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.

Coverage under this plan qualifies as minimum essential coverage.  Please visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website at www.irs.gov/uac/Questions-and-Answers-on-the-Individual-Shared-Responsibility-Provision for more information on the individual requirement for MEC.

Our health coverage meets the minimum value standard of 60% established by the ACA. This means that we provide benefits to cover at least 60% of the total allowed costs of essential health benefits. The 60% standard is an actuarial value; your specific out-of-pocket costs are determined as explained in this brochure.

See www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance  for enrollment information, as well as:

• Information on the FEHB Program and plans available to you
• A health plan comparison tool
• A list of agencies that participate in Employee Express
• A link to Employee Express
• Information on and links to other electronic enrollment systems

Also, your employing or retirement office can answer your questions, give you other plans' brochures 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
• What happens when your enrollment ends
• When the next Open Season for enrollment begins

We do not determine who is eligible for coverage and, in most cases, cannot change your enrollment status without information from your employing or retirement office.  For information on your premium deductions, disability leave, pensions, etc. you must also contact your employing or retirement office.

Once enrolled in your FEHB Program Plan, you should contact your carrier directly for address updates and questions about your benefit coverage.

Self Only coverage is only for the enrollee.  Self Plus One coverage is for the enrollee and one eligible family member. Self and Family coverage is for the enrollee and one or more eligible family members. Family members include your spouse and your dependent children under age 26, including any foster children authorized for coverage by your employing agency or retirement office.  Under certain circumstances, you may also continue coverage for a disabled child 26 years of age or older who is incapable of self-support.

If you have a Self Only enrollment, you may change to a Self Plus One or 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 Plus One or 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 Plus One or 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 are married.  A carrier may request that an enrollee verify the eligibility of any or all family members listed as covered under the enrollee's FEHB enrollment.

Contact your employing or retirement office if you want to change from Self Only to Self Plus One or Self and Family.  If you have a Self and Family enrollment, you may contact us to add a family member. 

Your employing or retirement office will not notify you when a family member is no longer eligible to receive benefits.  Please tell us immediately of changes in family member status, including your marriage, divorce, annulment, or when your child reaches age 26.  We will send written notice to you 60 days before we proactively disenroll your child on midnight of their 26th birthday unless your child is eligible for continued coverage because they are incapable of self-support due to a physical or mental disability that began before age 26.  

If you or one of your family members is enrolled in one FEHB plan, you or they cannot be enrolled in or covered as a family member by another enrollee in another FEHB plan.

If you have a qualifying life event (QLE) – such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child –  outside of the Federal Benefits Open Season, you may be eligible to enroll in the FEHB Program, change your enrollment, or cancel coverage.  For a complete list of QLEs, visit the FEHB website at www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/life-events.  If you need assistance, please contact your employing agency, Tribal Benefits Officer, personnel/payroll office, or retirement office.

Family members covered under your Self and Family enrollment are your spouse (including your spouse by valid common-law marriage from a state that recognizes common law marriages) and children as described below. A Self Plus One enrollment covers you and your spouse, or one other eligible family member as described below.

Natural children, adopted children, and stepchildren
Coverage: Natural children, adopted children, and stepchildren are covered until their 26th birthday.

Foster children
Coverage: Foster children are eligible for coverage until their 26th birthday if you provide documentation of your regular and substantial support of the child and sign a certification stating that your foster child meets all the requirements. Contact your human resources office or retirement system for additional information.

Children incapable of self-support
Coverage: Children who are incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical disability that began before age 26 are eligible to continue coverage. Contact your human resources office or retirement system for additional information.

Married children
Coverage: Married children (but NOT their spouse or their own children) are covered until their 26th birthday.

Children with or eligible for employer-provided health insurance
Coverage: Children who are eligible for or have their own employer-provided health insurance are covered until their 26th birthday.

Newborns of covered children are insured only for routine nursery care during the covered portion of the mother's maternity stay.

You can find additional information at www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance.

OPM implements the Federal Employees Health Benefits Children’s Equity Act of 2000. This law mandates that you be enrolled for Self Plus One or 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 in Self Plus One or 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 Plus One or Self and Family coverage, as appropriate, in the lowest-cost nationwide plan option as determined by OPM
• 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 Plus One or Self and Family, as appropriate, 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 a Self Plus One or Self and Family, as appropriate, in the lowest-cost nationwide plan option as determined by OPM.

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 does not 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 does not serve the area in which your children live as long as the court/administrative order is in effect. Similarly, you cannot change to Self Plus One if the court/administrative order identifies more than one child.  Contact your employing office for further information.

The benefits in this brochure are effective January 1. If you joined this Plan during Open Season, your coverage begins on the first day of your first pay period that starts on or after January 1. If you changed plans or plan options during Open Season and you receive care between January 1 and the effective date of coverage under your new plan or option, your claims will be processed according to the 2024 benefits of your prior plan or option.  If you have met (or pay cost-sharing that results in your meeting) the out-of-pocket maximum under the prior plan or option, you will not pay cost-sharing for services covered between January 1 and the effective date of coverage under your new plan or option. However, if your prior plan left the FEHB Program at the end of the year, you are covered under that plan’s 2023 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.

If your enrollment continues after you are no longer eligible for coverage, (i.e. you have separated from Federal service) and premiums are not paid, you will be responsible for all benefits paid during the period in which premiums were not paid.  You may be billed for services received directly from your provider.  You may be prosecuted for fraud for knowingly using health insurance benefits for which you have not paid premiums.  It is your responsibility to know when you or a family member are no longer eligible to use your health insurance coverage.

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

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

• Your enrollment ends, unless you cancel your enrollment; or
• You are a family member no longer eligible for coverage.

Any person covered under the 31 day extension of coverage who is confined in a hospital or other institution for care or treatment on the 31^st day of the temporary extension is entitled to continuation of the benefits of the Plan during the continuance of the confinement but not beyond the 60^th day after the end of the 31 day temporary extension.

You may be eligible for spouse equity coverage or assistance with enrolling in a conversion policy (a non-FEHB individual policy).

If you are an enrollee, and your divorce or annulment is final, your ex-spouse cannot remain covered as a family member under your Self Plus One or Self and Family enrollment.  You must contact us to let us know the date of the divorce or annulment and have us remove your ex-spouse.  We may ask for a copy of the divorce decree as proof.  In order to change enrollment type, you must contact your employing or retirement office.  A change will not automatically be made.

If you were married to an enrollee and your divorce or annulment is final, you may not remain covered as a family member under your former spouse's enrollment.  This is the case even when the court has ordered your former spouse to provide health coverage for you.  However, you may be eligible for your own FEHB coverage under either 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 information about your coverage choices. You can also visit OPM's website at https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/life-events/memy-family/im-separated-or-im-getting-divorced/#url=Health.  We may request that you verify the eligibility of any or all family members listed as covered under the enrollee's FEHB enrollment. 

If you leave Federal service, Tribal employment, 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 or Tribal job, or if you are a covered child and you turn 26. You may not elect TCC if you are fired from your Federal or Tribal job due to gross misconduct.

Enrolling in TCC. Get the RI 79-27, which describes TCC, from your employing or retirement office or from www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance. It explains what you have to do to enroll.

Alternatively, you can buy coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace where, depending on your income, you could be eligible for a tax credit that lowers your monthly premiums. Visit www.HealthCare.gov to compare plans and see what your premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket costs would be before you make a decision to enroll. Finally, if you qualify for coverage under another group health plan (such as your spouse’s plan), you may be able to enroll in that plan, as long as you apply within 30 days of losing FEHB Program coverage.

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

• Your coverage under TCC or the spouse equity law ends (if you cancelled 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 or Tribal service, your employing office will notify you of your right to convert. You must contact us in writing 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 contact us in writing 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, a waiting period will not be imposed and your coverage will not be limited due to pre-existing conditions.  When you contact us, we will assist you in obtaining information about health benefits coverage inside and outside the Affordable Care Act's Health Insurance Marketplace in your state.  For assistance in finding coverage, please contact us at 800-HIP-TALK (800-447-8255) or visit our website at www.emblemhealth.com.

If you would like to purchase health insurance through the ACA's Health Insurance Marketplace, please visit www.HealthCare.gov.  This is a website provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides up-to-date information on the Marketplace.

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 letter (for annuitants), or your electronic enrollment system (such as Employee Express) confirmation letter.

If you do not receive your ID card within 30 days after the effective date of your enrollment, or if you need replacement cards, call us at 800-HIP-TALK (800-447-8255) or write to us at HIP Health Plan of New York, 55 Water Street, New York, NY 10041.  You may also request replacement cards through our website: www.emblemhealth.com.

You get care from “Plan providers” and “Plan facilities.” You will only pay copayments and deductibles.

FEHB Carriers must have clauses in their in-network (participating) providers agreements.  These clauses provide that, for a service that is a covered benefit in the plan brochure or for services determined not medically necessary, the in-network provider agrees to hold the covered individual harmless (and may not bill) for the difference between the billed charge and the in network contracted amount.  If an in-network provider bills you for covered services over your normal cost share (deductible, copay, co-insurance) contact your Carrier to enforce the terms of its provider contract.

Plan providers are physicians and other healthcare professionals in our service area that we contract with to provide covered services to our members. Services by Plan Providers are covered when acting within the scope of their license or certification under applicable state law.  We credential Plan providers according to national standards. 

Benefits are provided under this Plan for the services of covered providers, in accordance with Section 2706(a) of the Public Health Service Act. Coverage of practitioners is not determined by your state’s designation as a medically underserved area.  

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

This plan recognizes that transgender, non-binary, and other gender diverse members require health care delivered by healthcare providers experienced in gender affirming health.  Benefits described in this brochure are available to all members meeting medical necessity guidelines regardless of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex or gender.

This plan provides Care Coordinators for complex conditions and can be reached at
www.emblemhealth.com for assistance. 

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

It depends on the type of care you need. First, you and each family member must choose a primary care provider. This decision is important since your primary care provider provides or arranges for most of your health care.

Your primary care provider can be a family practitioner, internist or pediatrician. Your primary care provider will provide most of your healthcare, or give you a referral to see a specialist.

If you want to change primary care providers or if your primary care provider leaves the plan, call us. We will help you select a new one.

Your primary care provider will refer you to a specialist for needed care. When you receive a referral from your primary care provider, you must return to the primary care provider after the consultation, unless your primary care provider authorized a certain number of visits without additional referrals. The primary care provider must provide or authorize all follow-up care. Do not go to the specialist for return visits unless your primary care provider gives you a referral.  However, you may see a Plan gynecologist without 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 provider will develop a treatment plan that allows you to see your specialist for a certain number of visits without additional referrals. Your primary care provider will create 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 provider. If they decide 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 provider, 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;
  • 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.

Your Plan primary care provider or specialist will make necessary hospital arrangements and supervise your care. This includes admission to a skilled nursing or other type of facility.

We pay for covered services from the effective date of your enrollment. However, if you are in the hospital when your enrollment in our plan begins, call our customer service department immediately at 800-HIP-TALK (800-447-8255). If you are new to the FEHB Program, we will arrange for you to receive care and provide benefits for your covered services while you are in the hospital beginning on the effective date of your coverage.

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;
• the day your benefits from your former plan run out; or
• the 92^nd day after you become a member of this plan, whichever happens first.

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

Since your primary care provider arranges most referrals to specialists and inpatient hospitalization, the pre-service claim approval process only applies to care shown under Other services requiring our Prior Approval.  You are responsible for the cost of any service received without Prior Approval.

Prior Approval is the process by which - prior to your inpatient hospital admission - we evaluate the medical necessity of your proposed stay and the number of days required to treat your condition.

Your primary care provider has authority to refer you for most services.  For certain services, however, your physician must obtain prior approval from us.  Before giving approval, we consider if the service is covered, medically necessary, and follows generally accepted medical practice.

The following are services that require prior approval:

• Inpatient non emergency procedures that provide acute, rehabilitation and skilled nursing care. 
• All outpatient invasive and surgical procedures and treatments in a facility or doctor's office.               
• Inpatient treatment of mental illness and substance use disorder, detoxification treatment of substance use disorder, and Rehabilitation treatment of Substance Use Disorder.                             
• Non-routine outpatient treatment of mental illness and substance use disorder, which includes:
  • partial hospitalization;
  • intensive outpatient treatment;
  • ambulatory detoxification treatment;
  • outpatient ECT (electro-convulsive treatment);
  • neuropsychological testing; and
  • psychological testing.                     
• Non emergent transportation.                     
• Home health care.      
• Hospice care.        
• Pre-transplant evaluation and transplant services.        
• Outpatient cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.      
• Outpatient diagnostic radiology services.   
• Outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapies.         
• Radiation Oncology.
• Pain management.  
• Sleep studies.
• Advanced molecular diagnostics and genetic testing.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
• Experimental and/or investigational treatments and procedures.

Prior approval is required to obtain certain prescription drugs.  These drugs include migraine medications, anti-nausea medications, anti-fungal agents, anti-inflammatory agents, appetite suppressants, hepatitis C medications, fertility medications, growth hormones, leukotriene blocker asthma medications, smoking deterrents, eczema medications, vitamin A-based medications for treatment of cystic acne and other drugs and drug classes listed below.

If the prescription request is approved, the pharmacist will fill your prescription.  If the prescription request is not approved, HIP will not cover the prescription.

The individual prescription drugs listed below require Prior approval.  The drug list below shows each drug by its brand name and generic name.

• Amevive / alefacept
• Enbrel / etanercept
• Humira / adalimumab
• Kineret / anakinra
• Provigil / modafinil
• Regranex / becaplermin
• Somavert / pegvisomant
• Zyvox / linezolid
• Penlac / ciclopirox solution
• Tazorac / tazarotene
• Lidoderm / lidocaine patch
• Orencia / abatacept
• Sutent / sunitinib malate
• Nexavar / sorafenib tosylate
• Xeloda / capecitabine

In addition, prescription drugs in the drug classes listed below are also subject to Prior Approval.

• Antihypertensive agents
• Anti-nausea medications
• Anti-depressant medications
• Anti-fungal agents
• Anti-inflammatory agents
• Appetite suppressants
• Blood pressure medication
• Cholesterol lowering medications
• Diabetic medication
• Eczema medications
• Fertility medications
• GI medications that block acid secretion
• Growth hormones
• Hepatitis C medications
• Leukotriene blocker asthma medications
• Migraine medications
• Narcotics/opioids
• Osteo-arthritis/anti-inflammatory medications
• Vitamin A based medications for treatment of cystic acne

First, your physician, your hospital, you, or your representative, must call us at 888-447-2884 before admission or services requiring prior approval are rendered.

Next, provide the following information:

• enrollee's name and plan identification number;
• patient's name, birth date, identification number and phone number;
• reason for hospitalization, proposed treatment, or surgery;
• name and phone number of admitting physician;
• name of hospital or facility; and
• number of days requested for hospital stay.

Prescription Drugs:  If your prescription is for a drug that is subject to Prior approval, your pharmacist will inform you, and you must notify your physician.  Your physician should then contact our Pharmacy Benefits Services Department (PBSD) at 1-866-447-9717.  Our PBSD staff and your physician will decide, based upon our clinical guidelines, whether the prescription is Medically Necessary and Appropriate for your treatment or condition.  If you elect not to contact your physician, HIP will not cover the prescription and you will be responsible for the cost of the drug.

Specialty Pharmacy:  Your physician must call the Specialty Pharmacy Program Provider at 1-800-424-4084 to obtain Prior Approval before the physician can access and administer certain medically necessary and appropriate specialty pharmacy drugs.

For non-urgent care claims, we will tell the physician and/or hospital the number of approved inpatient days, or the care that we approve for other services that must have prior approval.  We will make our decision within 15 days of receipt of the pre-service claim.  If matters beyond our control require an extension of time, we may take up to an additional 15 days for review and we will notify you of the need for an extension of time before the end of the original 15-day period.  Our notice will include the circumstances underlying the request for the extension and the date when a decision is expected.

If we need an extension because we have not received necessary information from you, our notice will describe the specific information required and we will allow you up to 60 days from the receipt of the notice to provide the information.

If you have an urgent care claim (i.e., when waiting for the regular time limit for your medical care or treatment could seriously jeopardize your life, health, or ability to regain maximum function, or in the opinion of a physician with knowledge of your medical condition, would subject you to severe pain that cannot be adequately managed without this care or treatment), we will expedite our review and notify you of our decision within 72 hours.  If you request that we review your claim as an urgent care claim, we will review the documentation you provide and decide whether or not it is an urgent care claim by applying the judgment of a prudent layperson that possesses an average knowledge of health and medicine.

If you fail to provide sufficient information, we will contact you within 24 hours after we receive the claim to let you know what information we need to complete our review of the claim.  You will then have up to 48 hours to provide the required information.  We will make our decision on the claim within 48 hours of (1) the time we received the additional information or (2) the end of the time frame, whichever is earlier.

We may provide our decision orally within these time frames, but we will follow up with written or electronic notification within three days of oral notification.

You may request that your urgent care claim on appeal be reviewed simultaneously by us and OPM.  Please let us know that you would like a simultaneous review of your urgent care claim by OPM either in writing at the time you appeal our initial decision, or by calling us at 800-HIP-TALK (800-447-8255).  You may also call OPM's FEHB 3 at (202) 606-0737 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time to ask for the simultaneous review.  We will cooperate with OPM so they can quickly review your claim on appeal.  In addition, if you did not indicate that your claim was a claim for urgent care, call us at 800-HIP-TALK (800-447-8255).  If it is determined that your claim is an urgent care claim, we will expedite our review (if we have not yet responded to your claim).

A concurrent care claim involves care provided over a period of time or over a number of treatments.  We will treat any reduction or termination of our pre-approved course of treatment before the end of the approved period of time or number of treatments as an appealable decision.  This does not include reduction or termination due to benefit changes or if your enrollment ends.  If we believe a reduction or termination is warranted we will allow you sufficient time to apeal and obtain a decision from us before the reduction or termination takes effect.

If you request an extension of an ongoing course of treatment at least 24 hours prior to the expiration of the approved time period and this is also an urgent care claim, we will make a decision within 24 hours after we receive the claim.

If you have an emergency admission due to a condition that you reasonably believe puts your life in danger or could cause serious damage to bodily function, you, your representative, the physician, or the hospital must phone us within 48 hours following the day of the emergency admission, even if you have been discharged from the hospital. 

You do not need precertification of a maternity admission for a routine delivery. However, if your medical condition requires you to stay more than 48 hours after a vaginal delivery or 96 hours after a cesarean section, then your physician or the hospital must contact us for precertification of additional days. Further, if your baby stays after you are discharged, your physician or the hospital must contact us for precertification of additional days for your baby.

Note: When a newborn requires definitive treatment during or after the mother’s hospital stay, the newborn is considered a patient in their own right. If the newborn is eligible for coverage, regular medical or surgical benefits apply rather than maternity benefits.

If you request an extension of an ongoing course of treatment at least 24 hours prior to the expiration of the approved time period and this is also an urgent care claim, we will make a decision within 24 hours after we receive the claim.

If you have a pre-service claim and you do not agree with our decision regarding prior approval of an inpatient admission or prior approval of other services, you may request a review in accord with the procedures detailed below.  If your claim is in  reference to a contraceptive, call 800-HIP-Talk (800-447-8255)

If you have already received the service, supply, or treatment, then you have a post-service claim and must follow the entire disputed claims process detailed in Section 8.

Within 6 months of our initial decision, you may ask us in writing to reconsider our initial decision.  Follow Step 1 of the disputed claims process detailed in Section 8 of this brochure. 

In the case of a pre-service claim and subject to a request for additional information, we have 30 days from the date we receive your written request for reconsideration to:

1. Precertify your hospital stay or, if applicable, arrange for the healthcare provider to give you the care or grant your request for prior approval for a service, drug, or supply; or

2. Ask you or your provider for more information.

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.

3. Write to you and maintain our denial.

In the case of an appeal of a pre-service urgent care claim, within 6 months of our initial decision, you may ask us in writing to reconsider our initial decision.  Follow Step 1 of the disputed claims process detailed in Section 8 of this brochure. 

Unless we request additional information, we will notify you of our decision within 72 hours after receipt of your reconsideration request.  We will expedite the review process, which allows oral or written requests for appeals and the exchange of information by phone, electronic mail, facsimile, or other expeditious methods.

Cost-sharing  is the general term used to refer to your out-of-pocket costs (e.g., deductible and copayments) for the covered care you receive.

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

In the High Option plan, when you see your primary care provider, you pay a copayment of $30 per office visit. When you see a specialist, you pay a copayment of $50 per office visit.

In the Standard Option plan, when you see your primary care provider, you pay a copayment of $30 per office visit. When you see a specialist, you pay a copayment of $75 per office visit.

A deductible is a fixed expense you must incur for certain covered services and supplies before we start paying benefits for them.  Copayments do not count toward any deductible. 

• We do not have a calendar year deductible for the High Option.
• The calendar year deductible is $3,000 per person under Standard Option. Under a Self Only enrollment, the deductible is considered satisfied and benefits are payable for you when your covered expenses applied to the calendar year deductible for your enrollment reach $3,000 under Standard Option. Under Self Plus One enrollment, the deductible is considered satisfied and benefits are payable for you and one other eligible family member when the combined covered expenses applied to the calendar year deductible for your enrollment reach $6,000 under the Standard Option.  Under a Self and Family enrollment, the deductible is considered satisfied and benefits are payable for all family members when the combined covered expenses applied to the calendar year deductible for family members reach $6,000 under the Standard Option.
• There is also an annual $100 deductible for brand name prescription drugs under the High Option and an annual $300 deductible for brand name prescription drugs under the Standard Option.

Note: If you change plans during Open Season, you do not have to start a new deductible under your prior plan between January 1 and the effective date of your new plan.  If you change plans at another time during the year, you must begin a new deductible under your new plan.

You should also see section Important Notice About Surprise Billing - Know Your Rights below that describes your protections against surprise billing under the No Surprises Act.

After your (in network) out-of-pocket expenses, for the High Option plan, including any applicable deductibles and copayments total $6,850 for Self Only, or $13,700 for a Self Plus One or Self and Family enrollment in any calendar year, you do not have to pay any more for covered services. The maximum annual limitation on cost sharing listed under Self Only of $6,850 applies to each individual, regardless of whether the individual is enrolled in Self Only, Self Plus One, or Self and Family.

After your (in network) out-of-pocket expenses, for the Standard Option plan, including any applicable deductibles and copayments total $8,550 for Self Only, or $17,100 for a Self Plus One or Self and Family enrollment in any calendar year, you do not have to pay any more for covered services. The maximum annual limitation on cost sharing listed under Self Only of $8,550 applies to each individual, regardless of whether the individual is enrolled in Self Only, Self Plus One, or Self and Family.

High Option example scenario:  Your plan has a $6,850 Self Only maximum out-of-pocket limit and a $13,700 Self Plus One or Self and Family maximum out-of-pocket limit.   If you or one of your eligible family members has out-of-pocket qualified medical expenses of $6,850 or more for the calendar year, any remaining qualified medical expenses for that individual will be covered fully by your health plan.  With a Self and Family enrollment out-of-pocket maximum of $13,700, a second family member, or an aggregate of other eligible family members, will continue to accrue out-of-pocket qualified medical expenses up to a maximum of $6,850 for the calendar year before their qualified medical expenses will begin to be covered in full. 

However, copayments if applicable for the following services do not count toward your catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum, and you must continue to pay copayments for these services:

• Routine foot care 
• Vision care services
• Expenses for services and supplies that exceed the stated maximum dollar or day limit
• Expenses from utilizing out-of-network providers

Be sure to keep accurate records and receipt of your copayments to ensure the plan's calculation of your out-of-pocket maximum is reflected accurately.

If you changed to this Plan during Open Season from a plan with a catastrophic protection benefit and the effective date of the change was after January 1, any expenses that would have applied to that plan’s catastrophic protection benefit during the prior year will be covered by your prior plan if they are for care you received in January before your effective date of coverage in this Plan.  If you have already met your prior plan’s catastrophic protection benefit level in full, it will continue to apply until the effective date of your coverage in this Plan.  If you have not met this expense level in full, your prior plan will first apply your covered out-of-pocket expenses until the prior year’s catastrophic level is reached and then apply the catastrophic protection benefit to covered out-of-pocket expenses incurred from that point until the effective date of your coverage in this Plan.  Your prior plan will pay these covered expenses according to this year’s benefits; benefit changes are effective January 1.

If you change options in this Plan during the year, we will credit the amount of covered expenses already accumulated toward the catastrophic out-of-pocket limit of your old option to the catastrophic protection limit of your new option.

The No Surprises Act (NSA) is a federal law that provided you with protections against "surprise billing" and "balance billing" for out-of-network emergency services; out-of-network non-emergency services provided with respect to a visit to a participating health care facility; and out-of-network air ambulance services.

A surprise bill is an unexpected bill you receive for:

• emergency care - when you have little or no say in the facility or provider from whom you receive care, or for
• non-emergency services furnished by nonparticipating providers with respect to patient visits to participating health care facilities, or for
• air ambulance services furnished by nonparticipating providers of air ambulance services.

Balance billing happens when you receive a bill from the nonparticipating provider, facility, or air ambulance service for the difference between the nonparticipating provider's charge and the amount payable by your health plan.

Your health plan must comply with the NSA protections that hold you harmless from surprise bills.

For specific information on surprise billing, the rights and protections you have, and your responsibilities go to www.emblemhealth.com or contact the health plan at 800-447-8255.

We will make diligent efforts to recover benefit payments we made in error but in good faith. We may reduce subsequent benefit payments to offset overpayments. 

• Health Care FSA (HCFSA) - Reimburses you for eligible out-of-pocket healthcare expenses (such as copayments, deductibles, physician prescribed over-the-counter drugs and medications, vision and dental expenses, and much more) for you and your tax dependents, including adult children (through the end of the calendar year in which they turn 26). 
• FSAFEDS offers paperless reimbursement for your HCFSA through a number of FEHB and FEDVIP plans.  This means that when you or your provider files claims with your FEHB or FEDVIP plan, FSAFEDS will automatically reimburse your eligible out-of-pocket expenses based on the claim information it receives from your plan.

• $30 copay for primary care providers.
• $30 copay for mental health and substance abuse providers.
• $50 copay for specialists.
• $50 deductible for durable medical equipment (DME).
• $50 deductible for orthopedic and prosthetic devices.
• $100 brand name prescription drug calendar year deductible per individual.
• $0 copay for dependent children to age 26 for the following services:
  • primary care provider office visits
  • specialist physician office visits
  • home health care
  • x-rays and diagnostic & lab tests
  • outpatient treatment of mental illness
  • outpatient rehabilitation treatment of substance use disorders
  • chiropractic services
  • outpatient speech, occupational and physical therapy

• $30 copay for primary care providers, not subject to deductible.
• $30 copay for mental health and substance abuse providers, not subject to deductible.
• $75 copay for specialists, after deductible.
• $100 deductible for durable medical equipment (DME). 
• $300 brand name prescription deductible.
• $3,000 calendar year deductible per individual; $6,000 calendar year deductible per family.

Professional services of physicians:

• In physician's office
• Office medical consultations
• Second surgical opinion
• Advance care planning

$30 per office visit to your primary care provider (PCP) 

$50 per office visit to a specialist

$0 per office visit for dependent children to age 26

$30 per office visit to your primary care provider (PCP), not subject to deductible

$75 per office visit to a specialist, after deductible

Professional services of physicians:

• During a hospital stay
• In a skilled nursing facility
• At home

Nothing

$30 per office visit to your primary care provider (PCP), not subject to deductible

$75 per office visit to a specialist, after deductible

Professional services of physicians:

• Urgent Care

$30 per office visit

$75 per office visit, after deductible

Not covered:

• Physical examinations that are not necessary for medical reasons, such as those required for obtaining or continuing employment or insurance

All charges

All charges

• Covered services will include the use of electronic information and communication technologies by a provider to deliver covered services (primary care, specialty care and urgent care rendered by participating providers) to you while your location is different than your providers location.
• Provider consultations are for non-emergency medical conditions only for Plan providers who offer telehealth services.

Note: Subject to the prescription drug section, if necessary the telehealth physician may write a prescription and send it to an in-network participating retail pharmacy.  Prescriptions are subject to cost sharing where applicable.

Note: Covered services are subject to the same utilization review and quality assurance requirements and other terms and conditions of this plan.

$30 for telehealth services by a PCP

$50 for telehealth services by a Specialist

$30 for telehealth services by a PCP, not subject to deductible

$75 for telehealth services by a Specialist, not subject to deductible

Not Covered: 

• Telehealth services for consultations with nutritionists and dietitians are not covered.

All charges

• We cover online internet consultations between you and providers who participate in our telemedicine program for primary care, specialty care and urgent care medical conditions that are not an emergency condition.

Note: Not all participating providers participate in our telemedicine program. You can check our provider directory or contact us for a listing of the providers that participate in the telemedicine program at 
https://www.teladoc.com/

Note: Subject to the prescription drug section, if necessary, the telemedicine physician may write a prescription and send it to an in-network participating retail pharmacy.  Prescriptions are subject to cost-sharing where applicable.

Note: You must create an account with our telemedicine vendor (Teladoc) before You will be given access to the list of participating telemedicine physicians. Once access is obtained, You will be able to participate in a telemedicine consultation either online or by phone with a telemedicine physician who is available.  Telemedicine providers are available twenty-four (24) hours/ seven (7) days a week. 

Note: Covered services are subject to the same utilization review and quality assurance requirements and other terms and conditions of this plan.

Note: Telemedicine services are adminstered by Teladoc.

$10 for telemedicine services per visit

$10 for telemedicine services per visit, not subject to deductible

Tests, such as:

• Blood tests
• Urinalysis
• Non-routine pap test
• Pathology
• X-rays
• Non-routine mammogram
• CT Scans
• MRI
• Ultrasound
• Electrocardiogram and EEG

Nothing

$30 per office visit to your primary care provider, not subject to deductible

$75 per office visit to a specialist, or outpatient hospital/free standing facility, after deductible

Routine physical every calendar year:

The following preventive services are covered at the time interval recommended at each of the links below.

• Immunizations such as Pneumococcal, influenza, shingles, tetanus/Tdap, and human papillomavirus (HPV).  For a complete list of immunizations go to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at
  https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/
• Screenings such as cancer, osteoporosis, depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, total blood cholesterol, HIV, and colorectal cancer screening.  For a complete list of screenings go to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) website at https://shorturl.at/hovHM
• Individual counseling on prevention and reducing health risks 
• Preventive care benefits for women such as Pap smears, gonorrhea prophylactic medication to protect newborns, annual counseling for sexually transmitted infections, contraceptive methods, and screening for interpersonal and domestic violence. For a complete list of preventive care benefits for women go to  the Health and Human Services (HHS) website at 

https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-women/

• To build your personalized list of preventive services go to
https://health.gov/myhealthfinder

• Routine mammogram

• Adult immunizations endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): based on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) schedule

Note: Any procedure, injection, or diagnostic service, laboratory, or X-ray service done in conjunction with a routine examination and is not included in the preventive recommended listing of services will be subject to the applicable member copay, coinsurance, and deductible.

• Medical Nutrition Therapy and Intensive Behavioral Therapy for the prevention of obesity related comorbidities as recommended under the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) A and B recommendations.

Nothing

Nothing

Not covered:

• Physical exams required for obtaining or continuing employment or insurance, attending schools or camp, athletic exams, or travel.
• Immunizations, boosters, and medications for travel or work-related exposure.

• Well-child visits, examinations, and other preventive services as described in the Bright Future Guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics. For a complete list of the American Academy of Pediatrics Bright Futures Guidelines go to
  https://brightfutures.aap.org
• Immunizations such as DTaP/Tdap, Polio, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), and Varicella. For a complete list of immunizations go to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at
  https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html
• You can also find a complete list of preventive care services recommended under the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) online at  
  https://shorturl.at/hovHM

Note:  Any procedure, injection, or diagnostic service, laboratory, or X-ray service done in conjunction with a routine examination and is not included in the preventive recommended listing of services will be subject to the applicable member copay, coinsurance, and deductible. 

Complete maternity (obstetrical) care, such as:

• Prenatal and Postpartum care
• Screening for gestational diabetes
• Delivery
• Screening and counseling for prenatal and postpartum depression

Nothing for prenatal care, the first postpartum care visit, screening for gestational diabetes for pregnant women; $30 per office visit for all postpartum care visits thereafter. 

Nothing for inpatient professional delivery services.

Nothing for prenatal care, the first postpartum care visit, screening for gestational diabetes for pregnant women; $30 per office visit for all postpartum care visits thereafter, not subject to deductible.  

$150 inpatient hospital maternity copay, not subject to the deductible.

Breastfeeding support, supplies and counseling for each birth

Note: Here are some things to keep in mind:

• You do not need to precertify your vaginal delivery. See page 20 for other circumstances, such as extended stays for you or your baby.
• You may remain in the hospital up to 48 hours after a vaginal delivery and 96 hours after a cesarean delivery.  We will extend your inpatient stay if medically necessary.
• We cover routine nursery care of the newborn child during the covered portion of the mother’s maternity stay.  We will cover other care of an infant who requires non-routine treatment only if we cover the infant under a Self Plus One or Self and Family enrollment.  Surgical benefits, not maternity benefits, apply to circumcision.
• We pay hospitalization and surgeon services (delivery) for non-maternity care the same as for illness and injury.
• Hospital services are covered under Section 5(c) and Surgical benefits under Section 5(b).

Note: When a newborn requires definitive treatment during or after the mother's confinement, the newborn is considered a patient in their own right.  If the newborn is eligible for coverage, regular medical or surgical benefits apply rather than maternity benefits.

Nothing

Nothing

A range of voluntary family planning services, limited to:

• Surgically implanted contraceptive drugs and devices
• Injectable contraceptive drugs (such as Depo Provera)
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Diaphragms
• Tubal ligation

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

Nothing

Nothing

Voluntary sterilization (See Surgical Procedures Section 5 (b))

Nothing

Nothing

Not covered:

• Reversal of voluntary surgical sterilization
• Genetic testing and counseling

"Infertility" is a disease characterized by the incapacity to impregnate another person or to conceive, defined by the failure to establish a clinical pregnancy after twelve (12) months of unprotected sexual intercourse or artificial insemination, or after six (6) months of unprotected sexual intercourse or artificial insemination for an individual thirty-five (35) years of age or older.  Evaluation and treatment may be warranted based on a member’s medical history or diagnostic testing.

Diagnostic and treatment of infertility specific to:

• Artificial insemination:
  
  • Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
  • Intravaginal insemination (IVI)
  • Intracervical insemination (ICI)
• Injectable fertility drugs including IVF related drugs. See section 5(f) for orally administered fertility drugs.
• We cover standard fertility preservation services for members 35 years of age or older when a medical treatment, including gender transition services, will directly or indirectly lead to iatrogenic infertility.  Benefits are available for fertility preservation for medical reasons that cause irreversible infertility such as chemotherapy, radiation treatment, and bilateral oophorectomy due to cancer. Services include the collection of sperm; Cryo-preservation of sperm; Ovarian stimulation, retrieval of eggs and fertilization, Oocyte cryo-preservation; Embryo cryo-preservation. Preservation storage is limited to one year in a covered person's lifetime.

$30 per office visit to your primary care provider

$50 per office visit to a specialist

$30 per office visit to your primary care provider, not subject to deductible 

$75 per office visit to a specialist, after deductible

Not covered:

• Assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, such as:
  • In vitro fertilization (IVF)
  • 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

• Testing and treatment
• Allergy injections

$30 per office visit to your primary care provider

$50 per office visit to a specialist

$30 per office visit to your primary care provider, not subject to deductible 

$75 per office visit to a specialist, after deductible

Allergy serum

Not covered:

• Provocative food testing and Sublingual allergy desensitization.

• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy

Note: High dose chemotherapy in association with autologous bone marrow transplants is limited to those transplants listed under Organ/Tissue Transplants on page 48.

Note: Facility copay apply.  See Section 5(c).

Note:  These services require prior approval, see page 18.

Nothing

• Respiratory and inhalation therapy
• Intravenous (IV)/Infusion Therapy – Home IV and antibiotic therapy
• Cardiac rehabilitation following a heart transplant, bypass surgery or a myocardial infarction is provided for up to 32 sessions

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

Note:  We only cover GHT when we preauthorize the treatment.  We will ask you to submit information that establishes that the GHT is medically necessary.  Ask us to authorize GHT before you begin treatment; otherwise, we will only cover GHT services from the date you submit the information.  If you do not ask or if we determine GHT is not medically necessary, we will not cover the GHT or related services and supplies.  See Other services requiring our Prior Approval in Section 3.

$30 per office visit to your primary care provider or

$50 per office visit to a specialist

$30 per office visit to your primary care provider, not subject to deductible or

$75 per office visit to a specialist, after deductible

• Dialysis - hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis

Note:  Subject to the Prior Approval requirements, coverage is provided for a maximum of ten (10) out-of-network dialysis treatments in a calendar year.

$30 per office visit to your primary care provider

$75 per office visit to a specialist, after deductible

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) - See section 5(e)

$30 per office visit 

$0 per office visit for dependent children to age 26

$30 per office visit, not subject to deductible

Rehabilitation

60 visits of physical or occupational therapy each calendar year for services from the following:

• Qualified physical therapists
• Occupational therapists

Habilitation

60 visits of physical or occupational therapy each calendar year for services for the following:

• Health care services that help a person keep, learn or improve skills and functioning for daily living including:
  • the management of limitations and disabilities
  • services or programs that help maintain or prevent deterioration in physical, cognitive, or behavioral function. 

Note: We only cover therapy when a physician:

• Orders the care
• Identifies the specific professional skills the patient requires and the medical necessity for skilled services and
• indicates the length of time the services are needed.

Note: We cover Habilitation Services in the outpatient department of a facility or in a health care professional’s office.

Note:  These services require prior approval, see page 18.

$50 per office visit

$0 per office visit for dependent children to age 26.

Nothing for physician or health professional visits during covered inpatient admission

$75 per office visit to a specialist, after deductible

Nothing for physician or health professional visits during covered inpatient admission

Not covered:

• Long-term rehabilitative therapy
• Exercise programs

60 visits of speech therapy each calendar year for services from the following:

• Licensed or certified speech therapists

Habilitation Services

60 visits of speech therapy each calendar year for services for the following:

• Speech therapy services that help a person keep, learn or improve skills and functioning for daily living including:
  • the management of limitations and disabilities
  • services or programs that help maintain or prevent deterioration in cognitive function.

Note:  We cover Habilitation Services in the outpatient department of a facility or in a health care professional's office.

Note:  These services require prior approval, see page 16.

$50 per office visit

$0 per office visit for dependent children to age 26

$75 per office visit to a specialist, after deductible

Nothing per visit during covered inpatient admission

Not covered:

• Long-term rehabilitative therapy
• Exercise programs

All charges

• Diagnostic and treatment services for disease or medical conditions affecting hearing
• For treatment related to illness or injury, including evaluation and diagnostic hearing tests performed by an M.D., D.O., or audiologist

Note: For routine hearing screening performed during a child’s preventive care visit, see Section 5(a) Preventive care, children.

• External hearing aids for children are covered up to a $2,000 annual maximum per ear.
• External hearing aids for adults are covered up to a $2,000 maximum per ear every thirty-six (36) months.
• Implanted hearing-related devices, such as bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA) and cochlear implants

Note: For benefits for the devices, see Section 5(a) Orthopedic and prosthetic devices.

$30 per office visit to your primary care provider

$50 per office visit to a specialist

$30 per office visit to your primary care provider, not subject to deductible

$75 per office visit to a specialist, after deductible

Not covered:

• Hearing services and or supplies that are not shown as covered

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

• Annual eye refractions

• Diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the eye

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

$50 per office visit, after deductible

Not covered:

• Eyeglasses or contact lenses, except as shown above
• Eye exercises and orthoptics
• Radial keratotomy and other refractive surgery

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.

$30 per office visit to your primary care provider

$50 per office visit to a specialist

$30 per office visit to your primary care provider, not subject to deductible or

$75 per office visit to a specialist, after deductible

Not covered:

• Cutting, trimming or removal of corns, calluses, or the free edge of toenails, and similar routine treatment of conditions of the foot, except as stated above
• Treatment of weak, strained or flat feet or bunions or spurs; and of any instability, imbalance or subluxation of the foot (unless the treatment is by open cutting surgery)

• Artificial limbs and eyes
• Prosthetic sleeve or sock
• Externally worn breast prostheses and surgical bras, including necessary replacements following a mastectomy
• Corrective orthopedic appliances for non-dental treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain dysfunction syndrome
• External hearing aids
• Implanted hearing-related devices, such as bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA) and cochlear implants
• Internal prosthetic devices, such as artificial joints, pacemakers, and surgically implanted breast implant following mastectomy

Note: Call us at 800-HIP-TALK (800-447-8255) as soon as your Plan physician prescribes this equipment.  We will arrange with a health care provider to rent or sell you the equipment at discounted rates and will tell you more about this service when you call.

Note: For information on the professional charges for the surgery to insert an implant, see Section 5(b) Surgical procedures.  For information on the hospital and/or ambulatory surgery center benefits, see Section 5(c) Services provided by a hospital or other facility, and ambulance services.

$30 per office visit to your primary care provider or

$50 per office visit to a specialist

Nothing after $50 deductible for the equipment

$30 per office visit to your primary care provider, not subject to deductible 

$75 per office visit to a specialist, after deductible

Nothing for the equipment

Not covered:

• Orthopedic and corrective shoes unless we determine that the member’s condition requires a corrective shoe that can only be made from a mold or cast of his or her foot
• Arch supports
• Foot orthotics
• Heel pads and heel cups
• Lumbosacral supports
• Corsets, trusses, elastic stockings, support hose, and other supportive devices 
• Prosthetic replacements if the repair or replacement is the result of misuse or abuse by you

We cover rental or purchase of durable medical equipment, at our option, including repair and adjustment. Covered items include:

• Oxygen
• Dialysis equipment
• Hospital beds
• Wheelchairs
• Scooters
• Crutches
• Walkers
• Audible prescription reading devices
• Speech generating devices
• Blood glucose monitors
• Insulin pumps

Note: Prior approval is required. Call us at 800-HIP-TALK (800-447-8255) as soon as your Plan physician prescribes this equipment. We will arrange with a health care provider to rent or sell you durable medical equipment at discounted rates and will tell you more about this service when you call.

Nothing after $50 deductible

Nothing after $100 deductible

Not covered: 

• Customized wheelchairs

The following services and supplies are covered when recommended or prescribed for the treatment of diabetes:

• Blood glucose monitors including for members who are visually impaired.
• Lancets and automatic lancing devices
• Test strips and control solutions for glucose monitors and visual reading and urine testing strips for glucose ketones
• Data management systems
• Insulin, syringes, alcohol swabs, injection aids, cartridges for the visually impaired, insulin pumps and appurtenances, and insulin infusion devices.
• Oral agents for controlling blood sugar, treating hypoglycemia such as glucose tablets and gels and glucagon for injection to increase blood glucose concentration
• Self-management education and diet information is provided by a licensed health care provider

Note:  Investigational and experimental drugs and supplies, as determined by HIP, will not be covered

$30

$30, not subject to deductible 

• Home health care ordered by a plan physician and provided by a registered nurse (R.N.), licensed practical nurse (L.P.N.), licensed vocational nurse (L.V.N.), or home health aide.
• Services include oxygen therapy, intravenous therapy and medications.

Note: High Option coverage does not have a visit limit per calendar year.  Standard Option is limited to 40 visits per calendar year.

Note:  These services require prior approval, see page 18.

$75 per visit, after deductible

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. (i.e. hygiene, feeding, exercising, moving the patient, homemaking, companionship or giving oral medication).

• Manipulation of the spine and extremities

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

Note: You do not need a referral from your primary care doctor.

$50 per office visit

$0 per office visit for dependent children to age 26

$75 per office visit, after deductible

No benefit.

All charges

All charges

Coverage is provided for:

• Tobacco Cessation Program to include counseling, full coverage of over-the-counter (OTC) Nicotine Replacement Therapy (gum, lozenge, and patch) directly dispensed by the program vendor upon enrollment to the program and tobacco cessation prescription drugs approved by the FDA to treat tobacco dependence.

  Members are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Tobacco Cessation Program to receive personal coaching that will help them overcome obstacles to stop.

  To join this program, please call 1- 877-500-2393, Monday through Friday between 8 am and 9 pm, Saturday between 9 am and 7 pm and Sunday between 9 and 5 pm. TTY/TDD users should call 711.

Nothing for counseling for up to two quit attempts per year.

Nothing for OTC and prescription drugs approved by the FDA to treat tobacco dependence.

$30 per visit to your primary care provider, not subject to deductible

Nothing for counseling for up to two quit attempts per year.

Nothing for OTC and prescription drugs approved by the FDA to treat tobacco dependence up to a 180 day supply.

• Diabetes self-management
• Multicomponent, family centered programs focused on childhood obesity that are part of intensive behavioral interventions (behavior change counseling for healthy diet and physical activity)

Nothing

$30 per visit, not subject to deductible

• Pharmaceutical agents that include injectable and infusion drugs
• Specialty Pharmacy Drugs are obtained and administered only by your physician during an approved plan of treatment
• Specialty Pharmacy Drugs are comprised of the following general classes of drugs:
  • Biologic DMARD
  • ESA
  • IVIG
  • Anti-Emetics
  • CSF
  • Chemotherapy
  • Neuromuscular Blockers
  • Bisphosphonates
  • Human Monoclonal Antibody

Note:  Physicians must call the Specialty Pharmacy Program Provider at 1-800-424-4084 to obtain Prior Approval before the physician can access and administer certain Medically Necessary and Appropriate Specialty Pharmacy Drugs.  Failure to obtain Prior Approval may result in the denial of Covered Service or financial responsibility to you.

See section 5(f) for Specialty Pharmacy Drugs not administered in the doctor's office.

Nothing (included in your primary care provider or specialist office visit, outpatient hospital or ambulatory surgical center copay)

Nothing (included in your primary care provider or specialist office visit, outpatient hospital or ambulatory surgical center copay)

A comprehensive range of services, such as:

• Operative procedures
• Treatment of fractures, including casting
• Normal pre- and post-operative care by the surgeon
• Correction of amblyopia and strabismus
• Endoscopy procedures
• Biopsy procedures
• Removal of tumors and cysts
• Correction of congenital anomalies (see Reconstructive surgery )
• Surgical treatment of severe obesity (bariatric surgery)
• Insertion of internal prosthetic devices - See 5(a) Orthopedic and prosthetic devices for device coverage information.
• Voluntary sterilization (e.g., tubal ligation, vasectomy)
• Treatment of burns

Note: Generally, we pay for internal prostheses (devices) according to where the procedure is done. For example, we pay Hospital benefits for a pacemaker and Surgery benefits for insertion of the pacemaker.

Note:  These services require prior approval, see page 18.

Nothing (included in the inpatient hospital admission copay or outpatient copay, after deductible)

Not covered:

• Reversal of voluntary sterilization
• Routine treatment of conditions of the foot; (see Foot care)

All charges

All charges

• Surgery to correct a functional defect
• Surgery to correct a condition caused by injury or illness if:
  • the condition produced a major effect on the member’s appearance and
  • the condition can reasonably be expected to be corrected by such surgery
• 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.

• 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; and webbed fingers and toes. 
• Surgeries related to gender affirmation when all Plan criteria are met.  The following common medically necessary gender affirmation procedures include but are not limited to:
  • Breast augmentation
  • Breast reduction mammoplasty
  • Gender affirming facial surgery
  • Clitoroplasty
  • Hysterectomy
  • Labioplasty
  • Mastectomy (trial of hormone therapy not pre-requisite)
  • Metoidioplasty
  • Oophorectomy
  • Orchiectomy
  • Penectomy
  • Phalloplasty ±
  • Prostatectomy
  • Salpingectomy
  • Scrotoplasty
  • Testicular/penile prosthesis implantation
  • Urethroplasty
  • Vaginectomy
  • Vaginoplasty ±
  • Vulvectomy
  • Vulvoplasty

± Genital electrolysis is not considered a surgical procedure, but is performed in conjunction with genital surgery (i.e., when required for vaginoplasty or phalloplasty)

Note:  These services require prior approval, see page 18.

Nothing

Nothing (included in the inpatient hospital admission copay or outpatient copay, after deductible)

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.

All charges

All charges

Oral surgical procedures, limited to:

• Reduction of fractures of the jaws or facial bones;
• Surgical correction of cleft lip, cleft palate or severe functional malocclusion;
• Removal of stones from salivary ducts;
• Excision of leukoplakia or malignancies;
• Excision of cysts and incision of abscesses when done as independent procedures; and
• Other surgical procedures that do not involve the teeth or their supporting structures.

Nothing

$50 per office visit for outpatient procedures

Nothing (included in the inpatient hospital admission copay or outpatient copay, after deductible)

Not covered:

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

These solid organ transplants are covered. Solid organ transplants are limited to:

• Autologous pancreas islet cell transplant (as an adjunct to total or near total pancreatectomy) only for patients with chronic pancreatitis
• Cornea
• Heart
• Heart/Lung
• Intestinal transplants
  • Isolated small intestine
  • Small intestine with the liver
  • Small intestine with multiple organs, such as the liver, stomach and pancreas         
• Kidney
• Kidney-pancreas 
• Liver
• Lung: single/bilateral/lobar
• Pancreas

Note: These solid organ transplants are subject to medical necessity and experimental/investigational review by the Plan.  Refer to Section 3 for prior authorization procedures.

Nothing (included in the inpatient hospital admission copay or outpatient copay, after deductible)

These tandem blood or marrow stem cell transplants for covered transplants are subject to medical necessity review by the plan.  Refer to Other Services in Section 3 for prior authorization procedures.

• Autologous tandem transplants for
  • AL Amyloidosis
  • Multiple myeloma (de novo and treated)
  • Recurrent germ cell tumors (including testicular cancer)

Nothing (included in the inpatient hospital admission copay or outpatient copay, after deductible)

Blood or marrow stem cell transplants (Hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT or SCT)) - The Plan extends coverage for the diagnoses as indicated below.

• Allogeneic transplants for
  • Acute lymphocytic or non-lymphocytic (i.e., myelogenous) leukemia
  • Acute myeloid leukemia 
  • Advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
  • Advanced Myeloproliferative Disorders (MPDs)
  • Advanced neuroblastoma
  • Advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
  • Amyloidosis
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/ small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL)
  • Hemoglobinopathy
  • Infantile malignant osteopetrosis
  • Kostmann's syndrome
  • Leukocyte adhesion deficiencies
  • Marrow failure and related disorders (i.e., Fanconi's, Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria, Pure Red Cell Aplasia) 
  • Mucolipidosis (e.g., Gaucher's disease, metachromatic leukodystrophy, adrenoleukodystrophy)
  • Mucopolysaccharidosis (e.g., Hunter's syndrome, Hurler's syndrome, Sanfillippo's syndrome, Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome variants)
  • Myelodysplasia/ Myelodysplastic syndromes
  • Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
  • Phagocytic/ Hemophagocytic deficiency diseases (e.g., Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
  • Severe combined immunodeficiency
  • Severe or very severe aplastic anemia
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome
• Autologous transplants for
  • Acute lymphocytic or nonlymphocytic (i.e., myelogenous) leukemia
  • Acute myeloid leukemia
  • Advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
  • Advanced Myeloproliferative Disorders (MPD's)
  • Advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
  • Amyloidosis
  • Breast cancer
  • Ependymoblastoma
  • Epithelial ovarian cancer
  • Ewing's sarcoma
  • Medulloblastoma
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Neuroblastoma
  • Pineoblastoma
  • Testicular, Mediastinal, Retroperitoneal, and Ovarian germ cell tumors 

Nothing (included in the inpatient hospital admission copay or outpatient copay, after deductible)

Mini-transplants performed in a clinical trial setting (non-myeloablative, reduced intensity conditioning or RIC)  for members with a diagnosis listed below are subject to medical necessity review by the plan.

Refer to Other services in Section 3 for prior authorization procedures:

• Allogeneic transplants for
  • Acute lymphocytic or non-lymphocytic (i.e. myelogenous) leukemia
  • Acute myeloid leukemia
  • Advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
  • Advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
  • Advanced Myeloproliferative Disorders (MPD's)
  • Amyloidosis
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/ small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL)
  • Hemoglobinopathy
  • Marrow failure and related disorders (i.e., Fanconi's PNH, Pure Red Cell Aplasia
  • Myelodysplasia/ Myelodysplastic syndromes
  • Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
  • Severe combined immunodeficiency
  • Severe or very severe aplactic anemia
• Autologous transplants for
  • Acute lymphocytic or nonlymphocytic (i.e., myelogenous) leukemia
  • Advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
  • Advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
  • Amyloidosis
  • Neuroblastoma

Nothing (included in the inpatient hospital admission copay or outpatient copay, after deductible)

These blood or marrow stem cell transplants are covered only in a National Cancer Institute or National Institute of health approved clinical trial or a Plan-designed center of excellence if approved by the Plan’s Medical Director in accordance with the Plan’s protocols.

If you are a participant in a clinical trial, the Plan will provide benefits for related routine care that is medically necessary (such as doctor visits, lab tests, X-rays and scans, and hospitalization related to treating the patient's condition) if it is not provided by the clinical trial.  Section 9 has additional information on costs related to clinical trials.  We encourage you to contact the Plan to discuss specific services if you participate in a clinical trial.

• Allogeneic transplants for
  • Advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma
  • Advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
  • Beta Thalassemia Major
  • Chronic inflammatory demyelination polyneuropathy (CIDP)
  • Early stage (indolent or non-advanced) small cell lymphocytic lymphoma
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Sickle cell anemia
• Mini-transplants (non-myeloablative allogeneic, reduced intensity conditioning or RIC) for
  • Acute lymphocytic or non-lymphocytic (i.e., myelogenous) leukemia
  • Advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma
  • Advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
  • Breast cancer
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  • Chronic lymphocytic lymphoma/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL)
  • Chronic myelogenoue leukemia
  • Colon cancer
  • Early stage (indolent or non-advanced) small cell lymphocytic lymphoma
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Myelodysplasia/Myelodysplastic Syndromes
  • Myeloproliferative disorders (MDDs)
  • Non-small cell lung cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Renal cell carcinoma
  • Sarcomas
  • Sickle cell anemia
• Autologous transplants for
  • Advanced Childhood kidney cancers
  • Advanced Ewing sarcoma
  • Advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma
  • Advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
  • Aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas
  • Breast cancer
  • Childhood rhabdomyosarcoma
  • Chronic lymphocytic lymphoma/ small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL)
  • Chronic myelogenous leukemia
  • Early stage (indolent or non-advanced) small cell lymphocytic lymphoma
  • Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
  • Mantle Cell (Non-Hodgkin lymphoma)
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Small cell lung cancer
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Systemic sclerosis

Available transplant networks:

• National Transplant Program
  (NTP) - https://www.va.gov/health/services/transplant/
• United Network of Transplant Sharing (UNOS) - https://unos.org/
• Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN) - https://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/

Notes:

• We cover related medical and hospital expenses of the donor when we cover the recipient.  We cover donor screening tests for the actual solid organ donor or up to four bone marrow/ stem cell transplant donors in addition to the testing of family members. 
• Expenses for transportation, lodging and meals for the transplant recipient and their companion are reimbursable up to a maximum of $10,000 per transplant episode.

Nothing (included in the inpatient hospital admission copay or outpatient copay, after deductible)

Not covered:

• Donor screening tests and donor search expenses, except as shown above 
• Implants of artificial organs
• Transplants not listed as covered

All charges

All charges

Professional services provided in -

• Hospital (inpatient)

Nothing

Nothing (included in the inpatient hospital admission copay or outpatient copay, after deductible)

Professional services provided in -

• Hospital outpatient department
• Skilled nursing facility
• Ambulatory surgical center
• Office

$50 per office visit for outpatient procedure

$75 per office visit for outpatient procedure, after deductible

Room and board, such as:

• Ward, semiprivate, or intensive care accommodations
• General nursing care
• Meals and special diets

$100 per inpatient hospital admission

$250 per inpatient hospital admission, after deductible

Other hospital services and supplies, such as:

• Operating, recovery, maternity, and other treatment rooms
• Prescribed drugs and medications
• Diagnostic laboratory tests and X-rays
• Dressings, splints, casts, and sterile tray services
• Medical supplies and equipment, including oxygen

Nothing (included in the inpatient hospital admission copay)

$150 per inpatient hospital maternity admission

• Anesthetics, including nurse anesthetist services
• Take-home items
• Medical supplies, appliances, medical equipment, and any covered items billed by a hospital for use at home (Note: calendar year deductible applies.)

Note:  These services require prior approval, see page 18.

Nothing (included in the inpatient hospital admission copay)

Not covered:

• Custodial care
• Non-covered facilities, such as nursing homes, schools
• Personal comfort items, such as phone, television, barber services, guest meals and beds
• Private nursing care, except when medically necessary 

All charges

All charges

• Operating, recovery, and other treatment rooms
• Prescribed drugs and medicines
• Administration of blood, blood plasma, and other biologicals
• Blood and blood plasma
• Pre-surgical testing
• Dressings, casts, and sterile tray services
• Medical supplies, including oxygen
• Anesthetics and anesthesia service
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI) services
• Intravaginal insemination (IVI) services
• Intracervical insemination (IVI) services

Note: We cover hospital services and supplies related to dental procedures when necessitated by a non-dental physical impairment. We do not cover the dental procedures.

$150 per visit, after deductible

• Diagnostic laboratory tests, X-rays, and pathology service

Note:  These services require prior approval, see page 18.

$150 per visit

$75 per visit, after deductible

Skilled nursing facility (SNF): A comprehensive range of benefits when full-time skilled nursing care is necessary and confinement in a skilled nursing facility is medically necessary as determined by a Plan doctor and approved in advance by the Plan.

Note:  These services require prior approval, see page 18.

Nothing

90 day limit

Nothing

30 day limit

 Not covered:

• Custodial care, rest cures, domiciliary or convalescent care.

All charges

All charges

Up to 210 days in an approved hospice program for a terminally ill member when a plan doctor certifies that the member is terminal and has a life expectancy of six months or less. Covered services as follows when provided and billed by the hospice:

• Inpatient and outpatient care
• Professional services of a physician
• Prescription drugs and medical supplies and
• Bereavement counseling for immediate family member

Note:  These services require prior approval, see page 18.

Not covered:

• Independent nursing, homemaker services
• Services or supplies not shown as covered above
• Services for respite care
• Nutritional supplements, non-prescription drugs or substances, vitamins and minerals

All charges

All charges

Acute care provided in an accredited nursing facility or acute care facility that specializes in terminally ill patients, for members diagnosed with advanced cancer with less than sixty (60) days to live.  

Note:  These services require prior approval, see page 18.

Nothing

Not covered:

• Services or supplies not related to End of life care.

All charges

All charges

Nothing

• Emergency care at a doctor’s office

$30 per office visit, not subject to deductible

• Emergency care at an urgent care center

$30 per office visit

$75 per office visit, after deductible

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

Note:  We waive the ER copay if you are admitted to the hospital.

Note:  Observation care lasting more than 24 hours is assessed at the inpatient cost share.

$250 per visit

$250 per visit, after deductible

All charges

All charges

• Emergency care at a doctor’s office

$30 per office visit, not subject to deductible

• Emergency care at an urgent care center

$75 per office visit, after deductible

• Emergency care as an outpatient or inpatient at a hospital, including doctors’ services

Note: We waive the ER copay if you are admitted to the hospital.

Note:  Observation care lasting more than 24 hours is assessed at the inpatient cost share.

$250 per visit

$250 per visit, after deductible

Not covered:

• Elective care or non-emergency care and follow-up care recommended by non-plan providers that has not been approved by the plan or provided by plan providers 
• Emergency care provided outside the service area if the need for care could have been foreseen before leaving the service area
• Medical and hospital costs resulting from a normal full-term delivery of a baby outside the service area

All charges

All charges

Local ambulance service in an emergency condition or when approved by the plan.

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

Nothing

Nothing

All charges

All charges

When part of a treatment plan we approve, we cover professional services by licensed professional mental health and substance use disorder treatment practitioners when acting within the scope of their license, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, or marriage and family therapists.

Diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric conditions, mental illness, or mental disorders.  Services include: 

• Diagnostic evaluation
• Crisis intervention and stabilization for acute episodes
• Medication evaluation and management (pharmacotherapy)
• Psychological and neuropsychological testing necessary to determine the appropriate psychiatric treatment
• Treatment and counseling (including individual or group therapy visits)
• Diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders, including detoxification, treatment and counseling
• Professional charges for intensive outpatient treatment in a provider's office or other professional setting
• Electroconvulsive therapy 

$30 per office visit 

$0 per office visit for dependent children to age 26

Nothing for inpatient admission

$30 per office visit, not subject to deductible 

$250 per inpatient admission, after deductible

• Outpatient diagnostic tests provided and billed by a licensed mental health and substance use disorder practitioner
• Outpatient diagnostic tests provided and billed by a laboratory, hospital or other covered facility
• Inpatient diagnostic tests provided and billed by a hospital or other covered facility

$30 per office visit 

$0 per office visit for dependent children to age 26

$30 per office visit to your primary care provider, not subject to deductible or

$75 per office visit to a specialist, not subject to deductible

Inpatient services provided and billed by a hospital or other covered facility

• Room and board, such as semi-private or intensive accommodations, residential treatment, general nursing care, meals and special diets, and other hospital services

$100 per inpatient hospital admission

$250 per inpatient hospital admission, after deductible

Outpatient services provided and billed by a hospital or other covered facility

• Services in approved treatment programs, such as a partial hospitalization, half-way house, residential treatment, full-day hospitalization, or facility based intensive outpatient treatment

$30 per office visit 

$0 per office visit for dependent children to age 26

$30 per office visit, not subject to deductible  

Inpatient and Outpatient Coverage for the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder.     Coverage is provided for Medically Necessary and Appropriate services associated with the screening, diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder includes the following care and assistive communication devices prescribed or ordered for an individual diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist:

1. Behavioral Health Treatment;
2. Psychiatric Care;
3. Psychological Care;
4. medical care provided by a licensed health care provider;
5. Therapeutic care, including therapeutic care which is deemed habilitative or nonrestorative; and
6. Pharmacy care.

Assistive Communication Devices  

Applied Behavior Analysis  

$30 per office visit  

$0 per office visit for dependent children to age 26

Nothing for inpatient hospital admission

$30 per office visit, not subject to deductible 

$250 inpatient hospital admission copay, not subject to deductible

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

Routine outpatient mental health and substance use disorder services do not require prior authorization. For mental health and substance use disorder services that do require prior authorization, including those identified in Section 3, above, regarding “Other services requiring our Prior Approval,” call 888-447-2526 for authorization and help in selecting a provider. A trained professional will assess your treatment needs and assist you in obtaining treatment with a participating provider. You do not need a referral from your primary care provider for mental health and substance use services.

We cover the following medications and supplies prescribed by a Plan physician and obtained from a Plan pharmacy or through our mail order program:

• Drugs and medications including those administered during a non-covered admission or in a non-covered facility that by Federal law of the United States require a physician’s prescription for their purchase, except those listed as Not covered. 
• Insulin
• Diabetic supplies limited to:
• Disposable needles and syringes for the administration of covered medications.
• Drugs for sexual dysfunction.
• Growth hormone therapy (GHT).
• Orally administered IVF related drugs.
• Medical foods, which are specifically formulated and prescribed to treat inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are covered without regard to age, mode of administration (oral vs. nasogastric tube), narrow arbitrary limitations to specific diseases (e.g., PKU), or whether it is the sole source of nutrition for that individual.

For up to a 30-day supply at a participating Retail Pharmacy:

(A $100 brand name only calendar year deductible applies)

$25 for generic formulary drugs;

$50 for brand name formulary drugs; or

$100 for non-formulary drugs

For up to a 30-day supply at a participating Specialty Pharmacy:

$200 for generic formulary drugs;

$200 for brand formulary  drugs; or

$200 for non-formulary drugs 

Up to a 90-day supply by Mail order:

$37.50 for generic formulary drugs or

$75 for brand name formulary drugs

Non-formulary drugs and Specialty Pharmacy drugs are not available through mail order.

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

For up to a 30-day supply at a participating Retail Pharmacy:

(A $300 brand name only calendar year deductible applies)

$25 for generic formulary drugs;

$50 for brand name formulary drugs; or

$100 for non-formulary drugs

For up to a 30-day supply at a participating Specialty Pharmacy:

$200 for generic formulary drugs;

$200 for brand formulary drugs; or

$200 for non-formulary drugs 

Up to a 90-day supply by Mail order:

$38 for generic formulary drugs or

$75 for brand name formulary drugs

Non-formulary drugs and Specialty Pharmacy drugs are not available through mail order.

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

• Contraceptive drugs and devices as listed in the ACA/HRSA site.  Contraceptive coverage is available at no cost to FEHB members.  The contraceptive benefit includes at least one option in all methods of contraception (as well as the screening, education, counseling, and follow-up care).  Any contraceptive that is not already available without cost sharing on the formulary can be accessed through the contraceptive exceptions process described below.    

• Contraceptive Exception Process - If a contraceptive drug is not on our formulary, You, Your designee or Your prescribing physician may request a formulary exception for a clinically-appropriate contraceptive drug in writing, electronically or telephonically.  The request should include a statement from your prescribing physician that all formulary drugs will be or have been ineffective, would not be as effective as the non-formulary drug, or would have adverse effects.

• Drugs to treat gender dysphoria such as psychotherapy, cross-sex hormone therapy,  puberty suppressing medications and laboratory testing to monitor the safety of hormone therapy.  
• Reimbursement for over-the-counter contraceptives can be submitted by completing a claim form.  Claim forms are available from us by calling 800-HIP-TALK (800-447-8255) or visiting our website at www.emblemhealth.com.  Completed forms can be mailed or electronically submitted.  See the "Filing a Claim for Covered Services" section of this brochure for information. 

Note: Over-the counter contraceptive drugs and devices approved by the FDA require a written prescription by an approved provider.

The following drugs and supplements are covered without cost-share, even if over the counter, are prescribed by a healthcare professional and filled at a network pharmacy.

• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
• Aspirin (81 mg) for men age 45-79 and women age 55-79 and women of childbearing age
• Folic acid supplements for women of childbearing age (400 & 800 mcg)
• Liquid iron supplements for children 6 months to 1 year
• Vitamin D supplements (prescription strength) (400 & 1000 units) for members 65 or older
• Fluoride tablets, solution (not toothpaste, rinses) for children age 0-6 years.

Note:  To receive this benefit a prescription from a doctor must be presented to the pharmacy. 

The following are covered:

• Low to moderate dose Statin for the primary prevention of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)for adults without a history of (CVD) when all of the following criteria are met:
  • The member is aged forty (40) to Seventy-five (75) years;
  • They have one (1) or more CVD risk factors (ie: dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, or smoking); and
  • They have a calculated ten (10)- year risk of a cardiovascular event of 10% or greater

 Note: Preventive medications with a USPSTF recommendation of A and B are covered without cost-share when prescribed by a health care professional and filled by a network pharmacy. These may include some over-the-counter vitamins, nicotine replacement medications, and low dose aspirin for certain patients. For current recommendations go to 
www.uspreventiveservicetaskforce.org/BrowseRec/Index/browse-recommendations

Nothing

Nothing

Not covered:

• Drugs and supplies for cosmetic purposes
• Drugs to enhance athletic performance
• Drugs obtained at a non-Plan pharmacy; except for out-of-area emergencies
• Vitamins, nutrients and food supplements not listed as a covered benefit even if a physician prescribes or administers them
• Nonprescription medications unless specifically indicated elsewhere

Note: Over-the-counter and appropriate prescription drugs approved by the FDA to treat tobacco dependence are covered under the Tobacco Cessation program benefit. (See page 45). 

All charges

All charges

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

Every six months: 

• One examination (comprehensive or periodic)
• One prophylaxis (cleaning) 
• One topical fluoride 

Note: This benefit is administered by Healthplex at www.healthplex.com

Nothing (covered for children age 19 and under)

Nothing (covered for children age 19 and under)

Every six months:

• One examination (comprehensive or periodic)
• One prophylaxis (cleaning)

Note: This benefit is administered by Healthplex at www.healthplex.com

$5 per visit

$10 per visit

All Charges

Under the flexible benefits option, we determine the most effective way to provide services.

• We may identify medically appropriate alternatives to regular contract benefits as a less costly alternative. If we identify a less costly alternative, we will ask you to sign an alternative benefits agreement that will include all of the following terms in addition to other terms as necessary. Until you sign and return the agreement, regular contract benefits will continue.
• Alternative benefits will be made available for a limited time period and are subject to our ongoing review. You must cooperate with the review process.
• By approving an alternative benefit, we do not guarantee you will get it in the future.
• The decision to offer an alternative benefit is solely ours, and except as expressly provided in the agreement, we may withdraw it at any time and resume regular contract benefits.
• If you sign the agreement, we will provide the agreed-upon alternative benefits for the stated time period (unless circumstances change). You may request an extension of the time period, but regular contract benefits will resume if we do not approve your request.
• Our decision to offer or withdraw alternative benefits is not subject to OPM review under the disputed claims process. However, if at the time we make a decision regarding alternative benefits, we also decide that regular contract benefits are not payable, then you may dispute our regular contract benefits decision under the OPM disputed claim process (see Section 8).

For any of your health concerns, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you may call 1-877-444-7988 and talk with a registered nurse who will discuss treatment options and answer your health questions.

The phone number for the hearing impaired is 888- HIP-4TDD (888-447-4833).

Please contact customer service at:  (800) 447-8255

This member journey begins through all stages of pregnancy and lasts through eight (8) weeks post-delivery.  Utilizing enhanced digital outreach and education, we can proactively seek and sign up these members, especially those at high risk, so they can feel empowered as they prepare for pregnancy and know how to access the critical resources to keep themselves - and their baby - stay healthy.  Members can be referred to Complex Care Management if additional needs are identified beyond the post-delivery period.  This program is also integrated with our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) program, managing newborn babies admitted to the NICU.  This program provides resources and caregiver support for members and their loved ones in situations where there is a need for long term home care, durable medical equipment, or those who need to be put in an institution after discharge from the acute care setting.

In most cases, providers and facilities file claims for you. Providers must file form CMS-1500, Health Insurance Claim Form. Your facility will file the UB-04 form. For claims questions and assistance, contact us at 800-HIP-TALK (800-447-8255), or at our website at www.emblemhealth.com.

When you must file a claim – such as for services you received outside the Plan’s service area – submit it on the CMS-1500 or a claim form that includes the information shown below. Bills and receipts should be itemized and show:

• Covered member’s name, date of birth, address, phone number and ID number
• Name and address of the provider 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 payor – such as the Medicare Summary Notice (MSN)
• Receipts, if you paid for your services

Note: Canceled checks, cash register receipts, or balance due statements are not acceptable substitutes for itemized bills.

Submit your claims to:  HIP Health Insurance Plan of New York

                                         55 Water Street

                                         New York, New York 10041

Under normal circumstances, you do not have to file claims for your prescription drugs. Please call 800-HIP-TALK (800-447-8255) for specific instructions and a claim form.

Submit your claims to:  HIP Health Insurance Plan of New York

                                         55 Water Street

                                         New York, New York 10041

Submit your claims to:   HIP Health Insurance Plan of New York

                                          55 Water Street

                                          New York, New York 10041

We will notify you of our decision within 30 days after we receive your post-service claim.  If matters beyond our control require an extension of time, we may take up to an additional 15 days for review and we will notify you before the expiration of the original 30-day period.  Our notice will include the circumstances underlying the request for the extension and the date when a decision is expected.

If we need an extension because we have not received necessary information from you, our notice will describe the specific information required and we will allow you up to 60 days from the receipt of the notice to provide the information.

If you do not agree with our initial decision, you may ask us to review it by following the disputed claims process detailed in Section 8 of this brochure.

You may designate an authorized representative to act on your behalf for filing a claim or to appeal claims decisions to us.  For urgent care claims, we will permit a healthcare professional with knowledge of your medical condition to act as your authorized representative without your express consent.  For the purposes of this section, we are also referring to your authorized representative when we refer to you.

If you live in a county where at least 10% of the population is literate only in a non-English language (as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services), we will provide language assistance in that non-English language.  You can request a copy of your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statement, related correspondence, oral language services (such as phone customer assistance), and help with filing claims and appeals (including external reviews) in the applicable non-English language.  The English versions of your EOBs and related correspondence will include information in the non-English language about how to access language services in that non-English language.

Any notice of an adverse benefit determination or correspondence from us confirming an adverse benefit determination will include information sufficient to identify the claim involved (including the date of service, the healthcare provider, and the claim amount, if applicable), and a statement describing the availability, upon request, of the diagnosis and procedure codes.

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: HIP Health Plan of New York, 55 Water Street, New York, NY 10041; 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.

e) Include your email address, if you would like to receive our decision via email.  Please note that by giving us your email, we may be able to provide our decision more quickly.

We will provide you, free of charge and in a timely manner, with any new or additional evidence considered, relied upon, or generated by us or at our direction in connection with your claim and any new rationale for our claim decision.  We will provide you with this information sufficiently in advance of the date that we are required to provide you with our reconsideration decision to allow you a reasonable opportunity to respond to us before that date.  However, our failure to provide you with new evidence or rationale in sufficient time to allow you to timely respond shall not invalidate our decision on reconsideration.  You may respond to that new evidence or rationale at the OPM review stage described in step 4.

In the case of a post-service claim, we have 30 days from the date we receive your request to:

a) Pay the claim or  

b) Write to you and maintain our denial, or

c) Ask you or your provider for more information

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.

If you do not agree with our decision, you may ask OPM to review it.

You must write to OPM within:

• 90 days after the date of our letter upholding our initial decision; or
• 120 days after you first wrote to us -- if we did not answer that request in some way within 30 days; or
• 120 days after we asked for additional information.

Write to OPM at: United States Office of Personnel Management, Healthcare and Insurance, Federal Employee Insurance Operations, FEHB 3, 1900 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20415-3630. 

Send OPM the following information:

• A statement about why you believe our decision was wrong, based on specific benefit provisions in this brochure;
• Copies of documents that support your claim, such as physicians' letters, operative reports, bills, medical records, and explanation of benefits (EOB) forms;
• Copies of all letters you sent to us about the claim;
• Copies of all letters we sent to you about the claim; and
• Your daytime phone number and the best time to call.
• Your email address, if you would like to receive OPM’s decision via email.  Please note that by providing your email address, you may receive OPM’s decision more quickly.

Note:  If you want OPM to review more than one claim, you must clearly identify which documents apply to which claim.

Note:  You are the only person who has a right to file a disputed claim with OPM.  Parties acting as your representative, such as medical providers, must include a copy of your specific written consent with the review request.  However, for urgent care claims, a healthcare professional with knowledge of your medical condition may act as your authorized representative without your express consent.

Note:  The above deadlines may be extended if you show that you were unable to meet the deadline because of reasons beyond your control. 

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 or notify you of the status of OPM's review within 60 days. There are no other administrative appeals.

If you do not agree with OPM’s decision, your only recourse is to sue. If you decide to file a lawsuit, 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 preauthorization or prior approval. This is the only deadline that may not be extended.

OPM may disclose the information it collects during the review process to support their disputed claim decision. This information will become part of the court record.

You may not file a lawsuit 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.

You must tell us if you or a covered family member has coverage under any other health plan or has automobile insurance that pays healthcare 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 payor and the other plan pays a reduced benefit as the secondary payor. We, like other insurers, determine which coverage is primary according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) guidelines.  For more information on NAIC rules regarding the coordinating of benefits, visit our website at www.emblemhealth.com.

When we are the primary payor, we will pay the benefits described in this brochure.

When we are the secondary payor, we will determine our allowance. After the primary plan processes the benefit, we will pay what is left of our allowance, up to our regular benefit. We will not pay more than our allowance.

TRICARE is the healthcare 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 or employing 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 TRICARE or CHAMPVA.

Every job-related injury or illness should be reported as soon as possible to your supervisor.  Injury also means any illness or disease that is caused or aggravated by the employment as well as damage to medical braces, artificial limbs and other prosthetic devices.  If you are a federal or postal employee, ask your supervisor to authorize medical treatment by use of form CA-16 before you obtain treatment.  If your medical treatment id accepted by the Dept. of Labor Office of Workers' Compensation (OWCP), the provider will be compensated by OWCP.  If your treatment is determined not job-related, we will process your benefit according to the terms of this plan, including use of in-network providers.  Take form CA-16 and form OWCP-1500/HCFA-1500 to your provider, or send it to your provider as soon as possible after treatment, to avoid complications about whether your treatment is covered by this plan or by OWCP.

We do not cover services that:

• You (or a covered family member) 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.

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 or employing 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.

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

Our right to pursue and receive subrogation and reimbursement recoveries is a condition of, and a limitation on, the nature of benefits or benefit payments and on the provision of benefits under our coverage.

If you have received benefits or benefit payments as a result of an injury or illness and you or your representatives, heirs, administrators, successors, or assignees receive payment from any party that may be liable, a third party’s insurance policies, your own insurance policies, or a workers’ compensation program or policy, you must reimburse us out of that payment. Our right of reimbursement extends to any payment received by settlement, judgment, or otherwise.

We are entitled to reimbursement to the extent of the benefits we have paid or provided in connection with your injury or illness. However, we will cover the cost of treatment that exceeds the amount of the payment you received.

Reimbursement to us out of the payment shall take first priority (before any of the rights of any other parties are honored) and is not impacted by how the judgment, settlement, or other recovery is characterized, designated, or apportioned. Our right of reimbursement is not subject to reduction based on attorney fees or costs under the “common fund” doctrine and is fully enforceable regardless of whether you are “made whole” or fully compensated for the full amount of damages claimed.

We may, at our option, choose to exercise our right of subrogation and pursue a recovery from any liable party as successor to your rights.

If you do pursue a claim or case related to your injury or illness, you must promptly notify us and cooperate with our reimbursement or subrogation efforts.

Some FEHB plans already cover some dental and vision services.  When you are covered by more than one vision/dental plan, coverage provided under your FEHB plan remains as your primary coverage.  FEDVIP coverage pays secondary to that coverage.  When you enroll in a dental and/or vision plan on www.BENEFEDS.com or by phone 877-888-3337 (TTY 877-889-5680), you will be asked to provide information on your FEHB plan so that your plans can coordinate benefits.  Providing your FEHB information may reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

An approved clinical trial includes a phase I, phase II, phase III, or phase IV clinical trial that is conducted in relation to the prevention, detection, or treatment of cancer or other life-threatening disease or condition and is either Federally funded; conducted under an investigational new drug application reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration; or is a drug trial that is exempt from the requirement of an investigational new drug application.

This health plan covers care for clinical trials according to the definitions listed below and as stated on specific pages of this brochure:

• Routine care costs - costs for routine services such as doctor visits, lab tests, X-rays and scans, and hospitalizations related to treating the patient's cancer, whether the patient is in a clinical trial or is receiving standard therapy.  This plan covers costs for routine care.
• Extra care costs - Costs related to taking part in a clinical trial such as additional tests that a patient may need as  part of the trial, but not as part of the patient's routine care.  This plan does not cover these costs.
• Research costs - Costs related to conducting the clinical trial such as research physician and nurse time, analysis of results, and clinical tests performed only for research purposes.  This plan does not cover these costs.  

For more detailed information on "What is Medicare?" and "Should I Enroll in Medicare?" please contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), (TTY 1-877-486-2048) or at www.medicare.gov.

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.

All physicians and other providers are required by law to file claims directly to Medicare for members with Medicare Part B, when Medicare is primary.  This is true whether or not they accept Medicare.

When you are enrolled in Original Medicare along with this plan, you still need to follow the rules in this brochure for us to cover your care.

Claims process when you have the Original Medicare Plan – You will probably not need to file a claim form when you have both our Plan and the Original Medicare Plan.

When we are the primary payor, we process the claim first.

When Original Medicare is the primary payor, Medicare processes your claim first. In most cases, your claim will be coordinated automatically and we will then provide secondary benefits for covered charges. To find out if you need to do something to file your claim, call us at 800-HIP-TALK (800-447-8255) or see our website at
www.emblemhealth.com.

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

Please review the following examples which illustrates your cost share if you are enrolled in Medicare Part B.  Medicare will be primary for all Medicare eligible services.  Members must use providers who accept Medicare's assignment.

Benefit Description - Deductible

High Option You Pay without Medicare: $0

Standard Option You Pay without Medicare: $3,000 per person/ $6,000 per family

High Option You Pay with Medicare Part B: $0

Standard Option You Pay with Medicare Part B: $3,000 per person/ $6,000 per family

Benefit Description - Catastrophic Protection Out of Pocket Maximum

High Option You Pay without Medicare: $6,850 for Self Only/ $13,700 Family

Standard Option You Pay without Medicare: $8,550 for Self Only/ $17,100 Family

High Option You Pay with Medicare Part B: $6,850 for Self Only/ $13,700 Family

Standard Option You Pay with Medicare Part B: $8,550 for Self Only/ $17,100 Family

Benefit Description - Part B Premium Reimbursement Offered

High Option You Pay without Medicare: N/A

Standard Option You Pay without Medicare: N/A

High Option You Pay with Medicare Part B: N/A

Standard Option You Pay with Medicare Part B: N/A

Benefit Description - Primary Care Provider

High Option You Pay without Medicare:$30 Copay - Adult; $0 Copay - Children to age 26

Standard Option You Pay without Medicare: $30 copay, not subject to deductible

High Option You Pay with Medicare Part B: $30 Copay - Adult; $0 Copay - Children to age 26

Standard Option You Pay with Medicare Part B: $30 copay, not subject to deductible

Benefit Description - Specialist

High Option You Pay without Medicare: $50 copay/$0 child copay

Standard Option You Pay without Medicare: $75 copay, after deductible

High Option You Pay with Medicare Part B: $50 copay/$0 child copay

Standard Option You Pay with Medicare Part B: $75 copay, after deductible

Benefit Description - Inpatient Hospital

High Option You Pay without Medicare: $100 copay per admission

Standard Option You Pay without Medicare: $250 copay per admission, after deductible

High Option You Pay with Medicare Part B: $100 copay per admission

Standard Option You Pay with Medicare Part B: $250 copay per admission, after deductible

Benefit Description - Outpatient - Hospital

High Option You Pay without Medicare: $150 copay per visit

Standard Option You Pay without Medicare: $150 copay per visit, after deductible

High Option You Pay with Medicare Part B: $150 copay per visit

Standard Option You Pay with Medicare Part B: $150 copay per visit, after deductible

Benefit Description - Incentives Offered

High Option You Pay without Medicare: N/A

Standard Option You Pay without Medicare: N/A

High Option You Pay with Medicare Part B: N/A

Standard Option You Pay with Medicare Part B: N/A

You can find more information about how our plan coordinates benefits with Medicare in"Medicare And Other Health Benefits: Your Guide to Who Pays First" at www.Medicare.gov

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 healthcare choices (like HMOs and regional PPOs) in some areas of the country. To learn more about Medicare Advantage plans, contact Medicare at 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), (TTY 877-486-2048), or at www.medicare.gov.

If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, the following options are available to you:

This Plan and our Medicare Advantage plan: You may enroll in our Medicare Advantage plan and also remain enrolled in our High Option FEHB plan only.  In this case, we do waive some cost-sharing for your FEHB coverage.

This Plan and another plan’s Medicare Advantage plan: For High Option only, you may enroll in another plan’s Medicare Advantage plan and also remain enrolled in our FEHB plan. We will still provide benefits when your Medicare Advantage plan is primary, even out of the Medicare Advantage plan’s network and/or service area (if you use our Plan providers). 

However, 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 or employing 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.

• You have FEHB coverage on your own or through your spouse who is also an active employee

• You have FEHB coverage through your spouse who is an annuitant

• It is within the first 30 months of eligibility for or entitlement to Medicare due to ESRD (30-month coordination period)

• It is beyond the 30-month coordination period and you or a family member are still entitled to Medicare due to ESRD

• This Plan was the primary payor before eligibility due to ESRD (for 30-month coordination period)

• Medicare was the primary payor before eligibility due to ESRD

• Medicare based on age and disability

• Medicare based on ESRD (for the 30-month coordination period)

• Medicare based on ESRD (after the 30-month coordination period)

An authorization by you (the enrollee or covered family member) that is approved by us (the Carrier), for us to issue payment of benefits directly to the provider.

• We reserve the right to pay you directly for all covered services. Benefits payable under the contract are not assignable by you to any person without express written approval from us, and in the absence of such approval, any assignment shall be void.
• Your specific written consent for a designated authorized representative to act on your behalf to request reconsideration of a claim decision (or, for an urgent care claim, for a representative to act on your behalf without designation) does not constitute an Assignment.
• OPM’s contract with us, based on federal statute and regulation, gives you a right to seek judicial review of OPM's final action on the denial of a health benefits claim but it does not provide you with authority to assign your right to file such a lawsuit to any other person or entity. Any agreement you enter into with another person or entity (such as a provider, or other individual or entity) authorizing that person or entity to bring a lawsuit against OPM, whether or not acting on your behalf, does not constitute an Assignment, is not a valid authorization under this contract, and is void.

An approved clinical trial includes a phase I, phase II, phase III, or phase IV clinical trial that is conducted in relation to the prevention, detection, or treatment of cancer or other life-threatening disease or condition and is either Federally funded; conducted under an investigational new drug application reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); or is a drug trial that is exempt from the requirement of an investigational new drug application. 

• Routine care costs - costs for routine services such as doctor visits, lab tests, X-rays and scans, and hospitalizations related to treating the patient's condition, whether the patient is in a clinical trial or is receiving standard therapy.
• Extra care costs - costs related to taking part in a clinical trial such as additional tests that a patient may need as part of the trial, but not as part of the patient's routine care.
• Research care costs - costs related to conducting the clinical trial such as research physician and nurse time, analysis of results, and clinical tests performed only for research purposes. These costs are generally covered by the clinical trials. This plan does not cover these costs.

See Section 4, page 23.

See Section 4, page 23.

See Section 4, page 23.

A "Covered Appliance" is one of the following items which is prescribed by your plan physician, dispensed by a plan provider and approved by HIP.  HIP maintains a list of Covered Appliances that contains items in each of the categories listed below.  This list is prepared by HIP and periodically reviewed and modified.  HIP will determine whether a Covered Appliance should be customized, rented, purchased or repaired.

1. Durable Medical Equipment, which is:  
   A.  Primarily and customarily used to serve a medical purpose;  
   B.  Generally not useful to a person in the absence of illness or injury; 
   C.  Appropriate for use in the home; 
   D.  Medically necessary for the care and treatment of the member's illness or injury.
2. Prosthetic devices which replace all or part of an internal body organ or external limb.  However, dental prosthetics needed due to an accidental injury to sound natural teeth if the service is provided within twelve (12) months of the accident and necessary in treatment due to congenital disease or anomaly will be covered.
3. Orthopedic devices which are required for the treatment of injuries or disorders of the skeletal system and associated muscles, joints and ligaments.

Experimental or investigational service means any evaluation, treatment, services therapy, or device which involves the application, administration or use, of procedures, techniques, equipment, supplies, products, remedies, vaccines, biological products, drugs, pharmaceuticals, or chemical compounds, as determined solely by the plan:

1. Such evaluation, treatment, therapy, or device cannot be lawfully marketed without approval of the United States Food and Drug Administration or the New York Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, and approval for marketing has not, in fact, been given at the time such is furnished to the covered person; 
2. Reliable evidence, as determined by the plan, shows that such evaluation, treatment, therapy, or device (a) is the subject of an ongoing Phase I or II clinical investigation, or experimental or research arm of a Phase III clinical investigation, or under study to determine: maximum tolerated dosage(s), toxicity, safety, efficacy, or efficacy as compared without the standard means for treatment or diagnosis of the condition in question; or (b) has not been proven safe and effective for the treatment of the condition in question, as evidenced in the most recently published medical literature in the United States, Canada or Great Britain, using generally accepted scientific, medical or public health methodologies or statistical practices; or (c) is not the standard evaluation, treatment, therapy or device utilized by practicing physicians in treating other patients with the same or similar condition; 
3. There is no consensus among practicing physicians that the evaluation, treatment, therapy or device is safe or effective for the treatment in question; or
4. The consensus of opinion among experts is that further studies, research, or clinical investigations are necessary to determine maximum tolerated dosage(s), toxicity, safety, efficacy or efficacy as compared with the standard means for treatment or diagnosis of the condition in question.

An organization such as your employer arranged for your coverage under this contract. The member’s group has chosen to engage HIP to make arrangements through which medical services and hospital services will be delivered in accordance with the terms and conditions of the certificate of coverage.

A claim for medical care or treatment is an urgent care claim if waiting for the regular time limit for non-urgent care claims could have one of the following impacts:

• Waiting could seriously jeopardize your life or health;
• Waiting could seriously jeopardize your ability to regain maximum function; or
• In the opinion of a physician with knowledge of your medical condition, waiting would subject you to severe pain that cannot be adequately managed without the care or treatment that is the subject of the claim.

Urgent care claims usually involve Pre-service claims and not Post-service claims.   We will determine whether or not a claim is an urgent care claim by applying the judgement of a prudent layperson who possesses an average knowledge of health and medicine.

If you believe your claim qualifies as an urgent care claim, please contact our Customer Service Department at 800-HIP-TALK (800-447-8255).  You may also prove that your claim is an urgent care claim by providing evidence that a physician with knowledge of your medical condition has determined that your claim involves urgent care.

A physician or other healthcare professional licensed, accredited, or certified to perform specified health services consistent with state law.

Plan allowance is the amount we use to determine our payment and your coinsurance for covered services.  Plans determine their allowances in different ways.

You should also see Important Notice About Surprise Billing - Know Your Rights in Section 4 that describes your protection against surprise billing under the No Surprises Act.

An unexpected bill you receive for:

• emergency care - when you have little or no say in the facility or provider from whom you receive care, or for
• non-emergency services furnished by nonparticipating providers with respect to patient visits to participating health care facilities, or for
• air ambulance services furnished by nonparticipating providers of air ambulance services.

Office visit copay: $30 primary care; $50 specialist; $0 dependent children to age 26

28

$100 per admission copay

60

$150 per visit

61

$250 per visit

65

$250 per visit

65

Regular cost-sharing

66-68

$25 for generic formulary drugs
$50 for brand name formulary drugs
$100 for non-formulary drugs
$200 for specialty drugs

70

$37.50 for generic formulary drugs or
$75 for brand name formulary drugs

70

Nothing for Pediatric Dental

Adult Dental: $5 for one exam; $10 for one prophylaxis (cleaning)

73-74

$50 per visit

43

Flexible benefits option, 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line, Services for deaf and hearing impaired, Travel benefit/services overseas, Healthy Futures Program.

75

$6,850 for Self Only

$13,700 for Self Plus One and Self and Family

23-24

Office visit copay: $30 primary care; $75 specialist, after deductible

28

$250 copay per admission, after deductible

60

$150 per visit, after deductible

61

$250 per visit, after deductible

65

$250 per visit, after deductible

65

Regular cost-sharing

66-68

$25 for generic formulary drugs
$50 for brand name formulary drugs
$100 for non-formulary drugs
$200 for specialty drugs

70

$38 for generic formulary drugs, or
$75 for brand name formulary drugs

70

Nothing for Pediatric Dental (Covered for children age 19 and under)

No benefit for Adult Dental

73-74

$50 per office visit, after deductible

43

Flexible benefits option, 24-Hour Nurse Advance Line, Services for deaf and hearing impaired, Travel benefit/services overseas, Healthy Futures Program. 

75

$8,550 for Self Only

$17,100 Self Plus One or Self and Family

23-24