People 65 years of age and older.
Some people with disabilities, under 65 years of age.
People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requir-ing
dialysis or a transplant.
Medicare has two parts:
Part A (Hospital Insurance). Most people do not have to pay for Part A.
If you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years in Medicare-covered
employment, you should be able to qualify for premium-free Part A
insurance. (Someone who was a Federal employee on January 1, 1983,
or since automatically qualifies.) Otherwise, if you are age 65 or older,
you may be able to buy it. Contact 1-800-MEDICARE for more infor-mation.
Part B (Medical Insurance). Most people pay monthly for Part B. Gen-erally,
Part B premiums are withheld from your monthly Social Security
check or your retirement check.
If you are eligible for Medicare, you may have choices in how you get your
health care. Medicare+ Choice is the term used to describe the various
health plan choices available to Medicare beneficiaries. The information in
the next few pages shows how we coordinate benefits with Medicare,
depending on the type of Medicare+ Choice plan you have.
The Original Medicare Plan
(Part A and Part B)
The Original Medicare Plan (Original Medicare) is available everywhere in
the United States. It is the way everyone used to get Medicare benefits and
is the way most people get their Medicare Part A and Part B benefits now.
You may go to any doctor, specialist, or hospital that accepts Medicare.
The Original Medicare Plan pays its share and you pay your share. Some
things are not covered under Original Medicare, like prescription drugs.
When you are enrolled in Original Medicare, along with this Plan, you still
need to follow the rules in this brochure for us to cover your care.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 61 Section 9
Section 9. Coordinating benefits with other coverage (Continued)
Claims process when you have the Original Medicare Plan: You proba-bly
will never have to file a claim form when you have both our Plan and
the Original Medicare Plan.
When we are the primary payer, we process the claim first.
When Original Medicare is the primary payer, Medicare processes your
claim first. In most cases, your claims will be coordinated automatically
and we will then provide secondary benefits for covered charges. You
will not need to do anything. To find out if you need to do something to
file your claims, call us at 1-800-634-0069.
We waive some costs when the Original Medicare Plan is your primary
payer. We will waive some out-of-pocket costs, as follows:
If you are enrolled in Medicare Part B, we will waive copayments and
coinsurance for medical services and supplies provided by physicians
and other health care professionals. We will also waive deductibles and
coinsurance for extended dental treatment for accidental dental injuries.
If you are enrolled in Medicare Part A, we will waive hospital copay-ments
and coinsurance.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 62 Section 9
Section 9. Coordinating benefits with other coverage (Continued)
The following chart illustrates whether Original Medicare or this Plan should be the primary payer for you according to
your employment status and other factors determined by Medicare. It is critical that you tell us if you or a covered family
member has Medicare coverage so we can administer these requirements correctly.
Primary Payer Chart
A. When either you or your covered spouse are age 65 or over and Then the primary payer is
Original Medicare This Plan
1) Are an active employee with the Federal government (including
when you or a family member are eligible for Medicare solely
because of a disability), .
2) Are an annuitant, .
3) Are a reemployed annuitant with the Federal government when
a) The position is excluded from FEHB,
or
.
b) The position is not excluded from
FEHB
(Ask your employing office which of these applies to you.)
.
4) Are a Federal judge who retired under title 28, U. S. C., or a Tax Court
judge who retired under Section 7447 of title 26, U. S. C. (or if your
covered spouse is this type of judge),
.
5) Are enrolled in Part B only, regardless of your employment status, .
(for Part B services)
.
(for other
services)
6) Are a former Federal employee receiving Workers' Compensation
and the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs has determined
that you are unable to return to duty,
.
(except for claims
related to Workers'
Compensation.)
B. When you or a covered family member have Medicare based on end stage renal disease (ESRD) and
1) Are within the first 30 months of eligibility to receive Part A benefits
solely because of ESRD,
.
2) Have completed the 30-month ESRD coordination period and are
still eligible for Medicare due to ESRD,
.
3) Become eligible for Medicare due to ESRD after Medicare became
primary for you under another provision.
.
C. When you or a covered family member have FEHB and
1) Are eligible for Medicare based on disability, and
a) Are an annuitant, or
.
b) Are an active employee .
c) Are a former spouse of an annuitant .
d) Are a former spouse of an active employee .
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 63 Section 9
Section 9. Coordinating benefits with other coverage (Continued)
Medicare managed care
plan
If you are eligible for Medicare, you may choose to enroll in and get your
Medicare benefits from a Medicare managed care plan. These are health
care choices (like HMOs) in some areas of the country. In most Medicare
managed care plans, you can only go to doctors, specialists, or hospitals
that are part of the plan. Medicare managed care plans provide all the bene-fits
that Original Medicare covers. Some cover extras, like Prescription
drugs. To learn more about enrolling in a Medicare managed care plan,
contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or at
www. medicare. gov.
If you enroll in a Medicare managed care plan, the following options are
available to you:
This Plan and another plan's Medicare managed care plan: You
may enroll in another plan's Medicare managed care plan and also remain
enrolled in our FEHB plan. We will still provide benefits when your
Medicare managed care plan is primary, even out of the managed care
plan's network and/ or service area, but we will not waive any of our
copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles. If you enroll in a Medicare man-aged
care plan, tell us. We will need to know whether you are in the Origi-nal
Medicare Plan or in a Medicare Managed care Plan so we can correctly
coordinate benefits with Medicare.
Suspended FEHB coverage to enroll in a Medicare managed care plan:
If you are an annuitant or former spouse, you can suspend your FEHB cov-erage
to enroll in a Medicare managed care plan, eliminating your FEHB
premium. (OPM does not contribute to your Medicare managed care plan
premium.) For information on suspending your FEHB enrollment, contact
your retirement office. If you later want to re-enroll in the FEHB Program,
generally you may do so only at the next Open Season unless you involun-tarily
lose coverage or move out of the Medicare managed care plan's ser-vice
area.
Private contract with
your physician
A physician may ask you to sign a private contract agreeing that you can be
billed directly for service ordinarily covered by Original Medicare. Should
you sign an agreement, Medicare will not pay any portion of the charges,
and we will not increase our payment. We will still limit our payment to the
amount we would have paid after Original Medicare's payment.
If you do not enroll in
Medicare Part A or Part B
If you do not have one or both Parts of Medicare, you can still be covered
under the FEHB Program. We will not require you to enroll in Medicare Part B
and, if you can't get premium-free Part A. We will not ask you to enroll in it.
TRICARE and CHAMPVA TRICARE is the health care program for eligible dependents of military persons, and the retirees of the military. TRICARE includes the CHAM-PUS
program. CHAMPVA provides health coverage to disabled Veterans
and their eligible dependents. If TRICARE or CHAMPVA and this Plan
cover you, we pay first. See your TRICARE or CHAMPVA Health Bene-fits
Advisor if you have questions about these programs.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 64 Section 9
Section 9. Coordinating benefits with other coverage (Continued)
Suspended FEHB coverage to enroll in TRICARE or CHAMPVA: If
you are an annuitant or former spouse, you can suspend your FEHB cover-age
to enroll in one of these programs, eliminating your FEHB premium.
(OPM does not contribute to any applicable plan premiums.) For informa-tion
on suspending your FEHB enrollment, contact your retirement office.
If you later want to re-enroll in the FEHB Program, generally, you may do
so only at the next Open Season unless you involuntarily lose coverage
under the program.
Workers' Compensation We do not cover services that:
you need because of a workplace-related illness or injury that the Office
of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) or a similar
Federal or State agency determines they must provide; or
OWCP or a similar agency pays for through a third party injury settle-ment
or other similar proceeding that is based on a claim you filed under
OWCP or similar laws.
Once OWCP or similar agency pays its maximum benefits for your treat-ment,
we will cover your care.
Medicaid When you have this Plan and Medicaid, we pay first.
Suspended FEHB coverage to enroll in Medicaid or a similar State-sponsored
program of medical assistance: If you are an annuitant or
former spouse, you can suspend your FEHB coverage to enroll in one of
these State programs, eliminating your FEHB premium. For information
on suspending your FEHB enrollment, contact your retirement office. If
you later want to re-enroll in the FEHB Program, generally you may do so
only at the next Open Season unless you involuntarily lose coverage under
the State program
When other Government
agencies are responsible for
your care
We do not cover services and supplies when a local, State, or Federal
Government agency directly or indirectly pays for them.
When others are responsible
for injuries
When you receive money to compensate you for medical or hospital care
for injuries or illness caused by another person, you must reimburse us for
any expenses we paid. However, we will cover the cost of treatment that
exceeds the amount you received in the settlement.
If you do not seek damages you must agree to let us try. This is called
subrogation. If you need more information, contact us for our subrogation
procedures.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 65 Section 10
Section 10. Definitions of terms we use in this brochure
Admission The period from entry (admission) into a hospital or other covered facility until discharge. In counting days of inpatient care, the date of entry and the
date of discharge are counted as the same day.
Assignment Your authorization for the Plan to issue payment of benefits directly to the provider. We reserve the right to pay the member directly for all covered
services.
Calendar year January 1 through December 31 of the same year. For new enrollees, the calendar year begins on the effective date of their enrollment and ends on
December 31 of the same year.
Coinsurance Coinsurance is the percentage of our allowance that you must pay for your care. You may also be responsible for additional amounts. See page 12.
Hospital stay Anadmission (orseriesofadmissionsseparated by less than 60 days) toa hospital as an inpatient for any one illness or injury. There is a new
hospital stay when an admission is:
1) for a cause entirely unrelated to the cause for the previous
admission;
2) for an enrolled employee who returns to work for at least one day
before the next admission; or
3) for a dependent or annuitant when hospital stays are separated by
at least 60 days.
Congenital anomalies A condition existing at or from birth that is a significant deviation from the common form or anomaly norm. For purposes of this Plan, congenital
includes protruding ear deformities, cleft lips, cleft palates, webbed fingers
or toes, and other conditions that we may determine to be congenital anom-alies.
In no event will the term congenital anomaly include conditions relat-ing
to teeth or intra-oral structures supporting the teeth.
Copayment A copayment is a fixed amount of money you pay to the provider, facility, pharmacy, etc., when you receive covered services. See page 12.
Cosmetic surgery Any operative procedure or any portion of a procedure performed prima-rily to improve physical appearance and/ or treat a mental condition through
a change in bodily form.
Covered services Services we provide benefits for, as described in this brochure.
Custodial care Treatment or services, regardless of who recommends them or where they are provided, that could be provided safely and reasonably by a person who
is not medically skilled, or are designed mainly to help the patient with
daily living activities. These activities include but are not limited to:
1) personal care such as help in: walking; getting in or out of bed; bath-ing;
eating by spoon, tube or gastrostomy; exercising; dressing;
2) homemaking, such as preparing meals or special diets;
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 66 Section 10
Section 10. Definitions (Continued)
3) moving the patient;
4) acting as a companion or sitter;
5) supervising medication that can usually be self administered; or
6) treatment services such as recording temperature, pulse, and
respirations, or administration and monitoring of feeding systems.
Custodial care that lasts 90 days or more is sometimes known as Long
Term Care.
Deductible A deductible is a fixed amount of covered expenses you must incur for cer-tain covered services and supplies before we start paying benefits for those
services. See page 14.
Effective date The date the benefits described in this brochure are effective:
1) January 1 for continuing enrollments and for all annuitant enroll-ments;
2) the first day of the first full pay period of the new year for enroll-ees
who change plans or options or elect FEHB coverage during
Open Season for the first time; or
3) for new enrollees during the calendar year, but not during Open
Season, the effective date of enrollment as determined by your
employing office or retirement system.
Expense The cost incurred for a covered service or supply ordered or prescribed by a covered provider. You can incur an expense on the date the service or
supply is received. Expense does not include any charge:
1) for a service or supply that is not medically necessary; or
2) that is in excess of the Plan's allowance for the service or supply.
Experimental or
investigational services
A drug, device, or biological product is experimental or investigational if it
cannot lawfully be marketed without approval of the U. S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), and approval for marketing has not been given at the
time it is furnished. Approval means all forms of acceptance by the FDA.
A medical treatment or procedure, or a drug, device, or biological product
is experimental or investigational if 1) reliable evidence shows that it is the
subject of ongoing phase I, II, or III clinical trials or under study to deter-mine
its maximum tolerated dose, its toxicity, its safety, its efficacy, or its
efficacy as compared with the standard means of treatment or diagnosis; or
2) reliable evidence shows that the consensus of opinion among experts is
that further studies or clinical trials are necessary to determine its maxi-mum
tolerated dose, its toxicity, its safety, its efficacy, or its efficacy as
compared with the standard means of treatment or diagnosis.
Reliable evidence shall mean only published reports and articles in the authori-tative
medical and scientific literature; the written protocol or protocols used by
the treating facility or the protocol( s) of another facility studying substantially
the same drug, device, or medical treatment or procedure; or the written
informed consent used by the treating facility or by another facility studying
substantially the same drug, device, or medical treatment or procedure.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 67 Section 10
Section 10. Definitions (Continued)
Group health coverage Health care coverage that you are eligible for because of employment, membership in, or connection with, a particular organization or group that
provides payment for hospital, medical or other health care service or sup-plies,
or that pays a specific amount for each day or period hospitalization.
Home health care agency A public or private agency or organization appropriately licensed, qualified and operated under the law of the state in which it is located.
Home health care plan A written plan, approved in writing by a physician, for continued care and treatment for a Plan member who is under the care of a physician and who
would need a continued stay in a hospital or skilled nursing facility with
the home health care.
Hospice care program A coordinated program of home and inpatient pain control and supportive care for the terminally-ill patient and the patient's family. Care is provided
by a medically supervised team under the direction of an independent
hospice administration that we approve.
Intensive Outpatient Program
(IOP)
A program that offers time-limited services that are coordinated, struc-tured,
and intensively therapeutic. Such programs are designed to treat a
variety of individuals with moderate to marked impairment in at least one
area of daily life resulting from psychiatric or addictive disorders. At a
minimum, IOPs offer three to four hours of active treatment per day at least
two to three days per week.
Long term rehabilitation
therapy
Physical, speech, and occupational therapy which can be expected to last
longer than a two-month period in order to achieve a significant improve-ment
in your condition.
Medical necessity Services, drugs, supplies, or equipment provided by a hospital or covered provider of health care services that we determine:
1) are appropriate to diagnose or treat your condition, illness or
injury;
2) are consistent with standards of good medical practice in the
United States;
3) are not primarily for the personal comfort of the patient, the
family, or the provider;
4) are not a part of or associated with the scholastic education or
vocational training of the patient; and
5) in the case of inpatient care, cannot be provided safely on an
outpatient basis.
The fact that a covered provider has prescribed, recommended, or
approved a service, supply, drug or equipment does not in itself make it
medically necessary.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 68 Section 10
Section 10. Definitions (Continued)
Mental conditions/
substance abuse
Conditions and diseases listed in the most recent edition of the Interna-tional
Classification of Diseases (ICD) as psychoses, neurotic disorders, or
personality disorders; other nonpsychotic mental disorders listed in the
ICD to be determined by the Plan; or disorders listed in the ICD requiring
treatment for abuse of or dependence upon substances such as alcohol,
narcotics, or hallucinogens.
Partial hospitalization A time-limited, ambulatory, active treatment program that offers therapeu-tically intensive, coordinated, and structured clinical services with a stable
therapeutic environment. It provides 20 hours of scheduled programming,
extended over a minimum of five days per week, by a licensed or JCAHO
accredited facility.
Plan allowance Our Plan allowance is the amount we use to determine our payment and your coinsurance for covered services. Fee-for-service plans determine
their allowances in different ways. We determine our allowance as follows:
Twice a year the Healthcare Charges Database (HCD) compiles actual
claims received in each Zip Code area throughout the United States. HCD
guides are applied at the 90 th percentile to surgery, physician services, ther-apy,
X-ray andlab expenses.
We generally do not reduce overseas claims to a Plan allowance. However,
we reserve the right to request information that will enable us to determine
an allowance on charges that we deem to be excessive.
PPO providers accept the plan allowance as payment in full.
For more information, see Section 4, Differences between our allowance
and the bill.
Prosthetic device An artificial substitute for a missing functional body part (such as an arm or leg) because the body part is permanently damaged, is absent or is
malfunctioning.
Routine physical examination A complete evaluation, including a comprehensive history and physical examination, without symptoms or illness.
Routine testing/ screening Healthcare services you receive from a covered provider without any apparent signs or symptoms of an illness, injury or disease.
Sound natural tooth A tooth that is whole or properly restored and is without impairment, peri-odontal, or other conditions and is not in need of the treatment provided for
any other reason other than an accidental injury.
Us/ We Us and we refer to the Association Benefit Plan
You You refers to the enrollee and each covered family member.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 69 Section 11
Section 11. FEHB facts
No pre-existing condition
limitation
We will not refuse to cover the treatment of a condition that you had before
you enrolled in this Plan solely because you had the condition before you
enrolled.
Where you can get information
about enrolling in the
FEHB Program
See www. opm. gov/ insure. Also, your employing or retirement office can
answer your questions, and give you a Guide to Federal Employees Health
Benefits Plans, brochures for other plans, and other materials you need to
make an informed decision about your FEHB coverage. These materials
tell you:
When you may change your enrollment;
How you can cover your family members;
What happens when you transfer to another Federal agency, go on leave
without pay, enter military service, or retire;
When your enrollment ends; and
When the next open season for enrollment begins.
We don't determine who is eligible for coverage and, in most cases, cannot
change your enrollment status without information from your employing or
retirement office.
Types of coverage available
for you and your family
Self Only coverage is for you alone. Self and Family coverage is for you,
your spouse, and your unmarried dependent children under age 22,
including any foster children or stepchildren your employing or retirement
office authorizes coverage for. Under certain circumstances, you may also
continue coverage for a disabled child 22 years of age or older who is
incapable of self-support. In order to determine qualification, a medical
certificate must state your child is incapable of self support. The medical
certificate must be submitted to your employing office at least 60 days
prior to your child reaching age 22.
If you have a Self Only enrollment, you may change to a Self and Family
enrollment if you marry, give birth, or add a child to your family. You may
change your enrollment 31 days before to 60 days after that event. The Self and
Family enrollment begins on the first day of the pay period in which the child is
born or becomes an eligible family member. When you change to Self and
Family because you marry, the change is effective on the first day of the pay
period that begins after your employing office receives your enrollment form;
benefits will not be available to your spouse until you marry.
Your employing or retirement office will not notify you when a family
member is no longer eligible to receive health benefits, nor will we. Please
tell us immediately when you add or remove family members from your
coverage for any reason, including divorce, or when your child under age
22 marries or turns 22.
If you or one of your family members is enrolled in one FEHB plan, that
person may not be enrolled in or covered as a family member by another
FEHB plan.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 70 Section 11
Section 11. FEHB facts (Continued)
Children's EquityAct OPM has implemented the Federal Employees Health Benefits Children's Equity Act of 2000. This law mandates that you be enrolled for Self and
Family coverage in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Pro-gram
if you are an employee subject to court or administrative order requir-ing
you to provide health benefits for your child( ren).
If this law applies to you, you must enroll in Self and Family coverage in a
health plan that provides full benefits in the area where your children live
or provide documentation to your employing office that you have obtained
other health benefits coverage for your children. If you do not do so, your
employing office will enroll you involuntarily as follows:
If you have no FEHB coverage, your employing office will enroll you in
Self and Family coverage in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service
Benefit Plan's Basic option;
If you have a Self only enrollment in a fee-for-service plan or in an
HMO that serves the area where your children live, your employing
office will change your enrollment to Self and Family in the same
option of the same plan; or
If you are enrolled in an HMO that does not serve the area where the
children live, your employing office will change your enrollment to Self
and Family in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan's
Basic Option.
As long as the court/ administrative order is in effect, and you have at least
one child identified in the order who is still eligible under the FEHB Pro-gram,
you cannot cancel your enrollment, change to Self only, or change to
a plan that does not serve the area in which your children live, unless you
provide documentation that you have coverage for the children. If the
court/ administrative order is still in effect when you retire, and you have at
least one child still eligible for FEHB coverage, you must continue your
FEHB coverage into retirement (if eligible) and cannot make any changes
after retirement. Contact your employing office for further information.
When benefits and
premiums start
The benefits in this brochure are effective on January 1. If you joined this Plan
during Open Season, your coverage begins on the first day of your first period
that starts on or after January 1. Annuitants' coverage and premiums begin on
January 1. If you joined at any other time during the year, your employing
office will tell you the effective date of coverage.
When you retire When you retire, you can usually stay in the FEHB Program. Generally, you must have been enrolled in the FEHB Program for the last five years of your
Federal service. If you do not meet this requirement, you may be eligible for other
forms of coverage, such as temporary continuation of coverage (TCC).
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 71 Section 11
Section 11. FEHB facts (Continued)
When you lose benefits
When FEHB coverage ends You will receive an additional 31 days of coverage, for no additional premium, when:
Your enrollment ends, unless you cancel your enrollment, or
You are a family member no longer eligible for coverage.
You may be eligible for spouse equity coverage or Temporary Continuation
of Coverage.
Spouse equity coverage If you are divorced from a Federal employee or annuitant, you may not con-tinue to get benefits under your former spouse's enrollment. This is the case
even when the court has ordered your former spouse to supply health
coverage to you. But you may be eligible for your own FEHB coverage under
the spouse equity law or Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC). If you
are recently divorced or are anticipating a divorce, contact your former
spouse's employing or retirement office to get RI 70-5, the Guide to Federal
Employees Health Benefits Plans for Temporary Continuation of Coverage
and Former Spouse Enrollees, or other information about your coverage
choices. You can also download the guide from OPM's website,
www. opm. gov/ insure.
Temporary Continuation of
Coverage (TCC)
If you leave Federal service, or if you lose coverage because you no longer
qualify as a family member, you may be eligible for Temporary Continuation
of Coverage (TCC). For example, you can receive TCC if you are not able to
continue your FEHB enrollment after you retire, if you lose your Federal job,
if you are a covered dependent child and you turn 22 or marry, etc.
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 72 Section 11
Section 11. FEHB facts (Continued)
You may not elect TCC if you are fired from your Federal job due to gross
misconduct.
Enrolling in TCC. Get the RI 79-27, which describes TCC, and the RI 70-5,
the Guide to Federal Employees Health Benefits Plans for Temporary
Continuation of Coverage and Former Spouse Enrollees, from your
employing or retirement office or from www. opm. gov/ insure. It explains
whatyou have to do toenroll.
Converting to
individual coverage
You may convert to a non-FEHB individual policy if:
Your coverage under TCC or the spouse equity law ends. If you can-celed
your coverage or did not pay your premium, you cannot convert;
You decided not to receive coverage under TCC or the spouse equity
law; or
You are not eligible for coverage under TCC or the spouse equity law.
If you leave Federal service, your employing office will notify you of your
right to convert. You must apply in writing to us within 31 days after you
receive this notice. However, if you are a family member who is losing
coverage, the employing or retirement office will not notify you. You must
apply in writing to us within 31 days after you are no longer eligible for
coverage.
Your benefits and rates will differ from those under the FEHB Program;
however, you will not have to answer questions about your health, and we
will not impose a waiting period or limit your coverage due to pre-existing
conditions.
Getting a Certificate
of Group Health Plan
Coverage
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
is a Federal law that offers limited Federal protections for health coverage
availability and continuity to people who lose employer group coverage. If
you leave the FEHB Program, your employing or retirement office will
give you a Certificate of Group Health Plan Coverage that indicates how
long you have been enrolled with us. You can use this certificate when get-ting
health insurance or other health care coverage. Your new plan must
reduce or eliminate waiting periods, limitations, or exclusions for health
related conditions based on the information in the certificate, as long as you
enroll within 63 days of losing coverage under this Plan.
If you have been enrolled with us for less than 12 months, but were previ-ously
enrolled in other FEHB plans, you may also request a certificate from
those plans.
For more information, get OPM pamphlet RI 79-27, Temporary Continua-tion
of Coverage (TCC) under the FEHB Program. See also the FEHB web
site (www. opm. gov/ insure/ health); refer to the "TCC and HIPAA" fre-quently
asked questions. These highlight HIPAA rules, such as the require-ment
that Federal employees must exhaust any TCC eligibility as one
condition for guaranteed access to individual health coverage under
HIPAA, and have information about Federal and State agencies you can
contact for more information.
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77
2003 Association Benefit Plan 73 Long Term Care Insurance
Long Term Care Insurance is Still Available!
Open Season for Long Term Care Insurance
You can protect yourself against the high cost of long term care by applying for insurance in the Federal Long Term
Care Insurance Program.
Open Season to apply for long term care insurance through LTC Partners ends on December 31, 2002.
If you are a Federal employee, you and your spouse need only answer a few questions about your health during Open
Season.
If you apply during the Open Season, your premiums are based on your age as of July 1, 2002. After Open Season,
your premiums are based on your age at the time LTC Partners receives your application.
FEHB Doesn't Cover It
Neither FEHB plans nor Medicare cover the cost of long term care. Also called "custodial care," long term care helps
you perform the activities of daily living such as bathing or dressing yourself. It can also provide help you may need
due to a severe cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer's disease.
You Can Also Apply Later, But
Employees and their spouses can still apply for coverage after the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program Open
Season ends, but they will have to answer more health-related questions.
For annuitants and other qualified relatives, the number of health-related questions that you need to answer is the
same during and after the Open Season.
You Must Act to Receive an Application
Unlike other benefit programs, YOU have to take action you won't receive an application automatically. You must
request one through the toll-free number or website listed below.
Open Season ends December 31, 2002 act NOW so you won't miss the abbreviated underwriting available to
employees and their spouses, and the July 1 "age freeze"!
Find Out More Contact LTC Partners by calling 1-800-LTC-FEDS (1-800-582-3337) (TDD for the hearing
impaired: 1-800-843-3557) or visiting www. ltcfeds. com to get more information and to request an application.
76.
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78
2003 Association Benefit Plan 74 Index
Index
Do not rely on this page; it is for your convenience and does not explain your benefit coverage.
Accidental injury 40
Allergy tests 24
Alternative treatment 29
Ambulance 39,41
Anesthesia 34
Autologous bone marrow
transplant 34
Biopsies 31
Birthing centers 10
Blood and blood plasma 36
Breast cancer screening 21
Casts 28
Catastrophic protection 16
Changes for 2003 7
Chemotherapy 25
Childbirth 22
Children's Equity Act 70
Chiropractic 29
Cholesterol tests 21
Circumcision 22
Claims 56
Coinsurance 14
Colorectal cancer screening 21
Congenital anomalies 33
Contraceptive devices and drugs 48
Coordination of benefits 60
Copayments 14
Covered facilities 9
Covered providers 8
Crutches 28
Deductible 14
Definitions 65
Dental care 52
Diagnostic services 20
Disputed claims review 58
Donor expenses (transplants) 35
Dressings 38
Durable medical equipment 28
Educational classes and programs 30
Effective date of enrollment 66
Emergency 40
Experimental or investigational 66
Eyeglasses 26
Family planning 23
Fecal occult blood test 21
Flexible benefits option 50
Foot care 27
Freestanding ambulatory
facilities 38
General Exclusions 55
Hearing services 26
Home health services 28
Hospice care 39
Home nursing care 29
Hospital 9
Immunizations 22
Independent laboratories 21
Infertility 24
Inhospital physician care 20
Inpatient Hospital Benefits 36
Insulin 48
Laboratory and pathological
services 21
Machine diagnostic tests 21
Magnetic Resonance Imagings
(MRIs) 21
Mail Order Prescription Drugs 47
Mammograms 21
Maternity Benefits 22
Medicaid 64
Medically necessary 67
Medically underserved areas 9
Medicare 60
Members 68
Mental Conditions/ Substance Abuse
Benefits 42
Neurological testing 21
Newborn care 22
Non-FEHB Benefits 53
Nurse 8
Licensed Practical Nurse 8
Nurse Anesthetist 8
Nurse Midwife 8
Nurse Practitioner 8
Psychiatric Nurse 8
Registered Nurse 8
Nursery charges 23
Nursing School Administered
Clinic 9
Obstetrical care 22
Occupational therapy 25
Ocular injury 26
Office visits 20
Oral and maxillofacial surgery 34
Orthopedic devices 27
Ostomy and catheter supplies 49
Out-of-pocket expenses 16
Outpatient facility care 38
Overseas claims 57
Oxygen 28
Pap test 21
Physical examination 21
Physical therapy 25
Physician 8
Pre-admission testing 37
Precertification 11
Preferred Provider Organization
(PPO) 6
Prescription drugs 47
Preventive care, adult 21
Preventive care, children 21
Prior approval 10
Prostate cancer screening 21
Prosthetic devices 27
Psychologist 8
Psychotherapy 44
Radiation therapy 25
Rehabilitative therapies 25
Renal dialysis 25
Room and board 36
Second surgical opinion 20
Skilled nursing facility care 38
Smoking cessation 30
Social Worker 8
Speech therapy 25
Splints 28
Sterilization procedures 23
Subrogation 64
Substance abuse 45
Surgery 31
Anesthesia 35
Assistant surgeon 32
Multiple procedures 32
Oral34
Outpatient 31
Reconstructive 33
Syringes 48
Temporary continuation of
coverage 71
Transplants 34
Treatment therapies 25
Vision services 26
Well child care 22
Wheelchairs 28
Workers' compensation 64
X-rays 21
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 75 Summary of Benefits
Summary of Benefits for the Association Benefit Plan -2003
Do not rely on this chart alone. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this bro-chure.
On this page we summarize specific expenses we cover; for more detail, look inside.
If you want to enroll or change your enrollment in this Plan, be sure to put the correct enrollment code from the cover
on your enrollment form.
Below (No Deductible) means the item is not subject to the $300 calendar year deductible. And, after we pay, you
generally pay any difference between our allowance and the billed amount.
Benefits You Pay Page
Medical services provided by physicians: . . . . . . . . . . . . . PPO: $10 copayment (No Deductible)
Non-PPO: 30% of our allowance
Out-of-network: 15% of our allowance
20
Diagnosticand treatmentservices:................... PPO: 10% ofourallowance
Non-PPO: 30% of our allowance
Out-of-network: 15% of our allowance
21
Services provided by a hospital:
Inpatient .......................................
PPO: $100 hospital stay (No Deductible)
Non-PPO: $200 hospital stay 30% of
charges (No Deductible)
Out-of-network: $200 hospital stay (No
Deductible)
36
Outpatient( Surgical)..............................
Outpatient( Nonsurgical) ..........................
PPO: 10% of our allowance
Non-PPO: 25% of our allowance
Out-of-network: 15% of our allowance
PPO: 10% of our allowance
Non-PPO: 30% of our allowance
Out-of-network: 15% of our allowance
38
38
Emergency benefits:
Accidentalinjury................................. Nothing foryouroutpatientcare up to
$500 (No Deductible)
40
Medicalemergency............................... Regularbenefits 41
Mental health and substance abuse treatment PPO: Regular cost sharing
Non-PPO: Benefits are limited
Out-of-network: Regular cost sharing
42
44
44
Prescriptiondrugs.................................. Retailcopay:$ 10generic,$ 20formulary,
30% brand name or $30, whichever is
greater (No Deductible)
Mail order: $20 generic, $40 formulary,
30% brand name or $45, whichever is
greater (No Deductible)
Medicare retail and mail order copays
(No Deductible)
Overseas retail: 20%
47
Dental care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Routine exams and fillings; fee schedule 52
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2003 Association Benefit Plan 76 Summary of Benefits
Summary of Benefits for the Association Benefit Plan -2003 (Continued)
Specialfeatures..................................... Flexiblebenefitsoption
Healthy Maternity Program
Center of excellence
Services overseas
Healthydirections sm
Glucose monitors
Lifestyle prescription medications
50
50
50
50
50
50
51
ProtectionagainstCatastrophic costs ...................
(your out-of-pocket maximum)
PPO: Nothing after $3, 000/ Self Only or
Family enrollment per year
Non-PPO: Nothing after $7, 000/ Self
Only or Family enrollment per year
Out-of-network: Nothing after $3,000/
Self Only or Family enrollment per year
Some costs do not count toward this
protection
16
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Page 80
2003 Rate Information for Association Benefit Plan
FEHB benefits of this Plan are described in the Association Benefit Plan brochure
Premium Premium
Biweekly Monthly
Type of
Enrollment
Code Gov't
Share
Your
Share
Gov't
Share
Your
Share
Self 421 $109.30 $54.55 $236. 82 $118.19
Self and Family 422 $249.62 $127. 84 $540. 84 $276. 99
80.