|
2005 |
|
RI 73-029 |
|
UNICARE HMO |
|
A Health Maintenance Organization |
|
Serving: Chicagoland area Enrollment in this plan is limited. You must live or work in our Geographic service area to enroll. See page 8 for requirements.
|
|
For changes in benefits see page 7. |
|
Enrollment code for this Plan: 171 Self Only 172 Self and Family |
Dear Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Participant:
Welcome to the 2005 Open Season! By continuing to introduce pro-consumer health care ideas, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) team has given you greater, cost effective choices. This year several national and local health plans are offering new options, strengthening the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and highlighting once again its unique and distinctive market-oriented features. I remain firm in my belief that you, when fully informed as a Federal subscriber, are in the best position to make the decisions that meet your needs and those of your family. Plan brochures provide information to help subscribers make these fully informed decisions. Please take the time to review the plan�s benefits, particularly Section 2, which explains plan changes.
Exciting new features this year give you additional opportunities to save and better manage your hard-earned dollars. For 2005, I am very pleased and enthusiastic about the new High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) component. This combination of health plan and savings vehicle provides a new opportunity to save and better manage your money. If an HDHP/HSA is not for you and you are not retired, I encourage you to consider a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health care. FSAs allow you to reduce your out-of-pocket health care costs by 20 to more than 40 percent by paying for certain health care expenses with tax-free dollars, instead of after-tax dollars.
Since prevention remains a major factor in the cost of health care, last year OPM launched the HealthierFeds campaign. Through this effort we are encouraging Federal team members to take greater responsibility for living a healthier lifestyle. The positive effect of a healthier life style brings dividends for you and reduces the demands and costs within the health care system. This campaign embraces four key �actions� that can lead to a healthy America: be physically active every day, eat a nutritious diet, seek out preventative screenings, and make healthy lifestyle choices. Be sure to visit HealthierFeds at www.healthierfeds.opm.gov for more details on this important initiative. I also encourage you to visit the Department of Health and Human Services website on Wellness and Safety, www.hhs.gov/safety/index.html, which complements and broadens healthier lifestyle resources. The site provides extensive information from health care experts and organizations to support your personal interest in staying healthy.
The FEHB Program offers the Federal team the widest array of cost-effective health care options and the information needed to make the best choice for you and your family. You will find comprehensive health plan information in this brochure, in the 2005 Guide to FEHB Plans, and on the OPM Website at www.opm.gov/insure. I hope you find these resources useful, and thank you once again for your service to the nation.
Sincerely,
Kay Coles James
Director
Notice of the United States Office of Personnel Management�s
Privacy Practices
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
By law, the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which administers the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, is required to protect the privacy of your personal medical information. OPM is also required to give you this notice to tell you how OPM may use and give out (�disclose�) your personal medical information held by OPM.
OPM will use and give out your personal medical information:
To you or someone who has the legal right to act for you (your personal representative),
To the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, if necessary, to make sure your privacy is protected,
To law enforcement officials when investigating and/or prosecuting alleged or civil or criminal actions, and
Where required by law.
OPM has the right to use and give out your personal medical information to administer the FEHB Program. For example:
To communicate with your FEHB health plan when you or someone you have authorized to act on your behalf asks for our assistance regarding a benefit or customer service issue.
To review, make a decision, or litigate your disputed claim.
For OPM and the General Accounting Office when conducting audits.
OPM may use or give out your personal medical information for the following purposes under limited circumstances:
For Government health care oversight activities (such as fraud and abuse investigations),
For research studies that meet all privacy law requirements (such as for medical research or education), and
To avoid a serious and imminent threat to health or safety.
By law, OPM must have your written permission (an �authorization�) to use or give out your personal medical information for any purpose that is not set out in this notice. You may take back (�revoke�) your written permission at any time, except if OPM has already acted based on your permission.
By law, you have the right to:
See and get a copy of your personal medical information held by OPM.
Amend any of your personal medical information created by OPM if you believe that it is wrong or if information is missing, and OPM agrees. If OPM disagrees, you may have a statement of your disagreement added to your personal medical information.
Get a listing of those getting your personal medical information from OPM in the past 6 years. The listing will not cover your personal medical information that was given to you or your personal representative, any information that you authorized OPM to release, or that was given out for law enforcement purposes or to pay for your health care or a disputed claim.
Ask OPM to communicate with you in a different manner or at a different place (for example, by sending materials to a P.O. Box instead of your home address).
Ask OPM to limit how your personal medical information is used or given out. However, OPM may not be able to agree to your request if the information is used to conduct operations in the manner described above.
Get a separate paper copy of this notice.
For more information on exercising your rights set out in this notice, look at www.opm.gov/insure on the Web. You may also call 202-606-0745 and ask for OPM�s FEHB Program privacy official for this purpose.
If you believe OPM has violated your privacy rights set out in this notice, you may file a complaint with OPM at the following address:
Privacy Complaints
Unites States Office of Personnel Management
P.O. Box 707
Washington, DC 20004-0707
Filing a complaint will not affect your benefits under the FEHB Program. You also may file a complaint with the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
By law, OPM is required to follow the terms in this privacy notice. OPM has the right to change the way your personal medical information is used and given out. If OPM makes any changes, you will get a new notice by mail within 60 days of the change. The privacy practices listed in this notice are effective April 14, 2003.
Preventing medical mistakes. 4
Section 1. Facts about this HMO plan. 6
Section 2. How we change for 2005. 7
Section 3. How you get care. 8
Circumstances beyond our control 10
Services requiring our prior approval 10
Section 4. Your costs for covered services. 11
Your catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum.. 11
Section 5. Benefits � OVERVIEW (See page 57 for a benefits summary.). 12
Section 5(c) Services provided by a hospital or other facility, and ambulance services. 26
Section 5(d) Emergency services/accidents. 29
Section 5(e) Mental health and substance abuse benefits. 31
Section 5(f) Prescription drug benefits. 33
Section 5(g) Special features. 36
Services for deaf and hearing impaired. 36
Section 5(h) Dental benefits. 37
Section 5(i) Non-FEHB benefits available to Plan members. 38
Section 6. General exclusions � things we don�t cover 39
Section 7. Filing a claim for covered services. 40
Section 8. The disputed claims process. 41
Section 9. Coordinating benefits with other coverage. 43
When other Government agencies are responsible for your care. 47
When others are responsible for injuries. 47
Section 10. Definitions of terms we use in this brochure. 48
Section 12.Two Federal Programs complement FEHB benefits. 52
The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program � FSAFEDS. 52
The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program.. 55
This brochure describes the benefits of UNICARE HMO under our contract (CS 2877) with the United States Office of Personnel Management, as authorized by the Federal Employees Health Benefits law. The address for UNICARE Health Plans of the Midwest d/b/a UNICARE HMO administrative offices is:
UNICARE HMO
Sears Tower
233 South Wacker Drive, 39th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60606-6309
This brochure is the official statement of benefits. No oral statement can modify or otherwise affect the benefits, limitations, and exclusions of this brochure. It is your responsibility to be informed about your health benefits.
If you are enrolled in this Plan, you are entitled to the benefits described in this brochure. If you are enrolled in Self and Family coverage, each eligible family member is also entitled to these benefits. You do not have a right to benefits that were available before January 1, 2005, unless those benefits are also shown in this brochure.
OPM negotiates benefits and rates with each plan annually. Benefit changes are effective January 1, 2005, and changes are summarized on page 8. Rates are shown at the end of this brochure.
All FEHB brochures are written in plain language to make them responsive, accessible, and understandable to the public. For instance,
Except for necessary technical terms, we use common words. For instance, �you� means the enrollee or family member, �we� means UNICARE HMO.
We limit acronyms to ones you know. FEHB is the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. OPM is the United States Office of Personnel Management. If we use others, we tell you what they mean first.
Our brochure and other FEHB plans� brochures have the same format and similar descriptions to help you compare plans.
If you have comments or suggestions about how to improve the structure of this brochure, let OPM know. Visit OPM�s �Rate Us� feedback area at www.opm.gov/insure or e-mail OPM at fehbwebcomments@opm.gov. You may also write to OPM at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Insurance Services Programs, Program Planning & Evaluation Group, 1900 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20415-3650.
Fraud increases the cost of health care for everyone and increases your Federal Employees Health Benefits Program premium.
OPM�s Office of the Inspector General investigates all allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse in the FEHB Program regardless of the agency that employs you or from which you retired.
Protect Yourself From Fraud � Here are some things that you can do to prevent fraud:
Be wary of giving your plan identification (ID) number over the telephone or to people you do not know, except to your doctor, other provider, or authorized plan or OPM representative.
Let only the appropriate medical professionals review your medical record or recommend services.
Avoid using health care providers who say that an item or service is not usually covered, but they know how to bill us to get it paid.
Carefully review explanations of benefits (EOBs) that you receive from us.
Do not ask your doctor to make false entries on certificates, bills or records in order to get us to pay for an item or service.
If you suspect that a provider has charged you for services you did not receive, billed you twice for the same service, or misrepresented any information, do the following:
Call the provider and ask for an explanation. There may be an error.
If the provider does not resolve the matter, call us at 312/234/8855 or 888/234-8855 (outside the SBC local calling area) and explain the situation.
If we do not resolve the issue:
|
CALL � THE HEALTH CARE FRAUD HOTLINE 202-418-3300 OR WRITE TO: United States Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General Fraud Hotline 1900 E Street NW Room 6400 Washington, DC20415-1100 |
Do not maintain as a family member on your policy:
Your former spouse after a divorce decree or annulment is final (even if a court order stipulates otherwise); or
Your child over age 22 (unless he/she is disabled and incapable of self support).
If you have any questions about the eligibility of a dependent, check with your personnel office if you are employed, with your retirement office (such as OPM) if you are retired, or with the National Finance Center if you are enrolled under Temporary Continuation of Coverage.
You can be prosecuted for fraud and your agency may take action against you if you falsify a claim to obtain FEHB benefits or try to obtain services for someone who is not an eligible family member or who is no longer enrolled in the Plan.
An influential report from the Institute of Medicine estimates that up to 98,000 Americans die every year from medical mistakes in hospitals alone. That�s about 3,230 preventable deaths in the FEHB Program a year. While death is the most tragic outcome, medical mistakes cause other problems such as permanent disabilities, extended hospital stays, longer recoveries, and even additional treatments. By asking questions, learning more and understanding your risks, you can improve the safety of your own health care, and that of your family members. Take these simple steps:
1. Ask questions if you have doubts or concerns.
Ask questions and make sure you understand the answers.
Choose a doctor with whom you feel comfortable talking.
Take a relative or friend with you to help you ask questions and understand answers.
2. Keep and bring a list of all the medicines you take.
Give your doctor and pharmacist a list of all the medicines that you take, including non-prescription medicines.
Tell them about any drug allergies you have.
Ask about side effects and what to avoid while taking the medicine.
Read the label when you get your medicine, including all warnings.
Make sure your medicine is what the doctor ordered and know how to use it.
Ask the pharmacist about your medicine if it looks different than you expected.
3. Get the results of any test or procedure.
Ask when and how you will get the results of tests or procedures.
Don�t assume the results are fine if you do not get them when expected, be it in person, by phone, or by mail.
Call your doctor and ask for your results.
Ask what the results mean for your care.
4. Talk to your doctor about which hospital is best for your health needs.
Ask your doctor about which hospital has the best care and results for your condition if you have more than one hospital to choose from to get the health care you need.
Be sure you understand the instructions you get about follow-up care when you leave the hospital.
5. Make sure you understand what will happen if you need surgery.
Make sure you, your doctor, and your surgeon all agree on exactly what will be done during the operation.
Ask your doctor, �Who will manage my care when I am in the hospital?�
Ask your surgeon:
Exactly what will you be doing?
About how long will it take?
What will happen after surgery?
How can I expect to feel during recovery?
Tell the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nurses about any allergies, bad reaction to anesthesia, and any medications you are taking.
Want more information on patient safety?
� www.ahrq.gov/consumer/pathqpack.html. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality makes available a wide-ranging list of topics not only to inform consumers about patient safety but to help choose quality health care providers and improve the quality of care you receive.
� www.npsf.org. The National Patient Safety Foundation has information on how to ensure safer health care for you and your family.
� www.talkaboutrx.org/consumer.html. The National Council on Patient Information and Education is dedicated to improving communication about the safe, appropriate use of medicines.
� www.leapfroggroup.org. The Leapfrog Group is active in promoting safe practices in hospital care.
� www.ahqa.org. The American Health Quality Association represents organizations and health care professionals working to improve patient safety.
� www.quic.gov/report. Find out what federal agencies are doing to identify threats to patient safety and help prevent mistakes in the nation�s health care delivery system.
This Plan is a health maintenance organization (HMO). We require you to see specific physicians, hospitals, and other providers that contract with us. These Plan providers coordinate your health care services. The Plan is solely responsible for the selection of these providers in your area. Contact the Plan for a copy of their most recent provider directory.
HMOs emphasize preventive care such as routine office visits, physical exams, well-baby care, and immunizations, in addition to treatment for illness and injury. Our providers follow generally accepted medical practice when prescribing any course of treatment.
When you receive services from Plan providers, you will not have to submit claim forms or pay bills. You pay only the copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles described in this brochure. When you receive emergency services from non-Plan providers, you may have to submit claim forms.
You should join an HMO because you prefer the plan�s benefits, not because a particular provider is available. You cannot change plans because a provider leaves our Plan. We cannot guarantee that any one physician, hospital, or other provider will be available and/or remain under contract with us.
We contract with individual physicians, medical groups, and hospitals to provide the benefits in this brochure. These Plan providers accept a negotiated payment from us, and you will only be responsible for your copayments or coinsurance.
OPM requires that all FEHB Plans provide certain information to their FEHB members. You may get information about us, our networks, providers, and facilities. OPM�s FEHB Web site (www.opm.gov/insure) lists the specific types of information that we must make available to you. Some of the required information is listed below.
UNICARE Health Plans of the Midwest, Inc. is licensed in both the State of Illinois and the State of Indiana and we are compliant with the laws of each state as they pertain to HMO Plans.
UNICARE HMO has been in existence since 1993.
We have an excellent accreditation from the National Committee of Quality Assurance (NCQA) that reviews health plans.
If you want more information about us, call 312/234-8855 or 888/234/8855 (outside of the SBC local calling area), or write to the address on your ID card. You may also visit our Web site at www.unicare.com.
To enroll in this Plan, you must live in or work in our Service Area. Our Service Area is the Chicago Metropolitan area and includes the Illinois counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will and the Indiana counties of Lake and Porter. This is where our providers practice.
Ordinarily, you must get your care from providers who contract with us. If you receive care outside our service area, we will pay only for emergency care benefits. We will not pay for any other health care services.
If you or a covered family member move outside of our service area, you can enroll in another plan. If your dependents live out of the area (for example, if your child goes to college in another state), you should consider enrolling in a fee-for-service plan or an HMO that has agreements with affiliates in other areas. If you or a family member move, you do not have to wait until Open Season to change plans. Contact your employing or retirement office.
If you need urgent or emergency care when you are away from home, you should call UNICARE HMO at 800/782-0180. Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your unexpected illness is not an emergency, you should call this number before seeking treatment. For life-threatening medical emergencies, you should seek treatment from the nearest medical facility and inform the hospital or physician that you are a member of UNICARE HMO. You should then contact UNICARE HMO at 800/782-0180 within 24 hours after medical care begins.
Do not rely on these change descriptions; this page is not an official statement of benefits. For that, go to Section 5 Benefits. Also, we edited and clarified language throughout the brochure; any language change not shown here is a clarification that does not change benefits.
In Section 9, we revised the Medicare Primary Payer Chart and updated the language regarding Medicare Advantage plans (formerly called Medicare + Choice plans).
In Section 12, we revised the language regarding the Flexible Spending Account Program - FSAFEDS and the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program.
Your share of the non-Postal premium will increase by 14.5% for Self Only or 8.9% for Self and Family.
|
We will send you an identification (ID) card when you enroll. You should carry your ID card with you at all times. You must show it whenever you receive services from a Plan provider, or fill a prescription at a Plan pharmacy. Until you receive your ID card, use your copy of the Health Benefits Election Form, SF-2809, your health benefits enrollment confirmation (for annuitants), or your Employee Express confirmation letter. | |
|
If you do not receive your ID card within 30 days after the effective date of your enrollment, or if you need replacement cards, call us at 312/234-8855 or 888/234-8855 (outside of the SBC local calling area), or write to us at the address on your ID card. | |
|
You get care from �Plan providers� and �Plan facilities.� You will only pay copayments, deductibles, and/or coinsurance, and you will not have to file claims. | |
|
Plan providers are physicians and other health care professionals in our service area that we contract with to provide covered services to our members. We credential Plan providers according to national standards. We list Plan providers in the provider directory, which we update periodically. The list is also on our Web site at http://www.unicare.com. | |
|
Plan facilities are hospitals and other facilities in our service area that we contract with to provide covered services to our members. We list these in the provider directory, which we update periodically. The list is also on our Web site. | |
|
It depends on the type of care you need. First, you and each family member must choose a primary care physician. This decision is important since your primary care physician provides or arranges for most of your health care. To select a Primary Care Physician, call us at 312/234/8855 or 888/234-8855 (outside of the SBC local calling area). | |
|
Your primary care physician can be a family practitioner, internist or pediatrician. Your primary care physician will provide most of your health care, or give you a referral to see a specialist. If you want to change primary care physicians or if your primary care physician leaves the Plan, call us. We will help you select a new one. | |
|
Your primary care physician will refer you to a specialist for needed care. When you receive a referral from your primary care physician, you must return to the primary care physician after the consultation, unless your primary care physician authorized a certain number of visits without additional referrals. The primary care physician must provide or authorize all follow-up care. Do not go to the specialist for return visits unless your primary care physician gives you a referral. However, female members may see an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN), also know as a �woman�s principal health care provider�, who is in the Plan�s network and has been designated by the member, without a referral. Although a woman may directly see her �woman�s principal health care provider,� a referral arrangement must exist between that provider and her PCP so her care can be coordinated. This will also eliminate any potential billing issues. Female members must call the Plan�s Customer Services Department for assistance in designating a provider where the referral arrangement exists. Here are some other things you should know about specialty care: If you need to see a specialist frequently because of a chronic, complex, or serious medical condition, your primary care physician will develop a treatment plan that allows you to see your specialist for a certain number of visits without additional referrals. Your primary care physician will use our criteria when creating your treatment plan (the physician may have to get an authorization or approval beforehand). If you are seeing a specialist when you enroll in our Plan, talk to your primary care physician. Your primary care physician will decide what treatment you need. If he or she decides to refer you to a specialist, ask if you can see your current specialist. If your current specialist does not participate with us, you must receive treatment from a specialist who does. Generally, we will not pay for you to see a specialist who does not participate with our Plan. If you are seeing a specialist and your specialist leaves the Plan, call your primary care physician, who will arrange for you to see another specialist. You may receive services from your current specialist until we can make arrangements for you to see someone else. If you have a chronic and disabling condition and lose access to your specialist because we: Terminate our contract with your specialist for other than cause; or Drop out of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and you enroll in another FEHB program Plan; or Reduce our service area and you enroll in another FEHB Plan, you may be able to continue seeing your specialist for up to 90 days after you receive notice of the change. Contact us, or if we drop out of the Program, contact your new plan. If you are in the second or third trimester of pregnancy and you lose access to your specialist based on the above circumstances, you can continue to see your specialist until the end of your postpartum care, even if it is beyond the 90 days. | |
|
Hospital care |
Your Plan primary care physician or specialist will make necessary hospital arrangements and supervise your care. This includes admission to a skilled nursing or other type of facility. If you are in the hospital when your enrollment in our Plan begins, call our customer service department immediately at 312/234-8855 or 888/234/8855 (outside the SBC local calling area. If you are new to the FEHB Program, we will arrange for you to receive care. If you changed from another FEHB plan to us, your former plan will pay for the hospital stay until: You are discharged, not merely moved to an alternative care center; or The day your benefits from your former plan run out; or The 92nd day after you become a member of this Plan, whichever happens first. These provisions apply only to the benefits of the hospitalized person. If your plan terminates participation in the FEHB Program in whole or in part, or if OPM orders an enrollment change, this continuation of coverage provision does not apply. In such case, the hospitalized family member�s benefits under the new plan begin on the effective date of enrollment. |
|
Under certain extraordinary circumstances, such as natural disasters, we may have to delay your services or we may be unable to provide them. In that case, we will make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the necessary care. | |
|
Your primary care physician has authority to refer you for most services. For certain services, however, your physician must obtain approval from us. Before giving approval, we consider if the service is covered, medically necessary, and follows generally accepted medical practice. We call this review and approval process precertification . Your physician must obtain preauthorization for the following services: Surgical procedures that must be performed in an ambulatory surgery unit or a hospital operating room, or if the procedure requires anesthesia; 23 hour hospital observations; Skilled nursing facility care; Home health care; Durable medical equipment and prosthetic devices; Certain prescription drugs such as human growth hormones or drugs to treat sexual dysfunction; and Any services performed by a non-participating provider; Temporomandibular joint dysfunction treatment. |
You must share the costs of some services. You are responsible for:
|
A copayment is a fixed amount of money you pay to the provider, facility, pharmacy, etc., when you receive services. Example: When you see your primary care physician you pay a copayment of $15 per office visit. | |
|
A deductible is a fixed expense you must incur for certain covered services and supplies before we start paying benefits for them. Copayments do not count toward any deductible. We have a deductible for durable medical equipment and prosthetic devices. Note: If you change plans during open season, you do not have to start a new deductible under your old plan between January 1 and the effective date of your new plan. If you change plans at another time during the year, you must begin a new deductible under your new plan. And, if you change options in this Plan during the year, we will credit the amount of covered expenses already applied toward the deductible of your old option to the deductible of your new option. | |
|
Coinsurance is the percentage of our allowance that you must pay for your care. Coinsurance doesn�t begin until you meet your deductible. Example: In our Plan, you pay 20% of our allowance for durable medical equipment after you have satisfied the durable medical equipment deductible. | |
|
After your copayments and coinsurance $2,900 per person or $7,000 per family enrollment in any calendar year, you do not have to pay any more for covered services. However, copayments for the following services do not count toward your catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum, and you must continue to pay copayments for these services: Prescription drugs Be sure to keep accurate records of your copayments since you are responsible for informing us when you reach the maximum. | |
|
|
Section 5. Benefits � OVERVIEW
(See page57 for a benefits summary.)
Note: This benefits section is divided into subsections. Please read the important things you should keep in mind at the beginning of each subsection. Also read the General Exclusions in Section 6; they apply to the benefits in the following subsections. To obtain claim forms, claims filing advice, or more information about our benefits, contact us at 312/234-8855 or 888/234/8855 (if outside the SBC local calling area), or at our Web site at www.unicare.com.
Diagnostic and treatment services. 14
Lab, X-ray and other diagnostic tests. 14
Physical and occupational therapies. 18
Hearing services (testing, treatment, and supplies) 18
Vision services (testing, treatment, and supplies) 19
Orthopedic and prosthetic devices. 20
Durable medical equipment (DME) 20
Educational classes and programs. 21
Oral and maxillofacial surgery. 24
Section 5(c) Services provided by a hospital or other facility, and ambulance services. 26
Outpatient hospital or ambulatory surgical center 27
Extended care benefits/Skilled nursing care facility benefits. 27
Section 5(d) Emergency services/accidents. 29
Emergency within our service area. 30
Emergency outside our service area. 30
Section 5(e) Mental health and substance abuse benefits. 31
Mental health and substance abuse benefits. 31
Section 5(f) Prescription drug benefits. 33
Covered medications and supplies. 35
Section 5(g) Special features. 36
Services for deaf and hearing impaired. 36
Section 5(h) Dental benefits 37
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. Plan physicians must provide or arrange your care. We have a $100 calendar year deductible per person for durable medical equipment and prosthetic devices. Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services, for valuable information about how cost sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare. |
I M P O R T A N T |
|||
|
Benefit Description |
You pay
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| |||||
|
Professional services of physicians In a physician�s office Office medical consultations Second surgical opinion |
$15 per office visit | ||||
|
Professional services of physicians During a hospital stay In a skilled nursing facility {plan specific} |
Nothing | ||||
|
At home |
$15 per visit | ||||
|
| |||||
|
Tests, such as: Blood tests Urinalysis Non-routine pap tests Pathology X-rays Non-routine Mammograms CAT Scans/MRI Ultrasound Electrocardiogram and EEG |
Nothing | ||||
|
You pay | |||||
|
Routine screenings, such as: Total Blood Cholesterol � once every three years Chlamydial Infection Screening Colorectal Cancer Screening, including: Fecal occult blood test Sigmoidoscopy screening � every five years starting at age 50
|
$15 per office visit | ||||
|
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test � one annually for men age 40 and older |
$15 per office visit | ||||
|
Routine pap test Note: The office visit is covered if pap test is received on the same day; see Diagnosis and Treatment, above. |
$15 per office visit | ||||
|
Mammogram � covered for women age 35 and older, as follows: From age 35 through 39, one baseline mammogram during this five year period From age 40 and older, one routine mammogram every calendar year
|
$15 per office visit | ||||
|
Not covered: Physical exams required for obtaining or continuing employment or insurance, attending schools or camp, or travel. |
|||||
|
Routine immunizations, limited to: Tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster � once every 10 years, ages19 and over (except as provided for under Childhood immunizations) Influenza vaccine, annually Pneumococcalvaccine, age 65 and older |
$15 per office visit | ||||
|
Not covered: Immunizations required for obtaining or continuing employment or insurance, attending schools or camp, or travel. |
All charges. | ||||
|
| |
|
Childhood immunizations recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics |
$15 per office visit |
|
Well-child care charges for routine examinations, immunizations and care (up to age 22) Examinations, such as: Eye exams through age 17 to determine the need for vision correction Ear exams through age 17 to determine the need for hearing correction Examinations done on the day of immunizations (up to age 22) |
$15 per office visit |
|
You pay | |
|
Complete maternity (obstetrical) care, such as: Prenatal care Delivery Postnatal care Note: Here are some things to keep in mind: You may remain in the hospital up to 48 hours after a regular delivery and 96 hours after a cesarean delivery. We will extend your inpatient stay if medically necessary. We cover routine nursery care of the newborn child during the covered portion of the mother�s maternity stay. We will cover other care of an infant who requires non-routine treatment only if we cover the infant under a Self and Family enrollment. We pay hospitalization and surgeon services (delivery) the same as for illness and injury. See Hospital benefits (Section 5c) and Surgery benefits (Section 5b). |
$15 for initial maternity office visit and nothing for subsequent maternity office visits |
|
Not covered: Routine sonograms to determine fetal age, size or sex. |
All charges. |
|
| |
|
A range of voluntary family planning services, limited to: Voluntary sterilization (See Surgical procedures Section 5 (b) Surgically implanted contraceptives (such as Norplant) Injectable contraceptive drugs (such as Depo provera) Intrauterine devices (IUDs) Diaphragms Note: We cover oral contraceptives under the prescription drug benefit. |
$15 per office visit |
|
Not covered: Reversal of voluntary surgical sterilization Genetic counseling. |
All charges. |
|
You pay | |
|
Diagnosis and treatment of infertility such as: Artificial insemination: intravaginal insemination (IVI) intracervical insemination (ICI) intrauterine insemination (IUI) Fertility drugs In vitro fertilization Uterine embryo lavage Embryo transfer Gamete intrafallopian tube transfer Zygote intrafallopian tube transfer Low tubal ovum transfer Note: We cover injectable fertility drugs under medical benefits when administered in the doctor�s office (not self-injected) subject to the $15 office visit copay. Non-fertility self-injectables and oral fertility drugs are covered under the prescription drug benefit. |
$15 per office visit |
|
Not covered: Collection and storage of sperm, oocytes (eggs), or embryos for later use Services and supplies in connection with the reversal of voluntary sterilization or sex change Cost of donor sperm Cost of donor egg |
All charges. |
|
| |
|
Testing and treatment Allergy injections
|
$15 per office visit |
|
Allergy serum |
Nothing |
|
Not covered: Provocative food testing and sublingual allergy desensitization |
All charges. |
|
You pay | |
|
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy Note: High do Note: High dose chemotherapy in association with autologous bone marrow transplants is limited to those transplants listed under Organ/Tissue Transplants on page 25. Respiratory and inhalation therapy Dialysis � hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis Intravenous (IV)/Infusion Therapy � Home IV and antibiotic therapy Note: Growth hormone therapy (GHT) is covered under Prescription Drug Benefits (Section 5f) as self-injectable drug. |
$15 per office visit |
|
| |
|
Sixty (60) visits per condition per calendar yearfor the services of each of the following: Qualified physical therapists and Occupational therapists Note: We only cover therapy to restore bodily function when there has been a total or partial loss of bodily function due to illness or injury. Cardiac rehabilitation following a heart transplant, bypass surgery or a myocardial infarction is provided for up to sixty (60) visits if determined to be medically necessary. Note: Occupational therapy is limited to services that assist the member to achieve and maintain self-care and improved functioning in other activities of daily living. Rehabilitation is based on medical necessity. |
$15 per office or outpatient visit Nothing per visit during covered inpatient admission |
|
Not covered: Long-term rehabilitative therapy Exercise programs |
All charges. |
|
| |
|
Sixty (60) visits per condition per calendar year for the services of a qualified speech therapist. |
$15 per office or outpatient visit |
|
| |
|
Hearing testing only when necessitated by accidental injury Hearing testing for children through age 17 (see Preventive care, children) |
$15 per office visit |
|
Not covered: All other hearing testing Hearing aids, testing and examinations for them |
All charges. |
|
You pay | |
|
One eye refraction every 24 months for enrollees age 18 and older Eye exam to determine the need for vision correction for children through age 17 (see Preventive care, children) |
$15 per office visit |
|
Not covered: Eyeglasses or contact lenses or the fitting of either Eye exercises and orthoptics Radial keratotomy and other refractive surgery |
All charges. |
|
| |
|
Routine foot care when you are under active treatment for a metabolic or peripheral vascular disease, such as diabetes. Note: See Orthopedic and prosthetic devices for information on podiatric shoe inserts. |
$15 per office visit |
|
Not covered: Cutting, trimming or removal of corns, calluses, or the free edge of toenails, and similar routine treatment of conditions of the foot, except as stated above Treatment of weak, strained or flat feet or bunions or spurs; and of any instability, imbalance or subluxation of the foot (unless the treatment is by open cutting surgery) |
All charges. |
|
You pay | |
|
External prosthetic devices such as artificial limbs and eyes and lenses (following cataract removal); stump hoses; and Externally worn breast prostheses and surgical bras, including necessary replacements following a mastectomy Internal prosthetic devices, such as artificial joints, pacemakers, insulin pumps, and surgically implanted breast implant(s) following mastectomy. Note: We pay internal prosthetic devices as hospital benefits, see Section 5 (c) for payment information. See 5 (b) for coverage of the surgery to insert the device. The internal prosthetic device must be medically necessary to restore bodily function and require a surgical incision (as opposed to an external prosthetic device). Note: Call us at 312/234-8855 or 888/234/8855 (if outside the SBC local calling area) as soon as your Plan physician prescribes these devices. We will arrange with a health care provider to rent or sell you these devices at discounted rates and will tell you more about this service when you call. |
$15 per office visit |
|
Not covered: Orthopedic and corrective shoes (unless permanently attached to an approved device) Arch supports Foot orthotics Braces Heel pads and heel cups Lumbosacral supports Cochlear implant devices Corsets, trusses, elastic stockings, support hose, and other supportive devices Prosthetic replacements provided less than 3 years after the last one we covered |
All charges. |
|
| |
|
Rental or purchase, at our option, of durable medical equipment prescribed by your Plan physician, such as oxygen and dialysis equipment. Under this benefit, we also cover: Hospital beds; Wheelchairs; Crutches; Walkers; and Blood glucose monitors Note: Call us at 312/234-8855 or 888/234/8855 (if outside the SBC local calling area) as soon as your Plan physician prescribes this equipment. We will arrange with a health care provider to rent or sell you durable medical equipment at discounted rates and will tell you more about this service when you call |
20% of the charges after you have satisfied a calendar year deductible of $100 per Self Only enrollment or $300 per Self and Family enrollment |
|
DME continued on next page | |
|
Durable medical equipment (DME) � (continued) |
You pay |
|
Not covered: Cam walkers Scooters; Blood pressure cuffs Breast pumps |
All charges. |
|
| |
|
Home health care ordered by a Plan physician and provided by a registered nurse (R.N.), licensed practical nurse (L.P.N.), licensed vocational nurse (L.V.N.), or home health aide. Services include oxygen therapy, intravenous therapy and medications. |
Nothing |
|
Not covered: Nursing care requested by, or for the convenience of, the patient or the patient�s family Home care primarily for personal assistance that does not include a medical component and is not diagnostic, therapeutic, or rehabilitativ. Services primarily for hygiene, feeding, exercising, moving the patient, homemaking, companionship or giving oral medication |
All charges. |
|
You pay | |
|
Manipulation of the spine and extremities Adjunctive procedures such as ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, vibratory therapy, and cold pack application |
$15 per office visit |
|
| |
|
No benefit |
All charges |
|
| |
|
Coverage is limited to: Diabetes self-management |
$15 per office visit if performed in physician�s office |
|
Smoking cessation classes in the service area. Members should call 312/234-7037 for times and locations. |
Nothing |
Section 5(b) Surgical and anesthesia services provided by physicians and other health care professionals
|
I M P O R T A N T |
Here are some important things you should keep in mind about these benefits: Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary. Plan physicians must provide or arrange your care. Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services, for valuable information about how cost sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare. The amounts listed below are for the charges billed by a physician or other health care professional for your surgical care. Look in Section 5(c) for charges associated with the facility (i.e. hospital, surgical center, etc.). YOUR PHYSICIAN MUST GET PRECERTIFICATION OF SOME SURGICAL PROCEDURES. Please refer to the precertification information shown in Section 3 to be sure which services require precertification and identify which surgeries require precertification. |
I M P O R T A N T |
|||
|
Benefit Description |
You pay
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||||
|
A comprehensive range of services, such as: Operative procedures Treatment of fractures, including casting Normal pre- and post-operative care by the surgeon Correction of amblyopia and strabismus Endoscopy procedures Biopsy procedures Removal of tumors and cysts Correction of congenital anomalies (see Reconstructive surgery) |
Nothing |
||||
Surgical procedures - continued on next page
|
Surgical procedures (continued) |
You pay |
|---|---|
|
Surgical treatment of morbid obesity -- a condition in which an individual weighs 100 pounds or 100% over his or her normal weight according to current underwriting standards; eligible members must be age 18 or over Insertion of internal prosthetic devices. See 5(a) � Orthopedic and prosthetic devices for device coverage information. Voluntary sterilization (e.g., Tubal ligation, Vasectomy) Treatment of burns Note: Generally, we pay for internal prostheses (devices) according to where the procedure is done. For example, we pay Hospital benefits for a pacemaker and Surgery benefits for insertion of the pacemaker. |
Nothing |
|
Not covered: Reversal of voluntary sterilization Routine treatment of conditions of the foot; see Foot care |
All charges. |
|
| |
|
Surgery to correct a functional defect Surgery to correct a condition caused by injury or illness if: the condition produced a major effect on the member�s appearance and the condition can reasonably be expected to be corrected by such surgery Surgery to correct a condition that existed at or from birth and is a significant deviation from the common form or norm. Examples of congenital anomalies are: protruding ear deformities; cleft lip; cleft palate; birth marks; webbed fingers; and webbed toes. All stages of breast reconstruction surgery following a mastectomy, such as: surgery to produce a symmetrical appearance of breasts; treatment of any physical complications, such as lymphedemas; breast prostheses and surgical bras and replacements (see Prosthetic devices) Note: If you need a mastectomy, you may choose to have the procedure performed on an inpatient basis and remain in the hospital up to 48 hours after the procedure. |
Nothing |
Not covered: Cosmetic surgery � any surgical procedure (or any portion of a procedure) performed primarily to improve physical appearance through change in bodily form, except repair of accidental injury Surgeries related to sex transformation
|
All charges. |
|
You pay | |
|
Oral surgical procedures, limited to: Reduction of fractures of the jaws or facial bones; Surgical correction of cleft lip, cleft palate or severe functional malocclusion; Removal of stones from salivary ducts; Excision of leukoplakia or malignancies; Excision of cysts and incision of abscesses when done as independent procedures; and Other surgical procedures that do not involve the teeth or their supporting structures.
|
Nothing |
|
Surgical treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain dysfunction syndrome due to acute trauma or systemic disease Note: We must approve your treatment TMJ plan in advance |
50% of charges for approved treatment of TMJ pain dysfunction syndrome |
|
Not covered: Oral implants and transplants Procedures that involve the teeth or their supporting structures (such as the periodontal membrane, gingiva, and alveolar bone) Any dental care involved in the treatment of temporomandibular (TMJ) pain dysfunction syndrome |
All charges. |
|
You pay | |
|
Transplants are covered when approved by the Plan�s Medical Director. Transplants are limited to: Cornea Heart Heart/lung Kidney Kidney/Pancreas Liver Pancreas Allogeneic (donor) bone marrow transplants Autologous bone marrow transplants (autologous stem cell and peripheral stem cell support) for the following conditions: acute lymphocytic or non-lymphocytic leukemia; advanced Hodgkin�s lymphoma; advanced non-Hodgkin�s lymphoma; advanced neuroblastoma; breast cancer; multiple myeloma; epithelial ovarian cancer; and testicular, mediastinal, retroperitoneal and ovarian germ cell tumors Intestinal transplants (small intestine) and the small intestine with the liver or small intestine with multiple organs such as the liver, stomach, and pancreas Note: We cover related medical and hospital expenses of the donor when we cover the recipient |
Nothing |
|
Not covered: Donor screening tests and donor search expenses, except those performed for the actual donor Implants of artificial organs Transplants not listed as covered
|
All charges. |
|
You pay | |
|
Professional services provided in � Hospital (inpatient) Hospital outpatient department Skilled nursing facility Ambulatory surgical center Office |
Nothing |
|
I M P O R T A N T |
Here are some important things you should keep in mind about these benefits: Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary. Plan physicians must provide or arrange your care and you must be hospitalized in a Plan facility. Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services for valuable information about how cost sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare. The amounts listed below are for the charges billed by the facility (i.e., hospital or surgical center) or ambulance service for your surgery or care. Any costs associated with the professional charge (i.e., physicians, etc.) are in Sections 5(a) or (b). YOUR PHYSICIAN MUST GET PRECERTIFICATION OF HOSPITAL STAYS. Please refer to Section 3 to be sure which services require precertification. |
I M P O R T A N T |
|||
|
Benefit Description |
You pay | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| |||||
|
Room and board, such as Ward, semiprivate, or intensive care accommodations; General nursing care; and Meals and special diets. Private accommodations or private duty nursing care when a Plan doctor determines it is medically necessary Note: If you want a private room when it is not medically necessary, you pay the additional charge above the semiprivate room rate. |
Nothing | ||||
|
Other hospital services and supplies, such as: Operating, recovery, maternity, and other treatment rooms
Diagnostic laboratory tests and X-rays Administration of blood and blood products Blood or blood plasma Dressings, splints, casts, and sterile tray services Medical supplies and equipment, including oxygen Anesthetics, including nurse anesthetist services Medical supplies, appliances, medical equipment, and any covered items billed by a hospital for use at home |
Nothing | ||||
|
InpatientHospital continued on next page | |||||
|
|
| ||||
|
Inpatient hospital (continued) |
You pay | ||||
|
Not covered: Custodial care Non-covered facilities, such as nursing homes, schools Personal comfort items, such as telephone, television, barber services, guest meals and beds
|
All charges. | ||||
|
| |||||
|
Operating, recovery, and other treatment rooms
Diagnostic laboratory tests, X-rays, and pathology services Administration of blood, blood plasma, and other biologicals Blood and blood plasma Pre-surgical testing Dressings, casts, and sterile tray services Medical supplies, including oxygen Anesthetics and anesthesia service Note: We cover hospital services and supplies related to dental procedures when necessitated by a non-dental physical impairment. We do not cover the dental procedures. |
Nothing | ||||
|
Not covered: Blood and blood derivatives not replaced by the member |
All charges. | ||||
|
Extended care benefits/Skilled nursing care facility benefits |
| ||||
|
Extended care benefit: Skilled nursing facility (SNF): We cover up to 120 days of skilled nursing facility care per calendar year when we determine that full-time skilled nursing care is medically necessary. You and you Plan doctor must obtain our prior approval. All necessary services are covered including: Bed, board and general nursing care Drugs, biologicals, supplies and equipment ordinarily provided or arranged by the skilled nursing facility when prescribed by a Plan doctor. |
Nothing | ||||
|
Not covered: Custodial care, rest cures, domiciliary or convalescent care |
All charges. | ||||
|
You pay | |||||
|
We cover support and palliative care for a terminally ill member in the home or hospice facility. Coverage is provided up to a maximum benefit of $10,000 per period of care. Services include: Inpatient and outpatient care Family counseling Note: Covered hospice services are provided under the direction of a Plan doctor who certifies that the patient is in the terminal stages of illness, with a life expectancy of approximately six (6) months or less. |
Nothing | ||||
|
Not covered: Independent nursing, homemaker services |
All charges. | ||||
|
| |||||
|
Local professional ambulance service ordered or authorized by a Plan doctor |
Nothing | ||||
|
|
I M P O R T A N T |
Here are some important things to keep in mind about these benefits: Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary. Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services, for valuable information about how cost sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare.
|
I M P O R T A N T |
||
|
What is a medical emergency? A medical emergency is the sudden and unexpected onset of a condition or an injury that you believe endangers your life or could result in serious injury or disability, and requires immediate medical or surgical care. Some problems are emergencies because, if not treated promptly, they might become more serious; examples include deep cuts and broken bones. Others are emergencies because they are potentially life-threatening, such as heart attacks, strokes, poisonings, gunshot wounds, or sudden inability to breathe. There are many other acute conditions that we may determine are medical emergencies � what they all have in common is the need for quick action. | |||||
|
What to do in case of emergency Emergencies within our area: If you are in an emergency situation, please call your primary care doctor. In extreme emergencies, if you are unable to contact your doctor, contact the local emergency system (e.g. the 911 telephone system) or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Be sure to tell the emergency room personnel that you are a Plan member so they can notify us. You or a family member must notify us within 48 hours unless it was not reasonably possible to do so. It is your responsibility to ensure that we have been timely notified. If you need to be hospitalized in a non-Par facility, we must be notified within 48 hours or on the first working day following admission, unless it was not reasonably possible to notify us within that time. If you are hospitalized in a non-Par facility and Plan doctors believe care can be provided in a Plan hospital, we will transfer to a Plan facility when medically feasible. We will cover any ambulance charges in full. Benefits are available for car from non-Plan providers in a medical emergency only if delay in reaching a Plan provider would result in death, disability or significant jeopardy to your condition. To be covered by this Plan, any follow-up care recommended by non-Plan providers must be approved by the Plan or provided by Plan providers. Emergencies outside our service area: Benefits are available for any medically necessary health service that is immediately required because of injury or unforeseen illness. If you need urgent or emergency medical care when you�re away from home, you should call UNICAR HMO at 800/782-0180. Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your unexpected illness is not an emergency, you must call this number before seeking treatment. For life-threatening medical emergencies, you should seek treatment from the nearest medical facility and inform the hospital or physician that you are a member of UNICARE HMO. You should then contact the Plan at 800/782-0180 within 24 hours after medical care begins. If you need to be hospitalized, you must notify us within 48 hours or on the first working day following your admission, unless it was not reasonably possible to do so within that time. If a Plan doctor believes care can be provided in a Plan hospital, we will transfer you to a Plan facility at our expense. We must approve all follow-up care recommended by a non-Plan provider or you must receive the follow-up care from a Plan provider. | |||||
|
You pay
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| |||||
|
Emergency care at a doctor�s office Emergency care at an urgent care center Emergency care in a hospital emergency room Note: We waive the copay if you are admitted as an inpatient to the hospital. Note: We pay reasonable charges for emergency services to the extent the services would have been covered if received from Plan providers. |
$15 per office visit $50 per urgent care center visit $50 per hospital emergency room visit | ||||
|
Not covered: Elective care or non-emergency care |
All charges. | ||||
|
| |||||
|
Emergency care at a doctor�s office Emergency care at an urgent care center Emergency care in a hospital emergency room Note: We waive the copay if you are admitted as an inpatient to the hospital. Note: We pay reasonable charges for emergency services to the extent the services would have been covered if received from Plan providers. |
$15 per office visit $50 per urgent care center visit $50 per hospital emergency room visit | ||||
|
Not covered: Elective care or non-emergency care Emergency care provided outside the service area if the need for care could have been foreseen before leaving the service area Medical and hospital costs resulting from a full-term delivery of a baby outside the service area |
All charges | ||||
|
You pay | |||||
|
Professional ambulance service when medically appropriate. Note: See 5(c) for non-emergency service. |
Nothing | ||||
|
Not covered: Air ambulance |
All charges. | ||||
|
|
I M P O R T A N T |
When you get our approval for services and follow a treatment plan we approve, cost-sharing and limitations for Plan mental health and substance abuse benefits will be no greater than for similar benefits for other illnesses and conditions. Here are some important things to keep in mind about these benefits: Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary. Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services, for valuable information about how cost sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare. YOU MUST GET PREAUTHORIZATION OF THESE SERVICES. See the instructions after the benefits description below. |
I M P O R T A N T |
||
|
Benefit Description |
You pay
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| |||||
|
All diagnostic and treatment services recommended by a Plan provider and contained in a treatment plan that we approve. The treatment plan may include services, drugs, and supplies described elsewhere in this brochure. Note: Plan benefits are payable only when we determine the care is clinically appropriate to treat your condition and only when you receive the care as part of a treatment plan that we approve. |
Your cost sharing responsibilities are no greater than for other illnesses or conditions. | ||||
|
Professional services, including individual or group therapy by providers such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or clinical social workers Medication management |
$15 per office visit | ||||
|
Diagnostic tests Services provided by a hospital or other facility Services in approved alternative care settings such as partial hospitalization, half-way house, residential treatment, full-day hospitalization, facility based intensive outpatient |
Nothing | ||||
|
Not covered: Services we have not approved Psychiatric evaluation or therapy on court order or as a condition of parole or probation unless determined by a Plan doctor to be necessary and appropriate Note: OPM will base its review of disputes about treatment plans on the treatment plan�s clinical appropriateness. OPM will generally not order us to pay or provide one clinically appropriate treatment plan in favor of another. |
All charges | ||||
Mental Health and Substance Abuse continued on the next page
|
Preauthorization To be eligible to receive these benefits you must obtain a treatment plan and follow all of the following network authorization processes: You must contact Magellan Behavioral Health at 1-800-746-6294 before seeking Mental Health or Substance Abuse treatment. Magellan Behavioral Health will review your treatment needs. They will provide you and the provider with written authorization (certification letter) for your initial visit and any ongoing care. |
|
Limitation We may limit your benefits if you do not obtain a treatment plan. |
|
I M P O R T A N T |
Here are some important things to keep in mind about these benefits: We cover prescribed drugs and medications, as described in the chart beginning on the next page. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary. Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services, for valuable information about how cost sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare. |
I M P O R T A N T |
||
|
There are important features you should be aware of. These include: Who can write your prescription. A Plan physician or referral doctor must write the prescription Where you can obtain them. You must fill the prescription at a Plan pharmacy, or by mail for a maintenance medication. To obtain a list of Plan pharmacies call UNCARE�s Customer Services Department at 312/234-8855 or 888/234-8855 (outside the SBC local calling area). To order maintenance medications by mails, call UNICARE�s Customer Services Department to obtain the necessary forms. Complete or have your Plan doctor complete the prescription order form. Mail the Plan doctor�s written prescription for up to a 90-day supply of the maintenance drug, along with the completed prescription order form and the appropriate copay amount to the mail order pharmacy provider. Additional refills may be obtained the same way provided the strength and dosage of the medication remain the same. We use a formulary. A formulary is a list of prescription medications that we cover when your doctor prescribes them for you. These drugs were selected because they have been proven safe and effective. They are included in the formulary because most doctors prefer them to other choices. Drugs are dispensed in accordance with the Plan�s drug formulary. However, we do cover non-formulary drugs when prescribed by a Plan doctor. Your physician must obtain our approval for non-formulary drugs. 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. This list of name brand drugs is a preferred list of drugs that we selected to meet patient needs at a lower cost. To order a prescription drug brochure, call UNICARE�s Customer Services at 312/234/8855 or 888/234/8855 (outside the SBC local calling area). These are the dispensing limitations: Pharmacy supply limits: - up to a 30-day supply or 100-unit supply whichever is less; or - 240 milliliters of liquid (8 oz); or - 60 grams of ointment, creams or topical preparation; or - one commercially prepared unit (i.e.; one inhaler) You pay $5 copay per prescription unit or refill of generic formulary drugs and $15 per prescription unit or refill of name brand formulary drugs. If a generic drug is available and your doctor does not require the use of a name brand drug, you pay the $15 name brand copay plus the difference in cost between the generic and the name brand drug. When generic substitution is not available, you pay the brand name copay. For non-formulary drugs obtained at a Plan pharmacy, you pay a $25 copay. When generic substitution is permissible (e.g.; a generic drug is available and the prescribing doctor does not required the use of a name brand drug) but you request the name brand drub, you pay the $25 non-formulary copay plus the difference between the cost of the generic drug and the cost of the name brand drug Mail Order: You may obtain up to a 90-day supply of formulary maintenance drugs from our mail order pharmacy program. You pay 2-times the per unit copay.
| ||||
|
Maintenance medications are drugs used on a continual basis for treatment of chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, ulcers or diabetes and that are package and intended for self-administration by the patient. Additionally, you may obtain insulin and select oral contraceptives through the pharmacy mail order program. To order maintenance medications by mail, call UNICARE�s Customer Services Department to obtain the necessary forms. Complete or have your Plan doctor complete the prescription order form. Mail the Plan doctor�s written prescription for up to a 90-day supply of the maintenance drug, along with the completed prescription order form and the appropriate copay amount to the mail order pharmacy provider. Additional refills may be obtained the same way provided the strength and dosage of the medication remain the same. All drugs are not available by mail order. You cannot obtain antibiotics, cough syrup and self-injected drugs (except insulin) by mail. Please note that we will only refill prescriptions within 12 months of the date of the initial prescription from you Plan doctor. Also, we will not refill a prescription less than 10 days prior to its completion. Drugs to treat sexual dysfunction have dispensing limits and require prior approval. Please contact us for details. A generic equivalent will be dispensed if it is available unless your physician specifically requires a name brand. If you receive a name brand drug when a federally approved generic drug is available, and your physician has not specified �Dispense as Written� for the name brand drug, you have to pay the difference in cost between the name brand drug and the generic. Why use generic drugs? Generic drugs are lower priced drugs that are the therapeutic equivalent to more expensive brand name drugs. They must contain the same active ingredients and must be equivalent in strength and dosage to the original brand name product. Generics cost less than the equivalent brand name product. The U.S. Food and Drug administration sets quality standard for generic drugs to ensure that these drugs meet the same standards of quality and strength as brand name drugs. When you have to file a claim. You normally won�t have to submit claims to us unless you receive emergency services from a provider who doesn�t contract with us. If you file a claim, please 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. Either OPM or we can extend this deadline if you show that circumstances beyond your control prevented you from filing on time. Please mail your claims to: UNICARE HMO, P.O. Box 5597, Chicago, Illinois 60680-5597 | ||||
Prescription drug benefits begin on the next page
|
Prescription drugs (continued) |
|
|
Benefit Description |
You pay |
|---|---|
|
| |
|
We cover the following medications and supplies prescribed by a Plan physician and obtained from a Plan pharmacy or through our mail order program: Drugs and medicines that by Federal law of the United States require a physician�s prescription for their purchase, except those listed as excluded below: Disposable needles and syringes for the administration of covered medications Drugs for sexual dysfunction Insulin Oral contraceptive drugs and devices Smoking cessation prescription drugs and medications including, but not limited to, nicotine patches and sprays Note: Drugs for sexual dysfunction have pill limits and require preauthorization. |
$5 per generic formulary prescription unit or refill $15 per name brand formulary prescription unit or refill $25 per generic or name brand non-formulary prescription unit or refill Note: If there is no generic equivalent available, you will still have to pay the brand name copay. |
Self-injectable drugs Self-injectable fertility drugs Note: Fertility drugs administered in the doctor�s office (not self-injected), intravenous fluids and medication for home use, implantable drugs, contraceptive devices, and injectable drugs that can only be administered by a physician are covered under Medical and Surgical Benefits. Drugs prescribed for sexual dysfunction have dispensing limitations. For complete details please call UNICARE�s Customer Services. |
50% of the cost of the drug up to the $2,500 catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum per calendar year. We then cover self-injectable drugs at 100% for the rest of that year. |
|
Not covered: Drugs and supplies for cosmetic purposes Drugs to enhance athletic performance Drugs obtained at a non-Plan pharmacy; except for out-of-area emergencies Vitamins, nutrients and food supplements even if a physician prescribes or administers them Non-prescription medicines or medicines for which there is a non-prescription equivalent Medical supplies such as dressings and antiseptics Replacement of lost or stolen medications or the replacement of medications damaged by improper storage Drugs used for the purpose of weight loss or weight gain Drugs consumed in an inpatient seting |
All charges. |
|
Description | |
|---|---|
|
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.
| |
|
UNICARE�s TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) machine is available to communicate with our hearing-impaired members. Messages received by our TDD machine are returned and resolved quickly by a Customer Services Representative. The TDD telephone number is 312/234-7770. |
|
I M P O R T A N T |
Here are some important things to keep in mind about these benefits: Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services, for valuable information about how cost sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare. |
I M P O R T A N T |
|||
|
Accidental injury benefit |
You pay | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
We cover restorative services and supplies necessary to promptly repair (but not replace) sound natural teeth. The need for these services must result from an accidental injury. Restorative services must be initiated within 60 days of the reported injury unless the member�s medical condition is such that a delay in initiating treatment is required. The injury must be reported to the Plan as soon as reasonably possible after the accident. |
Nothing | ||||
|
We do not cover any other dental benefits | |||||
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 catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum. Dental Benefits As a UNICARE HMO member, you and your family are automatically eligible for participation in the UNICAR Dental Network. By taking advantage of this non-FEHB benefit, you and your family will be able to choose a dental provider from an extensive network of participating, credentialed dental providers in the Chicagoland area. Also, you can realize discounts averaging around 20% on a wide range of preventive and specialty care services from participating dental providers, including orthodontists. After you enroll in UNICARE HMO we will send you an identification card that provides both HMO and Dental information. You can either call 800-627-0004 or check our website at http://ww.unicare.com to select a convenient dental office near you. Written inquiries or correspondence should be direct to P.O. Box 9201, Oxnard, CA 93031-9021. If you have questions, you may also contact UNICARE HMO Customer Services at 312/234-8855 or 888/234-8855 (outside of the SBC local calling area). Vision Care As a UNICARE HMO member, you and your family are entitled to discounts off the retail price on eye wear from more than 50 Cole Vision Centers in the Chicagoland area. These discounts are in addition to any covered eye refractions explained in the previous pages. Cole Vision Centers are conveniently located in most Sears, JC Penney and Carson Pirie Scott stores. Call the Cole Vision Customer Service Center at 800/334-7591 to find a convenient location near you. Then, just present your HMO ID card at a Cole Vision Center to receive your discount. If you have questions you may also contact UNICAR HMO Customer Services at 312/234-8855 or 888/234-8855 (outside of the SBC local calling area). |
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 your Plan doctor determines it is medically necessary to prevent, diagnose, or treat your illness, disease, injury, or condition and we agree as discussed under Services Requiring or prior Approval on page 10.
We do not cover the following:
Care by non-plan providers except for authorized referrals or emergencies (see Emergency Benefits);
Services, drugs, or supplies you receive while you are not enrolled in this Plan;
Services, drugs, or supplies not medically necessary;
Services, drugs, or supplies not required according to accepted standards of medical, dental, or psychiatric practice;
Experimental or investigational procedures, treatments, drugs or devices;
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;
Services, drugs, or supplies you receive from a provider or facility barred from the FEHB Program; or
Services, drugs, or supplies you receive without charge while in active military service.
When you see Plan physicians, receive services at Plan hospitals and facilities, or obtain your prescription drugs at Plan pharmacies, you will not have to file claims. Just present your identification card and pay your copayment, coinsurance, or deductible.
You will only need to file a claim when you receive emergency services from non-plan providers. Sometimes these providers bill us directly. Check with the provider. If you need to file the claim, here is the process:
|
Medical, hospital and drug benefits
Medical and hospital |
In most cases, providers and facilities file claims for you. Physicians 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 312/234-8855 or 888/234-8855 (outside the SBC local calling area).. When you must file a claim � such as for services you receive outside the Plan�s service area � submit it on the HCFA-1500 or a claim form that includes the information shown below. Bills and receipts should be itemized and show: Covered member�s name and ID number; Name and address of the physician or facility that provided the service or supply; Dates you received the services or supplies; Diagnosis; Type of each service or supply; The charge for each service or supply; A copy of the explanation of benefits, payments, or denial from any primary payer � such as the Medicare Summary Notice (MSN); and Receipts, if you paid for your services. Submit your claims to: UNICARE HMO P.O. Box 06200 Chicago, IL60606-6309 |
|
Prescription drugs |
Submit your claims to: UNICARE HMO P.O. Box 9085 Claim Services Oxnard, CA93031-9085 |
|
Other supplies or services |
In most cases you will not have to file a claim because our providers will handle the process for you. If you must file a claim for service such as durable medical equipment or prosthetic devices, use the procedure and address above. |
|
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, provided the claim was submitted as soon as reasonably possible. |
|
When we need more information |
Please reply promptly when we ask for additional information. We may delay processing or deny your claim if you do not respond. |
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: UNICAREHMO, Attn: Appeals Department, 233 South Wacker Drive, Suite, 3900, Chicago, IL 60606-6309; and c) Include a statement about why you believe our initial decision was wrong, based on specific benefit provisions in this brochure; and d) Include copies of documents that support your claim, such as physicians' letters, operative reports, bills, medical records, and explanation of benefits (EOB) forms. |
|
2 |
We have 30 days from the date we receive your request to: a) Pay the claim (or, if applicable, arrange for the health care provider to give you the care); or b) Write to you and 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 information 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 OPM at: United States Office of Personnel Management, Insurance Services Programs, Contracts Division 2, 1900 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20415-3620. |
|
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 Your daytime phone number and the 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 representative, 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 their disputed claim decision. 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. | |
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 312/234-8855 or 888/234-8855 (outside of the SBC local calling area) 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 expedited treatment too, or
You may call OPM�s Contracts Division 2 at 202/606-3818 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. eastern time.
|
You must tell us if you or a covered family member have coverage under another group health plan or have 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 secondary payer. We, like other insurers, determine which coverage is primary according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners� guidelines. 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. | |
|
|
Medicare is a Health Insurance Program for: People 65 years of age or older. Some people with disabilities under 65 years of age. People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring 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 information. Part B (Medical Insurance). Most people pay monthly for Part B. Generally, Part B premiums are withheld from your monthly Social Security check or your retirement check. |
|
Should I enroll in Medicare? |
The decision to enroll in Medicare is yours. We encourage you to apply for Medicare benefits 3 months before you turn age 65. It�s easy. Just call the Social Security Administration toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 to set up an appointment to apply. If you do not apply for one or both Parts of Medicare, you can still be covered under the FEHB Program. If you can get premium-free Part A coverage, we advise you to enroll in it. Most Federal employees and annuitants are entitled to Medicare Part A at age 65 without cost. When you don�t have to pay premiums for Medicare Part A, it makes good sense to obtain the coverage. It can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses as well as costs to the FEHB, which can help keep FEHB premiums down. Everyone is charged a premium for Medicare Part B coverage. The Social Security Administration can provide you with premium and benefit information. Review the information and decide if it makes sense for you to buy the Medicare Part B coverage. If you are eligible for Medicare, you may have choices in how you get your health care. Medicare Advantage is the term used to describe the various private health plan choices available to Medicare beneficiaries. The information in the next few pages shows how we coordinate benefits with Medicare, depending on whether you are in the Original Medicare Plan or a private Medicare Advantage plan. |
|
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, such as most prescription drugs (but coverage through private prescription drug plans will be available starting in 2006). 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. You must continue to be authorized by your primary care physician. We will not waive copayments, deductibles or coinsurance. | |
|
Claims process when you have the Original Medicare Plan � You probably 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 claim 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 claim, call us at 312-234-8855 or 888/234-8855 (Outside the local SBC calling area) or see our Web site at www.unicare.com. We do not waive any costs if the Original Medicare Plan is your primary payer |
Medicare always makes the final determination as to whether they are the primary payer. The following chart illustrates whether 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 you - or your covered spouse - are age 65 or over and have Medicare and you� |
The primary payer for the individual with Medicare is� | |
|---|---|---|
|
Medicare |
This Plan | |
|
1) Have FEHB coverage on your own as an active employee or through your spouse who is an active employee |
| |
|
2) Have FEHB coverage on your own as an annuitant or through your spouse who is an annuitant |
|
|
|
3) Are a reemployed annuitant with the Federal government and your position is excluded from the FEHB (your employing office will know if this is the case) and you are not covered under FEHB through your spouse under #1 above |
|
|
|
4) Are a reemployed annuitant with the Federal government and your position is not excluded from the FEHB (your employing office will know if this is the case) and � You have FEHB coverage on your own or through your spouse who is also an active employee |
| |
|
You have FEHB coverage through your spouse who is an annuitant |
|
|
|
5) Are a Federal judge who retired under title 28, U.S.C., or a Tax Court judge who retired under Section 7447 of title 26, U.S.C. (or if your covered spouse is this type of judge) and you are not covered under FEHB through your spouse under #1 above |
|
|
|
6) Are enrolled in Part B only, regardless of your employment status |
|
|
|
7) 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 |
|
|
|
B. When you or a covered family member� |
||
|
1) Have Medicare solely based on end stage renal disease (ESRD) and� It is within the first 30 months of eligibility for or entitlement to Medicare due to ESRD (30-month coordination period) |
| |
|
It is beyond the 30-month coordination period and you or a family member are still entitled to Medicare due to ESRD |
|
|
|
2) Become eligible for Medicare due to ESRD while already a Medicare beneficiary and� This Plan was the primary payer before eligibility due to ESRD |
| |
|
Medicare was the primary payer before eligibility due to ESRD |
|
|
|
C. When either you or a covered family memberare eligible for Medicare solely due to disability and you� |
||
|
1) Have FEHB coverage on your own as an active employee or through a family member who is an active employee |
| |
|
2) Have FEHB coverage on your own as an annuitant or through a family member who is an annuitant |
|
|
|
D. When you are covered under the FEHB Spouse Equity provision as a former spouse |
|
|
*Workers� Compensation is primary for claims related to your condition under Workers� Compensation
|
Medicare Advantage |
If you are eligible for Medicare, you may choose to enroll in and get your Medicare benefits from a Medicare Advantage plan. These are private health care choices (like HMOs) in some areas of the country. In most Medicare Advantage plans, you can only go to doctors, specialists, or hospitals that are part of the plan. Medicare Advantage plans provide all the benefits that Original Medicare covers. Some cover extras, like prescription drugs. To learn more about enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or at www.medicare.gov. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, the following options are available to you: This Plan and another plan�s Medicare Advantage plan: You may enroll in another plan�s Medicare Advantage plan and also remain enrolled in our FEHB plan. We will still provide benefits when your Medicare Advantage plan is primary, even out of the Medicare Advantage plan�s network and/or service area (if you use our Plan providers), but we will not waive any of our copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, tell us. We will need to know whether you are in the Original Medicare Plan or in a Medicare Advantage plan so we can correctly coordinate benefits with Medicare. Suspended FEHB coverage to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan: If you are an annuitant or former spouse, you can suspend your FEHB coverage to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, eliminating your FEHB premium. (OPM does not contribute to your Medicare Advantage plan premium.) For information on suspending your FEHB enrollment, contact your retirement office. If you later want to re-enroll in the FEHB Program, generally you may do so only at the next Open Season unless you involuntarily lose coverage or move out of the Medicare Advantage plan�s service area. |
|
TRICARE is the health care program for eligible dependents of military persons, and retirees of the military. TRICARE includes the CHAMPUS program. CHAMPVA provides health coverage to disabled Veterans and their eligible dependents. IF TRICARE or CHAMPVA and this Plan cover you, we pay first. See your TRICARE or CHAMPVA Health Benefits Advisor if you have questions about these programs. Suspended FEHB coverage to enroll in TRICARE or CHAMPVA: If you are an annuitant or former spouse, you can suspend your FEHB coverage to enroll in one of these programs, eliminating your FEHB premium. (OPM does not contribute to any applicable plan premiums.) For information on suspending your FEHB enrollment, contact your retirement office. If you later want to re-enroll in the FEHB Program, generally you may do so only at the next Open Season unless you involuntarily lose coverage under the program. | |
|
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 settlement or other similar proceeding that is based on a claim you filed under OWCP or similar laws. Once OWCP or similar agency pays its maximum benefits for your treatment, we will cover your care. |
|
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 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. |
Section 10. Definitions of terms we use in this brochure
|
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 11. |
|
Copayment |
A copayment is a fixed amount of money you pay when you receive covered services. See page 11. |
|
Covered services |
Care we provide benefits for, as described in this brochure. |
|
Custodial care |
Care that provides a level of routine maintenance for the purpose of meeting personal needs. This is care that can be provided by a layperson who does not have professional qualifications, skills, or training. Examples include help in walking, dressing, getting in to and out of bed, and help in functions of daily living. Custodial care that lasts 90 days or most is sometimes known as Long term care. |
|
Deductible |
A deductible is a fixed amount of covered expenses you must incur for certain covered services and supplies before we start paying benefits for those services. See page 11 |
|
Experimental or investigational services |
A procedure that is determined to be experimental or investigational based on Plan review of medical record, current reviews of medical literature and scientific evidence, results of current studies or clinical trials, research protocol, reports or opinions of authoritative medical bodies, and opinions of in dependent outside experts and approvals granted by regulatory bodies. |
|
Medical necessity |
Medical services provided for the diagnosis or the treatment of a sickness or injury or for the maintenance of a person�s good health. Also, the medial services are furnished by a provider with the appropriate training, experience, staff and facilities to furnish the service, and the established opinion, with the appropriate specialty of the United States medical profession, that the services are safe and effective for the intended use. |
|
Plan allowance |
Plan allowance is the amount we use to determine our payment and your coinsurance for covered services. Plans determine their allowances in different ways. We determine our allowance as the reasonable and customary charges. |
|
Us/We |
Us and We refer to UNICARE HEALTH PLANS OF THE MIDWEST, INC. (UNICARE) |
|
You |
You refers to the enrollee and each covered family member. |
|
We will not refuse to cover the treatment of a condition you had before you enrolled in this Plan solely because you had the condition before you enrolled. | |
|
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. |
|
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. 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 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. | |
|
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 FEHB Program, if you are an employee subject to a court or administrative order requiring you to provide health benefits for your child(ren). If this law applies to you, you must enroll for 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 for 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 Program, you cannot cancel your enrollment, change to Self Only, or change to a plan that doesn�t serve the area in which your children live, unless you provide documentation that you have other coverage for the children. If the court/administrative order is still in effect when you retire, and you have at least one child still eligible for FEHB coverage, you must continue your FEHB coverage into retirement (if eligible) and cannot cancel your coverage, change to Self Only, or change to a plan that doesn�t serve the area in which your children live as long as the court/administrative order is in effect. Contact your employing office for further information. | |
|
The benefits in this brochure are effective January 1. If you joined this Plan during Open Season, your coverage begins on the first day of your first pay period that starts on or after January 1. If you changed plans or plan options during Open Season and you receive care between January 1 and the effective date of coverage under your new plan or option, your claims will be paid according to the 2005 benefits of your old plan or option. However, if your old plan left the FEHB Program at the end of the year, you are covered under that plan�s 2004 benefits until the effective date of your coverage with your new plan. Annuitants� coverage and premiums begin on January 1. If you joined at any other time during the year, your employing office will tell you the effective date of coverage. | |
|
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). |
|
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 (TCC), or a conversion policy (a non-FEHB individual policy.) | |
|
If you are divorced from a Federal employee or annuitant, you may not continue to get benefits under your former spouse�s enrollment. This is the case even when the court has ordered your former spouse to provide health coverage 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 ex-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 Web site, www.opm.gov/insure. | |
|
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. 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 what you have to do to enroll. | |
|
You may convert to a non-FEHB individual policy if: Your coverage under TCC or the spouse equity law ends (If you canceled 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. | |
|
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, we 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 getting 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 previously enrolled in other FEHB plans, you may also request a certificate from those plans. For more information, get OPM pamphlet RI 79-27, Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) under the FEHB Program. See also the FEHB Web site at www.opm.gov/insure/archive/health; refer to the �TCC and HIPAA� frequently asked questions. These highlight HIPAA rules, such as the requirement that Federal employees must exhaust any TCC eligibility as one condition for guaranteed access to individual health coverage under HIPAA, and information about Federal and State agencies you can contact for more information. |
|
Important information |
OPM wants to make sure you are aware of two Federal programs that complement the FEHB Program. First, the Federal Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Program, also known as FSAFEDS, lets you set aside pre-tax money to pay for health and dependent care expenses. The result can be a discount of 20% to more than 40% on services you routinely pay for out-of-pocket. Second, the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) helps cover long term care costs, which are not covered under the FEHB. |
The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program � FSAFEDS
|
It is a tax-favored benefit that allows you to set aside pre-tax money from your paychecks to pay for a variety of eligible expenses. By using an FSA, you can reduce your taxes while paying for services you would have to pay for anyway, producing a discount that can be over 40%. There are two types of FSAs offered by FSAFEDS. | |||
|
Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) |
Covers eligible health care expenses not reimbursed by this Plan, or any other medical, dental, or vision care plan you or your dependents may have. Eligible dependents for this account include anyone you claim on your Federal Income Tax return as a qualified dependent under the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) definition and/or with whom you jointly file your Federal Income Tax return, even if you don�t have self and family health benefits coverage. Note: The IRS has a broader definition of a �family member� than is used under the FEHB Program to provide benefits by your FEHB Plan. The maximum annual amount that can be allotted for the HCFSA is $4,000. Note: The Federal workforce includes a number of employees married to each other. If each spouse/employee is eligible for FEHB coverage, both may enroll for a HCFSA up to the maximum of $4,000 each ($8,000 total). Both are covered under each other�s HCFSA. The minimum annual amount is $250. | ||
|
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) |
Covers eligible dependent care expenses incurred so you, and your spouse, if married, can work, look for work, or attend school full-time. Qualifying dependents for this account include your dependent children under age 13, or any person of any age whom you claim as a dependent on your Federal Income Tax return (and who is mentally or physically incapable of self care). The maximum annual amount that can be allotted for the DCFSA is $5,000. The minimum annual amount is $250. Note: The IRS limits contributions to a DCFSA. For single taxpayers and taxpayers filing a joint return, the maximum is $5,000 per year. For taxpayers who file their taxes separately with a spouse, the maximum is $2,500 per year. The limit includes any child care subsidy you may receive. | ||
|
Enroll during Open Season |
You must make an election to enroll in an FSA during the 2005 FEHB Open Season. Even if you enrolled during 2004, you must make a new election to continue participating in 2005. Enrollment is easy!
Telephone: call an FSAFEDS Benefits Counselor toll-free at 1-877-FSAFEDS (372-3337), Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., Eastern Time. TTY: 1-800-952-0450. | ||
|
SHPS is a third-party administrator hired by OPM to manage the FSAFEDS Program. SHPS is the largest FSA administrator in the nation and is responsible for enrollment, claims processing, customer service, and day-to-day operations of FSAFEDS. | |||
|
If you are a Federal employee eligible for FEHB � even if you�re not enrolled in FEHB � you can choose to participate in either, or both, of the Almost all Federal employees are eligible to enroll for a DCFSA. The only exception is intermittent (also called �when actually employed� [WAE]) employees expected to work fewer than 180 days during the year. Note: FSAFEDS is the FSA Program established for all Executive Branch employees and Legislative Branch employees whose employers have signed on to participate. Under IRS law, FSAs are not available to annuitants. Also, the U.S. Postal Service and the Judicial Branch, among others, have their own plans with slightly different rules. However, the advantages of having an FSA are the same regardless of the agency for which you work. | |||
|
Plan carefully when deciding how much to contribute to an FSA. Because of the tax benefits The FSAFEDS Calculator at www.FSAFEDS.com will help you plan your FSA allocations and provide an estimate of your tax savings based on your individual situation. | |||
|
Every FEHB plan includes cost sharing features, such as deductibles you must meet before the Plan provides benefits, coinsurance or copayments that you pay when you and the Plan share costs, and medical services and supplies that are not covered by the Plan and for which you must pay. These out-of-pocket costs are summarized on page 11 and detailed throughout this brochure. Your HCFSA will reimburse you when those costs are for qualified medical care that you, your spouse and/or your dependents receive that is NOT covered or reimbursed by this FEHB Plan or any other coverage that you have. Under the Standard Option of this plan, typical out-of pocket expenses include: copayments, coinsurance and non-covered dental and vision benefits. The IRS governs expenses reimbursable by a HCFSA. See Publication 502 for a comprehensive list of tax-deductible medical expenses. Note: While you will see insurance premiums listed in Publication 502, they are NOT a reimbursable expense for FSA purposes. Publication 502 can be found on the IRS Web site at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf. The FSAFEDS Web site also has a comprehensive list of eligible expenses at www.FSAFEDS.com/fsafeds/eligibleexpenses.asp. If you do not see your service or expense listed, please call an FSAFEDS Benefits Counselor at 1-877-FSAFEDS (372-3337), who will be able to answer your specific questions. | |||
|
An FSA lets you allot money for eligible expenses before your agency deducts taxes from your paycheck. This means the amount of income that your taxes are based on will be lower, so your tax liability will be less. Without an FSA, you would still pay for these expenses, but you would do so using money remaining in your paycheck after Federal (and often state and local) taxes are deducted. The following chart illustrates a typical tax savings example: | |||
|
Annual Tax Savings Example |
With FSA |
Without | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
If your taxable income is: |
$50,000 |
$50,000 | |
|
And you deposit this amount into an FSA: |
$2,000 |
-$0- | |
|
Your taxable income is now: |
$48,000 |
$50,000 | |
|
Subtract Federal & Social Security taxes: |
$13,807 |
$14,383 | |
|
If you spend after-tax dollars for expenses: |
-$0- |
$2,000 | |
|
Your real spendable income is: |
$34,193 |
$33,617 | |
|
Your tax savings: |
$576 |
-$0- | |
|
Note: This example is intended to demonstrate a typical tax savings based on 27% Federal and 7.65% FICA taxes. Actual savings will vary based upon the retirement system in which you are enrolled (CSRS or FERS), your state of residence, and your individual tax situation. In this example, the individual received $2,000 in services for $1,424 - a discount of almost 36%! You may also wish to consult a tax professional for more information on the tax implications of an FSA. | |||
|
You cannot claim expenses on your Federal Income Tax return if you receive reimbursement for them from your HCFSA or DCFSA. Below are some guidelines that may help you decide whether to participate in FSAFEDS. | |||
|
Health care expenses |
The HCFSA is Federal Income Tax-free from the first dollar. In addition, you may be reimbursed from your HCFSA at any time during the year for expenses up to the annual amount you�ve elected to contribute. Only health care expenses exceeding 7.5% of your adjusted gross income are eligible to be deducted on your Federal Income Tax return. Using the example shown above, only health care expenses exceeding $3,750 (7.5% of $50,000) would be eligible to be deducted on your Federal Income Tax return. In addition, money set aside through an HCFSA is also exempt from FICA taxes. This exemption is not available on your Federal Income Tax return. | ||
|
Dependent care expenses |
The DCFSA generally allows many families to save more than they would with the Federal tax credit for dependent care expenses. Note that you may only be reimbursed from the DCFSA up to your current account balance. If you file a claim for more than your current balance, it will be held until additional payroll allotments have been added to your account. Visit www.FSAFEDS.com and download the Dependent Care Tax Credit Worksheet from the Forms and Literature page to help you determine what is best for your situation. You may also wish to consult a tax professional for more details. | ||
|
No. Section 1127 of the National Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 108-136) requires agencies that offer FSAFEDS to employees to cover the administrative fee(s) on behalf of their employees. However, remember that participating in FSAFEDS can cost you money if you don�t spend your entire account balance by the end of the Plan Year, resulting in the forfeiture of funds remaining in your account (the IRS �use-it-or-lose-it� rule). | |||
|
To learn more or to enroll, please visit the FSAFEDS Web site at www.FSAFEDS.com, or contact SHPS directly via email or by phone. FSAFEDS Benefits Counselors are available Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. E-mail: FSAFEDS@shps.net Telephone: 1-877-FSAFEDS (1-877-372-3337) TTY: 1-800-952-0450 | |||
The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program
|
It�s important protection |
Why should you consider applying for coverage under the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP)? FEHB plans do not cover the cost of long term care. Also called �custodial care,� long term care is help you receive to perform activities of daily living � such as bathing or dressing yourself - or supervision you receive because of a severe cognitive impairment. The need for long term care can strike anyone at any age and the cost of care can be substantial. The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program can help protect you from the potentially high cost of long term care. This coverage gives you options regarding the type of care you receive and where you receive it. With FLTCIP coverage, you won�t have to worry about relying on your loved ones to provide or pay for your care. It�s to your advantage to apply sooner rather than later. In order to qualify for coverage under the FLTCIP, you must apply and pass a medical screening (called underwriting). Certain medical conditions, or combinations of conditions, will prevent some people from being approved for coverage. By applying while you�re in good health, you could avoid the risk of having a future change in your health disqualify you from obtaining coverage. Also, the younger you are when you apply, the lower your premiums. You don�t have to wait for an open season to apply. The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program accepts applications from eligible persons at any time. You will have to complete a full underwriting application, which asks a number of questions about your health. However, if you are a new or newly eligible employee, you (and your spouse, if applicable) have a limited opportunity to apply using the abbreviated underwriting application, which asks fewer questions. Newly married spouses of employees also have a limited opportunity to apply using abbreviated underwriting. Qualified relatives are also eligible to apply. Qualified relatives include spouses and adult children of employees and annuitants, and parents, parents-in-law, and stepparents of employees. |
|
To find out more and to request an application |
Call 1-800-LTC-FEDS (1-800-582-3337) (TTY 1-800-843-3557) or visit www.ltcfeds.com. |
Do not rely on this page; it is for your convenience and may not show all pages where the terms appear.
- Accidental injury 18, 23, 37
- Allergy tests 17
- Allogeneic (donor) bone marrow transplant 25
- Ambulance 26, 28, 30
- Anesthesia 5, 22
- Autologous bone marrow transplant 18, 25
- Biopsy 22
- Blood and blood plasma 27
- Casts 26, 27
- Catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum 11, 57
- Changes for 2005 7
- Chemotherapy 18
- Chiropractic 21
- Cholesterol tests 15
- Claims 8, 12, 40, 41, 45, 50, 52
- Coinsurance 6, 8, 11, 40, 46, 48, 53
- Colorectal cancer screening 15
- Congenital anomalies 22, 23
- Contraceptive drugs and devices 16, 35
- Covered charges 44
- Crutches 20
- Deductible 6, 8, 11, 40, 46, 53
- Definitions 14, 22, 26, 29, 31, 33, 37, 48, 57
- Dental care 37, 57
- Diagnostic services 14, 26, 31, 57
- Disputed claims review 41
- Donor expenses 25
- Dressings 26
- Durable medical equipment 20
- Effective date of enrollment 9
- Emergency 6, 29, 39, 40, 57
- Experimental or investigational 39
- Eyeglasses 19
- Family planning 16
- Fecal occult blood test 15
- Fraud 3, 4
- General exclusions 39
- General Exclusions 12
- Home health services 21
- Hospital 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 14, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 31, 40, 43, 46, 47, 57
- Immunizations 6, 15
- Infertility 11, 17
- Inpatient hospital benefits 40
- Magnetic Resonance Imagings (MRIs) 14
- Mammograms 14
- Maternity benefits 16
- Medicaid 47
- Medically necessary 14, 16, 22, 26, 29, 31, 33, 37, 39
- Medicare 31, 43, 45
Original.............................................. 43
- Members
Associate........................................... 58
Family............................................... 49
Plan................................................ 8, 23
- Mental Health/Substance Abuse Benefits 31
- Newborn care 16
- Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)........ 21
Nurse Anesthetist (NA).................... 26
- Occupational therapy 18
- Office visits 6, 11
- Oral and maxillofacial surgical 24
- Out-of-pocket expenses 43, 53
- Oxygen 20, 21, 26
- Pap test 14, 15
- Physician 20, 22
- Precertification 42
- Prescription drugs 33, 40, 46, 57
- Preventive care, adult 15
- Preventive care, children 16
- Prior approval 10, 41, 42
- Prosthetic devices 20, 23
- Psychologist 31
- Radiation therapy 18
- Room and board 26
- Second surgical opinion 14
- Skilled nursing facility care 10, 14, 25
- Social worker 31
- Speech therapy 18
- Splints 26
- Subrogation 47
- Substance abuse 31, 57
- Surgery 5, 16, 18, 20, 23
Anesthesia......................................... 27
Oral.................................................... 24
Outpatient......................................... 27
Reconstructive................................... 22
- Syringes 35
- Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) 50
- Transplants 18, 25
- Treatment therapies 18
- Vision care 38, 57
- Wheelchairs 20
- Workers Compensation 46
- X-rays 14, 26, 27
Summary of benefits for the UNICARE HMO - 2005
Do not rely on this chart alone. All benefits are provided in full unless indicated and are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure. 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.
We only cover services provided or arranged by Plan physicians, except in emergencies.
|
Benefits |
You pay |
Page |
|---|---|---|
|
Medical services provided by physicians: Diagnostic and treatment services provided in the office�� |
Office visit copay: $15 primary care; $15 specialist |
14 |
|
Services provided by a hospital: Inpatient... Outpatient |
Nothing Nothing |
26 27 |
|
Emergency benefits In-area..... Out-of-area......................................................................... |
$50 per emergency room visit $50 per emergency room visit |
29 29 |
|
Mental health and substance abuse treatment............................ |
Regular cost sharing |
31 |
|
Prescription drugs.................................................................... |
$5 per generic formulary prescription unit or refill $15 per name brand formulary prescription unit or refill $25 per name brand non-formulary prescription unit or refill |
33 |
|
Dental care............................................................................. . |
No benefit. |
37 |
|
Vision care............................................................................. . One eye refraction every 24 months |
$15 copay |
38 |
|
Protection against catastrophic costs (your catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum)............. |
Nothing after $2,900/self only or $7,000 /family enrollment per year. Some costs do not count toward this protection |
11 |
2005 Rate Information for UNICARE HMO
Non-Postal rates apply to most non-Postal employees. If you are in a special enrollment category, refer to the FEHB Guide for that category or contact the agency that maintains your health benefits enrollment.
Postal rates apply to career Postal Service employees. Most employees should refer to the FEHB Guide for United States Postal Service Employees, RI 70-2. Different postal rates apply and a special FEHB guide is published for Postal Service Inspectors and Office of Inspector General (OIG) employees (see RI 70-2IN).
Postal rates do not apply to non-career postal employees, postal retirees, or associate members of any postal employee organization who are not career postal employees. Refer to the applicable FEHB Guide.
|
Non-Postal Premium
|
Postal Premium
|
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Biweekly
|
Monthly
|
Biweekly
|
|||||
|
Type of Enrollment |
Code | Gov't Share | Your Share | Gov't Share | Your Share | USPS Share | Your Share |
| Self Only | 171 | $125.63 | $41.88 | $272.21 | $90.73 | $148.67 | $18.84 |
| Self & Family | 172 | $298.23 | $131.79 | $646.17 | $285.54 | $352.08 | $77.94 |