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

Identification cards

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

If you do not receive your ID card within 30 days after the effective date of your enrollment, or if you need replacement cards, call us at 608/260-3170 or write to us at PO Box 44971, Madison WI 53744-4971. You may also request replacement cards through our Web site at www.ghc-hmo.com.

Where you get covered care

You get care from �Plan providers� and �Plan facilities.� You will only pay co-payments or coinsurance, and you will not have to file claims.

Plan providers

Plan providers are physicians and other health care professionals in our service area that we contract with to provide covered services to our members. We credential Plan providers according to national standards.

We list Plan providers in the provider directory, which we update periodically. The list is also on our Web site.

Plan facilities

Plan facilities are hospitals and other facilities in our service area that we contract with to provide covered services to our members. We list these in the provider directory, which we update periodically. The list is also on our Web site.

What you must do to get covered care

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. If you need assistance, please call the GHC Member Services Department at 608/828-4853.

Primary care

Your primary care physician can be a family practitioner, internist or a pediatrician. (You may also select from affiliated physician assistants or nurse practitioners.)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.

Specialty care

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, you may see the following Plan providers without a referral: mental health, substance abuse, vision, dental, chiropractic.

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 Care Management department immediately at 608/257-5294. 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 92^nd day after you become a member of this Plan, whichever happens first.

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

Circumstances beyond our control

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

Services requiring our prior approval

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 Prior Approval. Your physician must obtain Prior Approval for all services that require prior authorization, such as, but not limited to:

Hospital Care

Referring you to a specialist

Recommending follow-up care

All surgical procedures

All occupational, physical and speech therapy

Infertility services

Breast reduction mammoplasty

Plastic surgery

Transplant of any organ

All outpatient surgery

Growth Hormone Therapy (GHT)

GHC will not guarantee payment for services that require prior authorization which were not prior authorized unless emergent in nature.

Copayments

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

Example: When you see your primary care physician you pay a copayment of $10 per office visit.

Deductible

We do not have a deductible.

Coinsurance

Coinsurance is the percentage of our allowance that you must pay for your care.

Example: In our Plan, you pay 20% of our allowances for Durable Medical Equipment and Orthopedic and Prosthetic devices and 50% of our allowances for sexual dysfunction drugs and preventive dental care services if a non-participating dentist is used.

Your catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum

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

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

Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.

Plan physicians must provide or arrange your care.

We have no calendar year deductible.

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.

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Professional services of physicians

In physician�s office

In an urgent care center

Office medical consultations

Second surgical opinion

At home

$10 per office visit

Professional services of physicians

During a hospital stay

In a skilled nursing facility

Nothing

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

Colorectal Cancer Screening, including

- Fecal occult blood test

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

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

- Colonoscopy screening � every ten years starting at age 50

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

Routine pap test

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

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

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

From age 40 through 64, one every calendar year

At age 65 and older, one every two consecutive calendar years

Routine immunizations, limited to:

Tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster � once every 10 years, ages19 and over (except as provided for under Childhood immunizations)

Influenza vaccine, annually

Pneumococcal vaccine, age 65 and older

Physical exams required for travel or for attending school or camp.

: Note: Travel related immunizations may be provided in accordance with CDC r recommendations and GHC protocols.

Nothing

Not covered: Physical exams required for obtaining or continuing employment or insurance.

All charges.

Childhood immunizations recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics

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)

Physical exams required for travel or for attending school or camp.

NOTE: Travel related immunizations may be provided in accordance with CDC recommendations and GHC protocols.

Nothing to age 18

$10 per office visit age 18 and older

Complete maternity (obstetrical) care, such as:

Prenatal care

Delivery

Postnatal care

Note: Here are some things to keep in mind:

You do not need to precertify your normal delivery; see page 10 for other circumstances, such as extended stays for you or your baby.

You may remain in the hospital up to 48 hours after a regular delivery and 96 hours after a cesarean delivery. We will extend your inpatient stay if medically necessary.

We cover routine nursery care of the newborn child during the covered portion of the mother�s maternity stay. We will cover other care of an infant who requires non-routine treatment only if we cover the infant under a Self and Family enrollment.

Circumcision is covered as a surgery benefit, not as a Maternity benefit. See Section 5(b).

We pay hospitalization and surgeon services (delivery) the same as for illness and injury. See Hospital benefits (Section 5c) and Surgery benefits (Section 5b).

$10 for initial maternity office visit

Nothing for all other maternity related 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

Injectable contraceptive drugs (such as Depo provera)

Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

Diaphragms

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

$10 per office visit

Not covered:

Reversal of voluntary surgical sterilization

Genetic counseling.

All charges.

Diagnosis and treatment of infertility such as:

Artificial insemination:

- intracervical insemination (ICI)

Fertility drugs

Note: We cover injectable fertility drugs under medical benefits and oral fertility drugs under the prescription drug benefit.

$10 per office visit

Not covered:

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, such as:

- in vitro fertilization

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

Services and supplies related to ART procedures

Cost of donor sperm

Cost of donor egg

Injectable and oral fertility drugs, except for Clomiphene citrate.

All charges.

Testing and treatment

Allergy injections

$10 per office visit

Allergy serum

Nothing

Not covered: Provocative food testing and sublingual allergy desensitization

All charges.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy

Note: High dose chemotherapy in association with autologous bone marrow transplants is limited to those transplants listed under Organ/Tissue Transplants on page 25.

Respiratory and inhalation therapy

Dialysis � hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis

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

Growth hormone therapy (GHT)

Note: Growth hormone is covered under the prescription drug benefit.

Note: � We only cover GHT when we preauthorize the treatment. Call your primary care provider for preauthorization. If we determine that GHT is not medically necessary, we will not cover the GHT or related services and supplies.

$10 per office visit

Not covered:

All charges.

40 visits for 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 36 sessions.

One follow-up visit six months after the date of your last physical or occupational therapy treatment.

$10 per initial office visit per condition

Nothing per visit during covered inpatient admission

Not covered:

Long-term rehabilitative therapy

Exercise programs(except in therapy programs listed above)

All charges.

60 consecutive days per condition for the services of qualified speech therapists

$10 per initial office visit per condition

Nothing per visit during covered inpatient admission.

Hearing testing

Nothing to age 18

$10 per office visit age 18 and older

Hearing aid coverage limited to one (1) hearing aid per ear every thirty-six (36) months. GHC pays 50% of $2000 for a maximum payment of $1000 by GHC.

All charges above benefit maximum

Annual vision examinations

Annual eye refractions

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

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

Nothing to age 18

$10 per office visit age 18 and older

Not covered:

Eyeglasses or contact lenses and after age 17, examinations for them

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.

$10 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.

Artificial limbs and eyes; stump hose

Externally worn breast prostheses and surgical bras, including necessary replacements following a mastectomy

Internal prosthetic devices, such as artificial joints, pacemakers, cochlear implants, and surgically implanted breast implant following mastectomy. Note: See 5(b) for coverage of the surgery to insert the device.

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

Braces

Foot Orthotics available to Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthritis patients with foot complications. Referral required.

Cochlear Implanted Devices

20% coinsurance per item

Not covered:

Orthopedic and corrective shoes

Arch supports

Foot orthotics(except as noted above)

Heel pads and heel cups

Lumbosacral supports

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

Prosthetic replacement unless the item is no longer useful and has exceeded its reasonable lifetime under normal use; or the member�s condition has changed so as to make the original equipment inappropriate.

All charges.

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

Hospital beds;

Standard Wheelchairs; Crutches;

Walkers;

Blood glucose monitors; and

Insulin pumps.

Note: Call us at 608/257-5294 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% coinsurance per item (per purchase or rental period)

Not covered: Motorized wheelchairs.

DME replacement unless the item is no longer useful and has exceeded its reasonable lifetime under normal use or the member�s condition has changed so as to make the original equipment inappropriate.

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.

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 rehabilitative.

All charges.

Manipulation of the spine and extremities

Adjunctive procedures such as ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, vibratory therapy, and cold pack application

$10 per office visit

Not covered:

Chiropractic services for chronic problems or for maintenance

All charges.

Complementary Medicine Services, when provided by a GHC Complementary Medicine practitioner, are limited to 50% of first $500 in eligible charges, with a maximum payment by GHC of $250 per calendar year. Covered services include:

Acupuncture

Manual Therapy

Massage Therapy

Energy Work

Stress Reduction

Mind/Body Medicine

Mindfulness Therapy, including Mindfulness Meditation

Eastern Practices

Yoga

T�ai Chi

Movement Therapy

Wellness Classes

Lifestyle Change Classes

Herbal Medicine

All charges above benefit maximum

Coverage may include:

Smoking

Diabetes self management

Nutrition

Weight Management

Stress Management

Prenatal Education

First Aid

Fitness Program � GHC�s �Exercise for Excellence� offers reimbursements to qualified participants.

Some fees apply.

Contact the GHC Health Promotion Department at 608-257-9705 for program and fee schedules.

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

Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.

Plan physicians must provide or arrange your care.

We have no calendar year deductible.

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.

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A comprehensive range of services, such as:

Operative procedures

Treatment of fractures, including casting

Normal pre- and post-operative care by the surgeon

Correction of amblyopia and strabismus

Endoscopy procedures

Biopsy procedures

Removal of tumors and cysts

Correction of congenital anomalies (see Reconstructive surgery)

Surgical treatment of morbid obesity�a condition in which an individual weights 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 prosthesis (devices) according to when the procedure is done. For example we pay Hospital benefits for a pacemaker and Surgery benefits for insertion of the pace maker

$10 per office visit

Nothing for in-patient hospital visits

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.

$10 per office visit

Nothing for in-patient hospital visits

Not covered:

Cosmetic surgery � any surgical procedure (or any portion of a procedure) performed primarily to improve physical appearance through change in bodily form, except repair of accidental injury

Surgeries related to sex transformation

All charges.

Oral 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.

Surgical removal in fully impacted teeth

Non-dental treatment of temporomandibular joint syndrome including surgical and non-surgical intervention, corrective orthopedic appliances and physical therapy

$10 per office visit

Nothing for in-patient hospital visits

Dental treatment of temporomandibular (TMJ syndrome � limited to a maximum plan payment of $1250 per person per calendar year for non-surgical treatment.

NOTE: a physical therapy evaluation is required before an intraoral splint is considered as a treatment option.

All charges above benefit maximum

Not covered:

Oral implants and transplants

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

All charges.

Limited to:

Cornea

Heart

Heart/lung

Kidney

Kidney/Pancreas

Liver

Lung: Single � Double

Pancreas

Allogeneic (donor) bone marrow transplants

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

Intestinal transplants (small intestine) and the small intestine with the liver or small intestine with multiple organs such as the liver, stomach, and pancreas

National Transplant Program (NTP) � UW Hospital and Clinics

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

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

$10 per office visit for evaluation

Nothing in hospital

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.

Professional services provided in �

Hospital (inpatient)

Nothing

Professional services provided in �

Hospital outpatient department

Skilled nursing facility

Ambulatory surgical center

Office

$10 per office visit

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

Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.

Plan physicians must provide or arrange your care and you must be hospitalized in a Plan facility.

We have no calendar year deductible.

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.

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Room and board, such as

Ward, semiprivate, or intensive care accommodations;

General nursing care; and

Meals and special diets.

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

Other hospital services and supplies, such as:

Operating, recovery, maternity, and other treatment rooms

Prescribed drugs and medicines

Diagnostic laboratory tests and X-rays

Administration of blood and blood products and biologicals

Blood or blood plasma, if not donated or replaced

Dressings, splints, casts, and sterile tray services

Medical supplies and equipment, including oxygen

Anesthetics, including nurse anesthetist services

Take-home items

Medical supplies, appliances, medical equipment, and any covered items billed by a hospital for use at home

Nothing

Not covered:

Custodial care

Non-covered facilities, such as nursing homes, schools

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

Private nursing care

All charges.

Operating, recovery, and other treatment rooms

Prescribed drugs and medicines

Diagnostic laboratory tests, X-rays, and pathology services

Administration of blood, blood plasma, and other biologicals

Blood and blood plasma, if not donated or replaced

Pre-surgical testing

Dressings, casts, and sterile tray services

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 benefit: We provide a comprehensive range of benefits for up to 100 days per calendar year when full-time skilled nursing care is necessary and confinement in a skilled nursing facility is medically appropriate as determined by a Plan doctor and approved by the Plan.

Nothing

Not covered: Custodial care

All charges.

Supportive and palliative care for a terminally ill member is covered if care is provided in the home. Covered in-home services include: nursing services; medical social services; dietary, bereavement and spiritual counseling services; rehabilitative services; and home health aides.

Nothing for in-home services

Coverage for other hospice options, including but not limited to inpatient and residential care, will be at the same cost level as for in-home care with the Member responsible for any difference in cost.

Hospice services are provided under the direction of a Plan physician and the GHC Medical Director who certify that the Member is in the terminal stage of an illness, with a life expectancy of six (6) months or less.

You pay the difference in cost between GHC�s in-home care allowance and actual costs as billed by the hospice organization

Not covered: Independent nursing, homemaker services

All charges.

Professional ambulance service when medically appropriate.

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

Nothing

Not covered: Ambulance services to home following an inpatient stay.

All charges.

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

Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.

We have no calendar year deductible.

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.

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What is a medical emergency?

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

What to do in case of emergency:

Emergencies within our service area:

If you are in an emergency situation, please call your primary care provider. In extreme emergencies, if you are unable to contact your provider, contact the nearest emergency system (e.g., the 911 telephone system) or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Be sure to tell emergency room personnel that you are a GHC plan member so that they can notify us. You or a family member must also notify us within 48 hours. It is your responsibility to make certain that the Plan has been notified.

If you need to be hospitalized in a non-Plan facility, you or a family member must notify the Plan within 48 hours or on the first working day following your admission, unless it is not reasonably possible to do so. If a GHC plan doctor believes you will receive better care in a plan hospital, we will transfer you when it is medically feasible and we will pay all ambulance charges for the transfer.

Benefits are available for care by 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.

Any follow-up care recommended by non-Plan providers in such a medical emergency must be approved by GHC or provided by GHC 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 to be hospitalized, you or a family member must notify the Plan within 48 hours or on the first working day following your admission, unless it is not reasonably possible to do so. If a GHC plan provider believes you will receive better care in a Plan hospital, we will transfer you when it is medically feasible and we will pay all ambulance charges for the transfer.

Any follow up care recommended by non-Plan providers in such a medical emergency must be approved by GHC or provided by GHC plan providers.

Emergency care at a doctor�s office

Emergency care at an urgent care center

$10 per visit

Emergency care as an outpatient a hospital, including doctors� services

$50 per visit, waived if admitted as an inpatient

Not covered: Elective care or non-emergency care

All charges.

Emergency care at a doctor�s office

Emergency care at an urgent care center

$10 per visit

Emergency care as an outpatient at a hospital, including doctors� services

$50 per visit, waived if admitted as an inpatient

Professional ambulance service when medically appropriate.

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

Nothing

Not covered: Ambulance services to home following an inpatient stay.

All charges.

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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.

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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

$10 per visit

Diagnostic tests

Nothing

Services provided by a hospital or other facility

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

Nothing

Not covered: Services we have not approved.

Note: OPM will base its review of disputes about treatment plans on the treatment plan's clinical appropriateness. OPM will generally not order us to pay or provide one clinically appropriate treatment plan in favor of another.

All charges.

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

GHC Plan patient may make their own appointments without a referral for Mental Health and/or Substance Abuse services as follows:

Mental Health: contact GHC Mental Health Department at 608-441-3290 (after hours 608-257-9700; out of area 1-800-605-4327);

Substance Abuse: contact Gateway Recovery Services, Inc. 608-278-8200.

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

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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.

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

Who can write your prescription. A plan physician, a referral physician or a licensed dentist must write the prescription.

Where you can obtain them. You must fill the prescription at a Plan pharmacy

We use a formulary. A drug formulary is a list of prescription medications, representing the current judgment of medical practitioners, for the treatment of disease.Not all medications will be listed in the formulary, particularly when there are several similar medications available. The formulary will include the drugs covered by the plan�s benefit. Your physician/practitioner may request coverage for non-formulary drugs when clinically necessary.

These are the dispensing limitations. We cover the amount prescribed, up to a 30-day supply maximum, or One (1) commercially prepared unit (such as one vial ophthalmic drops, one inhaler, one tube of ointment), per co-payment. If coverage has been approved for a non-formulary drug, you pay the applicable generic or brand name copayment. For non-formulary drugs when coverage has not been approved, the copayment is equal to the plan calculated total prescription cost, which is generally lower than the retail price

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 name brand copay plus difference in cost between the name brand drug and the generic.

If you are a military reservist called to active duty or are a member requiring a supply of medication during a national emergency, call us at 608-828-4853 for assistance with obtaining your medication.

Why use generic drugs? Generic drugs offer a safe and economic way to meet your prescription drug needs. The generic name of a drug is its chemical name; the brand name is the name under which the manufacturer advertises and sells a drug. Under federal law, generic and name brand drugs must meet the same standards for quality. A generic prescription costs you less and helps moderate the costs of providing healthcare

When you do have to file a claim. Generally you will not need to file a claim. An exception would be a drug prescribed in an emergency or urgent situation when you are out of the area. Forward such claims to the GHC Claims Department, PO Box 44971, Madison WI 53744-4971. Be sure to include your member number and an explanation of why you are submitting the claim.

We cover the following medications and supplies prescribed by a Plan physician and obtained from a Plan pharmacy:

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

Insulin

Diabetic supplies, including insulin syringes, needles, injection pens, glucose test tablets and test tape, Benedict�s solution or equivalent and acetone test tablets

Disposable needles and syringes for the administration of covered medications

Contraceptive drugs and devices

Smoking cessation drugs when participating in the Plan�s behavior modification program

Pre-natal vitamins during pregnancy

Oral fertility drugs, Clomiphene citrate, limited to a lifetime maximum of one year

$5 copay for generic drugs

$20 copay for name brand drugs

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

Note: Patients wishing to use a formulary name brand medication instead of a covered generic equivalent may choose to do so but will pay the cost difference between the formulary brand and the formulary generic in addition to the brand copay.

Drugs for sexual dysfunction are subject to dosage limits. Contact the Plan for details.

50% copayment

Not covered:

Drugs and supplies for cosmetic purposes

Drugs to enhance athletic performance

Fertility drugs except Clomiphene citrate

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

Nonprescription medicines

All charges.

Services for deaf and hearing impaired

Hearing impaired interpreter for non-emergency services can be reached at this TDD line: 608/257-7391.

Centers of excellence

Our local Center of Excellence is associated with the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison WI.

Travel benefit

Travel related immunizations may be provided in accordance with CDC recommendations and GHC protocols.

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.

You must be seen an evaluated within 48 hours of the accident; however, the start of treatment may be delayed no longer than 90 days following the accidentally injury.

NOTE: Damage to teeth caused by chewing or biting does not constitute an accidental injury.

Nothing up to $1500 per accident;

All charges above $1500 per accident.

Prophylaxis or cleaning (one in any six month period)

Topical applications of fluoride through age fifteen (15) � one every six months

Nothing if you use a GHC Plan dentist.

50% of charges if you use a non-participating dentist.

Not covered: All other dental services (i.e., x-rays, fillings, extractions, crowns, orthodontics, etc.)

All charges.

Medical and hospital benefits

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 608/828-4853.

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: Group Health Cooperative, Claims Department, PO Box 44971, Madison WI 53744-4971.

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.

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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: Member Services Department, Group Health Cooperative, PO Box 44971, Madison WI 53744-4971; 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.

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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.

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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.

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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, Health Insurance Group 3, 1900 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20415-3630.

Send OPM the following information:

A statement about why you believe our decision was wrong, based on specific benefit provisions in this brochure;

Copies of documents that support your claim, such as physicians' letters, operative reports, bills, medical records, and explanation of benefits (EOB) forms;

Copies of all letters you sent to us about the claim;

Copies of all letters we sent to you about the claim; 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.

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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.

When you have other health coverage

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.

What is Medicare?

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 (Part A or Part B)

The Original Medicare Plan (Original Medicare) is available everywhere in the United States. It is the way everyone used to get Medicare benefits and is the way most people get their Medicare Part A and Part B benefits now. You may go to any doctor, specialist, or hospital that accepts Medicare. The Original Medicare Plan pays its share and you pay your share. 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.

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 608/251-4138 or see our Web site at www.ghc-hmo.com.

We waive some costs if the Original Medicare Plan is your primary payer � We will waive some out-of-pocket costs as follows

Medical services and supplies provided by physicians and other health care professionals.

We do not waive any costs if the Original Medicare Plan is your primary payer.

Primary Payer Chart

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

for Part B services

for other services

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

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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

for 30-month coordination period

Medicare was the primary payer before eligibility due to ESRD

C. When either you or a covered family member are 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

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 or coinsurance. 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.

If you do not enroll in Medicare Part A or Part B

If you do not have one or both parts of Medicare, you can still be covered under the FEHB program. We will not require you to enroll in Medicare Part B, and if you cannot get premium-free Part A, we will not ask you to enroll in it.

TRICARE and CHAMPVA

TRICARE is the health care program for eligible dependents of military persons, and 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.

Workers� Compensation

We do not cover services that:

You need because of a workplace-related illness or injury that the Office of Workers� Compensation Programs (OWCP) or a similar Federal or State agency determines they must provide; or

OWCP or a similar agency pays for through a third-party injury settlement or other similar proceeding that is based on a claim you filed under OWCP or similar laws.

Once OWCP or similar agency pays its maximum benefits for your treatment, we will cover your care.

Medicaid

When you have this Plan and Medicaid, we pay first.

Suspended FEHB coverage to enroll in Medicaid or a similar State-sponsored program of medical assistance: If you are an annuitant or former spouse, you can suspend your FEHB coverage to enroll in one of these State programs, eliminating your FEHB premium. For information on suspending your FEHB enrollment, contact your retirement office. If you later want to re-enroll in the FEHB Program, generally you may do so only at the next Open Season unless you involuntarily lose coverage under the State program.

When other Government agencies are responsible for your care

We do not cover services and supplies when a local, State, or Federal government agency directly or indirectly pays for them.

When others are responsible for injuries

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.

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.

Copayment

A copayment is a fixed amount of money you pay when you receive covered services.

Covered services

Care we provide benefits for, as described in this brochure.

Custodial care

Custodial care means care that is primarily for the purpose of meeting personal needs and which could be provided by persons without professional skill or training. For example, custodial care includes help in walking, getting in or out of bed, bathing, dressing, eating, preparing special diets, and taking medicine. Custodial care that last 90 days or more is 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.

Experimental or investigational services

We use the following criteria to determine if a service or procedure is considered experimental or investigational:

1. The technology involved must have final approval from the appropriate government regulatory bodies;

2. The scientific evidence must allow conclusions to be drawn based on health outcomes;

3. The technology involved must improve the health outcome of the member;

4. The technology involved must be as good for a patient as any of the already established alternatives; and

5. Possible harm from the procedure (including long term effects) must be well understood and not outweigh the benefits.

Contact us if you would like more information about the criteria used in deciding whether a service or procedure is experimental or investigational.

Medical necessity

Medically necessary means a service or supply, which is determined by the GHC Medical Director to be required for the treatment or evaluation of a medical condition, is consistent with the diagnosis and which could not have been omitted under generally accepted medical standards or provided in a less intensive setting.

Plan allowance

Plan allowance is the amount we use to determine our payment and your coinsurance for covered services.

Us/We

Us and We refer to Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin.

You

You refers to the enrollee and each covered family member.

No pre-existing condition limitation

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

Where you can get information about enrolling in the FEHB Program

See www.opm.gov/insure. Also, your employing or retirement office can answer your questions, and give you a Guide to Federal Employees Health Benefits Plans, brochures for other plans, and other materials you need to make an informed decision about your FEHB coverage. These materials tell you:

When you may change your enrollment;

How you can cover your family members;

What happens when you transfer to another Federal agency, go on leave without pay, enter military service, or retire;

When your enrollment ends; and

When the next open season for enrollment begins.

We don�t determine who is eligible for coverage and, in most cases, cannot change your enrollment status without information from your employing or retirement office.

Types of coverage available for you and your family

Self Only coverage is for you alone. Self and Family coverage is for you, your spouse, and your unmarried dependent children under age 22, including any foster children or stepchildren your employing or retirement office authorizes coverage for. Under certain circumstances, you may also continue coverage for a disabled child 22 years of age or older who is incapable of self-support.

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.

Children�s Equity Act

OPM has implemented the Federal Employees Health Benefits Children�s Equity Act of 2000. This law mandates that you be enrolled for Self 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.

When benefits and premiums start

The benefits in this brochure are effective January 1. If you joined this Plan during Open Season, your coverage begins on the first day of your first pay period that starts on or after January 1. If you changed plans or plan options during Open Season and you receive care between January 1 and the effective date of coverage under your new plan or option, your claims will be 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

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

When FEHB coverage ends

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

Your enrollment ends, unless you cancel your enrollment, or

You are a family member no longer eligible for coverage.

You may be eligible for spouse equity coverage or Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC), or a conversion policy (a non-FEHB individual policy.)

Spouse equity coverage

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.

Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC)

If you leave Federal service, or if you lose coverage because you no longer qualify as a family member, you may be eligible for Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC). For example, you can receive TCC if you are not able to continue your FEHB enrollment after you retire, if you lose your Federal job, if you are a covered dependent child and you turn 22 or marry, etc.

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.

Converting to individual coverage

You may convert to a non-FEHB individual policy if:

Your coverage under TCC or the spouse equity law ends (If you 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.

Getting a Certificate of Group Health Plan Coverage

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a Federal law that offers limited Federal protections for health coverage availability and continuity to people who lose employer group coverage. If you leave the FEHB Program, 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.

What is an FSA?

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!

Online: visit www.FSAFEDS.com and click on Enroll.

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.

What is SHPS?

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.

Who is eligible to enroll?

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 FSAs. However, if you enroll in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA), you are not eligible to participate in an HCFSA.

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.

How much should I contribute to my FSA?

Plan carefully when deciding how much to contribute to an FSA. Because of the tax benefits an FSA provides, the IRS places strict guidelines on how the money can be used. Under current IRS tax rules, you are required to forfeit any money for which you did not incur an eligible expense under your FSA account(s) during the Plan Year. This is known as the �use-it-or-lose-it� rule. You will have until April 30, following the end of the Plan Year to submit claims for your eligible expenses incurred from January 1through December 31. For example if you enroll in FSAFEDS for the 2005 Plan Year, you will have until April 30, 2006 to submit claims for eligible expenses.

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.

What can my HCFSA pay for?

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 High Option of this plan, typical out-of-pocket expenses include: Office visit copays, Prescription drug copays, Emergency Room copays

Under the Standard Option of this plan, typical out-of-pocket expenses include: Office visit copays, Prescription drug copays, Emergency Room copays

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.

Tax savings with an FSA

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:

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.

Tax credits and deductions

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.

Paperless Reimbursement �This plan participates in the FSAFEDS paperless reimbursement program. When you enroll for your HCFSA, you will have the opportunity to enroll for paperless reimbursement. If you do, we will send FSAFEDS the information they need to reimburse you for your out-of-pocket costs so you can avoid filing paper claims.

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.

Does it cost me anything to participate in FSAFEDS?

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).

Contact us

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

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.

Medical services provided by physicians:

Diagnostic and treatment services provided in the office

Office visit copay: $10 primary care; $10 specialist

Nothing

13

Services provided by a hospital:

Inpatient.............................................................................

Outpatient..........................................................................

Nothing

27

28

Emergency benefits

In-area...............................................................................

Out-of-area........................................................................

$50 per visit

$50 per visit

30

30

Mental health and substance abuse treatment............................

Regular cost sharing

31

Prescription drugs....................................................................

30 day supply

$5 generic, $20 brand name

33

Dental care............................................................................. .

Nothing if by a participating dentist; 50% if by a non-participating dentist

36

Vision care............................................................................. .

$10 office visit copay, age 18 and older

18

Special features: Services for the deaf and hearing impaired, Centers of Excellence, travel services

35

Protection against catastrophic costs

(your catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum).............

We do not have an out-of-pocket maximum

11