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2005 |
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RI 73-543 |
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Heart of America Health Plan |
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A Health Maintenance Organization |
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Serving: North Central North Dakota Enrollment in this plan is limited. You must live in our Geographic service area to enroll. See page 6 for requirements. |
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For changes in benefits see page 7. |
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Enrollment code for this Plan: RU1 Self Only RU2 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-orientated 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 component. This combination of health plan and savings vehicle provides a new opportunity to save and better manage your money. If an HDHP/HAS 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 iniative. I also encourage you to visit the Department of Health and Human Services website on Wellness and Safety, www.hhs.gov/safety/index.shtml, which compliments 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
What you must do to get covered 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(c) Services provided by a hospital or other facility, and ambulance services. 25
Section 5(d) Emergency services/accidents. 28
Section 5(e) Mental health and substance abuse benefits. 30
Section 5(f) Prescription drug benefits. 32
Section 5(g) Dental benefits 35
Section 6. General exclusions � things we don�t cover 36
Section 7. Filing a claim for covered services. 37
Section 8. The disputed claims process. 38
Section 9. Coordinating benefits with other coverage. 40
When you have other health coverage. 40
Should I enroll in Medicare?. 40
The Original Medicare Plan (Part A or Part B) 40
When other Government agencies are responsible for your care. 43
When others are responsible for injuries. 44
Section 10. Definitions of terms we use in this brochure. 45
No pre-existing condition limitation. 46
Where you can get information about enrolling in the FEHB Program.. 46
Types of coverage available for you and your family. 46
When benefits and premiums start 47
Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) 48
Converting to individual coverage. 48
Getting a Certificate of Group Health Plan Coverage. 48
Two Federal Programs complement FEHB benefits. 49
The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program � FSAFEDS. 49
The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program.. 52
Summary of benefits for the Heart of America Health Plan - 2005. 54
2005 Rate Information for Heart of America Health Plan. 55
This brochure describes the benefits of Heart of America Health Plan under our contract (CS 2606) with the United States Office of Personnel Management, as authorized by the Federal Employees Health Benefits law. The address for Heart of America Health Plan administrative offices is:
Heart of America Health Plan
810 South Main
Rugby, ND 58368
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 xx. 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 Heart of America Health Plan.
We limit acronyms to ones you know. FEHB is the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. OPM is the United States Office of Personnel Management. If we use others, we tell you what they mean first.
Our brochure and other FEHB plans� brochures have the same format and similar descriptions to help you compare plans.
If you have comments or suggestions about how to improve the structure of this brochure, let OPM know. Visit OPM�s �Rate Us� feedback area at www.opm.gov/insure or e-mail OPM at fehbwebcomments@opm.gov. You may also write to OPM at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Insurance Services Programs, Program Planning & Evaluation Group, 1900 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20415-3650.
Fraud increases the cost of health care for everyone and increases your Federal Employees Health Benefits Program premium.
OPM�s Office of the Inspector General investigates all allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse in the FEHB Program regardless of the agency that employs you or from which you retired.
Protect Yourself From Fraud � Here are some things that you can do to prevent fraud:
Be wary of giving your plan identification (ID) number over the telephone or to people you do not know, except to your doctor, other provider, or authorized plan or OPM representative.
Let only the appropriate medical professionals review your medical record or recommend services.
Avoid using health care providers who say that an item or service is not usually covered, but they know how to bill us to get it paid.
Carefully review explanations of benefits (EOBs) that you receive from us.
Do not ask your doctor to make false entries on certificates, bills or records in order to get us to pay for an item or service.
If you suspect that a provider has charged you for services you did not receive, billed you twice for the same service, or misrepresented any information, do the following:
Call the provider and ask for an explanation. There may be an error.
If the provider does not resolve the matter, call us at 776-5848 or 1-800-525-5661 and explain the situation.
If we do not resolve the issue:
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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.
We are Federally qualified
We have been in existence for 22 years
We are a non-profit organization
If you want more information about us, call 701-776-5848 or 1-800-525-5661, or write to Heart of America Health Plan, 810 South Main, Rugby, ND 58368. You may also contact us by fax at 701-776-5425.
To enroll in this Plan, you must live in our Service Area. This is where our providers practice. Our service area is:
All of Pierce, Rolette, Bottineau, McHenry, Towner, Ward and Renville counties in North Dakota and the portions of Benson, Wells, Sheridan, McLean, Mountrail and Burke Counties represented by the following zip codes:
58310 58329 58348 58365 58418 58704 58754 58736 58750 58763 58778 58789
58313 58331 58353 58366 58422 58705 58722 58737 58752 58768 58779 58790
58316 58332 58356 58367 58423 58710 58723 58739 58756 58769 58781 58792
58317 58337 58357 58368 58438 58711 58725 58740 58758 58770 58782 58793
58318 58339 58359 58369 58450 58712 58731 58741 58759 58772 58783
58320 58341 58360 58384 58451 58713 58733 58744 58760 58773 58784
58324 58343 58362 58385 58540 58716 58734 58746 58761 58775 58785
58325 58346 58363 58386 58701 58718 58735 58747 58762 58776 58789
Ordinarily, you must get your care from providers who contract with us. If you receive care outside our service area, we will pay only for emergency care benefits. We will not pay for any other health care services out of our service area unless the services have prior plan approval.
If you or a covered family member move outside of our service area, you can enroll in another plan. If your dependents live out of the area (for example, if your child goes to college in another state), you should consider enrolling in a fee-for-service plan or an HMO that has agreements with affiliates in other areas. If you or a family member move, you do not have to wait until Open Season to change plans. Contact your employing or retirement office.
Section 2. How we change for 2005
Do not rely on these change descriptions; this page is not an official statement of benefits. For that, go to Section 5 Benefits. Also, we edited and clarified language throughout the brochure; any language change not shown here is a clarification that does not change benefits.
In Section 9, we revised the Medicare Primary Payer Chart and updated the language regarding Medicare Advantage plans (formerly called Medicare + Choice plans).
In Section 12, we revised the language regarding the Flexible Spending Account Program - FSAFEDS and the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program.
Changes to this Plan
Your share of the non-Postal premium will increase by 5.7% for Self Only or 5.7% for Self and Family.
We have changed our name from Heart of America HMO to Heart of America Health Plan, and our logo has changed.
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We will send you an identification (ID) card when you enroll. You should carry your ID card with you at all times. You must show it whenever you receive services from a Plan provider, or fill a prescription at a Plan pharmacy. Until you receive your ID card, use your copy of the Health Benefits Election Form, SF-2809, your health benefits enrollment confirmation (for annuitants), or your Employee Express confirmation letter. |
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If you do not receive your ID card within 30 days after the effective date of your enrollment, or if you need replacement cards, call us at 701-776-5848 or write to us at 810 South Main Avenue, Rugby, ND 58368. |
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You get care from �Plan providers� and �Plan facilities.� You will only pay copayments, deductibles, and/or coinsurance, and you will not have to file claims. |
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Plan providers are physicians and other health care professionals in our service area that we contract with to provide covered services to our members We list Plan providers in the provider directory, which we update periodically. All doctors of the Johnson Clinic Professional Corporation and Trinity Medical Group and affiliated clinics are available to HAHP members. The doctors of the Johnson Clinic, P.C. are available to provide health care from offices located in Towner, Maddock, Dunseith and Rugby, North Dakota. The doctors of the Trinity Medical Group are available to provide health care from offices located in Minot, Garrison, Mohall, Velva, Newtown, Kenmare, Parshall, Sherwood and Westhope, North Dakota. Your plan doctor will coordinate your health care needs including referrals to specialists when necessary. Services of specialists other Johnson Clinic and Trinity Medical Group primary care doctors are covered only when there has been a referral by the member�s primary care doctor with the following exception: a woman may see her plan gynecologist for an annual routine examination without a referral |
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Plan facilities are hospitals and other facilities in our service area that we contract with to provide covered services to our members. We list these in the provider directory, which we update periodically. |
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It depends on the type of care you need. First, you and each family member must choose a primary care physician. This decision is important since your primary care physician provides or arranges for most of your health care. Provider directories are available at the time of enrollment or upon request by calling the Heart of America Health Plan at 701-776-5848 or 1-800-525-5661. |
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Your primary care physician can be afamily practitioner, internist, pediatrician or an OB-GYN.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. |
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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 your plan gyncolegist for your routine examinationwithout a referral. 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. |
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Hospital care |
Your Plan primary care physician or specialist will make necessary hospital arrangements and supervise your care. This includes admission to a skilled nursing or other type of facility. If you are in the hospital when your enrollment in our Plan begins, call our customer service department immediately at 701-776-5848 or 1-800-525-5661. 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. |
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Under certain extraordinary circumstances, such as natural disasters, we may have to delay your services or we may be unable to provide them. In that case, we will make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the necessary care. |
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Your physician must get our approval before sending you to a hospital, referring you to a specialist, or recommending follow-up care. Before giving approval, we consider if the service is covered, medically necessary, and follows generally accepted medical practice. |
You must share the costs of some services. You are responsible for:
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A copayment is a fixed amount of money you pay to the provider, facility, pharmacy, etc., when you receive services. Example: When you see your primary care physician you pay a copayment of $10 per office visit. |
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A deductible is a fixed expense you must incur for certain covered services and supplies before we start paying benefits for them. Copayments do not count toward any deductible. We have a $600 per member calendar year deductible for prescription drugs. |
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Coinsurance is the percentage of our allowance that you must pay for your care. Example: In our Plan, you pay 20% of charges up to a maximum coinsurance of $500 per year for prosthetic devices that exceed $25. |
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The copayment and coinsurance maximum is 50% of your annual premium per calendar year for services rendered by in network providers. When the copayment and coinsurance maximum applicable to your contract has been fulfilled, copayment and coinsurance will no longer be applied to the following services: Emergency Room services Outpatient hospital services Inpatient hospital services Outpatient mental health services Outpatient chemical dependency services Inpatient mental health services Inpatient chemical dependency services Durable equipment and prosthetic devices Referral services provided by participating providers |
Section
5. Benefits � OVERVIEW
(See page 7 for how our benefits changed this year and page 54 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 701-776-5848 or 1-800-525-5661.
Diagnostic and treatment services. 14
Lab, X-ray and other diagnostic tests. 15
Physical and occupational therapies. 18
Hearing services (testing, treatment, and supplies) 18
Vision services (testing, treatment, and supplies) 19
Orthopedic and prosthetic devices. 19
Durable medical equipment (DME) 20
Educational classes and programs. 20
Oral and maxillofacial surgery. 23
Section 5(c) Services provided by a hospital or other facility, and ambulance services. 25
Outpatient hospital or ambulatory surgical center 26
Extended care benefits/Skilled nursing care facility benefits. 26
Section 5(d) Emergency services/accidents. 28
Emergency within our service area. 29
Emergency outside our service area. 29
Section 5(e) Mental health and substance abuse benefits. 30
Mental health and substance abuse benefits. 30
Section 5(f) Prescription drug benefits. 32
Covered medications and supplies. 33
Section 5(g) Dental benefits 36
Summary of benefits for the Heart of America Health Plan - 2005. 54
2005 Rate Information for Heart of America Health Plan. 55
Section 5(a) Medical services and supplies provided by physicians and other health care professionals
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I M P O R T A N T |
Here are some important things you should keep in mind about these benefits: Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary. 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. |
I M P O R T A N T |
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Benefit Description |
You pay |
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Professional services of physicians In physician�s office |
$10 per office visit No copaymenta for visits to a plan specialist See note below for authorized non-plan specialist visits. |
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Professional services of physicians In an urgent care center During a hospital stay In a skilled nursing facility Office medical consultations Second surgical opinion |
$10 per office visit |
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At home � doctors house call |
Nothing |
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Note: When you receive authorized services from a Non-Plan specialist, you pay 20% of charges up to a maximum coinsurance of $3,000 per year. |
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Diagnostic and treatment services � continued on next page
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You pay |
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Diagnosis and treatment of infertility such as: Artificial insemination: intrauterine insemination (IUI) |
$10 per office visit |
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Not covered: Intracervical insemination ( ICI) Intravaginal insemination (IVI) 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 Fertility drugs |
All charges. |
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Testing and treatment Allergy injections |
$10 per office visit |
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Allergy serum |
Nothing |
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Not covered: Provocative food testing and sublingual allergy desensitization |
All charges. |
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You pay |
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Up to two consecutive months per condition. Note: We cover speech therapy in all situations where it is medically necessary. |
$10 per outpatient visit Nothing per visit during covered inpatient admission. |
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Hearing testing for children through age 17 (see Preventive care, children) |
$10 per office visit |
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Not covered: All other hearing testing Hearing aids, testing and examinations for them |
All charges. |
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One pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct an impairment directly caused by accidental ocular injury or intraocular surgery (such as for cataracts) Eye exam to determine the need for vision correction for children through age 17 (see Preventive care, children) Note: See Preventive care, children for eye exams for children. |
$10 per office visit |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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You pay |
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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. |
$10 per office visit |
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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. |
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Manipulation of the spine and extremities Adjunctive procedures such as ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, vibratory therapy, and cold pack application |
$10 per office visit |
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No Benefit |
All charges |
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Coverage is limited to: Smoking Cessation � Up to $100 for one smoking cessation program per member per lifetime, including all related expenses such as drugs. Diabetes self management |
$10 per office visit |
Section 5(b) Surgical and anesthesia services provided by physicians and other health care professionals
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I M P O R T A N T |
Here are some important things you should keep in mind about these benefits: Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary. 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� for charges associated with the facility (i.e. hospital, surgical center, etc.). |
I M P O R T A N T |
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Benefit Description |
You pay After the calendar year deductible� |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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A comprehensive range of services, such as: Operative procedures Treatment of fractures, including casting Normal pre- and post-operative care by the surgeon Correction of amblyopia and strabismus Endoscopy procedures Biopsy procedures Removal of tumors and cysts Correction of congenital anomalies (see Reconstructive surgery) |
$10 per office visit (nothing for hospital visits) |
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Surgical procedures - continued on next page
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Surgical procedures(continued) |
You pay |
|---|---|
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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 |
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 |
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Limited to: Cornea Heart Kidney Liver 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) National Transplant Program (NTP) � LifeTrac Network Limited Benefits � Treatment for breast cancer, multiple myeloma, and epithelial ovarian cancer is subject to approval 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. |
Nothing |
Organ/tissue transplants (continued) |
You pay |
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Diagnostic Tests |
Nothing |
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Services provided by a hospital or other facility Services in approved alternative care settings such as partial hospitalization, residential treatment (under 21 years of age) and full-day hospitalization. Note: When you receive authorized services from a non-Plan facility, you pay 20% of charges up to a maximum coinsurance of $3,000 per year |
Nothing |
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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. |
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Preauthorization To be eligible to receive these benefits you must obtain a treatment plan and follow all of the following network authorization processes: Inpatient service and outpatient therapy services must be directed by your primary care physician and approved by the HAHP Medical Director. Available providers for Mental Health and Substance Abuse benefits are listed on your Provider Directory that you receive when you enroll or you may call the HAHP office at 701-776-5848 or 1-800-525-5661 to obtain one. |
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Limitation We may limit your benefits if you do not obtain a treatment plan. |
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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. The calendar year deductible is $600 per member. The calendar year deductible applies to almost all benefits in this Section. 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. Plan members called to active military duty (or members in time of national emergency) who need to obtain prescribed medications should call our Member Services Department at 800-525-5661. |
I M P O R T A N T |
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There are important features you should be aware of. These include: Who can write your prescription. A licensed physician must write the prescription Where you can obtain them. You may fill the prescription at any pharmacy. We do not have a network pharmacy. Why use generic drugs? To reduce your out of pocket expenses! A generic drug is the chemical equivalent of a corresponding brand name drug. Generic drugs are less expensive than brand name drugs; therefore, you may reduce your out of pocket costs by choosing to use a generic drug. When you have to file a claim. See Section seven (7) � Filing a claim for covered services. |
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Prescription drug benefits begin on the next page
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Benefit Description |
You pay |
|---|---|
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Not covered: Drugs and supplies for cosmetic purposes Drugs to enhance athletic performance Fertility drugs Medical supplies such as dressings and anticepticss Vitamin and nutritional substances that can be purchased without a prescription Nonprescription medicines Smoking cessation drugs and medication |
All charges. |
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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 Plan dentists must provide or arrange your care. We cover hospitalization for dental procedures only when a non-dental physical impairment exists which makes hospitalization necessary to safeguard the health of the patient. See Section 5� for inpatient hospital benefits. We do not cover the dental procedure unless it is described below. Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services, for valuable information about how cost sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare. |
I M P O R T A N T |
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Accidental injury benefit |
You pay |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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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. |
Nothing |
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We have no other dental benefits.. |
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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.
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:
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Medical, hospital and drug 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 701-776-5848. 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: Heart of America Health Plan 810 South Main Rugby, ND 58368 |
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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. |
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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:
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Step |
Description |
|---|---|
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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: Heart of America Health Plan, 810 South Main, Rugby, ND 58368; 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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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. |
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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. |
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4 |
If you do not agree with our decision, you may ask OPM to review it. |
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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. |
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Write to OPM at: United States Office of Personnel Management, Insurance Services Programs, Health Insurance Group 3, 1900 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20415-3620. |
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The disputed claims process (continued) |
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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. |
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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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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. |
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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. |
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You may not sue until you have completed the disputed claims process. Further, Federal law governs your lawsuit, benefits, and payment of benefits. The Federal court will base its review on the record that was before OPM when OPM decided to uphold or overturn our decision. You may recover only the amount of benefits in dispute. |
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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 701-776-5848 or 1-800-525-5661 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 Health Insurance Group 3 at 202/606-0755 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. eastern time.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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The Original Medicare Plan (Original Medicare) is available everywhere in the United States. It is the way everyone used to get Medicare benefits and is the way most people get their Medicare Part A and Part B benefits now. You may go to any doctor, specialist, or hospital that accepts Medicare. The Original Medicare Plan pays its share and you pay your share. Some things are not covered under Original Medicare, like prescription drugs, 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. Your care must continue to be directed by your Primary Care Physician and referrals for specialty care must be approved by the HAHP Medical Director in order for us to pay our share. |
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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 701-776-5848 or 1-800-525-5661. We waive some costs if the Original Medicare Plan is your primary payer � We waive our copayment for visits to your primary care physician or authorized visits to a specialist. We waive our copayment for emergency room visits. {Primary Payer chart begins on next page) |
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 |
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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� |
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|---|---|---|
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Medicare |
This Plan |
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1) Have FEHB coverage on your own as an active employee or through your spouse who is an active employee |
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2) Have FEHB coverage on your own as an annuitant or through your spouse who is an annuitant |
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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 |
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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 |
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You have FEHB coverage through your spouse who is an annuitant |
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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 |
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6) Are enrolled in Part B only, regardless of your employment status |
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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� |
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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) |
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It is beyond the 30-month coordination period and you or a family member are still entitled to Medicare due to ESRD |
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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 |
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Medicare was the primary payer before eligibility due to ESRD |
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C. When either you or a covered family member are eligible for Medicare solely due to disability and you� |
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1) Have FEHB coverage on your own as an active employee or through a family member who is an active employee |
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2) Have FEHB coverage on your own as an annuitant or through a family member who is an annuitant |
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D. When you are covered under the FEHB Spouse Equity provision as a former spouse |
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*Workers� Compensation is primary for claims related to your condition under Workers� Compensation
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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 MedicareAdvantage 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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
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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. |
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Coinsurance |
Coinsurance is the percentage of our reasonable charge that you must pay for your care. See page 11. |
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Copayment |
A copayment is a fixed amount of money you pay when you receive covered services. See page 11. |
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Covered services |
Care we provide benefits for, as described in this brochure. |
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Custodial care |
Custodial care is care that HAHP determines is essential to assist the patient in meeting the acitivities of daily living and is not primarily provided for therapeutic treatment of an illness, disease,injury or condition. Care that exceeds 90 days may also be classified as Long Term Care. |
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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. |
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Experimental or investigational services |
A drug, device or medical treatment or procedure is experimental or investigational: If the drug does not have required Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval. If reliable (reports in respected medical and scientific literature) shows that the opinion of experts determine that further study is needed to decide how a drug, device or medical treatment or procedure compares with the standard method of treatment or diagnosis. |
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Group health coverage |
Health care coverage that a member is eligible for because of employment by,membership in, or connection with a particular organization or group that provides payment for hospital, medical, or other health care services or supplies. |
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Medical necessity |
Services, supplies or treatment rendered by a hospital physician, skilled nursing facility, home health agency,or other provider to treat an illness or injury which is: � Consistent with the symptoms or diagnosis of the condition, disease, ailment or injury; � Appropriate and accepted according to good medical practice standards; � Not primarily for the convenience of the member or the provider of the care � The most appropriate supply or level of service that can safely be provided to a member. When a member receives inpatient care, it further means that the member�smedial symptoms or condition could not safely be treated on an outpatient basis. |
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Plan allowance |
Our plan allowance is the amount we use to determine our payment and your coinsurance for covered services. Plans determine their allowance in different ways. We determine our allowance as follows: Our payment is based on usual, customary and reasonable charges. Usual, customary and reasonable means the usual charges made by a physician or other supplier of services, medicines or supplies. The charge cannot exceed the generallevel of charges made by other suppliers within the area in which the charge is incurred for injury or sickness comparable in severity and nature to the injury and sickness being treated. |
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Us/We |
Us and We refer to Heart of America Health Plan |
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You |
You refers to the enrollee and each covered family member. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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When you retire, you can usually stay in the FEHB Program. Generally, you must have been enrolled in the FEHB Program for the last five years of your Federal service. If you do not meet this requirement, you may be eligible for other forms of coverage, such as Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC). |
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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.) |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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
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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: |
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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. |
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Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) |
Covers eligible dependent care expenses incurred so you , or your spouse, ifmarried, 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 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 (HSAA), 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. |
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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. |
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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 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 this Plan, typical out-of-pocket expenses include: coinsurance for services rendered by non-Plan specialists and facilities. A calendar-year deductible applies to prescription drugs. 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.. |
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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: |
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Annual Tax Savings Example |
With FSA |
Without |
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If your taxable income is: |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
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And you deposit this amount into an FSA: |
$2,000 |
-$0- |
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Your taxable income is now: |
$48,000 |
$50,000 |
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Subtract Federal & Social Security taxes: |
$13,807 |
$14,383 |
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If you spend after-tax dollars for expenses: |
-$0- |
$2,000 |
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Your real spendable income is: |
$34,193 |
$33,617 |
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Your tax savings: |
$576 |
-$0- |
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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. |
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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. |
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Health care expenses |
The HCFSA is Federal Income tax-free from the first dollar. In addition, you may be reimbursed from the 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. |
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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. |
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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). |
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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 |
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The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program
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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. |
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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 19, 35
- Allergy tests 17
- Allogeneic (donor) bone marrow transplant 23
- Alternative treatments 20
- Ambulance 29
- Anesthesia 24, 25
- Autologous bone marrow transplant 23
- Biopsy 21
- Blood and blood plasma 26
- Casts 26
- Catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum 11
- Changes for 2005 7
- Chemotherapy 18
- Chiropractic 20
- Cholesterol tests 15
- Claims 37-39
- Coinsurance 11
- Colorectal cancer screening 15
- Congenital anomalies 22
- Contraceptive drugs and devices 16
- Covered charges 54
- Crutches 20
- Deductible 11
- Definitions 45
- Dental care 35
- Diagnostic services 14-15
- Disputed claims review 38-39
- Donor expenses 23
- Dressings 25
- Durable medical equipment 20
- Educational classes and programs 20
- Effective date of enrollment 46
- Emergency 28-29
- Experimental or investigational 45
- Eyeglasses 19
- Family planning 16
- Fecal occult blood test 15
- Fraud 3, 4
- General exclusions 36
- Hearing services 18
- Home health services 20
- Hospice care 26
- Hospital 9,25
- Immunizations 15,16
- Infertility 17
- Inpatient hospital benefits 25
- Insulin 33
- Magnetic Resonance Imagings (MRIs) 15
- Mammograms 15
- Maternity benefits 16
- Medicaid 43
- Medically necessary 45
- Medicare 40
Medicare Advantage.......................... 42
Original.............................................. 40
- Members������������..46
- Mental Health/Substance Abuse Benefits 30
- Newborn care 16
- Occupational therapy 18
- Ocular injury 19
- Office visits 14
- Oral and maxillofacial surgical 23
- Out-of-pocket expenses 11
- Oxygen 25
- Pap test 15
- Physician 14
- Prescription drugs 32-33
- Preventive care, adult 15
- Preventive care, children 16
- Preventive services 15-16
- Prior approval 10
- Prosthetic devices 19
- Psychologist 30
- Radiation therapy 18
- Room and board 25
- Second surgical opinion 14
- Skilled nursing facility care 26
- Smoking cessation 20
- Social worker 30
- Speech therapy 18
- Splints 25
- Subrogation 44
- Substance abuse 30
- Surgery 21-23
Anesthesia......................................... 24
Oral�������������23
Outpatient......................................... 26
Reconstructive................................... 22
- Syringes 33
- Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC) 48
- Transplants 23-24
- Treatment therapies 18
- Vision services 19
- Wheelchairs 20
- Workers Compensation 43
- X-rays 15
Summary of benefits for the Heart of AmericaHealth Plan - 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.
Below, an asterisk (*) means the item is subject to the $600 calendar year deductible.
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Benefits |
You pay |
Page |
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Medical services provided by physicians: Diagnostic and treatment services provided in the office |
Office visit copay: $10 primary care; $0 specialist |
14 |
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Services provided by a hospital: Inpatient....................................................................... Outpatient.................................................................... |
Nothing |
25 26 |
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Emergency benefits In-area......................................................................... Out-of-area.................................................................. |
$30 copay for each emergency room visit |
29 29 |
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Mental health and substance abuse treatment............................ |
Regular cost sharing |
30 |
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Prescription drugs.................................................................... |
*$600 deductible and 50% of charges thereafter. |
33 |
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Dental care............................................................................. . (Accidental injury benefit only) |
No benefit. |
35 |
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Vision care............................................................................. . |
No benefit. |
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Protection against catastrophic costs (your catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum)............. |
Nothing after you have met the maximum of 50% of your annual premium per calendar year. Some costs do not count toward this protection |
11 |
2005 Rate Information for Heart of America Health Plan
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.
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Non-Postal Premium
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Postal Premium
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Biweekly
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Monthly
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Biweekly
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Type of Enrollment |
Code |
Gov�t Share | Your Share |
Gov�t Share |
Your Share |
USPS |
Your Share |
| Self Only | RU1 | $ 93.89 | $ 31.29 | $203.42 | $ 67.80 | $111.10 | $ 14.08 |
| Self & Family | RU2 | $241.30 | $ 80.43 | $522.81 | $174.27 | $285.54 | $ 36.19 |