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.

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 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 26^th 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 in the chart 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 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.

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.

We also want to inform you that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) did not eliminate TCC or change the TCC rules.

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

• Your coverage under TCC or the spouse equity law ends (If you canceled your coverage or did not pay your premium, you cannot convert);
• You decided not to receive coverage under TCC or the spouse equity law; or

You are not eligible for coverage under TCC or the spouse equity law.

If you leave Federal or Tribal service, your employing office will notify you of your right to convert.  You must apply in writing to us within 31-days after you receive this notice.  However, if you are a family member who is losing coverage, the employing or retirement office will not notify you.  You must apply in writing to us within 31-days after you are no longer eligible for coverage.

Your benefits and rates will differ from those under the FEHB Program; however, you will not have to answer questions about your health, 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 or outside the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace in your state. For assistance in finding coverage, please contact us at 1-877-835-9861 or visit our website at www.uhc.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 1-877-835-9861 or write to us at M.D. IPA Federal Employees Health Benefits Program at P.O. Box 30432, Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0432.  You may also print temporary ID Cards or request replacement cards through our member website: www.myuhc.com.

You get care from “Plan providers” and “Plan facilities.”  You will only pay copayments and/or coinsurance and you will not have to file claims.

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. All of our physicians are credentialed in accordance with the standards set by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).  For further information on our credentialing procedures, please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-877-835-9861.

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.

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 1-877-835-9861 for assistance.

We list Plan providers in our Directory of Health Care Professionals which we update periodically. We do recommend you utilize the electronic version as it is more up to date than a published directory. The list is available on our Website at www.myuhc.com and www.uhcfeds.com. You can also contact our Customer Service Department at 1-877-835-9861 and they can perform a search for you.

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.

It depends on the type of care you need. First, you and each family member must choose a primary care provider (PCP).  This decision is important since your PCP provides or arranges for most of your health care.  Contact customer care at 1-877-835-9861 for questions regarding to accessing care, prior authorization requirements and Behavioral Health services.

To choose a PCP,  check our Directory of Health Care Professionals or register on the member website, www.myuhc.com and follow the instructions to select a PCP.  You may also call the Customer Service Department at 1-877-835-9861 and we will process your selection for you over the phone.  Or, if you wish, you may complete the “Federal Information Form” included in your open season information packet and mail to us at P.O. Box 30778, Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0778 or fax to 1-248-733-6257.

Your primary care provider (PCP) can be an internist, an obstetrician/gynecologist for a woman, a pediatrician for a child, or a general/family practitioner for any member of the family.  Your PCP will provide most of your healthcare, or give you a referral to see a specialist. As our network can change please be sure to ensure that the specialist is a provider in our network. You can do this by contacting customer service at 1-877-835-9861. 

If you want to change primary care provider or if your primary care provider leaves the Plan, call us.  We will help you select a new one.  You may change your primary care provider (PCP) by submitting the "Federal Information Form", by mail to P.O. Box 30778, Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0778, by calling 1-877-835-9861, by faxing to 1-248-733-6257, or by submitting the change through the member website, www.myuhc.com. If we receive your request by the twentieth (20th) of the month, your change will become effective on the first day of the following month.  If you change your PCP after the 20th of the month, the change will not be effective until the 1st day of the second month following the date of the change.  For example, if you change your PCP on June 25, it would be effective August 1.

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.

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 from us 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 1-877-835-9861. 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 coverage. 

If you change 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 92nd day after you become a member of this Plan, whichever happens first.

These provisions apply only to the benefits of the hospitalized person.  If your plan terminates participation in the FEHB Program in whole or 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 day 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.

You must get preauthorization for certain services.  Failure to do so may result in your claim being denied.

Your primary care provider (PCP) has authority to refer you for most services.  For certain services, however, your physician must obtain approval from us.  All care must be arranged with Plan providers except for emergencies.  Before giving approval, we consider if the service is covered, medically necessary, and follows generally accepted medical practice.  Precertification is also required for members when Medicare is primary.

We call this review and approval process precertification.  Your physician must obtain precertification for some services, such as, but not limited to the following services:

• ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis)
• Air Ambulance/Ambulance 
• Angiomas/hemangioma (with pictures)
• Blepharoplastic (with pictures/visual fields)
• Bariatric surgery
• Breast implant removal, breast reconstruction for non-cancer diagnoses, breast reduction
• Capsule endoscopy
• Clinical trials, experimental services/new technologies, and virtual procedures
• Cochlear Implants
• Colonoscopy screening (virtual)
• Congenital anomaly repair
• Computed Tomography (CT) scans
• Coronary artery bypass graft
• Dental procedures in a facility, general anesthesia for dental procedures, dental services considered medical (not dental), except for fracture care and removal of cysts and tumors
• Dialysis
• Discectomy/fusion
• Durable medical equipment  and cochlear implants
• Electro-convulsive therapy (ECT)
• Gender affirming surgical procedures/ Gender Dysphoria
• Genetic testing for hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC)
• Growth hormone therapy (GHT) and continuous hormone replacement therapy
• Gynecomastia surgery
• Home care
• Hysterectomy
• Implanted Spinal cord stimulators for pain management
• Iatrogenic Infertility services
• Infertility Services
• Inpatient hospitalization 
• Intensive Outpatient treatment
• Joint replacement (hip, knee, ankle, shoulder)
• Laminectomy/fusion
• Certain mental health and substance abuse services (including partial hospitalization)
• Morbid obesity surgery
• Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA),
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (brain, chest, heart, musculoskeletal)
• Occupational therapy after the 8th visit
• Orthopedic and prosthetic devices
• Partial day hospitalization
• PET Scans (non-cancer diagnosis)
• Physical therapy after the eighth (8th) visit
• Psychological, neurophysiological and extended developmental testing
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Radiation therapy
• Reconstructive surgery
• Rhinoplasty/septo-rhinoplasty
• Sclerotherapy
• Sleep apnea - surgery & appliance (with sleep studies); sleep studies (polysomnograms)- attended
• Speech therapy after the 8th visit
• Substance Misuse services
• Temporomandibular disorder and/or related myofascial pain dysfunction(MDP) treatments
• Transplants
• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
• Vagus nerve stimulator
• Vein ablation 
• Ventricular assist device
• Virtual colonoscopy screening

This list is subject to change upon notification to Plan providers.  In addition, your admitting physician and facility must also preauthorize any elective inpatient stays.  We suggest that you call the number on your ID card to verify if your services require preauthorization.  

It is your PCP’s or specialist’s responsibility to obtain precertification/prior authorization for the procedures listed above before performing them.  If the PCP or specialist does not do this, you will not be liable for the cost of covered services.

We will decide whether or not to precertify a procedure within two working days of the receipt of the information we need to make a decision.

If you are not satisfied with our decision, you, or your PCP or specialist on your behalf, may appeal the decision.

First, your physician, your hospital, you, or your representative, must call us at 1-877-835-9861 before admission or services requiring preauthorization are rendered. Please note that members with Medicare as primary are also required to follow the preauthorization process.

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. 

For non-urgent care claims, we will then 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 authorization.  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) to 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 1-877-835-9861.  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 1-877-835-9861.  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 appeal 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 two business days 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 precertification 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 1-877-835-9861.

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

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

Example: When you see a primary care provider (PCP), you pay a copayment of $25 per office visit, and when you are admitted to the hospital, you pay $150 per day for up to 3-days per admission.

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

Example: In our Plan, you pay 50% of our allowance for durable medical equipment.

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 out-of-pocket expenses, including any applicable deductibles, copayments and coinsurance total $5,000 for Self Only, or $10,000 for a Self Plus One and $10,000 for 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 $5,000 applies to each individual, regardless of whether the individual is enrolled in Self Only, Self Plus One, or Self and Family.

Example Scenario:  Your plan has a $5,000 Self Only maximum out-of-pocket limit and a $10,000 Self Plus One or $10,000 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 $5,000 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 $10,000, an aggregate of other eligible family members will continue to contribute toward the out-of-pocket maximum up to the individual maximum of $5,000 or when qualified medical expenses for the family reaches the $10,000 maximum for the calendar year.

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

• Dental Discount benefits
• Eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Copayments or coinsurance for chiropractic services
• Expenses for services and supplies that exceed the stated maximum dollar or day limit

Be sure to keep accurate records and receipts of your copayments and coinsurance 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.

Facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense and the Indian Health Services are entitled to seek reimbursement from us for certain services and supplies they provide to you or a family member.  They may not seek more than their governing laws allow. You may be responsible to pay for certain services and charges.  Contact the government facility directly for more information.

The No Surprises Act (NSA) is a federal law that provides 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. 

In addition, your health plan adopts and complies with the surprise billing laws of the State of Maryland. 

For specific information on surprise billing, the rights and protections you have, and your responsibilities go to www.myuhc.com or contact the health plan at 877-835-9861

• Healthcare 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, your tax dependents, and your 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.

Nothing

Office visit copay: $25 primary care provider ages 18 and older; $0 through age 17;

Office visit copay: $40 specialist

Use virtual visits when :

• Your doctor is not available
• You become ill while traveling
• Conditions such as: cold, flu, bladder infection, bronchitis, diarrhea, fever, pink eye, rash, sinus problem, sore throat, stomachache

Network Benefits are available only when services are delivered through a Designated Virtual Visit Network Provider. 

Find a Designated Virtual Visit Network Provider Group at myuhc.com or by calling Customer Care at 1-877-835-9861. Access to Virtual Visits and prescription services may not be available in all states due to state regulations. You can pre-register with a group. After registering and requesting a visit you will pay your portion of service costs and then you enter a virtual waiting room. 

You pay: $5 copayment per visit with Designated provider. 

$250 per day up to 3-days per admission

• You pay $150 per visit to an approved free standing facility or $300 per visit to a hospital based facility

You pay: $250 copayment per emergency room visit, waived if admitted

Regular cost-sharing

You pay: Tier-1 $5 copayment; Tier-2 $40 copayment; Tier-3 $75 copayment; Tier-4 $120 copayment

You pay : Tier-1 $15 copayment, Tier-2 $120 copayment, Tier-3 $225 copayment, Tier-4 $360 copayment

Tier 1- $5, Tier 2 $150, Tier 3 $350, Tier 4 $500

Accidental Injury, Discount Dental and Non-FEHB PPO Preventive care

$40 copayment for an annual eye refraction exam;

Hardware - see Non FEHB Benefits Page

See Section 5(h) for detailed information on available programs and features

No Deductible

Section 9

Nothing

Section 9

Nothing

Section 9

Nothing

Section 9

Nothing

Section 9

Nothing

Section 9

Nothing

Section 9

Tier 1 - $6
Tier 2 - $25
Tier 3 - $60
Tier 4 - $90

Section 9

Professional services of physicians

• In physician’s office/telehealth/Optum primary care
• Office medical consultations
• Second surgical opinion 
• Advanced care planning
• At home

($0) per office visit to your primary care provider (PCP) for children under age 18.

$25 per office visit to your primary care provider ages 18 and up

$40 per visit to your specialist 

Second Opinion with 2nd MD, a third-party-vendor, 2nd MD, provides you access to personalized second opinions by video or phone through the Second Opinion Program, to assist you with more informed decision making.  This is an in-network only option, whereas the plan pays 100% when 2nd MD is the provider.  It does not change  your cost sharing for second opinion benefits when utilized through other providers. 

$0

Professional services of physicians

• In an urgent care center
• In an emergency room
• During a hospital stay
• In a skilled nursing facility

$0

Use virtual visits when :

• Your doctor is not available
• You become ill while traveling
• Conditions such as: cold, flu, bladder infection, bronchitis, diarrhea, fever, pink eye, rash, sinus problem, sore throat, stomachache

Network Benefits are available only when services are delivered through a Designated Virtual Visit Network Provider. 

Find a Designated Virtual Visit Network Provider Group at myuhc.com or by calling Customer Care at 1-877-835-9861. Access to Virtual Visits and prescription services may not be available in all states due to state regulations. You can pre-register with a group. After registering and requesting a visit you will pay your portion of service costs and then you enter a virtual waiting room.

$0 per visit

Tests, such as:

• Blood tests
• Urinalysis
• Non-routine pap tests
• Pathology
• X-rays
• Non-routine mammograms
• Ultrasound
• Electrocardiogram and EEG

Note:  Please refer to your medical identification card to identify the required laboratory/radiology facilities that you must utilize for these services.

You pay nothing if you receive these services during your office visit; otherwise,

$25 per visit to your PCP ages 18 and above,

$40 per specialist visit

$50 per outpatient non-surgical visit

• CT Scans/MRI
• PET Scans
• Nuclear Medicine

$100 per outpatient non-surgical visit

Routine annual physical every 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://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation-topics/uspstf-a-and-b-recommendations
• 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 please 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

$0

One annual biometric screening,  to include age appropriate screenings such as :

• Body mass index (BMI)
• Blood pressure
• Lipid/cholesterol levels
• Glucose/hemoglobin A1C measurement

Note:  Services must be coded by your doctor as preventive to be covered in full.

Members can access the HRA (Health Risk Assessment) on www.myuhc.com.

$0

Routine mammogram - covered

$0

$0

Adult immunizations endorsed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); based on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) schedule.

Note: Any procedure, injection, 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 copayment, coinsurance and deductible.

$0

• 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.

$0

Not covered:

• Physical exams and immunizations 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.

All charges

• 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://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation-topics/uspstf-a-and-b-recommendations

Note: Any procedure, injection, 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 copayments, coinsurance, and deductible.

$0

Complete maternity (obstetrical) care, such as:

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

$0 for routine prenatal care or the first postpartum care visit

$25 PCP office visit 

$40 specialist visit for all postpartum visits thereafter.  

$0 visit to a certified nurse midwife

Breastfeeding support, supplies and counseling for each birth

Note: Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Office visit copayments for routine obstetrical care are waived.
• You do not need to precertify your vaginal delivery; see page 20 for other circumstances, such as extended stays for you or your baby.
• Routine obstetrical care includes office visits, one office sonogram (as part of prenatal care) and laboratory work. Services not performed by your obstetrician, gynecologist or certified nurse midwife are subject to the applicable copays.
• You do not have to obtain a referral to see a participating obstetrician or gynecologist, or a participating certified nurse midwife, for obstetrical and gynecological care.  Obstetrical and gynecological services include routine care and follow-up services, as well as medically necessary services.  A participating obstetrician/gynecologist may issue referrals for pregnancy-related illnesses through the postpartum period.
• 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 a Self and Family enrollment. Surgical benefits, not maternity benefits, apply to circumcision.
• Circumcisions are covered 100% during newborn stay. Note: Circumcisions following the newborn stay are covered under the surgical benefit at the applicable copayment.
• We pay hospitalization and surgeon services for non-maternity care the same as for illness and injury. We cover delivery services by a midwife only at accredited birthing centers and hospitals.
• Hospital services are covered under Section 5(c) and Surgical benefits 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.

$0

Not covered:  Routine sonograms to determine fetal age, size or sex.

All charges

A range of voluntary family planning services, such as:

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

Note:  We cover oral and injectable contraceptives under the prescription drug benefit

$0

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

$25 per PCP office visit 

$40 per specialist visit

Not covered:

• Reversal of voluntary surgical sterilization
• Genetic testing and counseling not outlined above

All charges

 Diagnosis and treatment of the cause of infertility

$25 per PCP visit 

$40 Specialist Visit

Infertility: A disease (an interruption, cessation, or disorder of body functions, systems, or organs) of the reproductive tract which prevents the conception of a child or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery.  It is defined by the failure to achieve a successful pregnancy after 12 months or more of unprotected intercourse or artificial insemination for individuals under age 35.  Earlier evaluation and treatment for those individuals actively looking to achieve a conception may be justified based on medical history and diagnostic testing and is warranted after six (6) months for individuals aged 35 years or older.

Diagnosis and treatment of infertility specific to:

• Artificial insemination:
  • Intravaginal insemination (IVI) 
  • Intracervical insemination (ICI)
  • Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

Fertility drugs (See Section 5f)

• Oral and injectable drugs associated with artificial insemination and IVF (3 cycles annually) procedures

Note: Prior Authorization required

50% coinsurance of the plan allowance

The services listed below are not covered as treatments for infertility or as alternatives to conventional conception: 

• Assisted reproductive technology (ART) and assisted insemination services and  procedures, including but not limited to: 

• In vitro fertilization (IVF) 
• Embryo transfer and Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT)
• Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT) 
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) 

• Services, procedures, and/or supplies that are related to ART and/or assisted insemination procedures 

• Cryopreservation or storage of sperm (sperm banking), eggs, or embryos , donor sperm and related costs, donor eggs and related costs except for those services included in the iatrogenic infertility services (Section 5b) 

• Preimplantation diagnosis, testing, and/or screening, including the testing or screening of eggs, sperm, or embryos except for those services included in the iatrogenic infertility services benefit (Section 5b) 

• Drugs used in conjunction with ART  

• Services, supplies, or drugs provided to individuals not enrolled in this Plan 

All charges

• Testing and treatment
• Allergy injections

$25 per PCP visit  

$40 per Specialist visit

$0

Not covered:

• Provocative food testing
• Sublingual allergy desensitization

All charges

• Intravenous Chemotherapy
• Radiation oncology

Note: High dose chemotherapy in association with autologous bone marrow transplants is limited to those transplants listed under Organ/Tissue Transplants in Section 5(b).

• Respiratory and inhalation therapy (pulmonary rehabilitation) is provided for up to 20 visits per year
• Cochlear therapy following implant -30 visits per year
• Cardiac rehabilitation following qualifying event/condition is provided for up to 36 sessions in an outpatient setting. Not covered in inpatient setting.
• Dialysis – hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
• Intravenous (IV)/Infusion Therapy – Home IV and antibiotic therapy
• Growth hormone therapy (GHT) 

Note:  We only cover Growth Hormone Therapy 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 under You need prior Plan approval for certain services on page (Applies to printed brochure only).

• Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) - Children with autism spectrum disorder (a condition marked by enduring problems communicating and interacting with others, along with restricted and repetitive behavior, interests or activities. 
• For services pertaining to autism please see Habilitative therapies on the next page

$25 per PCP visit

$20 per home health care visit

$40 per specialist visit

$50 when received in outpatient facility visit

 60 visits  per year, for rehabilitative/habilitative services of the following:

• Qualified physical therapists
• Occupational therapists

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

$40 per specialist visit

$50 per outpatient non-surgical visit

$0 per visit during covered inpatient admission

Not covered:

• Long-term rehabilitative therapy
• Exercise programs, gym or pool memberships
• Work hardening/functional capacity programs or evaluations
• Voice therapy

All charges

Up to 60 visits per year for speech therapy.

$40 per specialist visit

$50 per outpatient non-surgical visit

Habilitative services for children under age 19 with congenital or genetic birth defects. Treatment is provided to enhance the child’s ability to function.

Services include:

• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy; and
• Physical therapy

Includes medically necessary habilitative services coverage for children with Autism, an Autism Spectrum disorder, or Cerebral Palsy

Note: No day or visit limits apply to these services. A congenital disorder means a significant structural or functional abnormality that was present from birth.

$40 per specialist visit

$50 per outpatient non-surgical visit

• For treatment related to illness or injury, including evaluation and diagnostic hearing tests performed by an M.D., D.O., or audiologist
• Hearing aid examinations for children under 19; hearing aids covered under Durable Medical Equipment
• 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.

Note: Routine hearing screenings for children age 17 and under are included as part of children's preventive care at no charge.

$25 per PCP visit 

$40 per Specialist visit

Not covered: Hearing aids, except as covered for children under Durable Medical Equipment in this section or bone anchored hearing aids under Orthopedic and Prosthetic devices in this section

All charges

$25 per PCP visit 

$40 per Specialist visit

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

50% coinsurance of the plan allowance

Annual basic eye refraction exam to provide a written lens prescription

Note: You do not have to obtain a referral from your PCP for this service

Note: Routine vision screens for children age 17 and under are covered as preventive care with no copayment or coinsurance. 

$40 per specialist visit

Not covered:

• Eyeglasses, contact lenses or related contact fittings except initial pair for accidental ocular injury or intraocular surgery
• Eye exercises and orthoptics
• Radial keratotomy and other refractive surgery

All charges

$25 per PCP visit 

$40 per Specialist visit

Not covered:

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

All charges

• Artificial limbs and eyes
• Prosthetic sleeve or sock
• External lenses following cataract removal
• Externally worn breast prostheses and surgical bras, including necessary replacements following a mastectomy
• Enteral equipment and supplies
• Urinary catheters (indwelling and intermittent) catheters for incontinence or retention
• Covered ostomy supplies
• Orthotic braces and splints not available over-the-counter that straighten or change the shape of a body part
• Surgical dressings not available over-the-counter; (see Durable medical equipment)
• A hair prosthesis for hair loss resulting from chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer.  There is a limit of one hair prosthesis per lifetime with a maximum cost of $350.
• Internal prosthetic devices, such as artificial joints, pacemakers, cochlear implants, and surgically implanted breast implant following mastectomy.
• Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA), limited to one per member per lifetime, when the member has either of the following
  • Craniofacial anomalies in which abnormal or absent ear canals preclude the use of a wearable hearing aid
  • Hearing loss of sufficient severity that it cannot be adequately remedied by a wearable hearing aid
• Corrective orthotic appliances for non-dental treatment of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and/or Myofascial Pain Dysfunction (MPD).

 Note: Most orthopedic and prosthetic devices must be preauthorized.   Call us at 1-877-835-9861 if your Plan physician prescribes this and you need assistance locating a health care physician or health care practitioner to sell or rent you orthopedic or prosthetic equipment. You may also call us to determine if a certain device is covered.

 Internal prosthetic devices are paid as hospital benefits. 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. 

50% coinsurance of the plan allowance

Not covered:

• Orthopedic and corrective shoes
• Arch supports
• Foot orthotics
• Heel pads and heel cups
• Lumbosacral supports
• Corsets, trusses, elastic stockings, support hose, and other supportive devices
• Prosthetic replacements provided less than 5 years after the last one we covered (except as needed to accommodate growth in children or socket replacement for members with significant residual limb volume or weight changes)
• External penile devices
• Speech prosthetics (except electrolarynx)
• Carpal tunnel splits
• Deodorants, filters, lubricants, tape, appliance cleaners, adhesive and adhesive removers related to ostomy supplies

All charges

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

• Oxygen and the rental of equipment to administer oxygen (including tubing, connectors and masks)
• Dialysis equipment
• Negative pressure wound therapy pumps (wound vacuums)
• Burn garmets
• Standard hospital beds
• Wheelchairs
• Crutches
• Walkers
• Blood glucose monitors (some meters provided at no charge)
• Insulin pumps and insulin pump supplies
• CPAP for sleep apnea
• Surgical dressings not available over-the-counter
• Therapeutic shoes for diabetics
• Covered CPAP supplies
• Braces, including necessary adjustments to shoes to accommodate braces, which are used for the purpose of supporting a weak or deformed body part
• Braces restricting or eliminating motion in a diseased or injured part of the body

Note:  Most durable medical equipment must be preauthorized.  Call us at 1-877-835-9861  if your Plan physician prescribes this equipment and you need assistance locating  healthcare provider to rent or sell you durable medical equipment.  You may also call us to see if a certain piece of equipment is covered.

50% coinsurance of the plan allowance

50% coinsurance of the plan allowance up to $1,400 per ear every 36 months, and you pay all charges exceeding $1,400

Not covered:

• Power-operated vehicles
• Duplicate or backup equipment
• Parts and labor costs for supplies and accessories replaced due to wear and tear such as wheelchair tires and tubes
• Educational, vocational, or environmental equipment
• Deluxe or upgraded equipment and supplies
• Home or vehicle modifications, seat lifts
• Over-the-counter medical equipment and supplies
• Activities of daily living aids (such as grab bars and utensil holders)
• Personal hygiene equipment
• Paraffin baths, whirlpools, and cold therapy
• Augmentative communication devices
• Infertility monitors
• Physical fitness equipment
• Hearing aids for those over 19 years old
• Continuous pulse oximetry unless skilled nursing is involved in home care and it is part of their medically necessary equipment

All charges

• Medically necessary home healthcare 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. 
  • Skilled care is skilled nursing, skilled teaching and skilled rehabilitation services when all of the following are true:
    • It must be delivered or supervised by a licensed technical or professional medical personnel in order to obtain the specified medical outcome and provide for safety of the patient
    • It is ordered by a physician
    • It is not delivered for the purpose of assisting with activities of daily living including dressing, feeding, bathing or transferring from a bed to a chair
    • It requires clinical training in order to be delivered safely and effectively
    • It is not custodial care
    • Provided on a part-time, Intermittent Care schedule
    • One visit equals up to four hours of skilled care services
    • The visit limit does not include any service which is billed only for the administration of intravenous
    • We will determine if benefits are available by reviewing both the skill nature of the service and the need for Physician directed medical management. A service will not be determined to be skilled simply because there is not an available
• Limit of 60 visits per year 

•  Medical foods prescribed by a physician, to treat inherited metabolic diseases
  • Enteral nutrition Medical foods which are determined to be the sole source of nutrition and that cannot be obtained without a physician’s prescription.
  • Amino acid modified preparations and low protein modified food products for the treatment of inherited metabolic diseases 
  • Specialized formulas for the treatment of a disease or condition and are administered under the direction of a Physician
  • Enteral formulas include: Amino acid-based elemental formulas, extensively hydrolyzed protein formulas, modified nutrient content formulas
  • Billed under your prescription benefit

$20 per home health care visit

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
• Private duty nursing
• Foods that you can obtain over the counter (without a prescription), even if prescribed by your physician

All charges

Benefits for Chiropractic services are limited to $500 per calendar year.

50% coinsurance of the plan allowance up to the maximum benefit and all charges thereafter

• Acupuncture - provided by a Doctor of Medicine or osteopathy, or licensed or certified acupuncture practitioner in an office setting for:
  • Dry Needling – by a licensed or certified practitioner

• Biofeedback for pain management, migraine treatment, bowel training and pelvic floor training for urinary incontinence

Up to twelve (12) visits per calendar year for postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting, nausea of pregnancy, postoperative dental pain and as part of a comprehensive treatment program for chronic pain

$40 per specialist visit

Not covered:

• Naturopathic services
• Hypnotherapy
• Massage therapy
• Herbal medicine
• Homeopathy
• Rolfing 
• Ayurveda
• Other alternative treatments unless specifically listed as covered

All charges

Childbirth education classes:

When you complete the childbirth education class, submit a copy of the certificate of completion with the dates attended, as well as a copy of your canceled check or receipt to the claims submission address shown on the back of your ID Card.  

We will reimburse up to $50 for childbirth education classes

Coverage is provided for:

Tobacco cessation program to include counseling  and over the counter and prescription drugs approved by the FDA (subject to age and treatment therapy recommendations) to treat nicotine tobacco dependence. Learn more about this program in Section 5(h) Wellness and other Special Features.

$0 for counseling for up to two quit attempts per year.

$0 for OTC and prescription drugs approved by the FDA to treat tobacco dependence.

Diabetes self-management classes:

• Outpatient self-management training for the treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes, insulin-using diabetes, gestational diabetes and non-insulin using diabetes.
• Must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional who has appropriate state licensing authority
• Outpatient self management training includes, but is not limited to, education and medical nutrition therapy. The training must be provided by a certified registered or licensed healthcare professional trained in the care and management of diabetes.
• Includes medical eye examination (dilated retinal exams) and preventive foot care for diabetes
• Initial training visit; up to 10 hours, after you are diagnosed with diabetes for the care and management of diabetes

$25 per PCP visit

$40 per specialist visit

$50 outpatient non-surgical in hospital.

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

$0

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)
• Insertion of internal prosthetic devices See 5(a) – Orthopedic and prosthetic devices for device coverage information
• Voluntary sterilization - (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.

$40 per specialist visit

$150 copayment per outpatient surgical visit as an approved free-standing surgical facility

$300 per outpatient surgical visit at a hospital based facility

Voluntary sterilization - (tubal ligation)

$0

Not covered:  

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

All charges

Surgical treatment of severe obesity (bariatric surgery):

• Eligible members must be age 18 or older or for adolescents, have achieved greater than 95% of estimated adult height AND a minimum Tanner Stage of 4
• A Body Mass Index (BMI) above 40 kg/m2 without co-morbidity; or
• A BMI of 35 kg/m2 or greater with obesity-related co-morbid medical conditions including:
  - Hypertension
  - Cardiopulmonary condition
  - Sleep apnea
  - Diabetes
  - Any life threatening or serious medical condition that is weight induce
• Must enroll in the Bariatric Resource Services Program (BRC)
• Must use a designated Bariatric Resource Services (BRS) provider and facility
• Documentation that dietary attempts at weight control have been ineffective through completion of a structured diet program, such as Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig. Either of the following in the two-year period that immediately precedes the request for the surgical treatment of morbid obesity meets the indication:
  • One structured diet program for six consecutive months; or
  • Two structured diet programs for three consecutive months
• A carrier or a private review agent acting on behalf of a carrier shall use flexibility with regard to defining a structured diet program
• Completion of a psychological examination of the member's readiness and fitness for surgery and the necessary postoperative lifestyle changes
  • Eligible members must be 18 or over (coverage for members under 18 is limited to individuals who meet guidelines established by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBH) and
  
  

$40 per specialist visit

$150 copayment per outpatient surgical visit as an approved free-standing surgical facility

$300 per outpatient surgical visit at a hospital based facility

Revisional Bariatric Surgery using one of the following procedures:

• Type 2 diabetes; or
• Cardiovascular disease [e.g., history of stroke and/or myocardial infarction, poorly controlled hypertension (systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure 90 mm Hg or greater, despite pharmacotherapy)]; or
• History of coronary artery disease with a surgical intervention such as coronary artery bypass or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty; or
• History of cardiomyopathy; or
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) confirmed on polysomnography with an AHI or RDI of > 30 and

The individual must also meet the following criteria: Both of the following:

• Completion of a preoperative evaluation that includes a detailed weight history along with dietary and physical activity patterns; a
• Psychosocial-behavioral evaluation by an individual who is professionally recognized as part of a behavioral health discipline to provide screening and identification of risk factors or potential postoperative challenges that may contribute to a poor postoperative outcome

$40 per specialist visit

$150 copayment per outpatient surgical visit as an approved free-standing surgical facility

$300 per outpatient surgical visit at a hospital based facility

Coverage is available for fertility preservation for medical reasons that cause irreversible infertility such as surgery, including prior surgical treatment of gender dysphoria, radiation, chemotherapy, or other medical treatment affecting reproductive organs or processes.

Covered benefits include the following procedures:

• Collection of sperm
• Cryo-preservation of sperm
• Oocyte cryo-preservation
• Embryo cryo-preservation 
• Ovarian stimulation, retrieval of eggs and fertilization

The following benefits are not covered

• Embryo transfer
• Long-term storage costs (greater than 1 year)
• Elective fertility preservation

Benefits are further limited to one cycle of fertility preservation for iatrogenic infertility per covered person during the period of time they are enrolled for coverage under the policy. There is a benefit limit of $20,000 for medical services and $5,000 for pharmacy benefits.  The preimplantation genetic testing and fertility preservations are one combined maximum.  Prior authorization is required. 

Note: If member changes their FEHB enrollment, UnitedHealthcare will not renew storage payment after yearly increment expires

$40 per specialist visit

$150 copayment per outpatient surgical visit as an approved free-standing surgical facility

$300 per outpatient surgical visit at a hospital based facility

 Surgery to correct a functional defect

• Surgery to correct a condition caused by injury or illness if:
  • the condition produced a major effect on the member’s appearance, and
  • the condition can reasonably be expected to be corrected by such surgery
• Surgery to correct a condition that existed at or from birth and is a significant deviation from the common form or norm.  Examples of congenital anomalies are: protruding ear deformities; cleft lip; cleft palate; birth marks; and webbed fingers and toes.  Your physician must precertify repair of congenital anomalies.
• All stages of breast reconstruction surgery following a mastectomy, such as:
  • surgery to produce a symmetrical appearance on the other breast
  • treatment of any physical complications, such as lymphedemas
  • breast prostheses and surgical bras and replacements (see Prosthetic devices)

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. 

• Gender affirming surgery

Surgical treatment for Gender Dysphoria may be indicated for individuals who meet the medical criteria and persistent, well-documented diagnostic criteria A disorder characterized by the following diagnostic criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5^th edition [DSM-5]).

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have documented evidence of persistent gender dysphoria
• Favorable psychosocial-behavioral evaluation to provide screening and identification of risk factors or potential postoperative challenges
• Persistent, well-documented Gender Dysphoria
• Capacity to make a fully informed decision and to consent for treatment
• Complete at least 12 months of successful continuous full-time real-life experience in the desired gender
• Complete 12 months of continuous cross-sex hormone therapy appropriate for the desired gender (unless medically contraindicated)
• Treatment plan that includes ongoing follow-up and care by a Qualified Behavioral Health Provider experienced in treating Gender Dysphoria*

Gender affirming surgeries for (male to female) include:

• Laser or electrolysis hair removal in advance of genital reconstruction
• Orchiectomy:  removal of testicles
• Penectomy:  removal of penis
• Vaginoplasty:  creation of vagina
• Clitoroplasty:  creation of clitoris
• Labiaplasty:  creation of labia
• Prostatectomy:  removal of prostate
• Urethroplasty:  creation of urethra

Gender affirming surgeries for (female to male) include:

• Laser or electrolysis hair removal in advance of genital reconstruction
• Salpingo-oophorectomy:  removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries
• Vaginectomy:  removal of vagina
• Vulvectomy:  removal of vulva
• Metoidioplasty:  creation of micro-penis using the clitoris
• Phalloplasty:  creation of penis, with or without urethra
• Hysterectomy:  removal of uterus
• Urethroplasty:  creation of urethra within penis
• Scrotoplasty:  creation of scrotum
• Testicular prosthesis:  implantation of artificial testes
• Mastectomy:  removal of the breast
• Penile prosthesis
• Tracheal shave
• Voice modification surgery
• Voice modification lessons and therapy
• Chest and breast surgery including bilateral mastectomy
• Breast reduction and Breast augmentation
• Gender Affirming Facial Surgeries
• Travel and Lodging ($2000 maximum)

• Prior authorization is required

$40 per specialist visit

$150 copayment per outpatient surgical visit as an approved free-standing surgical facility

$300 per outpatient surgical visit at a hospital-based facility

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; facial defects due to congenital syndromes such as cleft lip/cleft palate, Crouzon’s and Pierre-Robin’s
• Removal of stones from salivary ducts
• Excision of leukoplakia or malignancies
• Excision of cysts and incision of abscesses when done as independent procedures
• Other surgical procedures that do not involve the teeth or their supporting structures

Note: We will only cover these services when we preauthorize the treatment. See Services requiring our prior approval in Section 3. See page 65 under Section 5(g) for non-dental oral surgery. 

$40 per specialist visit 

$150 per visit to an approved free standing facility 

$300 per visit to a hospital based facility

Services for the evaluation and treatment of TMJ and associated muscles

• Diagnosis: Exam, radiographs and applicable imaging studies and consultation.
• Non-surgical treatment including: Clinical exams, Oral appliances (orthotic splints), Arthrocentesis, Trigger-point injections

Benefits are provided for surgical treatment if the following criteria are met:

• There is radiographic evidence of joint abnormality.
• Non-surgical treatment has not resolved the symptoms.
• Pain or dysfunction is moderate or severe.

Benefits for surgical services include:
• Arthrocentesis.
• Arthroscopy.
• Arthroplasty.
• Arthrotomy.
• Open or closed reduction of dislocations.

$40 per specialist visit 

$150 per visit to an approved free standing facility

$300 per visit to a hospital based facility

Not covered:

• Oral implants and transplants and related procedures, including bone grafts to support implants.
• Procedures that involve the teeth or their supporting structures (such as the periodontal membrane, gingiva, and alveolar bone)

All charges

These solid organ transplants are subject to medical necessity and experimental/investigational review by the Plan.  Refer to Other services in Section 3 for preauthorization procedures.

• 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 liver
  • Small intestine with multiple organs, such as the liver, stomach and pancreas]
• Kidney
• Kidney-pancreas
• Liver
• Lung: single/bilateral/lobar
• Pancreas

$150 per outpatient surgical visit at an approved free-standing surgical facility

$300 per outpatient surgical visit at hospital.

These tandem blood 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)

$40 per specialist visit

$150 per outpatient surgical visit at an approved free-standing surgical facility

$300 per outpatient surgical visit at hospital.

Blood or marrow stem cell transplants

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)
  • Hematopoietic stem cell 
  • 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, Sanfilippo’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
• Advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
• Advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
• Amyloidosis
• Breast Cancer
• Ependymoblastoma
• Epithelial ovarian cancer
• Ewing’s sarcoma
• Hematopoietic stem cell 
• Multiple myeloma
• Medulloblastoma
• [Multiple myeloma]
• [Pineoblastoma]
• Neuroblastoma
• Testicular, Mediastinal, Retroperitoneal, and Ovarian germ cell tumors

$40 per specialist visit

$150 per outpatient surgical visit at an approved free-standing surgical facility

$300 per outpatient surgical visit at hospital.

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 Myeloproliferative Disorders (MPDs)
  • Advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
  • 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 aplastic 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

$40 per specialist visit

$150 per outpatient surgical visit at an approved free-standing surgical facility

$300 per outpatient surgical visit at hospital.

These blood or marrow stem cell transplants are covered only in a National Cancer Institute or National Institutes of health approved clinical trial or a Plan-designated 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 polyneurophy (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 myelogenous 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's lymphoma
  • Breast cancer
  • Childhood rhabdomyosarcoma
  • Chronic lymphocytic lymphoma/small lympocytic lymphoma(CLL/SLL)
  • Chronic myelogenous leukemia
  • Early state (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

 National Transplant Program (NTP) - OptumHealth Care Solutions (URN) used for organ tissue transplants.                                      

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

Note: We cover related medical and hospital expenses of the donor when we cover the recipient. Transplants must be provided in a Plan designated Center for Transplants. These centers do a large volume of these procedures each year and have a comprehensive program of care.  A listing of these Centers can be found in the Plan Directory of Health Care Providers, at our member web site www.myuhc.com, or call our Customer Service Department at 1-877-835-9861 to request an up-to-date listing.

$40 per specialist visit

$150 per outpatient surgical visit at an approved free-standing surgical facility

$300 per outpatient surgical visit at hospital.

50% coinsurance of the plan all

Not covered:

• Donor screening tests (beyond 4 potential donors) and donor search expenses, except those performed for the actual donor
• Implants of artificial organs
• Transplants not listed as covered
• All services related to non-covered transplants
• All services associated with complications resulting from the removal of an organ from a non-member

All charges

Professional services provided in:

• Hospital (inpatient)
• Hospital outpatient department
• Skilled nursing facility
• Ambulatory surgical center
• Office

$0

Room and board, such as

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

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

$250 per day for up to 3 days per admission

Other hospital services and supplies, such as:

• Operating, recovery, maternity, and other treatment rooms
• Prescribed drugs and medications
• Diagnostic laboratory tests and X-rays
• Administration of blood and blood products
• Blood products, derivatives and components, artificial blood products and biological serum. Blood products include any product created from a component of blood such as, but not limited to, plasma, packed red blood cells, platelets, albumin, Factor VIII, immunoglobulin, and prolastin
• Dressings, splints, casts, and sterile tray services
• Medical supplies and equipment, including oxygen
• Anesthetics, including nurse anesthesia services
• Take-home items
• Medical supplies, appliances, medical equipment, and any covered items billed by a hospital for use at home

$0

Not covered and not covered under extended care:

• 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

All charges

• Operating, recovery, and other treatment rooms
• Prescribed drugs and medications
• Diagnostic laboratory tests, X-rays, and pathology services
• Administration of blood, blood plasma, and other biologicals
• Blood products, derivatives and components, artificial blood products and biological serum
• Pre-surgical testing
• Dressings, casts, and sterile tray services
• Medical supplies, including oxygen
• Anesthetics and anesthesia service

Note:  We cover hospital services and supplies related to dental procedures when necessitated by a non-dental physical impairment. 

$50 per outpatient non-surgical visit

$150 outpatient surgical at an approved free-standing surgical facility visit

$300 per at outpatient surgical hospital visit

Extended care benefit:

Skilled nursing facility (SNF): All necessary services provided for up to 60-days per calendar year in a skilled nursing facility when full-time nursing care is necessary and confinement in a skilled nursing facility is medically appropriate as determined by a Plan physician and approved by the Plan.

Services include:

• Bed, board and general nursing care
• Drugs, biologicals, supplies and equipment ordinarily provided or arranged by the skilled nursing facility when prescribed by a Plan physician

$0 if transferred from inpatient facility or $250 per day up to 3 days per admission if not transferring directly from an inpatient facility

   Not covered:

• Custodial care
• Rest cures, domiciliary or convalescent care
• Personal comfort items, such as phone, television, barber services, guest meals and beds

All charges

Supportive or palliative care for a terminally ill member in the home or hospice facility.  These services are provided under the direction of a Plan physician who certifies that you are in the terminal stages of illness, with a life expectancy of approximately six (6) months or less. Must be received from a licensed hospice agency.

Services include:

• In home care or hospice facility
• Family counseling
• Social, spiritual and respite care for the terminally ill patient
• Short-term grief counseling for immediate family members.

$0 if transferred from inpatient facility or $250 per day up to 3 days per admission if not transferring from an inpatient facility. 

Not covered: Private duty nursing and homemaker services

All charges

Non-Emergency ambulance transportation by a licensed ambulance service between facilities only when the transport meets one of the following:

• From an out-of-Network Hospital to the closest Network Hospital when Covered Health Care Services are required.
• To the closest Network Hospital that provides the required Covered Health Care Services that were not available at the original Hospital, including transportation costs of a newborn to the nearest appropriate facility to treat the newborn’s condition. The Physician must certify that such transportation is necessary to protect the health and safety of the newborn.
• From a short-term acute care facility to the closest Network long-term acute care facility (LTAC), Network Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility, or other Network sub-acute facility where the required Covered Health Care Services can be delivered.
• Prior Authorization Requirement In most cases, we will initiate and direct non-Emergency ambulance transportation. If you are requesting non-Emergency ambulance services, you must obtain authorization as soon as possible before transport. If you do not obtain prior authorization as required, you will be responsible for paying all charges and no Benefits will be paid.

For the purpose of this Benefit the following terms have the following meanings:

• "Long-term acute care facility (LTAC)" means a facility or Hospital that provides care to people with complex medical needs requiring long-term Hospital stay in an acute or critical setting.
• "Short-term acute care facility" means a facility or Hospital that provides care to people with medical needs requiring short-term Hospital stay in an acute or critical setting such as for recovery following a surgery, care following sudden Sickness, Injury, or flare-up of a chronic Sickness.
• "Sub-acute facility" means a facility that provides intermediate care on short-term or long-term basis.

$0

• Emergency care at a doctor’s office

$25 per PCP visit for ages 18 and older, no PCP copayment for children through age 17

$40 per Specialist visit;

• Emergency care at an urgent care center

$35 per urgent care center visit

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

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

$250 per emergency room hospital visit, waived if admitted, then the inpatient hospital copay applies

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

Emergency ambulance transportation by a licensed ambulance service (either ground or air ambulance or water vehicle) to the nearest Hospital where the required Emergency Health Care Services can be performed.

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

$500 copayment for air ambulance

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

Your cost-sharing responsibilities are no greater than for medical illnesses or conditions. 

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

$25 per office visit

$50 per outpatient visit

• Outpatient diagnostic tests provided and billed by a licensed mental health and substance use disorder treatment 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

$25 per office visit

$50 per outpatient non-surgical visit

$250 per day up to ($750 maximum) for inpatient admission

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

• Room and board, such as semiprivate or intensive accommodations, general nursing care, meals and special diets, and other hospital services

$250 per day (up to $750 max) for inpatient admission

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

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

$50 per outpatient non-surgical visit

Not Covered:

• Psychiatric evaluation or therapy on court order or as a condition of parole or probation, unless determined by a Plan physician to be necessary and appropriate
• Services and supplies when paid for directly or indirectly by a local, state, or Federal Government agency
• Room and board at therapeutic boarding schools
• Services rendered or billed by schools
• Methadone maintenance for substance use unless part of our treatment program.
• Services that are not medically necessary

You pay all charges

Note: Preventive Medications with a USPSTF recommendation of A or B are covered without cost-share when prescribed by a healthcare 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.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/BrowseRec/Index/browse-recommendations

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

• Aspirin (81mg) 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 age 0-1 year
• Pre-natal vitamins for pregnant women
• Fluoride tablets, solution (not toothpaste, rinses) for children age 0-6.
• Certain statins to treat cardiovascular disease for adults age 40 to 75 will be covered without a copayment as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task force (USPSTF) when the following criteria is met:
• age 40 to 75 years;
• one or more CVD risk factors ( i.e., dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, or smoking);
• and a calculated 10-year risk of a cardiovascular event of 10% or greater.

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

$0

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

• Drugs and medications that by Federal law of the United States require a physician’s prescription for their purchase, except those listed as Not covered
• Insulin-copayment applies to each 30-day supply
• Diabetic supplies are covered under your medical benefit - contact the plan for details
• Disposable needles and syringes for the administration of covered, prescribed medications
• Drugs for sexual dysfunction are limited.  Contact the Plan for dosage limits.
• Drugs to treat gender dysphoria
• Oral and injectable drugs associated with artificial insemination and IVF (3 cycles annually) procedures

Prior Authorization is required 

Non-maintenance medications at a retail pharmacy:

• Up to a 30-day supply:
  • Tier 1 - $5
  • Tier 2 - $40
  • Tier 3 - $75
  • Tier 4 - $120

Maintenance medications from the Plan mail order pharmacy for up to a maximum of a 90-day supply

• Tier 1 - $15
• Tier 2 - $120
• Tier 3 - $225
• Tier 4 - $360

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

COVID-19 Over The Counter (OTC) Test Kits

• 8 Tests per member per month

Tier 3 -$12 Capped

Specialty Medications 

30-Day supply 

Tier 1 $5

Tier 2 $150

Tier 3 $350

Tier 4 $500

Tier 1 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. 

Members may have a clinical review for contraceptives that are excluded. They should reach out to their prescribing provider.  Contraceptive products that are not already available at $0 cost-share can be provided at $0 member cost-share if the provider determines that a particular contraceptive is medically necessary for that member. The  cost-share waiver process requires that providers attest the product is needed for contraceptive purposes and this can be submitted electronically by the provider.

Reimbursement for over-the-counter contraceptives can be submitted by completing a prescription drug claim form and submitting it with the required documentation to:  OptumRx at PO Box 29044, Hot Springs, AR 71903.

• The "morning after pill" is covered at no cost to the member if prescribed by a physician and obtained at a network pharmacy.
• Over-the-counter contraceptives drugs and devices approved by the FDA require a written prescription by an approved provider.

Please contact customer service at 877-835-9861 if you have any questions regarding contraceptive coverage

$0

• Smoking cessation medications are covered as follows:
  • Prescription medications
  • Age appropriate over-the-counter medications with a prescription from a Plan provider

$0

Not covered:

• Drugs and supplies for cosmetic purposes
• Drugs to enhance athletic performance
• Medical supplies such as dressings and antiseptics
• Medical Marijuana 
• Drugs obtained at a non-Plan pharmacy; except for out-of-area emergencies
• Replacement prescription drug products resulting from loss, theft, spoilage, or breakage of original product
• 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
• Drugs available over-the-counter that do not require a prescription order by federal or state law before being dispensed, and any drug that is therapeutically equivalent to an over-the-counter drug
• Alcohol swabs and bio-hazard disposable containers
• Drugs for sexual performance for patients that have undergone genital reconstruction
• Compound drugs that do not contain at least one covered ingredient that requires a prescription order or refill

Note: Over-the-counter and prescription drugs approved by the FDA to treat tobacco and nicotine dependence are covered under the Tobacco and nicotine cessation programs benefit.  (See above)

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. 

A sound natural tooth is defined as a tooth that:

• has no active decay, has at least 50% bony support,
• has no filling on more than two surfaces,
• has no root canal treatment, is not an implant, 
• is not in need of treatment except as a result of the accident, and
• functions normally in chewing and speech. 
• Crowns, bridges, implants and dentures are not considered sound natural teeth. 

Treatment must be initiated within seventy-two (72) hours after the accident occurs.  The Plan may grant an extension if the injury cannot be reasonably treated within seventy-two (72) hours after the accident occurs due to extenuating circumstances (such as prolonged hospitalization).  All accidental injury services must be completed within twelve (12) months of the injury.

Note: Follow-up dental care or services must be received from a participating Doctor of Dental Surgery, (D.D.S.) or Doctor of Medical Dentistry, (D.M.D.).  The member must use a participating provider with the Plan and have a valid referral from their PCP.  These services are part of the medical health plan, not to be confused with any non-FEHB Dental Plans.

Dental treatment for accidental injury is a limited benefit intended to stabilize your dental condition and includes only the following:

• Emergency examination
• Periapical and panoral radiographs
• Root canal therapy
• Emergency, temporary splinting of the teeth
• Prefabricated post and core
• Simple, minimal restorative procedures (fillings)
• Emergency extractions
• Post-traumatic crowns are covered if it is the only treatment available
• Replacement of a tooth lost due to accidental injury

$40 per specialist visit

$50 per outpatient non-surgical visit

$150 per visit to an approved free standing facility or $300 per visit to a hospital based facility

$250 per day up to 3 days per inpatient hospitalization

Not covered:

• Oral implants and related procedures, including bone grafts to support implants
• Procedures that involve the teeth or their supporting structures (such as the periodontal membrane, gingiva and alveolar bone)

All Charges

Benefits for dental care that is medically necessary and an integral part of the treatment of a sickness or condition for which covered health services are provided.

Examples of adjunctive dental care are:

• Extraction of teeth prior to radiation for oral cancer
• Elimination of oral infection prior to transplant surgery
• Removal of teeth in order to remove an extensive tumor

Note: When alternate methods may be used, we will authorize the least costly covered health service, provided that the services and supplies are considered by the profession to be an appropriate method of treatment, and meet broadly accepted national standards of dental practice.  You and the provider may choose a more expensive level of care, but benefits will be payable according to these guidelines.

$40 per specialist visit, or $50 per outpatient non-surgical visit; and $300 per outpatient surgical visit, or $250 per day up to 3 days per inpatient hospitalization

Not covered:

• Treatment of dental disease that results from a medical condition such as but not limited to:
• Caries as a result of "dry mouth" caused by disease or medication
• Restoration of teeth damaged by acid reflux
• Care by non-Plan providers except for authorized referrals or emergencies ( see Emergency services/accidents).

You pay All charges

Benefits are provided for non-dental oral surgery for the correction of deformities of the jaws due to congenital defects, sickness or injury.  Examples of congenital syndromes are:

• Pierre Robin Syndrome
• Treacher-Collins Syndrome
• Crouzon's Syndrome

Cleft lip or cleft palate treatment includes orthodontics, oral surgery, otologic, and audiologic and are provided under the direction of a Physician. See Section 5(b) for oral and maxillofacial surgery including TMJ. 

$40 per specialist visit, or $50 per outpatient non-surgical visit; and $150 per outpatient surgical visit at an approved free-standing surgical facility or $300 per outpatient surgical visit or $250 per day up to 3 days per inpatient hospitalization

Not covered:

• Procedures to correct open bites, cross bites, retruded or protruded jaws which are not related to congenital syndromes or a severe functional malocclusion
• Pre or post-surgical orthodontics

You pay all charges

Benefits may be provided for outpatient facilities when there exists an underlying medical condition, co-morbidity, or significant risk factor which, as we determine, requires such a facility to control, monitor or treat the medical condition during or immediately after the procedure.  Examples include:

• Hemophilia
• Severe asthma
• Unstable heart disease
• Unstable diabetes

In such cases benefits are provided for general anesthesia and associated facility charges.

NOTE: These outpatient dental services are separate from and in addition to those provided for below under Dental anesthesia and associated facility charges

$40 per specialist visit or $50 per outpatient non-surgical visit; and $150 per outpatient visit at a free-standing surgical facility or $300 per outpatient surgical visit or $250 per day up to 3 days per inpatient hospitalization

You pay all charges

General anesthesia and associated facility charges for dental services performed in a hospital or alternate facility when the dentist and the physician determine that such services are necessary for the safe and effective treatment of a dental condition. Such treatment is limited to a covered person who meets all requirements in one of the two following sets of conditions:

• Is 7 years of age or younger or is developmentally disabled
• Is an individual for whom a successful result cannot be expected from dental care provided under local anesthesia because of a physical, intellectual, or other medically compromising condition of the enrollee or insured
• Is an individual for whom a superior result can be expected from dental care provided under general anesthesia

Or

• Is an extremely uncooperative, fearful, or uncommunicative child who is 17 years of age or younger with dental needs of such magnitude that treatment should not be delayed or deferred
• Is an individual for whom lack of treatment can be expected to result in oral pain, infection, loss of teeth, or other increased oral or dental morbidity

$40 per specialist visit or $50 per outpatient non-surgical visit; and $150 per outpatient surgical visit at an approved free-standing surgical facility or $300 per outpatient surgical visit or $250 per day up to 3 days per inpatient hospitalization

You pay All charges

At home and on the go our digital resources can help you manage health and finances. You want to have the resources to make well informed financial and health care decisions

 At UnitedHealthcare, our mission is helping people live healthier lives®. We strive to make health care simpler and easier for you to understand with our suite of integrated consumer tools on myuhc.com®. For members who are on the go, digital resources are available on the UnitedHealthcare app — wherever and whenever they need to manage your health care.

Download the UnitedHealthcare app* for access to health plan ID cards, benefits information and help answering questions.

At home and on the go our digital resources can help you manage health and finances. You want to have the resources to make well informed financial and health care decisions

The mobile app is designed to help you manage different aspects of your health, like searching for providers and getting health care cost estimates for specific treatments and procedures.

You will have access to your health plan ID card, claims information and real-time status on account balances, deductibles and out-of-pocket spending.  You can find and receive care, estimate costs and pay bills directly from the app. 

Virtual visits can be scheduled and held from your mobile app. (24/7 virtual visits).  Register with one of the UHC providers and visits are available when you are. You can reach out to an advocate from your mobile app as well.

Download the UnitedHealthcare app from the App Store® or Google Play™

Your online web portal can assist to Find Care and Costs to help you find and price care, at the same time. Located on myuhc.com, you can:

Your personalized website, myuhc.com®, features tools designed to help you:

• Find, price and save on care — you can save with Virtual Visits and other tools. You can save an average of 36% * 1 when you compare costs for providers and services • Get care from anywhere with Virtual Visits. A doctor can diagnose common conditions by phone or video 24/7
• Understand your benefits and the financial impact of care decisions
• Find tailored recommendations regarding providers, products and services. You can even generate an out-of-pocket estimate based on your specific health plan status
• Access claim details, plan balances and your health plan ID card quickly
• Follow through on clinical recommendations and access wellness programs
• Order prescription refills, get estimates and compare medication pricing
• Check your plan balances, access financial accounts and more
• Find a quality doctor, clinic, hospital or lab that helps meet their needs.

• Use multiple search options to filter results by location, specialty, quality, cost, services offered and more.
• See provider ratings created by patients.
• Review cost and care options before making an appointment to help control spending and choose the right level of service.

• Access personalized cost and provider information specific to the benefit plan.

With myuhc.com®, your personalized member website, behavioral health support services are available for you and your family to access anytime, anywhere — whether you’re in a time of greater need or may want to work on personal growth. myuhc.com is available at no additional cost to you and your family.
Find the right care for you
Using the provider search tool, you can:

•  Locate therapists, psychiatrists or other behavioral health clinicians and facilities near you
•  Narrow your search by provider name, location, area of expertise and more
•  Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the provider you select

Tap into behavioral health support
See which benefits and programs you may be eligible for at myuhc.com. Once there, you can also visit your personalized emotional support page to explore the resources and tools that may help you with the ins and outs of everyday life — even if you might not have any pressing concerns.

Tools and resources at your fingertips: Learn about a variety of behavioral health and well-being topics at myuhc.com Health Resources>Mental Health and Substance Use

• You’ll get access to:

• Articles
• Podcasts
• Videos
• Other tools

To find behavioral health care, sign in or register on myuhc.com and then go to Find Care & Costs>Behavioral Health Directory

Support for those looking to manage day-to-day stress or those who need but are not yet ready to seek treatment or are looking for an adjunct to treatment. This program delivers personalized, on-demand support that can be accessed anytime, anywhere to help you build resilience with new skills and daily habits.

• Assessments and tracking
• Mental health skills and tools – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills, mediations and mindful techniques and sleep tracking
• Interactive activities and content to assist with specific needs such as parenting stress, work-related burnout or coping with social injustice
• Community support – Peer to peer sharing and learning, see others’ experiences.

Specialist Management Solutions (SMS) is part of your health plan and exists to simplify your path to affordable, quality surgery and specialty care. Think of SMS as a concierge service. In one phone call to SMS, you get instant access to a care advocate who will help you find a local surgeon who specializes in your condition, schedule an appointment for you, and talk to you about your options for where you can receive care for a surgery or other outpatient procedure. SMS will be available for you or your family member throughout the experience of getting surgery, available to answer questions and provide assistance at any time. 

Specialties include: ‍Cardiovascular, ENT, Gastrointestinal, General Surgery, MSK/Spine, Ophthalmology, Orthopedic, Pain Management, Podiatry, Urology, Women’s Health 

*Payment for medical appointments and treatments remain member’s responsibility and are subject to plan benefits

Supporting informed decisions with access to personalized second opinions

The Second Opinion service through 2nd.MD helps our members with a diagnosis get an expert opinion from leading medical experts. This service is available at no additional charge and includes:

• Virtual and phone consultations
• A written summary within 24 hours
• Chat and text capabilities with a dedicated nurse
• Referrals and appointment scheduling for local peer-to-peer consults, if needed

 Offering a concierge-like experience

You can request a consult online or by phone. After receiving the request, a care team nurse:

1. Performs triage and intake
2. Sends the employee’s medical records and recommends a medical expert
3. Schedules the consultation; the employee meets with the expert and receives a written summary
4. Coordinates any follow-up needs within 9–14 days

Providing expert help throughout the care journey

The Second Opinion service provides second opinions for a variety of needs. Providers are hand-selected to help give you access to leading physicians who specialize in your condition. Consultations may cover:

• New diagnoses
• Changes in treatment
• Chronic conditions
• Potential surgeries

2nd.MD works with top physicians across the country who are world-class medical experts and have trained and worked at elite institutions such as Cleveland Clinic, Boston Children's Hospital, and Hospital for Special Surgery.

Real Appeal® provides tools and support to help members lose weight and prevent weight- related health conditions. Real Appeal is provided at no additional cost to eligible members as part of your medical benefit plan.
The program can help motivate members to improve their health and reduce risk of developing costly, chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The program combines clinically proven science with engaging content that teaches members how to eat healthier and be active, without turning their lives upside down, to help them achieve and maintain their weight-loss goals.

Real Appeal includes:

Social community resources such as: Real Appeal LinkedIn community; Facebook community; YouTube videos including getting started, workouts and success stories

A Success Kit - After attending their first group coaching session, members receive a Success Kit with tools to help them kick-start their weight loss. The kit includes items such as:

• Balanced Portion plate
• Electronic food scale
• Digital weight scale
• Fitness guide

A personalized Health Coach - Coaches guide members through the program step-by-step, customizing it to help fit their needs, personal preferences, goals and medical history.
24/7 online support and mobile app through our Rally Coach portal or directly through our Rally Coach mobile app. Staying accountable to goals may be easier than ever.

• Customizable food, activity, weight and goal trackers.
• Unlimited access to digital content.
• An online lifestyle program to help you learn new ways to be your healthiest self

 We provide our members with resources and support for tobacco cessation.  Included are:

• Online learning with interactive and personalized content and a community support forum
• Integrated online and telephonic experience
• Benefits for counseling 
• Nicotine replacement therapy 
• 24/7 support for easier access to services 
• Nicotine replacement therapy both prescription medications and over the counter products (with prescription) 
• Get started today.  

Maternity Health Solutions is designed to help improve outcomes and lower costs by providing moms-to-be with personalized care for clinical, behavioral and other holistic needs.

• Maternity-related courses available on myuhc.com regarding course topics such as:
  • Preconception: Preparing for a healthy pregnancy
  • Pregnancy in the first trimester
  • Pregnancy in the second trimester
  • Pregnancy in the third trimester
  • The fourth trimester after pregnancy: Postpartum
  • Pregnancy nutrition and exercise
  • Exploring breastfeeding
• Maternity risk assessment on Myuhc.com
• Additional support for high-risk cases

Choosing a doctor is one of the most important health decisions you’ll make. The UnitedHealth Premium^® program can help you find doctors who are right for you and your family. You can find quality, cost-efficient care. Studies show that people who actively engage in their health care decisions have fewer Hospitalizations, fewer emergency visits, higher utilization of preventive care and overall lower medical costs.

The program evaluates physicians in various specialties using evidence-based medicine and national standardized measures to help you locate quality and cost-efficient providers. It’s easy to find a UnitedHealth Premium Care Physician. Just go to www.myuhc.com^® and click on Find a Doctor.  Choose smart. Look for blue hearts.

• Premium Care Physician meets UnitedHealth Premium program quality & cost-efficient care criteria.
• Quality Care Physician meets UnitedHealth Premium program quality care criteria, but does not meet the program’s cost-efficient care criteria or is not evaluated for cost-efficient care. Physician is not eligible for a Premium designation.
• Not Evaluated for Premium Care physician’s specialty is not evaluated and/or does not have enough claims data for program evaluation or the physician’s program evaluation is in process.

What are the benefits of using Optum Specialty Pharmacy?

Optum Specialty Pharmacy provides personalized support and resources at no extra cost to help you manage your condition.

 How does Optum Specialty Pharmacy support you?

• Pharmacists to answer questions 24/7
• A clinical care team to help you understand your medication
• 1-on-1 video chats with your care team
• Helpful videos from other specialty patients
• Supplies you may need to take your medication at no extra cost
• Refill reminders
• Talk with a nurse about infusion services, if applicable

Tips for working with our Optum Specialty Pharmacy care team.

• Tell your pharmacist or nurse about any side effects or issues you may be facing with your care, such as forgetting to take your medication.

• We’re here to help with more than your medication. Our pharmacists and nurses can help you find resources to stay on track with your health.

We’re here to help. Call Optum Specialty Pharmacy at 1-855-427-4682 to learn more and transfer your prescriptions. Or, call the number on the back of your member ID card to find a designated specialty pharmacy near you.

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

• We may identify medically appropriate alternatives to traditional care and coordinate other benefits as a less costly alternative benefit.  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.  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 cannot 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 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.

To be a qualifying clinical trial, a trial must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be sponsored and provided by a cancer center that has been designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a Clinical Cancer Center or Comprehensive Cancer Center or be sponsored by any of the following:
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH). (Includes National Cancer Institute (NCI).)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
  • Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
  • Department of Defense (DOD).
  • Veterans Administration (VA).
• The clinical trial must have a written protocol that describes a scientifically sound study and have been approved by all relevant institutional review boards (IRBs) before participants are enrolled in the trial. We may, at any time, request documentation about the trial to confirm that the clinical trial meets current standards for scientific merit and has the relevant IRB approvals. Benefits are not available for preventive clinical trials.
• The subject or purpose of the trial must be the evaluation of an item or service that meets the definition of a Covered Health Service and is not otherwise excluded under the Policy.

Receive reimbursement for your Medicare Part B Premium

• $150.00 will be paid on your behalf directly to Medicare
• See a reduction in your quarterly Medicare bill, or an increase in your Social Security payment or annuity payment
• Receive this benefit for every month you’re enrolled in the plan

Renew Active is a fitness benefit which is included in the Retiree Advantage plan which provides:

• A free gym membership to participating facilities
  • To view participating facilities, please visit www.uhcrenewactive.com  
• Access to an extensive network of gyms and fitness locations near members
• A personalized fitness plan 
• Access to a wide variety of fitness classes 
• An online brain health program, exclusively from AARP® Staying Sharp
• Connecting with others at local health and wellness events, and through the Fitbit® Community for Renew Active

Shop for hundreds of over-the-counter items such as toothpaste, vitamins, and personal care from the Health Products catalog.

• Members will receive $40 allowance each quarter to spend on items from the provided catalog
• Items are delivered directly to your door
• Orders can be place over the phone, by mail, or online

With the UnitedHealthcare^® HouseCalls program, you get an annual in-home preventive care visit from one of our health care practitioners at no extra cost.

 What does HouseCalls include?

• One 45 to 60-minute at-home visit from a healthcare practitioner, each year.
• A head-to-toe exam, health screenings and plenty of time to talk about your health questions.
• A custom care plan made just for you.
• Help connecting you with additional care you may need.

Healthy at Home provides the following benefits up to 30 days following all inpatient and skilled nursing facility discharges when referred by a UnitedHealthcare Advocate:

• Home-Delivered Meals
  Receive 28 home-delivered meals provided by Mom’s Meals
• Non-emergency transportation
  Receive 12 one-way rides to medically related appointments and to the pharmacy provided by ModviCare
• In-home Personal Care
• Receive 6 hours of in-home personal care through our exclusive national provider CareLinx

Real Appeal is a weight loss program that can help members feel and look better. The program provides everything they need to lose weight and keep it off. This program is a pilot for select members residing in Wisconsin.

The online program includes:

• Personalized diabetes prevention coaching
• 24/7 online support and mobile app
• Customizable food, activity, weight and goal trackers 
• Success group support, which lets members chat with others who are doing the Real Appeal program
• The weekly Real Appeal All-Star Show featuring healthy tips from celebrities, athletes and health experts

Success Kit includes:

• Program, nutrition, and fitness guides
• Tools to help cook healthier, tasty meals
• Delivered right to their front door after attending their first group coaching session

UnitedHealthcare Hearing provides members with greater technology, choice and convenience

• Rechargeable hearing aids, remote adjustments and other advanced feature devices are available at up to 80% less than standard industry prices through direct delivery, including top brands in multiple styles
• 6,500+ locations nationwide
• Chose home delivery or in person options
• 3-minute online hearing test to assess hearing loss/need for in-person test
• Members receive $1500 allowance every 36 months towards the purchase of hearing aids
• Members must use a UHC hearing provider to use their hearing aid benefit

Quit For Life has helped 3.5 million members quit smoking or using tobacco. It provides the tools and one-on-one support to help you quit your way. And for UnitedHealthcare members, it’s offered at $0 out of pocket.  With a 95% satisfaction rate, Quit for Life provides:

• Tools and support to help members quit cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping and tobacco
• A personal, one-on-one Quit Coach to help you create a customized quit plan
• The Quit for Life mobile app, which offers 24/7 urge management support
• Text2Quit text messages for daily tips and encouragement 
• Quit medications – Such as nicotine gum or patches – for no charge, based on eligibility

UnitedHealthcare^® works with Lifeline to provide a personal emergency response system at not cost for Retiree Advantage plan members.

Lifeline personal emergency response system (PERS) allows you to ask for help whenever you need it, anytime of day or night - 365 days of the year, 24/7.  All you need to do is press the help button, worn as a wristband or pendant, and a Trained Care Specialist will assist you to make sure you quickly get the help you need.

Features include:

• Optional AutoAlert fall detection technology automatically provides access to help if it detects a fall – even if wearer is disoriented, immobilized or unconscious and cannot press their help button
• Cellular or landline compatible, Lifeline works anywhere in the U.S., where current telephone service is provided
• Lightweight, waterproof help button can be worn on the wrist or as a pendant

In most cases, providers and facilities file claims for you.  Providers must file on the form CMS-1500, Health Insurance Claim Form.  Your facility will file on the UB-94 form.  For claims questions and assistance, call us 877-835-9861.

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

• Covered member's name, 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 domestic medical claims to:

M.D. IPA, a UnitedHealthcare Company, P.O. Box 740825, Atlanta, GA 30374-0825.

Submit international medical claims to:

Submit your international claims to: M.D. IPA, a UnitedHealthcare Company, P.O. Box 740817, Atlanta, GA 30374-0817.

Usually, there are no claim forms to fill out when you fill a prescription at a Plan pharmacy.  In some cases, however, you may pay out-of-pocket, such as when you are outside the service area in a medical emergency.  If this happens, contact customer service at 877-835-9861 for a prescription drug claim form and send the following information:

• Your receipt
• The drug NDC number
• The pharmacy’s NABP number
• The prescribing physician’s or dentist’s DEA number

Submit your claims to: OptumRx at PO Box 29044, Hot Springs, AR 71903

Submit your claims to: M.D. IPA,  a UnitedHealthcare Company, P.O. Box 740825, Atlanta, GA 30374-0825. 

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.

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, a healthcare professional with knowledge of your medical condition will be permitted 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: M.D. IPA, a UnitedHealthcare Company's Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Appeals, P.O. Box 30573, Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0573; 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 (optional for member), 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, 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 precertification or prior approval. This is the only deadline that may not be extended.

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

You may not 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 order of benefit determination rules.  For more information on NAIC rules regarding the coordinating of benefits, our website at www.uhc.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 pays 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.

If you elect to enroll in the UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage plan, your FEHB plan will not coordinate benefits.  The UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage plan will take over as the primary and only payer.

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 is 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.

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.

If you are a participant in a clinical trial, and the related care is not covered within the clinical trial, this plan will provide coverage for related costs based on the criteria listed below. 

• 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.  These costs are covered by this Plan.
• 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.  These costs are generally covered by the clinical trials. This Plan does not cover these costs.        

Please see the special features page of the brochure for specific requirements for cancer related trials.

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 877-835-9861 or see our member Website at www.myuhc.com.

We waive some costs if the Original Medicare Plan is your primary payor – We will waive some out-of-pocket costs as follows: 

• All copayment and coinsurance amounts will be applied until you meet your Medicare Part B deductible. Once the Medicare Part B deductible has been met, all copayments and coinsurance are waived.
• We will pay all amounts identified as “patient responsibility” on the Medicare Explanation of Benefits as long as the service rendered is covered by our plan.
• We will pay the Inpatient Medicare deductible.

Please review the following examples which illustrates your cost share if you are enrolled in Medicare Part B.  If you purchase Medicare Part B, your provider is in our network and participates in Medicare, then we waive some costs because Medicare will be the primary payor. 

Benefit: Deductible
High Option you pay without Medicare: No deductible
High Option you pay with Medicare Part B: No deductible

Benefit: Out-of-Pocket Maximum
High Option you pay without Medicare: $5,000 Self-only; $10,000 Self Plus One or Self and Family
High Option you pay with Medicare Part B: $5,000 Self-only; $10,000 Self Plus One or Self and Family

Benefit: Part B Premium Reimbursement
High Option you pay without Medicare: N/A
High Option you pay with Medicare Part B: N/A

Benefit: Primary Care Provider
High Option you pay without Medicare: $25
High Option you pay with Medicare Part B: Nothing after Medicare Part B deductible has been reached

Benefit: Specialist
High Option you pay without Medicare: $40
High Option you pay with Medicare Part B: Nothing after Medicare Part B deductible has been reached

Benefit: Inpatient hospital
High Option you pay without Medicare: $250 per day up to 3 days per admission ($750)
High Option you pay with Medicare Part B: Nothing

Benefit: Outpatient hospital
High Option you pay without Medicare: $150 free-standing facility; $300 hospital-based facility
High Option you pay with Medicare Part B: Nothing

Benefit: Incentives offered
High Option you pay without Medicare: Nothing
High Option you pay with Medicare Part B: Nothing

You must tell us if you or a covered family member has Medicare coverage, and let us obtain information about services denied or paid under Medicare if we ask.  You must also tell us about other coverage you or your covered family members may have, as this coverage may affect the primary/secondary status of this Plan and Medicare.

We offer a plan designed to help members with their Medicare Part B premium. This plan is called, UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage. If you have Medicare Parts A and B primary and enroll in the UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage, you will be reimbursed $150.00 of your Medicare Part B monthly premium. Part B reimbursements will begin approximately 90 days following the approval of your Retiree Advantage application.

To learn more about UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage and how to enroll, call us at 1-844-481-8821, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days per week,  For TTY for the deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired, call 711. We will send you additional information.

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 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), (TTY:800-486-2048) or at www.medicare.gov or UnitedHealthcare Retiree Solutions at 844-481-8821.

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

This Plan and our Retiree Advantage plan: If you enroll in our Medicare Advantage plan you MUST also remain enrolled in our FEHB plan. Do not suspend or terminate your FEHB coverage.  For more information on our Medicare Advantage plan, please contact us at 1-844-481-8821. 

You may enroll in the UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage Plan if:

• You are enrolled in the UnitedHealthcare FEHBP active plan and have both Medicare Part A and Part B
• You are retired and live in our geographic service area which is described on page 14.
• You are a United States citizen or are lawfully present in the United States
• You do NOT have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), with limited exceptions
• You complete an application for enrollment in the UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage Plan.

As part of this process CMS will verify your Medicare Part B enrollment. If the FEHB subscriber and or dependent enrolls in the Retiree Advantage plan, each family member will have to complete an application by calling into our Retiree Solutions team (1-844-481-8821). Members who are not eligible for Medicare Part A and B will remain on this FEHB plan. If, for any reason, you do not meet the enrollment requirements, you will no longer be eligible to participate in the Retiree Advantage plan. Your contributions will end and your regular FEHB benefits will resume. You may be required to repay any reimbursements paid to you in error.

We offer a plan designed:

• To help members with their Medicare Part B premium costs
• To provide access to our national network of providers, (in-network or out-of-network) at the same cost share
• To cover eligible medical benefits with little to no out of pocket costs
• Provide prescription coverage through the gap or “donut hole” with no increased copays

The Retiree Advantage plan provides monthly reimbursement of $150.00 of your Medicare Part B monthly premium. In addition, we cover benefits, including office visit copayments at ($0), urgent care and emergency care at ($0), plus additional coverage for hearing aids discounts and wellness programs. See chart on next page.

If you elect to enroll in the UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage plan includes Medicare Part D. Your FEHHB plan will not coordinate benefits. 

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

If you elect to enroll in the UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage plan which includes Medicare part D, your FEHB plan will not coordinate benefits.  The UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage plan will take over as the primary and only payer.

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.

Benefit Description: Deductible
Member Cost without Medicare: No plan deductible
Member Cost with Medicare Part B: No plan deductible
UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage Health Plan: No plan deductible

Benefit Description: Out of Pocket Maximum
Member Cost without Medicare: $5,000 Self Only; $10,000 Self Plus One; and $10,000 Self and Family
Member Cost with Medicare Part B: $5,000 Self Only; $10,000 Self Plus One; and $10,000 Self and Family
UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage Health Plan: You pay nothing for Medicare-covered service from any provider

Benefit Description: Primary Care Physician
Member Cost without Medicare: $25
Member Cost with Medicare Part B: $0 after Medicare Part B deductible has been reached
UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage Health Plan: $0

Benefit Description: Specialist Member
Cost without Medicare: $40
Member Cost with Medicare Part B: $0 after Medicare Part B deductible has been reached
UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage Health Plan: $0

Benefit Description: Virtual Visits
Member Cost without Medicare: $5
Member Cost with Medicare Part B: $0 after Medicare Part B deductible has been reached
UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage Health Plan: $0

Benefit Description: Urgent Care
Member Cost without Medicare: $35
Member Cost with Medicare Part B: $0 after Medicare Part B deductible has been reached
UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage Health Plan: $0

Benefit Description: Emergency
Member Cost without Medicare: $250
Member Cost with Medicare Part B: $0 after Medicare Part B deductible has been reached
UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage Health Plan: $0

Benefit Description: Inpatient Hospital
Member Cost without Medicare: $250 per day, up to $750 per admission
Member Cost with Medicare Part B: $0
UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage Health Plan: $0

Benefit Description: Outpatient Hospital
Member Cost without Medicare: Surgical $150 copay per visit at free-standing facility/$300 copay at hospital
Member Cost with Medicare Part B: Nothing
UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage Health Plan: $0

Benefit Description: Rx (30-day supply)
Member Cost without Medicare: Tier 1 - $5; Tier 2 - $40; Tier 3 - $75; Tier 4 - $120
Member Cost with Medicare Part B: Tier 1 - $5; Tier 2 - $40; Tier 3 - $75; Tier 4 - $120
UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage Health Plan: Tier 1 - $6; Tier 2 - $25; Tier 3 - $60; Tier 4 - $90

Benefit Description: Rx - Mail Order (90-day supply)
Member Cost without Medicare: 3 x retail copay
Member Cost with Medicare Part B: 3 x retail copay
UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage Health Plan: 2 x retail copay

Your FEHB plan will not coordinate benefits with the Retiree Advantage plan.  The UnitedHealthcare Retiree Advantage plan will take over as the primary and only payer.

When we are the primary payor, we process the claim first. If you enroll in Medicare Part D and we are the secondary payor, we will review claims for your prescription drug costs that are not covered by Medicare Part D and consider them for payment under the FEHB plan.

• 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; 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 cancer, 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 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 (Applies to printed brochure only).

See Section 4, page (Applies to printed brochure only)

See Section 4, page (Applies to printed brochure only). 

Medical or non-medical services:

• Which are furnished mainly to assist you in the activities of daily living (feeding, dressing, bathing, transferring and ambulating)
• For which professional skills or training is not required
• Which are not likely to result in the improvement of your condition or in your recovery

Custodial care that lasts 90 days or more is sometimes known as long term care.

See Section 4. page (Applies to printed brochure only). 

Experimental or Investigational Service(s) - medical, surgical, diagnostic, psychiatric, mental health, substance use disorders or other health care services, technologies, supplies, treatments, procedures, drug therapies, medications or devices that , at the time we make a determination regarding coverage in a particular case are determined to be any of the following:

• Not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be lawfully marketed for the proposed use and not identified in the American Hospital Formulary Service or the United States American Hospital Pharmacopoeia Dispensing Information as appropriate for the proposed use
• Not recognized, in accordance with generally accepted medical standards, as being safe and effective for your condition;
• Subject to review and approval by any institution review board for the proposed use. ( Devices which are FDA approved under the Humanitarian Use Device exemption are not considered to be
  Experimental or Investigational.
• The subject of an ongoing clinical trial that meets the definition of a  Phase 1, 2 or 3 clinical trial set forth in the  FDA regulations, regardless of whether the trial is actually subject to FDA oversight.

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

A disease (an interruption, cessation, or disorder of body functions, systems, or organs) of the reproductive tract which prevents the conception of a child or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery.  It is defined by the failure to achieve a successful pregnancy after 12 months or more of unprotected intercourse or artificial insemination for individuals under age 35.  Earlier evaluation and treatment for those individuals actively looking to achieve a conception may be justified based on medical history and diagnostic testing and is warranted after six (6) months for individuals aged 35 years or older.

Health care services provided for the purpose of preventing, evaluating, diagnosing or treating a Sickness, Injury, Mental Illness, Substance Use Disorder disease or its symptoms, that are all of the following as determined by us or our designee, within our discretion.

• In accordance with Generally Accepted Standards of Medical Practice.
• Clinically appropriate, in terms of type, frequency, extent, site and duration, and considered effective for your Sickness, Injury, Mental Illness, Substance Use Disorder, disease or its symptoms.
• Not mainly for your convenience or that of your doctor or other health care provider
• Not more costly than an alternate drug, service(s) or supply that is at least as likely to produce equivalent therapeutic or diagnostic results as to the diagnosis or treatment of your Sickness, Injury, disease or symptoms.

Generally Accepted Standards of Medical Practice are standards that are based on credible scientific evidence published in peer-reviewed medical literature generally recognized by the relevant medical community, relying primarily on controlled clinical trials, or if not available, observational studies from more than one institution that suggest a causal relationship between the service or treatment and health outcomes. The fact that a  Physician may prescribe, authorize or direct a service does not of itself make it Medically Necessary or covered by this Plan.

If no credible scientific evidence is available, then standards are based on Physician specialty society recommendations or professional standards of care may be considered.  We reserve the right to consult expert opinion in determining whether health care services are Medically Necessary. 

Allowable expense (plan allowance) is a health care expense, including deductibles, coinsurance and copayments, that is covered at least in part by any Plan covering the person. When a Plan provides benefits in the form of services, the reasonable cash value of each service will be considered an Allowable Expense and a benefit paid.

You should also see Important Notice About Surprise Billing - Know Your Rights in Section 4 that describes  your protections 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.

Unproven services, including medications, that are determined not to be effective for treatment of the medical condition and/or not to have a beneficial effect on health outcomes due to insufficient and inadequate clinical evidence from well-conducted randomized controlled trials or cohort studies in the prevailing published peer-reviewed medical literature.

• Well-conducted randomized controlled trials. (Two or more treatments are compared to each other, and the patient is not allowed to choose which treatment is received).
• Well-conducted cohort studies from more than one institution.  (Patients who receive study treatment are compared to a group of patients who receive standard therapy).  The comparison group must be nearly identical to the study treatment group.

We have a process by which we compile and review clinical evidence with respect to certain health services.  From time to time, we issue medical and drug policies that describe the clinical evidence available with respect to specific health care services.  These medical and drug policies are subject to change without prior notice.  You can view these policies at www.myuhc.com .

Please note:  If you have a life-threatening Sickness or condition (one that is likely to cause death within one year of the request for treatment ) we may, in our discretion consider an otherwise Unproven Service to be a Covered Health Service for that Sickness or condition.  Prior to such a consideration, we must first establish that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that, albeit unproven, the service has significant potential as an effective treatment for that Sickness or condition.

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 judgment 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 877-835-9861. 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

Nothing 

(Applies to printed brochure only) 

Office visit copay:

$25 primary care physician ages 18 and older; $0 under age 18;

$40 specialist

(Applies to printed brochure only)

$250 per day for up to 3 days per admission

(Applies to printed brochure only)

$150 per visit at approved free-standing surgical center

$300 per visit at hospital-based facility;

(Applies to printed brochure only)

$50 per visit

(Applies to printed brochure only)

$250 per emergency room visit (waived if admitted)

(Applies to printed brochure only)

$35 per visit to urgent care center

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Regular cost-sharing

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Tier 1 - $5

Tier 2 - $40

Tier 3 - $75

Tier 4 - $120

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Tier 1: $15

Tier 2: $120

Tier 3: $225

Tier 4: $360

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Tier 1- $5

Tier 2 - $150

Tier 3 - $350

Tier 4 - $500

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Adjunct dental services, accidental injury and discount dental benefits

(Applies to printed brochure only)

$40 copayment for eye refraction exam adults

$0  Annual routine eye examination children 17 and under

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Real Appeal Weight Loss Program,  Rally,  Smoking Cessation, Pregnancy, Educational Resources, other programs and UnitedHealthcare® mobile tools

(Applies to printed brochure only)

Nothing after: $5,000 for Self Only, $10,000 Self Plus One or $10,000 for Self and Family enrollment per year

(Applies to printed brochure only)