Page numbers referenced within this brochure apply only to the printed brochure

Blue Care Network of Michigan 

www.bcbsm.com
Customer service 800-662-6667

2021



IMPORTANT:
  • Rates
  • Changes for 2021
  • Summary of Benefits
  • Accreditations
A Health Maintenance Organization (High Option)

 

This plan’s health coverage qualifies as minimum essential coverage and meets the minimum value standard for the benefits it provides. See Page (Applies to printed brochure only). This plan is accredited. See Page (Applies to printed brochure only).

Serving: East and Southeast Michigan

Enrollment in this plan is limited.

You must live or work in our geographic service area to enroll.
See Page 14 for requirements.

       

 
 

 

Enrollment codes for this Plan:

East Region
K51 High Option Self Only
K53 High Option Self Plus One
K52 High Option Self and Family

Southeast Region
LX1 High Option Self Only
LX3 High Option Self Plus One
LX2 High Option Self and Family

 
FEHB LogoOPM Logo
RI73-153








Important Notice from Blue Care Network of Michigan about Our Prescription Drug Coverage and Medicare

Important Notice from Blue Care Network of Michigan about
          Our Prescription Drug Coverage and Medicare

OPM has determined that Blue Care Network of Michigan prescription drug coverage is, on average, expected to pay out as much as the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage will pay for all plan participants and is considered Creditable Coverage. This means you do not need to enroll in Medicare Part D and pay extra for prescription drug coverage. If you decide to enroll in Medicare Part D later, you will not have to pay a penalty for late enrollment as long as you keep your FEHB coverage.

However, if you choose to enroll in Medicare Part D, you can keep your FEHB coverage and your FEHB plan will coordinate benefits with Medicare.

Remember: If you are an annuitant and you cancel your FEHB coverage, you may not re-enroll in the FEHB Program.

Please be advised

If you lose or drop your FEHB coverage and go 63 days or longer without prescription drug coverage that is at least as good as Medicare’s prescription drug coverage, your monthly Medicare Part D premium will go up at least 1 percent per month for every month that you did not have that coverage. For example, if you go 19 months without Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, your premium will always be at least 19 percent higher than what many other people pay. You will have to pay this higher premium as long as you have Medicare prescription drug coverage. In addition, you may have to wait until the next Annual Coordinated Election Period (October 15 through December 7) to enroll in Medicare Part D.

Medicare’s Low Income Benefits

For people with limited income and resources, extra help paying for a Medicare prescription drug plan is available. Information regarding this program is available through the Social Security Administration (SSA) online at www.socialsecurity.gov, or call the SSA at 800-772-1213, (TTY:  800-325-0778). 

You can get more information about Medicare prescription drug plans and the coverage offered in your area from these places:

  • Visit www.medicare.gov for personalized help.
  • Call 800-MEDICARE 800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048.



Table of Contents

(Page numbers solely appear in the printed brochure)

Table of Content



Introduction

This brochure describes the benefits of Blue Care Network of Michigan (BCN) under contract (CS 2011) with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), as authorized by the Federal Employees Health Benefits law. Customer service may be reached at 800-662-6667 or through our website: www.bcbsm.com. The address for Blue Care Network of Michigan's administrative office is:

Blue Care Network of Michigan
20500 Civic Center Drive
Southfield, MI 48076

This brochure is the official statement of benefits. No verbal statement can modify or otherwise affect the benefits, limitations, and exclusions of this brochure. It is your responsibility to be informed about your health benefits.

If you are enrolled in this Plan, you are entitled to the benefits described in this brochure. If you are enrolled in Self Plus One or Self and Family coverage, each eligible family member is also entitled to these benefits. You do not have a right to benefits that were available before January 1, 2021, unless those benefits are also shown in this brochure.

OPM negotiates benefits and rates with each plan annually. Benefit changes are effective January 1, 2021, and changes are summarized on Page (Applies to printed brochure only). Rates are shown at the end of this brochure.




Plain Language

All FEHB brochures are written in plain language to make them easy to understand. Here are some examples.

  • Except for necessary technical terms, we use common words. For instance, “you” means the enrollee and each covered family member; “we” means Blue Care Network of Michigan.
  • We limit acronyms to ones you know. FEHB is the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. OPM is the United States Office of Personnel Management. If we use others, we tell you what they mean.
  • Our brochure and other FEHB plans’ brochures have the same format and similar descriptions to help you compare plans.



Stop Health Care Fraud!

  • Fraud increases the cost of health care for everyone and increases your Federal Employees Health Benefits Program premium.
  • OPM’s Office of the Inspector General investigates all allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse in the FEHB Program regardless of the agency that employs you or from which you retired.
  • Protect Yourself From Fraud – Here are some things that you can do to prevent fraud:
  • Do not give your plan identification (ID) number over the phone or to people you do not know, except for your health care providers, authorized health benefits plan or OPM representative.
  • Let only the appropriate medical professionals review your medical record or recommend services.
  • Avoid using health care providers who say that an item or service is not usually covered, but they know how to bill us to get it paid.
  • Carefully review explanations of benefits (EOBs) statements that you receive from us.
  • Please review your claims history periodically for accuracy to ensure services are not being billed to your accounts that were never rendered.
  • Periodically review your claim history for accuracy to ensure we have not been billed for services you did not receive.
  • Do not ask your doctor to make false entries on certificates, bills, or records in order to get us to pay for an item or service.
  • If you suspect that a provider has charged you for services you did not receive, billed you twice for the same service or misrepresented any information, do the following:
    • Call the provider and ask for an explanation. There may be an error.
    • If the provider does not resolve the matter, call us at 800-662-6667 and explain the situation.
    • If we do not resolve the issue:

CALL
THE HEALTH CARE FRAUD HOTLINE
877-499-7295
OR go to

www.opm.gov/our-inspector-general/hotline-to-report-fraud-waste-or-abuse/complaint-form/

The online reporting form is the desired method of reporting fraud in order to ensure accuracy, and a quicker response time.

You can also write to:
United States Office of Personnel Management
Office of the Inspector General Fraud Hotline
1900 E Street NW — Room 6400
Washington, DC 20415-1100

  • Do not maintain as a family member on your policy:
    • Your former spouse after a divorce decree or annulment is final (even if a court order stipulates otherwise)
    • Your child age 26 or over (unless he/she was disabled and incapable of self-support prior to age 26)

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.

  • If you have any questions about the eligibility of a dependent, check with your personnel office if you are employed, with your retirement office (such as OPM) if you are retired or with the National Finance Center if you are enrolled under Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC).
  • Fraud or intentional misrepresentation of material fact is prohibited under the Plan. You can be prosecuted for fraud and your agency may take action against you. Examples of fraud include, falsifying a claim to obtain FEHB benefits, trying to or obtaining services or coverage for yourself or for someone else who is not an eligible for coverage, or enrolling in the Plan when you are no longer eligible.
  • 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 by your provider for services received. 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 is no longer eligible to use your health insurance coverage.



Discrimination is Against the Law

Blue Care Network of Michigan complies with all applicable Federal civil rights laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964.

You can also file a civil rights complaint with the Office of Personnel Management by mail at:

Office of Personnel Management
Healthcare and Insurance
Federal Employee Insurance Operations
Attention: Assistant Director, FEIO
1900 E. Street NW, Suite 3400-S
Washington, D.C. 20415-3610




Preventing Medical Mistakes

Medical mistakes continue to be a significant cause of preventable deaths within the United States. While death is the most tragic outcome, medical mistakes cause other problems such as permanent disabilities, extended hospital stays, longer recoveries, and even additional treatments. Medical mistakes and their consequences also add significantly to the overall cost of healthcare.  Hospitals and healthcare providers are being held accountable for the quality of care and reduction in medical mistakes by their accrediting bodies.  You can also improve the quality and safety of your own health care and that of your family members by learning more about and understanding your risks. Take these simple steps:

1. Ask questions if you have doubts or concerns.

  • Ask questions and make sure you understand the answers.
  • Choose a doctor with whom you feel comfortable talking.
  • Take a relative or friend with you to help you take notes, ask questions and understand answers.

2. Keep and bring a list of all the medications you take.

  • Bring the actual medications or give your doctor and pharmacist a list of all the medications and dosages that you take, including non-prescription (over-the-counter) medications and nutritional supplements.
  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any drug, food, and other allergies you have, such as to latex.
  • Ask about any risks or side effects of the medication and what to avoid while taking it. Be sure to write down what your doctor or pharmacist says.
  • Make sure your medication is what the doctor ordered. Ask the pharmacist about your medicine if it looks different than you expected.
  • Read the label and patient package insert when you get your medication, including all warnings and instructions.
  • Know how to use your medication. Especially note the times and conditions when your medication should and should not be taken.
  • Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
  • Understand both the generic and brand names of your medication. This helps ensure you do not receive double dosing from taking both a generic and a brand. It also helps prevent you from taking a medication to which you are allergic.

3. Get the results of any test or procedure.

  • Ask when and how you will get the results of tests or procedures. Will it be in person, by phone, mail, through the Plan or Provider's portal?
  • Don’t assume the results are fine if you do not get them when expected. Contact your healthcare provider and ask for your results.
  • Ask what the results mean for your care.

4. Talk to your doctor about which hospital or clinic is best for your health needs.

  • Ask your doctor about which hospital or clinic has the best care and results for your condition if you have more than one hospital or clinic to choose from to get the health care you need.
  • Be sure you understand the instructions you get about follow-up care when you leave the hospital or clinic

5. Make sure you understand what will happen if you need surgery.

  • Make sure you, your doctor, and your surgeon all agree on exactly what will be done during the operation.
  • Ask your doctor, “Who will manage my care when I am in the hospital?”
  • Ask your surgeon:
    • "Exactly what will you be doing?"
    • "About how long will it take?"
    • "What will happen after surgery?"
    • "How can I expect to feel during recovery?"
  • Tell the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nurses about any allergies, bad reactions to anesthesia and any medications you are taking.

Patient Safety Links

For more information on patient safety, please visit

  • www.jointcommission.org/speakup.aspx. The Joint Commission’s Speak Up™ patient safety program.
  • www.jointcommission.org/topics/patient_safety.aspxThe Joint Commission helps health care organizations to improve the quality and safety of the care they deliver.
  • www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality makes available a wide-ranging list of topics not only to inform consumers about patient safety but to help choose quality health care providers and improve the quality of care you receive.
  • www.npsf.org. The National Patient Safety Foundation has information on how to ensure safer health care for you and your family.
  • www.bemedwise.org. The National Council on Patient Information and Education is dedicated to improving communication about the safe, appropriate use of medications.
  • www.leapfroggroup.org. The Leapfrog Group is active in promoting safe practices in hospital care.
  • www.ahqa.org. The American Health Quality Association represents organizations and health care professionals working to improve patient safety.

Preventable Healthcare Acquired Conditions ("Never Events")

When you enter the hospital for treatment of one medical problem, you do not expect to leave with additional injuries, infections, or other serious conditions that occur during the course of your stay. Although some of these complications may not be avoidable, patients do suffer from injuries or illnesses that could have been prevented if doctors or the hospital had taken proper precautions. Errors in medical care that are clearly identifiable, preventable and serious in their consequences for patients, can indicate a significant problem in the safety and credibility of a health care facility. These conditions and errors are sometimes called “Never Events” or “Serious Reportable Events.”

We have a benefit payment policy that encourages hospitals to reduce the likelihood of hospital-acquired conditions such as certain infections, severe bedsores, and fractures, and to reduce medical errors that should never happen. When such an event occurs, neither you nor your FEHB plan will incur costs to correct the medical error.

You will not be billed for inpatient services related to treatment of specific hospital-acquired conditions or for inpatient services needed to correct Never Events, if you use Blue Care Network of Michigan providers. This policy helps to protect you from preventable medical errors and improve the quality of care you receive.




FEHB Facts

Coverage information




TermDefinition
  • No pre-existing condition limitation
We will not refuse to cover the treatment of a condition you had before you enrolled in this Plan solely because you had the condition before you enrolled.
  • Minimum essential coverage (MEC)

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.

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

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, and give you brochures for other plans and other materials you need to make an informed decision about your FEHB coverage. These materials tell you:

  • When you may change your enrollment
  • How you can cover your family members
  • What happens when you transfer to another Federal agency, go on leave without pay, enter military service, or retire
  • What happens when your enrollment ends
  • When the next Open Season for enrollment begins

We don’t determine who is eligible for coverage and, in most cases, cannot change your enrollment status without information from your employing or retirement office.  For information on your premium deductions, you must also contact your employing or retirement office.

 

  • Types of coverage available for you and your family

Self Only coverage is for you alone. Self Plus One coverage is for you and one eligible family member. Self and Family coverage is for you and one eligible family member, or 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. 

Your employing or retirement office will not notify you when a family member is no longer eligible to receive benefits, nor will we.  Please tell us immediately of changes in family member status, including your marriage, divorce, annulment, or when your child reaches 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 member coverage

Family members covered under your Self and Family enrollment are your spouse (including your spouse by valid common-law marriage if you reside in 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 in the chart 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.

  • Children’s Equity Act

OPM has implemented the Federal Employees Health Benefits Children’s Equity Act of 2000. This law mandates that you be enrolled for Self Plus One or Self and Family coverage in the FEHB Program, if you are an employee subject to a court or administrative order requiring you to provide health benefits for your child(ren).

If this law applies to you, you must enroll in Self Plus One or Self and Family coverage in a health plan that provides full benefits in the area where your children live or provide documentation to your employing office that you have obtained other health benefits coverage for your children. If you do not do so, your employing office will enroll you involuntarily as follows:

  • If you have no FEHB coverage, your employing office will enroll you for Self Plus One or Self and Family coverage, as appropriate, in the lowest-cost nationwide plan option as determined by OPM.
  • If you have a Self Only enrollment in a fee-for-service plan or in an HMO that serves the area where your children live, your employing office will change your enrollment to Self Plus One or Self and Family, as appropriate, in the same option of the same plan; or
  • If you are enrolled in an HMO that does not serve the area where the children live, your employing office will change your enrollment to a Self Plus One or Self and Family, as appropriate, in the lowest-cost nationwide plan option as determined by OPM.

As long as the court/administrative order is in effect, and you have at least one child identified in the order who is still eligible under the FEHB Program, you cannot cancel your enrollment, change to Self Only, or change to a plan that does not serve the area in which your children live, unless you provide documentation that you have other coverage for the children.

If the court/administrative order is still in effect when you retire, and you have at least one child still eligible for FEHB coverage, you must continue your FEHB coverage into retirement (if eligible) and cannot cancel your coverage, change to Self Only, or change to a plan that does not serve the area in which your children live as long as the court/administrative order is in effect. Similarly, you cannot change to Self Plus One if the court/administrative order identifies more than one child. Contact your employing office for further information.

  • When benefits and premiums start

The benefits in this brochure are effective January 1. If you joined this Plan during Open Season, your coverage begins on the first day of your first pay period that starts on or after January 1. If you changed plans or plan options during Open Season and you receive care between January 1 and the effective date of coverage under your new plan or option, your claims processed according to the 2021 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 2020 benefits until the effective date of your coverage with your new plan. Annuitants’ coverage and premiums begin on January 1. If you joined at any other time during the year, your employing office will tell you the effective date of coverage.

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

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



When you lose benefits



TermDefinition
  • When FEHB coverage ends

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

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

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 31st 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 60th day after the end of the 31-day temporary extension.

You may be eligible for spouse equity coverage or Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC).

  • Upon divorce

If you are divorced from a Federal employee or annuitant, you may not continue to get benefits under your former spouse’s enrollment. This is the case even when the court has ordered your former spouse to provide health coverage 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, www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/plan-information/. 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.

  • Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC)

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). The Affordable Care Act (ACA) did not eliminate TCC or change the TCC rules. 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, if you are a covered dependent child and you turn 26, etc.

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 new kind of 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.

Converting to individual coverage 

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

Your benefits and rates will differ from those under the FEHB Program; however, you will not have to answer questions about your health,  a waiting period will not be imposed, and your coverage will not be limited due to pre-existing conditions. When you contact us, we will assist you in obtaining information about health benefits coverage inside or outside the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace in your state. For assistance in finding coverage, please contact us at 800-662-6667 or visit our website at www.bcbsm.com.

  • Health Insurance Marketplace

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.




Section 1. How This Plan Works

This Plan is a health maintenance organization (HMO). OPM requires that FEHB plans be accredited to validate that plan operations and/or care management meet nationally recognized standards. Blue Care Network of Michigan holds the following accreditations:National Commitee for Quality Assurance(NCQA). To learn more about this plan’s accreditation(s), please visit the following websites: www.ncqa.org. We require you to see specific physicians, hospitals and other providers that contract with us. Our Plan providers coordinate your health care services, and we are solely responsible for the selection of these providers in your area. Contact us for a copy of our most recent provider directory by calling 800-662-6667 or by visiting our website www.bcbsm.com/find-a-doctor.

HMOs emphasize preventive care such as routine office visits, physical exams, well-baby care and immunizations, in addition to treatment for illness and injury. Our providers follow generally accepted medical practice when prescribing any course of treatment.

When you receive services from Plan providers, you will not have to submit claim forms or pay bills. You pay only the coinsurance and copayments as applicable and described in this brochure. When you receive emergency services from non-Plan providers, you may have to submit claim forms.

General features of our High Option

Under the High Option, there is no calendar year deductible. Your required cost-share for most benefits are copayments; however, a few do require coinsurance. The plan also has an out-of-pocket maximum of $6,350 Self, $12,700 for Self Plus One and $12,700 Self and Family. Medical and prescription copayments and coinsurance count toward this annual out-of-pocket maximum.

Preventive care services are covered with no cost-sharing and are not subject to copayments when received from a network provider. 

How we pay providers
We contract with individual physicians, medical groups, and hospitals to provide the benefits in this brochure. These Plan providers accept a negotiated payment from us, and you will only be responsible for your cost-sharing (copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and non-covered services and supplies).

More than 20,000 participating physicians (primary care physicians and specialists) provide health care services to Blue Care Network of Michigan enrollees. These doctors are located in private offices and medical centers throughout the service area. We also contract with all acute care hospitals in Michigan.

Your rights and responsiblities 
OPM requires that all FEHB plans provide certain information to their FEHB members about us, our networks and our providers. OPM’s FEHB website (www.opm.gov/insure) lists the specific types of information that we must make available to you. Some of the required information is listed below.

Blue Care Network of Michigan believes that members are an essential part of the health care team and have responsibility for their own health.

All members have the right to:

  • Receive information about their health care in a manner that is understandable to them
  • Receive medically necessary care as outlined in this brochure
  • Receive considerate and courteous care with respect for privacy and human dignity
  • Candidly discuss appropriate medically necessary treatment options for their conditions, regardless of cost of benefit coverage
  • Participate with practitioners in decision making regarding their health care
  • Expect confidentiality regarding their care
  • Refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and be informed of the consequences of those actions
  • Voice concerns about their health care by submitting a formal written complaint or grievance through the Blue Care Network of Michigan Member Grievance program
  • Receive written information about Blue Care Network of Michigan, its services, practitioners and providers and member rights and responsibilities in a clear and understandable manner
  • Know Blue Care Network of Michigan’s financial relationships with its health care facilities or primary care physician groups

Blue Care Network of Michigan members also have responsibilities as outlined in this brochure. All members have the responsibility to:

  • Read this brochure and all other materials for members and call Customer Service with any questions
  • Coordinate all nonemergency care through their primary care physician
  • Use the Blue Care Network of Michigan provider network unless otherwise approved by Blue Care Network of Michigan and the primary care physician
  • Comply with the treatment plans and instructions for care as prescribed by their practitioners. Members, who choose not to comply, must advise their physician
  • Provide, to the extent possible, information that BCN and its physicians and providers need in order to provide care
  • Make and keep appointments for nonemergency medical care, calling the doctor’s office to promptly cancel appointments when necessary
  • Participate in medical decisions about their health
  • Be considerate and courteous to providers, their staff and other patients
  • Notify Blue Care Network of Michigan of address changes and additions or deletions of dependents covered by their contract
  • Protect their identification card against misuse and contact Customer Service immediately if a card is lost or stolen
  • Report all other insurance programs that cover their health and their family’s health

Blue Care Network of Michigan is a nonprofit HMO, an affiliate of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. It was formed in February 1998 when four affiliated Blue Care Network of Michigan organizations (Blue Care Network of East Michigan, Blue Care Network-Great Lakes, Blue Care Network Mid-Michigan and Blue Care Network of Southeast Michigan) merged into a single, new company.

If you want more information about us, call 800-662-6667, write to Blue Care Network of Michigan, P.O. Box 5043, Southfield, MI 48086-5043 or visit our website at www.bcbsm.com.

By law, you have the right to access your protected health information (PHI).  For more information regarding access to PHI, visit our website at www.bcbsm.com to obtain our Notice of Privacy Practices.  You can also contact us to request that we mail you a copy of that Notice.

Your medical and claims records are confidential

We will keep your medical and claims records confidential. Please note that we may disclose your medical and claims information (including your prescription drug utilization) to any of your treating physicians or dispensing pharmacies.

Service area
To enroll in this Plan, you must live in or work in our service area. This is where our providers practice. Our service area is:

East Michigan — Code K5
Serving Arenac, Bay, Genesee, Gratiot, Isabella, Lapeer, Midland, Saginaw, Shiawassee (excluding the towns of Perry, Shaftsburg and Morrice) and Tuscola counties.

Southeast Michigan — Code LX
Serving Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

If you or a family member move, you do not have to wait until open enrollment season to change plans. Contact your employer or retirement office.

Out-of-Area Care
Blue Care Network of Michigan is affiliated with BlueCard®, a national network of Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. Members can obtain follow up and urgent care when traveling outside of Michigan by contacting BlueCard at 800-810-BLUE or  www.bcbsm.com. Members living away from home for part of the year — students at college, for instance — can also use BlueCard for routine care, provided they call their primary care physician before travel to arrange for coordinated care and required authorizations.




Section 2. Changes for 2021

Do not rely on these change descriptions; this section is not an official statement of benefits. For that, go to Section 5, Benefits. Also, we edited and clarified language throughout the brochure; any language change not shown here is a clarification that does not change benefits.

Changes to High Option Plan

  • East Region(K5): Your share of the non-Postal premium will increase for Self Only and Self Plus One. See Page (Applies to printed brochure only).
  • Southeast Region (LX): Your share of the non-Postal premium will decrease for Self Only, Self Plus One and Self and Family. See Page (Applies to printed brochure only). 



Section 3. How You Get Care

TermDefinition

Identification cards

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

If you do not receive your ID card within 30 days after the effective date of your enrollment or if you need replacement cards, call us at 800-662-6667 or write to us at Blue Care Network of Michigan, P.O. Box 5043, Southfield, MI 48086-5043. You may also request replacement cards through our website at www.bcbsm.com.

Where you get covered careYou get care from “Plan providers” and “Plan facilities.” You will only pay copayments and/or coinsurance.
  • Plan providers

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

We list Plan providers in our provider directory, which we update periodically. You can also find Plan providers in your area on our website at www.bcbsm.com/find-a-doctor.

Plan facilitiesPlan 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 our provider directory, which we update periodically. You can also find Plan facilities in your area on our website at www.bcbsm.com/find-a-doctor.
What you must do to get covered care

It depends on the type of care you need. First, you and each family member must choose a primary care physician. This decision is important since your primary care physician provides or arranges for most of your health care. You can select any primary care physician who is accepting new patients from our provider directory for your region.

Primary care

Your primary care physician can be a family or general practitioner, an internist or, for your children, a pediatrician. Your primary care physician will provide most of your health care or give you a referral to see a specialist.

If you want to change primary care physicians or if your primary care physician leaves the Plan, call us. We will help you select a new one. You may also change primary care physicians through our website at www.bcbsm.com/find-a-doctor.

Specialty care

Your primary care physician will refer you to a specialist for needed care. When you receive a referral from your primary care physician, you must return to the primary care physician after the consultation, unless your primary care physician authorizes a certain number of visits without additional referrals. The primary care physician must provide or authorize all follow-up care. Do not go to the specialist for return visits unless your primary care physician gives you a referral. However, female members may self refer to a gynecologist or obstetrician-gynecologist for their annual well-woman exams and routine services.

Here are some other things you should know about specialty care:

  • If you need to see a specialist frequently because of a chronic, complex, or serious medical condition, your primary care physician will develop a treatment plan that allows you to see your specialist for a certain number of visits without additional referrals.

Your primary care physician will 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 physician. 

If he or she decides to refer you to a specialist, ask if you can see your current specialist. If your current specialist does not participate with us, you must receive treatment from a specialist who does. Generally, we will not pay for you to see a specialist who does not participate with our Plan.

  • If you are seeing a specialist and your specialist leaves the Plan, call your primary care physician, who will arrange for you to see another specialist. You may receive services from your current specialist until we can make arrangements for you to see someone else.
  • If you have a chronic and disabling condition and lose access to your specialist because we:
      • terminate our contract with your specialist for other than cause;
      • drop out of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program and you enroll in another FEHB program plan; or
      • reduce our service area and you enroll in another FEHB plan;

you may be able to continue seeing your specialist for up to 90 days after you receive notice of the change. Contact us, or if we drop out of the Program, contact your new plan.

If you are in the second or third trimester of pregnancy and you lose access to your specialist based on the above circumstances, you can continue to see your specialist until the end of your postpartum care, even if it is beyond the 90 days.

Hospital care

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

  • If you are hospitalized when your enrollment begins

We pay for covered services from the effective date of your enrollment. However, if you are in the hospital when your enrollment in our Plan begins, call our Customer Service department immediately at 800-662-6667. If you are new to the FEHB Program, we will arrange for you to receive care and provide benefits for your covered services while you are in the hospital beginning on the effective date of your coverage.

If you changed from another FEHB plan to us, your former plan will pay for the hospital stay until:

  • you are discharged, not merely moved to an alternative care center; or
  • the day your benefits from your former plan run out; or
  • the 92nd day after you become a member of this Plan, whichever happens first.

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

You need prior Plan approval for certain services

Since your primary care physician arranges most referrals to specialists and inpatient hospitalization, the pre-service claim approval process only applies to care shown under Other services.

Your primary care doctor must get prior approval from Blue Care Network of Michigan for certain services. Failure to do so may result in no coverage of services. 

Inpatient hospital admissionPrecertification is the process by which — prior to your inpatient hospital admission — we evaluate the medical necessity of your proposed stay and the number of days required to treat your condition. 
Other services

Your primary care physician has authority to refer you for most services. For certain services, however, your physician must obtain prior approval from us. Before giving approval, we consider if the service is covered, medically necessary, and follows generally accepted medical practice. Services that require prior authorization include, but are not limited to:  

  • Reconstructive surgery
  • Transplants
  • Certain infertility treatments
  • Nursing home care
  • Physical/occupational/speech therapy
  • Cardiac/pulmonary rehabilitation
  • Surgical treatment of morbid obesity
  • Growth hormone therapy
  • Genetic testing and treatment
  • Inpatient admissions
  • Diagnosis, evaluation and treatment for autism spectrum disorders
  • Chiropractic care
  • Dental services
  • Durable medical equipment
  • Orthotics and prosthetics
  • Orthognathic surgery
  • Pain management
  • High tech radiology procedures
  • TMJ treatment
  • Nonemergency ambulance
How to request precertification for an admission or get prior authorization for Other services

First, your physician, your hospital, you, or your representative, must call us at 800-392-2512 before admission or services requiring prior authorization are rendered.

Next, provide the following information:

  • enrollee’s name and Plan identification number;
  • patient’s name, birth date, identification number and phone number;
  • reason for hospitalization, proposed treatment, or surgery;
  • name and phone number of admitting physician;
  • name of hospital or facility; and
  • number of days requested for hospital stay.
  • Non-urgent care claims

For non-urgent care claims, we will  tell the physician and/or hospital the number of approved inpatient days, or the care that we approve for other services that must have prior 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.

  • Urgent care claims

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

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

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

You may request that your urgent care claim on appeal be reviewed simultaneously by us and OPM. Please let us know that you would like a simultaneous review of your urgent care claim by OPM either in writing at the time you appeal our initial decision, or by calling us at 800-662-6667. You may also call OPM’s Health Insurance 3 at 202- 606-0737 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time to ask for the simultaneous review.  We will cooperate with OPM so they can quickly review your claim on appeal. In addition, if you did not indicate that your claim was a claim for urgent care, call us at 800-662-6667. 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).

  • Concurrent care claims

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.

 

The Federal Flexible Spending Account Program-FSAFEDS

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

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. 

  • Maternity care
Prior authorization is not required for maternity services.
  • If your treatment needs to be extended

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.

What happens when you do not follow the precertification rules when using non-network facilities

Your primary care physician provides your care or manages it through a referral process. Only your primary care physician can refer you to specialist care. If your primary care physician doesn't refer you, you are responsible for the charges.

Circumstances beyond our controlUnder certain extraordinary circumstances, such as natural disasters, we may have to delay your services or we may be unable to provide them. In that case, we will make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the necessary care.
If you disagree with our pre-service claim decision

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 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.

To reconsider a non-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. 

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 health care provider to give you the care or grant your request for prior approval for a service, drug, or supply; or
  2. Ask 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.

To reconsider an urgent care claim

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.

To file an appeal with OPMAfter we reconsider your pre-service claim, if you do not agree with our decision, you may ask OPM to review it by following Step 3 of the disputed claims process detailed in Section 8 of this brochure.



Section 4. Your Costs for Covered Services

This is what you will pay out of pocket for covered care:



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

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

Example: In the High Option Plan, when you see your primary care physician you pay a copayment of $15 per office visit and when you go to the hospital emergency room you pay $100 per visit for emergency care.

DeductibleA deductible is a fixed expense you must incur for certain covered services and supplies before we start paying benefits for them. This plan does not have a deductible.
Coinsurance

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

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

Differences between our Plan allowance and the bill

Your catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximum

After your out-of-pocket expenses, including any applicable deductibles, copayments and coinsurance total $6,350 for Self Only, or $12,700 for a Self Plus One or Self and Family enrollment in any calendar year, you do not have to pay any more for covered services. The maximum annual limitation on cost sharing listed under Self Only of $6,350 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 $6,350 Self Only maximum out-of-pocket limit and a $12,700 Self Plus One or Self and Family maximum out-of-pocket limit.   If you or one of your eligible family members has out-of-pocket qualified medical expenses of $6,350 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 $12,700, a second family member, or an aggregate of other eligible family members, will continue to accrue out-of-pocket qualified medical expenses up to a maximum of $6,350 for the calendar year before their qualified medical expenses will begin to be covered in full. 

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 
  • Premiums paid 
  • Balance bills charged 
  • Health Care Services not covered by Blue Care Network of Michigan. This includes services that exceed benefit limits such as day and limit visits 
  • Expenses from utilizing out-of-network providers 

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.

Carryover

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.

 

When government facilities bill usFacilities 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.



Section 5. High Option Table of Contents (High Option)

See Page (Applies to printed brochure only) for how our benefits changed this year. See Page (Applies to printed brochure only) for a benefit summary.




(Page numbers solely appear in the printed brochure)

Table of Content



Section 5. High Option Benefits Overview (High Option)

Section 5 for the High Option Benefit is divided into subsections. Please read Important things you should keep in mind at the beginning of the subsections. Also read the general exclusions in Section 6; they apply to the benefits in the following subsections. To obtain claim forms, claims filing advice or more information about benefits, call us at 800-662-6667  (TTY: 711) or visit our website at www.bcbsm.com.



TermDefinition
High Option
  • No deductible
  • Out-of-pocket maximum
    There is an out-of-pocket maximum of $6,350 for Self Only, $12,700 for Self Plus One or $12,700 per Self and Family. Medical and prescription copayments and coinsurance count toward this annual out-of-pocket maximum.
  • Coinsurance
    50% of the BCN approved amount for durable medical equipment; prosthetics/orthotics; infertility; orthognathic surgery; reduction mammoplasty and male mastectomy
  • Office visits
    You pay $15 for visits to your primary care physician
    You pay $25 for visits to a specialist
  • Adult and child preventive care (physicals and screenings)
    Covered in full
  • Maternity care
    Covered in full
  • Emergency care
    $100 copayment
  • Ambulance
    Covered in full
  • Prescription drugs 
    30-day retail and mail order: $10 for Tier 1 (mostly generic drugs); $30 for Tier 2 (preferred brand-name drugs); $60 for Tier 3 (nonpreferred brand-name drugs). 
  • 90-day retail and mail order: $20 for Tier 1 drugs; $60 for Tier 2 drugs; $120 for Tier 3 drugs. Specialty drugs are limited to a 30-day supply.
  • 30-day retail and mail order speciality drugs: 20% coinsurance up to a maximum of $100 for Tier 4 specialty preferred; 20% coinsurance up to a maximum of $200 for Tier 5 specialty nonpreferred. Certain select speciality drugs are limited to a 15-day supply for the first prescription, reducing your copayment by half. 

Note: If you get a brand-name drug when a generic equivalent is on the BCN Custom Drug List, you have to pay the difference in cost between the brand-name drug and the generic in addition to your copayment for the Tier 2 or Tier 4 drug — unless your provider receives prior approval to designate the brand-name drug.

  • Hearing services
    No charge for conventional binaural hearing aids every 36 months, regardless of age
  • Chiropractic care
    You pay $25 per office visit. Requires plan approval and a referral from your primary care physician.



Section 5(a). Medical Services and Supplies Provided by Physicians and Other Health Care Professionals (High Option)

Important things you should keep in mind about these benefits:

  • There is an out-of-pocket maximum of $6,350 Self/$12,700 Self and Family. Medical and prescription copayments and coinsurance count toward this annual out-of-pocket maximum.
  • Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.
  • Plan physicians must provide or arrange your care.
  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services, for valuable information about how cost-sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare.



Benefit Description : Diagnostic and treatment servicesHigh Option (You pay)
Professional services of physicians (except preventive care)
  • In physician's office 
  • Office medical consultations
  • In a skilled nursing facility
  • At home
$15 per primary care physician visit

$25 per specialist visit
  • Second surgical opinion
$25 per visit
  • In an urgent care center

$15 per visit or 50% of the approved amount, whichever is less

  • During a hospital stay
Nothing
  • Online care 

$15 per visit 

Not covered:

  • Reversal of voluntary surgical sterilization

All charges

Benefit Description : Telehealth services High Option (You pay)

Online visits 

$15 per visit 

Benefit Description : Lab, X-ray and other diagnostic testsHigh Option (You pay)

Tests, such as:

  • Blood tests
  • Urinalysis
  • Nonroutine pap tests
  • Pathology
  • X-rays
  • Nonroutine mammograms
  • Ultrasound
  • CAT Scans/MRI
  • Electrocardiogram and EEG

Nothing if received during your office visit; otherwise the following office visits may apply:

$15 per primary care physician visit 

$25 per specialist visit 

Benefit Description : Preventive care, adultHigh Option (You pay)

Routine 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/DTaP, 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
  • Individual counseling on prevention and reducing health risks
  • Well woman care 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 Well Women preventive care services please visit the Health and Human Services (HHS) website at https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-women/
Nothing

Routine mammogram — covered for women. 

Nothing

Adult immunizations as endorsed by the Centers 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 copayments, coinsurance, and deductible.

Nothing

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-relatated exposure. 
All charges
Benefit Description : Preventive care, childrenHigh Option (You pay)
  • 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, 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

    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. 

Nothing 

Benefit Description : Maternity careHigh Option (You pay)

Complete maternity (obstetrical) care, to include:

  • Prenatal care
  • Screening for gestational diabetes for pregnant women. 
  • Postnatal care

Nothing for routine prenatal care visits. 

Office visit cost sharing applies to postpartum care and non-routine prenatal visits 

  • Delivery
  • Breastfeeding support, supplies and counseling for each birth
    (see Durable medical equipment)

Notes: Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • You do not need to precertify your vaginal delivery.
  • 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 nonroutine treatment only if we cover the infant under a Self Plus One or Self and Family enrollment. Surgical benefits, not maternity benefits, apply to circumcision.
  • We pay hospitalization and surgeon services for nonmaternity care the same as for illness and injury.
  • Hospital services are covered under Section 5(c) and Surgical benefits Section 5(b). 

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

Nothing
Benefit Description : Family planning High Option (You pay)
Contraceptive counseling on an annual basisNothing

A range of voluntary family planning services, limited to:

  • Surgically implanted contraceptives
  • Injectable contraceptive drugs (such as Depo Provera)
  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
  • Diaphragms
  • Voluntary sterilization (tubal ligation, vasectomy)

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

Nothing

Not covered:

  • Reversal of voluntary surgical sterilization

All charges

Benefit Description : Infertility ServicesHigh Option (You pay)
Diagnosis, counseling and treatment of infertility such as:
  • Artificial insemination:
    • Intravaginal insemination (IVI)
    • Intracervical insemination (ICI)
    • Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
  • Fertility drugs

Note: We cover injectable and oral fertility drugs under the medical benefit. See Section 3. You need prior Plan approval for certain services.

50% coinsurance

Not covered:

  • Assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, such as:
    • In vitro fertilization (IVF)
    • Embryo transfer, gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT) and zygote intra-fallopian transfer (ZIFT)
    • Zygote transfer
  • Services and supplies related to ART procedures
  • Cost of donor sperm
  • Cost of donor egg

All charges

Benefit Description : Allergy careHigh Option (You pay)
  • Testing and treatment
  • Allergy injections
$15 per primary care physician visit
$25 per specialist visit
Allergy serumNothing

Not covered:

  • Provocative food testing
  • Sublingual allergy desensitization
All charges
Benefit Description : Treatment therapiesHigh Option (You pay)
  • Chemotherapy and radiation therapy

Note: High-dose chemotherapy in association with autologous bone marrow transplants is limited to those transplants listed under Organ/Tissue
Transplants on Page (Applies to printed brochure only).

  • Respiratory and inhalation therapy
  • Cardiac rehabilitation following a qualifying event/condition is provided for up to 60 consecutive days
  • Dialysis — hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
  • Intravenous (IV) /infusion therapy — home IV and antibiotic therapy
  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) - Children with autism spectrum disorder

Note: For applied behavior analysis, limitations and exclusions apply. Please contact BCN for additional information.

  • Growth hormone therapy (GHT)

Note: Growth hormone is covered under the prescription drug benefit and subject to the prescription copayment. We only cover GHT when we preauthorize the treatment.  We will ask you to submit information that establishes that the GHT is medically necessary. Ask us to authorize GHT before you begin treatment. We will only cover GHT services and related services and supplies that we determine are medically necessary. See Other services under You need prior Plan approval for certain services on Page 19.

$15 per primary care physicain visit
$25 per specialist visit

Nothing in outpatient facility setting

Benefit Description : Physical and occupational therapiesHigh Option (You pay)
  • 60 visits combined per medical diagnosis for physical therapy, medical rehabilitation and occupational therapy

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.

$25 per visit or 50% of the approved amount, whichever is less 

Not covered:

  • Long-term rehabilitative therapy
  • Exercise programs
  • Phases three and four of cardiac rehab
All charges
Benefit Description : Speech therapy High Option (You pay)
60 visits per medical diagnosis$25 per office visit
Benefit Description : Hearing services (testing, treatment, and supplies)High Option (You pay)
  • For treatment related to illness or injury, including evaluation and
    diagnostic hearing tests performed by an M.D., D.O., or audiologist
Note: For routine hearing screening performed during a child’s preventive
care visit, see Section 5(a) Preventive care, children.
$15 per primary care physician visit
$25 per specialist visit
  • External hearing aids
    • Conventional hearing aids up to $3,000 for monaural and $6,000 for binaural hearing aids every 36 months regardless of age. 
  • Implanted hearing-related devices, such as bone anchored hearing aids (BAHA) and cochlear implants

Note: We cover standard (conventional) hearing aids only. The approved amount for a conventional aid may be applied toward the price of a nonconventional aid at the member's option. You are responsible for any costs over the approved amount.  For implanted devices benefits, see Section 5(b) Surgical and anesthesia services.

$15 per primary care physician visit

$25 per specialist visit

Benefit Description : Vision services (testing, treatment, and supplies)High Option (You pay)
  • Annual eye examination from Plan optometrists or ophthalmologists to determine the need for lenses to correct or improve eyesight. 

Note: Your vision benefits are administered by Vision Service Plan. Please contact Vision Service Plan at 800-877-7195 with questions about your vision benefits.


$5 per vision exam 

Non-Plan providers of vision services are paid at 75% of reasonable charges

  • One pair of colorless plastic or glass lenses every 12 months when prescribed or dispensed by a physician or optician. The lenses may be single, bifocal, trifocal or lenticular.
  • Elective contacts may be chosen instead of spectacle lenses and a frame. There is no copay for elective contacts, but you are responsible for any charges in excess of our allowance.
  • We pay for one pair of medically necessary contact lenses every 12 months, in lieu of lenses and frames.
$7.50 copay
One pair of frames every 24 monthsAll charges above $130.00
We pay for nonmedically necessary but prescribed contact lenses. We do not pay for cosmetic contact lenses that do not improve vision. Contact lenses are considered necessary if:
  • They are the only way to correct vision to 20/70 in the better eye; or
  • They are the only effective treatment to correct keratoconus, irregular astigmatism or irregular corneal curvature.
All charges above $130.00

Not covered:

  • Eye exercises
  • Photo-sensitive lenses
  • Nonmedically necessary tinted lenses
  • Safety glasses
  • Repair or replacement of lost or broken lenses or frames
All charges
Benefit Description : Foot careHigh Option (You pay)
  • Routine foot care when you are under active treatment for a metabolic or peripheral vascular disease, such as diabetes.

$15 per primary care physician visit

$25 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
Benefit Description : Orthopedic and prosthetic devices High Option (You pay)
  • Artificial limbs and eyes
  • Prosthetic sleeve or sock
  • Externally worn breast prostheses and surgical bras, including necessary replacements, following a mastectomy
  • Corrective orthopedic appliances for nondental treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain dysfunction syndrome. 

Note: We cover basic items. Prior authorization is necessary for items with special features. See Section 3. You need plan approval for certain services.

50% of charges
  • Internal prosthetic devices, such as artificial joints, pacemakers, cochlear implants and surgically implanted breast implant following mastectomy

Note: For information on the professional and facility charges for implanted devices, see Sections 5(b) and 5(c). The implanted device is part of the
surgical benefit and not subject to additional cost sharing. 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.

Nothing

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
  • Repair or replacement due to loss or damage
All charges
Benefit Description : Durable medical equipment (DME)High Option (You pay)

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

  • Oxygen
  • Dialysis equipment
  • Hospital beds
  • Wheelchairs
  • Motorized wheelchairs if medical criteria are met
  • Crutches
  • Walkers
  • Audible prescription reading devices
  • Speech generating devices
  • Blood glucose monitors and testing supplies
  • Insulin pumps
  • Oxygen therapy
  • Nebulizers and supplies 
Note: Call our DME provider, Northwood, at 800-667-8496 as soon as your Plan physician prescribes this equipment. Northwood specialists will arrange with a health care provider to rent or sell you durable medical equipment at discounted rates. Call J&B Medical Supply Company at 888-896-6233 for diabetic materials, including insulin pumps, blood glucose meters, test strips and lancets.
50% of charges
Breast pump (electric nonhospital), one every 24 monthsNothing
Not covered:  Deluxe equipment and items for comfort and convenienceAll charges
Benefit Description : Home health servicesHigh Option (You pay)
  • Home health care ordered by a Plan physician and provided by a registered nurse (R.N.), licensed practical nurse (L.P.N.), licensed vocational nurse (L.V.N.) or home health aide.
  • Services include oxygen therapy, intravenous therapy and medications.

$25 per visit or 50% of the approved amount, whichever is less 

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.
  • Custodial care in settings such as your home, a nursing home, residential institution or any other setting that is not required to support medical and skilled nursing care.
All charges
Benefit Description : End of life careHigh Option (You pay)

No benefits 

All charges 

Benefit Description : Chiropractic High Option (You pay)
  • Chiropractic manipulation of the spine will be limited to 30 visits. 

See Section 3. You need plan approval for certain services.

$25 per office visit
  • Chiropractic X-rays of the spine when taken by a chiropractor in the office

See Section 3. You need plan approval for certain services.

Nothing

Not covered: All other chiropractic servicesAll charges
Benefit Description : Alternative treatmentsHigh Option (You pay)
No benefitsAll charges
Benefit Description : Educational classes and programsHigh Option (You pay)

Tobacco cessation programs, including:

  • Individual/group counseling
  • 8 phone counseling sessions with trained counselors
  • 2 quit attempts per year
  • Approved nicotine replacement medications and supplies (see Prescription drug benefits)

Note: We encourage you to look at our Blue Cross Health & Wellness suite of programs comprising health education, chronic condition and case management services that help you stay healthy, get better or improve your quality of life while living with an illness. 

 Nothing



Section 5(b). Surgical and Anesthesia Services Provided by Physicians and Other Health Care Professionals (High Option)

Important things you should keep in mind about these benefits:

  • There is an out-of-pocket maximum of $6,350 Self/$12,700 Self and Family. Medical and prescription copayments and coinsurance count toward this annual out-of-pocket maximum.
  • Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.
  • Plan physicians must provide or arrange your care.
  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services, for valuable information about how cost-sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare.
  • The services listed below are for the charges billed by a physician or other health care professional for your surgical care. See Section 5(c) for charges associated with the facility (i.e., hospital, surgical center, etc.).
  • YOUR PHYSICIAN MUST GET PREAPPROVAL FOR SOME SURGICAL PROCEDURES. Please refer to the information shown in Section 3 to be sure which services require preapproval and identify which surgeries require preapproval.



Benefit Description : Surgical proceduresHigh Option (You pay)

A comprehensive range of services, such as:

  • Operative procedures
  • Treatment of fractures, including casting
  • Normal pre- and post-operative care by the surgeon
  • Correction of amblyopia and strabismus
  • Endoscopy procedures
  • Biopsy procedures 
  • Removal of tumors and cysts
  • Correction of congenital anomalies (see Reconstructive surgery)
  • Voluntary sterilization (e.g., tubal ligation, vasectomy)
  • Treatment of burns
  • Surgical treatment of morbid obesity  (bariatric surgery)
    The criteria we consider are:
    - BMI
    - Age
    - Previous professional supervised weight loss programs
    - Patient's understanding of risks 
    - Presurgical psychological evaluation 

For more information, call 800-662-6667.

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

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.  See Hospital Benefits (Section 5c) and Surgery Benefits (Section 5b). 

Nothing 

Not covered: 

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

All charges

Benefit Description : Reconstructive surgery High Option (You pay)
  • Surgery to correct a functional defect
  • Surgery to correct a condition caused by injury or illness if:
    • The condition produced a major effect on the member’s appearance and
    • The condition can reasonably be expected to be corrected by such surgery
  • Surgery to correct a condition that existed at or from birth and is a significant deviation from the common form or norm. Examples of congenital anomalies are: protruding ear deformities, cleft lip, cleft palate, birth marks, webbed fingers and webbed toes.
  • Breast reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy for treatment of cancer, such as:
    • Surgery to produce a symmetrical appearance of breasts;
    • Treatment of any physical complications, such as lymphedemas;
    • Breast prostheses and surgical bras and replacements (see Prosthetic devices)
  • Surgical treatment for gender reassignment is limited to the following:
    •  For female to male surgery: mastectomy, hysterectomy, vaginectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy
    •  For male to female surgery: penectomy, orchiectomy  

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. See Hospital Benefits (Section 5c) and Surgery Benefits (Section 5b).

Nothing

Not covered:

  • Gender reassignment surgical procedures other than those listed above 
  • Cosmetic surgery – any surgical procedure (or any portion of a procedure) performed primarily to improve physical appearance through change in bodily form except repair of accidental injury


All charges
Benefit Description : Oral and maxillofacial surgery High Option (You pay)

Oral surgical procedures, limited to:

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

Note: If performed in a hospital setting, see Hospital Benefits (Section 5c) and Surgery Benefits (Section 5b).

Nothing
Benefit Description : Organ/tissue transplantsHigh Option (You pay)

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

  • Autologous pancreas islet cell transplant (as an adjunct to total or near total pancreatectomy) only for patients with chronic pancreatitis
  • Cornea
  • Heart
  • Heart/lung
  • Intestinal transplants
    • Isolated small intestine
    • Small intestine with the liver
    • Small intestine with multiple organs, such as the liver, stomach, and pancreas
  • Kidney
  • Liver
  • Lung: single/bilateral/lobar
  • Pancreas
  • Kidney-pancreas
Nothing

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

  • Autologous tandem transplants for
    • AL Amyloidosis
    • Multiple myeloma (de novo and treated)
    • Recurrent germ cell tumors (including testicular cancer)
Nothing

Blood or marrow stem cell transplants Blue Care Network of Michigan extends coverage for the diagnoses as indicated below. 

  • Allogeneic transplants for
    • Acute lymphocytic or non-lymphocytic (i.e., myelogenous) leukemia
    • Acute myeloid leukemia
    • Advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
    • Advanced Myeloproliferative Disorders (MPDs)
    • Advanced neuroblastoma
    • Advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
    • Amyloidosis
    • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL)
    • Hemoglobinopathy
    • Infantile malignant osteopetrosis
    • Kostmann’s syndrome
    • Leukocyte adhesion deficiencies
    • Marrow failure and related disorders (i.e., Fanconi’s, Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria, Pure Red Cell Aplasia)
    • Mucolipidosis (e.g., Gaucher’s disease, metachromatic leukodystrophy, adrenoleukodystrophy)
    • Mucopolysaccharidosis (e.g., Hunter’s syndrome, Hurler’s syndrome, Sanfillippo’s syndrome, Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome variants)
    • Myelodysplasia/myelodysplastic syndromes
    • Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
    • Phagocytic/hemophagocytic deficiency diseases (e.g., Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
    • Severe combined immunodeficiency
    • Severe or very severe aplastic anemia
    • Sickle cell anemia
    • X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome
  • Autologous transplants for
    • Acute lymphocytic or nonlymphocytic (i.e., myelogenous) leukemia
    • 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
    • Multiple myeloma
    • Medulloblastoma
    • Pineoblastoma
    • Neuroblastoma
    • Testicular, Mediastinal, Retroperitoneal, and Ovarian germ cell tumors
Nothing

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
    • Advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
    • Advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma with recurrence (relapsed)
    • Acute myeloid leukemia
    • Advanced myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs)
    • 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
Nothing
Tandem transplants for covered transplants; subject to medical necessityNothing

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 and if approved by the Plan’s medical director in accordance with the Plan’s protocols. 

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

  • Allogeneic transplants for
    • Advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma
    • Advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
    • Beta thalassemia major
    • Chronic inflammatory demyelination polyneuropathy (CIDP)
    • Early stage (indolent or nonadvanced) 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
    • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
    • Chronic myelogenous leukemia
    • Colon cancer
    • Chronic lymphocytic lymphoma/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL)
    • Early stage (indolent or non-advanced) small cell lymphocytic lymphoma
    • Multiple myeloma
    • Multiple sclerosis
    • Myeloproliferative disorders (MSDs)
    • Myelodysplasia/Myelodysplastic Syndromes
    • 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
    • Childhood  rhabdomyosarcoma
    • Chronic myelogenous leukemia
    • Chronic lymphocytic lymphoma/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL)
    • Early stage (indolent or nonadvanced) small cell lymphocytic lymphoma
    • Mantle Cell (Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma)
    • Multiple sclerosis
    • Small cell lung cancer
    • Systemic lupus erythematosus
    • Systemic sclerosis
Nothing

National Transplant Program (NTP)

Note: We cover related medical and hospital expenses of the donor when we cover the recipient. We cover donor testing for the actual solid organ donor or up to four bone marrow/stem cell transplant donors in addition to the testing of family members.

Nothing

Not covered:

  • Donor screening tests and donor search expenses, except those shown above
  • Implants of artificial organs
  • Transplants not listed as covered
All charges
Benefit Description : AnesthesiaHigh Option (You pay)

Professional services provided in –

  • Hospital (inpatient)
  • Hospital outpatient department
  • Freestanding ambulatory surgical center
  • Skilled nursing facility
  • Office
Nothing



Section 5(c). Services Provided by a Hospital or Other Facility, and Ambulance Services (High Option)

Important things you should keep in mind about these benefits:

  • There is an out-of-pocket maximum of $6,350 Self/$12,700 Self and Family. Medical and prescription copayments and coinsurance count toward this annual out-of-pocket maximum.
  • Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.
  • Plan physicians must provide or arrange your care and you must be hospitalized in a Plan facility.
  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services for valuable information about how cost-sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare.
  • The amounts listed below are for the charges billed by the facility (i.e., hospital or surgical center) or ambulance service for your surgery or care. Any costs associated with the professional charge (i.e., physicians, etc.) are in Sections 5(a) or (b).
  • YOUR PHYSICIAN MUST GET PLAN APPROVAL FOR HOSPITAL STAYS. Please refer to Section 3 to be sure which services require plan approval.



Benefit Description : Inpatient hospitalHigh Option (You pay)

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.

Other hospital services and supplies, such as:

  • Operating, recovery, maternity, and other treatment rooms
  • Prescribed drugs and medications
  • Diagnostic laboratory tests and x-rays
  • Dressings, splints, casts and sterile tray services
  • Medical supplies and equipment, including oxygen
  • Anesthetics, including nurse anesthetist services
  • Take-home items
  • Medical supplies, appliances, medical equipment, and any covered items billed by a hospital for use at home
  • Administration of blood and blood products
  • Blood or blood plasma, if not donated or replaced
  • Dressings, splints, casts and sterile tray services

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

Nothing

Not covered:

  • Custodial care
  • Personal comfort items, such as phone, television, barber services, guest meals and beds
  • Private nursing care
All charges
Benefit Description : Outpatient hospital or ambulatory surgical centerHigh Option (You pay)
  • 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 and blood plasma, if not donated or replaced
  • Presurgical testing
  • Dressings, casts and sterile tray services
  • Medical supplies, including oxygen
  • Anesthetics and anesthesia service
Nothing
Note: We cover hospital services and supplies related to dental procedures when necessitated by a nondental physical impairment. We do not cover the dental procedures. 
Not covered: Blood and blood derivatives not replaced by the memberAll charges
Benefit Description : Skilled nursing care facility benefitsHigh Option (You pay)
Skilled nursing facility (SNF): 730 days if the patient meets criteriaNothing
Not covered: Custodial careAll charges
Benefit Description : Hospice careHigh Option (You pay)
  • In the home
  • In a skilled nursing facility
Nothing
Not covered: Independent nursing, homemaker servicesAll charges
Benefit Description : End of life careHigh Option (You pay)

No benefits

All charges

Benefit Description : AmbulanceHigh Option (You pay)
  • Nonemergency ground and air transport when preauthorized (See Section 5(d) for Emergency services/accidents.)
Nothing

Not covered:

  • Services provided by an emergency responder that do not include medical care or transportation are not covered.
All charges



Section 5(d). Emergency Services/Accidents (High Option)

Important things you should keep in mind about these benefits:

  • There is an out-of-pocket maximum of $6,350 Self/$12,700 Self and Family. Medical and prescription copayments and coinsurance count toward this annual out-of-pocket maximum.
  • Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.
  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services, for valuable information about how cost-sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare.



What is a medical emergency?

A medical emergency is the sudden and unexpected onset of a condition or an injury that requires immediate medical or surgical care because you believe endangers your life or could result in serious injury or disability. Examples include heart attacks, strokes, poisoning, gunshot wounds, deep cuts and broken bones.



What to do in case of emergency

You’re always covered for emergency care — in Michigan, across the country and around the world. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Be sure to tell the emergency room personnel that you are a member of Blue Care Network of Michigan so they can notify us. You or a family member should notify your primary care physician within 24 hours unless it is not medically reasonably to do so. It is your responsibility to ensure that this Plan has been notified in a timely manner.

If you are hospitalized in a non-Plan facility and a Plan physician believes care can be better provided in a Plan hospital, you will be transferred when medically feasible with any ambulance charges covered in full.

We pay reasonable charges for emergency care services to the extent the services would have been covered if received from Plan providers. Benefits are available for care from non-Plan providers in a medical emergency only if delay in reaching a Plan provider would result in death, disability or significant jeopardy to your condition.

To be covered by this Plan, any follow-up care recommended by non-Plan providers must be approved by this Plan or provided by Plan providers.

Services and treatment provided while you are considered to be admitted for an observation stay are subject to the emergency services copayment. If the emergency results in admission as an inpatient to a hospital, the emergency care copay is waived.

 




Benefit Description : Emergency within and outside of our service areaHigh Option (You pay )
  • Emergency care at an urgent care center
$15 per visit
  • Emergency care in a hospital emergency room or as an outpatient at a hospital, including doctors' services

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

$100 per visit
Not covered: Elective care or nonemergency careAll charges
Benefit Description : AmbulanceHigh Option (You pay )
  • Emergency ground and air transport when medically appropriate.

Note: See 5(c) for nonemergency service.

Nothing

Not covered:

  • Services provided by an emergency responder that do not include medical care or transportation are not covered.
All charges



Section 5(e). Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits (High Option)

Important things you should keep in mind about these benefits:

  • There is an out-of-pocket maximum of $6,350 Self/$12,700 Self and Family. Medical and prescription copayments and coinsurance count toward this annual out-of-pocket maximum.
  • Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.
  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services, for valuable information about how cost-sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare.
  • We will provide medical review criteria or reasons for treatment plan denials to enrollees, members or providers upon request or as otherwise required.
  • OPM will base its review of disputes about treatment plans on the treatment plan’s clinical appropriateness.  OPM will generally not order us to pay or provide one clinically appropriate treatment plan in favor of another.



Benefit Description : Professional ServicesHigh Option (You pay)Standard Option (You pay)

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

Your cost-sharing responsibilities are no greater than for other 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 
  • Psychological and neuropsychological testing necessary to determine the appropriate psychiatric treatment
  • Treatment and counseling (including individual or group therapy visits)
  • Diagnosis and treatment of alcoholism and drug use, including detoxification, treatment and counseling
  • Professional charges for intensive outpatient treatment in a provider’s office or other professional setting
  • Electroconvulsive therapy
NothingNothing
Benefit Description : DiagnosticsHigh Option (You pay)Standard Option (You pay)
  • 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
NothingNothing
Benefit Description : Inpatient hospital or other covered facilityHigh Option (You pay)Standard Option (You pay)

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
NothingNothing
Benefit Description : Outpatient hospital or other covered facilityHigh Option (You pay)Standard Option (You pay)

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

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



Section 5(f). Prescription Drug Benefits (High Option)

Important things you should keep in mind about these benefits:

  • We cover prescribed drugs and medications, as described in the chart beginning on the next page.
  • Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary.
  • Federal law prevents the pharmacy from accepting unused medications.
  • Members must make sure their prescribers obtain prior approval/authorizations for certain prescription drugs and supplies before coverage applies. Prior approval/authorizations must be renewed periodically.
  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services, for valuable information about how cost-sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare
  • Specialty drugs are covered when obtained from a pharmacy in the BCN Exclusive Pharmacy Network for Specialty Drugs 

     




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

  • Who can write your prescription. A licensed physician or dentist, and in states allowing it, licensed/certified providers with prescriptive authority prescribing within their scope of practice must  prescribe your medication.
  • Where you can obtain them. You may have your prescription filled at over 2,400 participating retail pharmacies in the state and 60,000 nationwide or through Express Scripts, our mail order pharmacy.
  • We use a drug list. We cover prescribed generic and brand-name drugs that are in our approved list of drugs. Some drugs on the drug list may require step therapy or prior authorization. Visit us online at bcbsm.com/customdruglist for more information. You can view a list of formulary exclusions to the Blue Care Network pharmacy program at bcbsm.com/exclusions

    BCN has also established quantity limits on certain medications based on clinical criteria and generally acceptable use.

Note: The Plan will approve a prescription for the same medication when it is filled no more than one week in advance of the next fill date. The pharmacy will charge you a separate copayment for each prescription when a vacation supply is requested. For example, if you request a two-month supply, you will be charged two copayments. Plan members called to active military duty or in time of national emergency who need to obtain prescribed medications should call our Customer Service department at 800-662-6667.

  • A generic equivalent will be dispensed if it is available, unless your physician specifically requires a name brand. Generic substitution is mandatory where appropriate. If you receive a brand-name drug when a federally-approved generic drug is available, you have to pay the difference in cost between the brand-name drug and the generic in addition to your copayment. The difference in cost between the brand name drug and its generic equivalent does not apply to the out-of-pocket maximum.
  • Why use generic drugs? Generic drugs are lower-priced drugs that contain the same active ingredients and must be equivalent in strength and dosage to the original brand-name product. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sets quality standards for generic drugs to ensure that these drugs meet the same standards of quality and strength as brand-name drugs. You can save money by using generic drugs.  
  • When do you have to file a claim? Prescriptions for covered medications filled at non-network pharmacies will be reimbursed based on our negotiated rate, less your copayment in urgent or emergency situations. Prescriptions filled at non-network pharmacies for nonemergency situations are not covered. You must submit proof of payment for prescription services to Customer Service. Visit bcbsm.com/billform for the Medco/Express Scripts Prescription Reimbursement Form.
  • BCN Specialty Drug Program. Members receive savings on specialty drugs through AllianceRx Walgreens Prime, Walgreens Community-Based Specialty Pharmacy or Retail Walgreens Pharmacy locations that are part of the BCN Exclusive Pharmacy Network. Specialty drugs are covered only when obtained from a pharmacy in the BCN Exclusive Pharmacy Network for Specialty Drugs. You can find additional information regarding the specialty drug program along with the member guide located at bcbsm.com/specialtydrug. As noted within the Specialty Drug Program Rx Benefit Member Guide (PDF), AllianceRx Walgreens Prime can assist members with questions that they may have regarding the process of filling their specialty medications. They can be reached at 866-515-1355. For questions regarding your coverage, call BCN Customer Service at 800-662-6667.



Benefit Description : Covered medications and suppliesHigh Option (You pay)

We cover the following medications and supplies when 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
    • Diabetic supplies limited to:
       Disposable needles and syringes for the administration of covered medications
    • First time opiate prescriptions are limited to a five-day supply and members are responsible to pay the lesser of the contracted amount,Usual and Customary or copay for the generic or brand-name drug;whichever is less.
  • 30- day retail and mail order
    • $10 for Tier 1 (generic drugs)
    • $30 for Tier 2 (preferred brand drugs)
    • $60 for Tier 3 (nonpreferred brand-name drugs) 
  • 90-day retail and mail order
    • $20 for Tier 1 drugs 
    • $60 for Tier 2 drugs
    • $120 for Tier 3 drugs
  • 30-day retail and mail order specialty drugs 
    • 20% coinsurance up to a maximum of $100 for Tier 4 (preferred specialty drugs)
    • 20% coinsurance up to a maximum of $200 for Tier 5 (nonpreferred specialty drugs)

Notes:

  • Certain select specialty drugs are limited to a 15-day supply for the first prescription, reducing your copayment by half. 
  •  If there is no generic equivalent available and a brand-name drug is dispensed, you must pay the applicable brand copayment.
  • Specialty drugs are covered only when obtained from AllianceRx Walgreens Prime or Walgreens specialty or retail locations that are part of the BCN Exclusive Pharmacy Network for Specialty Drugs.

 

  • Drugs to treat sexual dysfunction. Contact us at 800-662-6667 for dose limits.

 

50% coinsurance up to the dose limit; all charges thereafter

  • Women's contraceptive drugs and devices, including:
    • "Morning after" pills and devices
    • Diaphragms
    • Injectable contraceptive drugs
    • Oral contraceptive drugs 

Note: Over-the-counter and prescription drugs approved by the FDA for women's contraception require a written prescription by an approved provider.

Nothing for Tier 1 generics
  • Tobacco and nicotine cessation drugs
  • Other A and B rated preventive medications as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
    • Aspirin – men and women of certain ages
    • Folic Acid supplements – women who may become pregnant
    • Fluoride Chemoprevention supplements – children without fluoride in their water source
    • Vitamin D – members 65 years or older who are at increased risk for falls

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

Nothing
Benefit Description : Preventive care medications High Option (You pay)

Medications to promote better health as recommended by ACA.

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 ( 81 mg) for men age 45-79 and women age 55-79  and women of childbearing age
  • Folic acid supplements for women of childbearing age  400 & 800 mcg
  • Liquid iron supplements for children age 6 months-1year
  • Vitamin D supplements (prescription strength) (400 & 1000 units) for members 65 or older
  • Fluoride tablets, solution ( not toothpaste, rinses) for children age 0-6
  • Statin - Adults age 40-75 with no history of cardiovasular disease use low to moderate dose 

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

Nothing

Not covered:

  • Vitamins, nutrients and food supplements not listed as a covered benefit even if a physician prescribes or administers them.\
  • Drugs and supplies for cosmetic purposes
  • Replacement prescriptions resulting from loss, theft, or mishandling
  • Marijuana (cannabis) for any use 
  • Over the counter drugs except those listed above 
  • Drugs and supplies for cosmetic purposes 
  • Drugs to enhance athletic performance
  • Drugs obtained at a non-Plan pharmacy; except for out-of-area emergencies
  • Nonprescription medications medicines 

Note: Over-the-counter and appropriate prescription drugs approved by the FDA to treat tobacco and nicotine dependence are covered under the tobacco and nicotine cessation program benefit. See page 35.

All charges




Section 5(g). Dental Benefits (High Option)

Important things you should keep in mind about these benefits:

  • There is an out-of-pocket maximum of $6,350 Self/$12,700 Self and Family. Medical and prescription copayments and coinsurance count toward this annual out-of-pocket maximum.
  • Please remember that all benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions in this brochure and are payable only when we determine they are medically necessary
  • We cover hospitalization for dental procedures only when a nondental physical condition exists which makes hospitalization necessary to safeguard the health of the patient. See Section 5(c) for inpatient hospital benefits. We do not cover the dental procedure unless it is described below.
  • Be sure to read Section 4, Your costs for covered services, for valuable information about how cost-sharing works. Also read Section 9 about coordinating benefits with other coverage, including with Medicare.



Benefit Description : Accidental injury benefitHigh Option (You Pay)
We cover restorative services and supplies necessary to promptly repair (but not replace) sound natural teeth. The need for these services must result from an accidental injury. To be payable, services have to be provided within 72 hours of the injury.$25 per specialist visit



Dental benefits


We have no other dental benefits.



Section 5(h). Wellness and Other Special Features (High Option Plan)

TermDefinition

Travel benefits

One of the many benefits of Blue Care Network of Michigan is coverage that travels with you. You can receive benefits when you’re away from home — on a short trip or for an extended time through BlueCard®. This Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association program gives members access to physicians in the United States wherever a Blue plan is offered. Call your primary care physician before you travel to arrange for coordinated care and required authorizations.

Learn more about the BlueCard program, which is part of your contract, by reading the disclosure document online at bcbsm.com/bluecarddisclosure or call Customer Service at 888-288-2738 to have a copy sent to you.

24-hour Customer Service

Any time, day or night, you have 24-hour phone access to coverage information. Our interactive voice response system provides answers to questions about coverage, eligibility and claims status. Of course, you can always reach us during our regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday).

Blue365®

Blue Care Network of Michigan members can score big savings on a variety of healthy products and services from businesses in Michigan and across the United States.

Member discounts with Blue365 offers exclusive deals on things like:

  •  Fitness and wellness: Health magazines, fitness gear and gym memberships
  • Healthy eating: Cookbooks, cooking classes and weight-loss programs
  •  Lifestyle: Travel and recreation
  • Personal care: Lasik and eye care services, dental care and hearing aids

Show your  Blue Care Network of Michigan ID card at participating local retailers or use an offer code online to take advantage of these savings. You can view all savings in one place through your member account at bcbsm.com.

Online resources

Our website is a valuable resource for health information that can help you get the most from your coverage. Here’s some of what you can do:

  • Complete a health assessment and develop a personal action plan.
  • Verify eligibility for everyone on your contract.
  • Order ID cards.
  • View and print claim summaries.
  • View your benefits.
  • Change your primary care physician.
  • Use our Coverage Advisor™ to compare health plans and their costs.

To access all these features, login to your account at bcbsm.com.

Blue Cross® Health and Well-Being powered by WebMD®

Health Education: 800-637-2972 

Blue Care Network of Michigan reminds members through various media (Good Health magazine sent twice a year; online health information; phone calls) to get important health screenings or services. The preventive recommendations include: screening tests for members with diabetes, breast cancer screenings, cervical cancer screenings, childhood and adolescent immunizations, flu vaccines and annual checkups.

Blue Care Network of Michigan members can also order self-help guides about nutritious eating, exercise, depression, high blood pressure, stress management, losing weight, back pain, cholesterol or quitting smoking.

Health Assessment

You can get a picture of your health by taking the health assessment at bcbsm.com. To get started:

  1. Log in to your member account at bcbsm.com.
  2. Click on the Health & Wellness tab, which will take you to the Blue Cross® Health & Wellness website, powered by WebMD®.
    Please note: The first time you enter the Blue Cross Health & Wellness site, you’ll need to register
  3. Click on Take Your Health Assessment.

Note: WebMD Health Services is an independent company supporting Blue Care Network of Michigan by providing health and wellness services.

Your results will include:

  • A health score based on an analysis of your health risks
  • A list of your highest-risk areas
  • A list of the next steps you can take to improve your health

The assessment takes about 10 minutes to complete. 

After you complete your health assessment on the Blue Cross Health & Wellness site, you’ll receive recommendations for the Digital Health Assistant online coaching programs that are best for you. The Digital Health Assistant programs help you set small, achievable goals that you commit to for one week. You can choose activities, create a plan and track your progress right on the Blue Cross Health & Wellness site.

Blue Cross Online VisitsSM

When you use Blue Cross Online VisitsSM you'll have access to online medical and behavioral health services anywhere in the U.S. 

You can your covered family members can see and talk to a doctor for minor illnesses such as cold, flu or sore throat when their primary care doctor isn't available, or a behavioral health clinician or psychiatrist to help work through different challenges such as anxiety, depression and grief. 

After Jan. 1, 2018 to use online visits download the BCBSM Online VisitsSM app, visit bcbsmonlinevisits.com or call 844-606-1608.

24-hour Nurse Advice Line    

Get answers to health care questions anytime, anywhere with support from registered nurses. Call 855-624-5214 to reach the 24-hour nurse advice line.

High-risk pregnanciesOur pregnancy program identifies high-risk pregnancies and refers expectant mothers to our case management program for personalized intervention and follow-up. Studies have proven that early intervention in high-risk pregnancies significantly increases positive outcomes.



Non-FEHB Benefits Available to Plan Members

The benefits on this page are not part of the FEHB contract or premium, and you cannot file an FEHB disputed claim about them. Fees you pay for these services do not count toward FEHB deductibles or catastrophic protection out-of-pocket maximums. These programs and materials are the responsibility of the Plan, and all appeals must follow their guidelines. For additional information, contact the Plan at 800-662-6667 or visit their website at www.bcbsm.com.

 




TermDefinition

Medicare prepaid plan

Blue Care Network of Michigan offers Medicare recipients the opportunity to enroll in this Plan through Medicare. Annuitants and former spouses with FEHB coverage and Medicare Part B may elect to drop their FEHB coverage and enroll in a Medicare prepaid plan when one is available in their area. They may then later reenroll in the FEHB program. Most Federal annuitants have Medicare Part A. Those without Medicare Part A may join the Medicare prepaid Plan but will probably have to pay for hospital coverage in addition to the Part B premium. Before you join this Plan, ask whether this Plan covers hospital benefits and, if so, what you will have to pay. Contact your retirement system for information on dropping your FEHB enrollment and changing to a Medicare prepaid plan. Call us at 800-529-8360 for information on the Medicare prepaid Plan and the cost of that enrollment.




Section 6. General Exclusions – Services, Drugs and Supplies We Don’t Cover

The exclusions in this section apply to all benefits. There may be other exclusions and limitations listed in Section 5 of this brochure. Although we may list a specific service as a benefit, we will not cover it unless it is medically necessary to prevent, diagnose, or treat your illness, disease, injury, or condition.  For information on obtaining prior approval for specific services, such as transplants, see Section 3 When you need prior Plan approval for certain services.

We do not cover the following:

  • Care by non-Plan providers except for authorized referrals or emergencies (see Emergency services/accidents).
  • Services, drugs or supplies you receive while you are not enrolled in this Plan.
  • Services, drugs or supplies not medically necessary.
  • Services, drugs or supplies not required according to accepted standards of medical, dental or psychiatric practice.
  • Experimental or investigational procedures, treatments, drugs or devices (see specifics regarding transplants).
  • Services, drugs or supplies related to abortions, except when the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term or when the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest.
  • Services, drugs or supplies you receive from a provider or facility barred from the FEHB Program.
  • Services, drugs or supplies you receive without charge while in active military service.
  • Costs related to conducting a clinical trial such as research physician and nurse time, analysis of results, and clinical tests performed only for research purposes.
  • Services or supplies we are prohibited from covering under the Federal Law.



Section 7. Filing a Claim for Covered Services

This Section primarily deals with post-service claims (claims for services, drugs or supplies you have already received). See Section 3 for information on pre-service claims procedures (services, drugs or supplies requiring prior Plan approval), including urgent care claims procedures. When you see Plan providers, receive services at Plan hospitals and facilities or obtain your prescription drugs at Plan pharmacies, you will not have to file claims. Just present your identification card and pay your copayment or coinsurance.

You will only need to file a claim when you receive emergency services from non-Plan providers. Sometimes these providers bill us directly. Check with the provider.

If you need to file a claim, here is the process:




TermDefinition

Medical and hospital benefits

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-04 form.  For claims questions and assistance, call us at 800-662-6667.

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

  • Covered member’s name, date of birth, address, phone number and ID number
  • Name and address of the provider or facility that provided the service or supply
  • Dates you received the services or supplies
  • Diagnosis
  • Type of each service or supply
  • The charge for each service or supply
  • A copy of the explanation of benefits, payments, or denial from any primary payor – such as the Medicare Summary Notice (MSN)
  • Receipts, if you paid for your services

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

Submit your claims to: 

Member Claims
Blue Care Network of Michigan
P.O. Box 68767
Grand Rapids, MI 49516-8753

Prescription drugs

If a Member gets covered drugs, needles and syringes, or insulin from a nonparticipating pharmacy in an urgent situation or when out of area and a participating pharmacy is not available, Blue Care Network of Michigan will reimburse the amount specified on Blue Care Network of Michigan’s fee schedule or the actual charge, whichever is less, minus the copayment. Complete a Prescription Drug Reimbursement Form that is available online at www.bcbsm.com/billform or by calling Customer Service at 800-662-6667.

 

Deadline for filing your claimSend us all of the documents for your claim as soon as possible. You must submit the claim by December 31 of the year after the year you received the service, unless timely filing was prevented by administrative operations of government or legal incapacity, provided the claim was submitted as soon as reasonably possible.
Post-service claims procedures

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

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

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

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

Notice Requirements

If you live in a county where at least 10 percent 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 health care provider, and the claim amount, if applicable), and a statement describing the availability, upon request, of the diagnosis and procedure codes.

 




Section 8. The Disputed Claims Process

You may appeal directly to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) if we do not follow required claims processes.  For more information or to make an inquiry about situations in which you are entitled to immediately appeal to OPM, including additional requirements not listed in Sections 3, 7 and 8 of this brochure, please call your plan's customer service representative at the phone number found on your enrollment card, plan brochure, or plan website. 

Please follow this Federal Employees Health Benefits Program disputed claims process if you disagree with our decision on your post-service claim (a claim where services, drugs or supplies have already been provided).  In Section 3 If you disagree with our pre-service claim decision, we describe the process you need to follow if you have a claim for services, referrals, drugs or supplies that must have prior Plan approval, such as inpatient hospital admissions.

To help you prepare your appeal, you may arrange with us to review and copy, free of charge, all relevant materials and Plan documents under our control relating to your claim, including those that involve any expert review(s) of your claim.  To make your request, please contact our Customer Service Department by writing Blue Care Network of Michigan, P.O. Box 68767, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-8767, or calling 800-662-6667.

Our reconsideration will take into account all comments, documents, records, and other information submitted by you relating to the claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination.

When our initial decision is based (in whole or in part) on a medical judgment (i.e., medical necessity, experimental/investigational), we will consult with a health care professional who has appropriate training and experience in the field of medicine involved in the medical judgment and who was not involved in making the initial decision.

Our reconsideration will not take into account the initial decision. The review will not be conducted by the same person, or his/her subordinate, who made the initial decision.

We will not make our decisions regarding hiring, compensation, termination, promotion, or other similar matters with respect to any individual (such as a claims adjudicator or medical expert) based upon the likelihood that the individual will support the denial of benefits.




StepDescription

1

Ask us in writing to reconsider our initial decision. You must:

a)   Write to us within six months from the date of our decision; and

b)   Send your request to us at:

Appeals and Grievances — Mail Code C248
Blue Care Network of Michigan
P.O. Box 284
Southfield, MI 48037-0284

c)    Include a statement about why you believe our initial decision was wrong, based on specific benefit provisions in this brochure.

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), 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, 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.

2

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.

3

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

You must write to OPM within:

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

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

Send OPM the following information:

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

Note:  If you want OPM to review more than one claim, you must clearly identify which documents apply to which claim appeals and the exchange of information by telephone, electronic mail, facsimile, or other methods.

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 health care 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.

4

OPM will review your disputed claim request and will use the information it collects from you and us to decide whether our decision is correct.  OPM will send you a final decision within 60 days.  There are no other administrative appeals.

If you do not agree with OPM’s decision, your only recourse is to sue.  If you decide to 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.

Note: If you have a serious or life threatening condition (one that may cause permanent loss of bodily functions or death if not treated as soon as possible), and you did not indicate that your claim was a claim for urgent care, then call us at 800-662-6667. We will expedite our review (if we have not yet responded to your claim); or we will inform OPM so they can quickly review your claim on appeal.  You may call OPM’s Health Insurance 3 at 202-606-0737 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

Please remember that we do not  make decisions about plan eligibility issues.  For example, we do not determine whether you or a dependent is covered under this plan.  You must raise eligibility issues with your Agency personnel/payroll office if you are an employee, your retirement system if you are an annuitant or the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs if you are receiving Workers' Compensation benefits.




Section 9. Coordinating Benefits with Medicare and Other Coverage

TermDefinition

When you have other health coverage

You must tell us if you or a covered family member has coverage under any other health plan or has automobile insurance that pays health care expenses without regard to fault.  This is called “double coverage.”

When you have double coverage, one plan normally pays its benefits in full as the primary payor and the other plan pays a reduced benefit as the secondary payor. We, like other insurers, determine which coverage is primary according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) guidelines. For example: 

• If you are covered under our Plan as a dependent, any group health insurance you have from your employer will pay primary and we will pay secondary. 

• If you are an annuitant under our Plan and also are actively employed, any group health insurance you have from your employer will pay primary and we will pay secondary. 

• When you are entitled to the payment of health care expenses under automobile insurance, including no-fault insurance and other insurance that pays without regard to fault, your automobile insurance is the primary payor and we are the secondary payor.

For more information on NAIC rules regarding the coordinating of benefits, visit our website at www.bcbsm.com/fep

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, we will pay what is left of our allowance, up to our regular benefit.  We will not pay more than our allowance.

 

TRICARE and CHAMPVA

TRICARE is the health care program for eligible dependents of military persons, and retirees of the military. TRICARE includes the CHAMPUS program. CHAMPVA provides health coverage to disabled Veterans and their eligible dependents. IF TRICARE or CHAMPVA and this Plan cover you, we pay first. See your TRICARE or CHAMPVA Health Benefits Advisor if you have questions about these programs.

Suspended FEHB coverage to enroll in TRICARE or CHAMPVA: If you are an annuitant or former spouse, you can suspend your FEHB coverage to enroll in one of these programs, eliminating your FEHB premium. (OPM does not contribute to any applicable plan premiums.) For information on suspending your FEHB enrollment, contact your retirement office. If you later want to re-enroll in the FEHB Program, generally you may do so only at the next Open Season unless you involuntarily lose coverage under TRICARE or CHAMPVA.

Workers' Compensation

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.

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

Medicaid

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

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

When other Government agencies are responsible for your care

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

When others are responsible for injuries

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.

When you have Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Plan (FEDVIP) coverage

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

Clinical Trials

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, Blue Care Network of Michigan will provide related care as follows, if it is not provided by the clinical trial:

  • 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 Blue Care Network of Michigan.
  • 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. Blue Care Network of Michigan covers some of these costs, providing we determine the services are medically necessary.  Please contact Blue Care Network of Michigan to discuss specific services if you participate in a clinical trial.
  • 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. Blue Care Network of Michigan does not cover these costs.



When you have Medicare




TermDefinition
  • When you have Medicare 

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

  • The Original Medicare Plan (Part A or Part B)

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

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

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

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

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

When Original Medicare is the primary payor, Medicare processes your claim first. In most cases, your claim will be coordinated automatically and we will then provide secondary benefits for covered charges. To find out if you need to do something to file your claim, call us at 800-662-6667 or visit our website at www.bcbsm.com.

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

Please review the following table, 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 Description: Deductible
High Option You Pay Without Medicare: $1,000
High Option You Pay With Medicare Part B: $0

Benefit Description: Out-of-Pocket-Maximum
High Option You Pay Without Medicare: $5,000 self only/$10,000 family
High Option You Pay With Medicare Part B: $5,000 self only/$10,000 family

Benefit Description: Part B Premium Reimbursement Offered
High Option You Pay Without Medicare: N/A
High Option You Pay With Medicare Part B: Up to $120

Benefit Description: Primary Care Physician
High Option You Pay Without Medicare: 15% or $25
High Option You Pay With Medicare Part B: Plan will insert applicable member cost sharing

Benefit Description: Specialist
High Option You Pay Without Medicare: 15% or $40
High Option You Pay With Medicare Part B: Plan will insert applicable member cost sharing

Benefit Description: Inpatient Hospital
High Option You Pay Without Medicare: 15% per admission
High Option You Pay With Medicare Part B: Inpatient Hospital

Benefit Description: Outpatient Hospital
High Option You Pay Without Medicare: 15% or $150 per visit
High Option You Pay With Medicare Part B: Plan will insert applicable member cost sharing

Benefit Description: Incentives offered
High Option You Pay Without Medicare: N/A
High Option You Pay With Medicare Part B: N/A

You can find more information about how our plan coordinates benefits with Medicare online at www.bcbsm.com/medicare.
  • Tell us about your Medicare coverage
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.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C)

 If you are eligible for Medicare, you may choose to enroll in and get your Medicare benefits from a Medicare Advantage plan. These are private health care choices (like HMOs and regional PPOs) in some areas of the country. To learn more about Medicare Advantage plans, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 800-486-2048 or at www.medicare.gov.

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

This Plan and 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 and coinsurance. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, tell us. We will need to know whether you are in the Original Medicare Plan or in a Medicare Advantage plan so we can correctly coordinate benefits with Medicare.

Suspended FEHB coverage to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan: If you are an annuitant or former spouse, you can suspend your FEHB coverage to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, eliminating your FEHB premium. (OPM does not contribute to your Medicare Advantage plan premium.) For information on suspending your FEHB enrollment, contact your retirement office. If you later want to re-enroll in the FEHB Program, generally you may do so only at the next Open Season unless you involuntarily lose coverage or move out of the Medicare Advantage plan’s service area.
 

  • Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D)
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.



Primary Payor Chart

A. When you – or your covered spouse are age 65 or over and have Medicare and you...The primary payor for the individual with Medicare is MedicareThe primary payor for the individual with Medicare is this Plan
1) Have FEHB coverage on your own as an active employee
2) Have FEHB coverage on your own as an annuitant or through your spouse who is an annuitant
3) Have FEHB through your spouse who is an active employee
4) Are a reemployed annuitant with the Federal government and your position is excluded from the FEHB (your employing office will know if this is the case) and you are not covered under FEHB through your spouse under #3 above
5) Are a reemployed annuitant with the Federal government and your position is not excluded from the FEHB (your employing office will know if this is the case) and...
  • You have FEHB coverage on your own or through your spouse who is also an active employee
  • You have FEHB coverage through your spouse who is an annuitant
6) Are a Federal judge who retired under title 28, U.S.C., or a Tax Court judge who retired under Section 7447 of title 26, U.S.C. (or if your covered spouse is this type of judge) and you are not covered under FEHB through your spouse under #3 above
7) Are enrolled in Part B only, regardless of your employment status ✓ for Part B services ✓ for other services
8) Are a Federal employee receiving Workers' Compensation disability benefits for six months ✓ *


B. When you or a covered family member...The primary payor for the individual with Medicare is MedicareThe primary payor for the individual with Medicare is this Plan
1) Have Medicare solely based on end stage renal disease (ESRD) and..
  • It is within the first 30 months of eligibility for or entitlement to Medicare due to ESRD (30-month coordination period)
  • It is beyond the 30-month coordination period and you or a family member are still entitled to Medicare due to ESRD
2) Become eligible for Medicare due to ESRD while already a Medicare beneficiary and...
  • This Plan was the primary payor before eligibility due to ESRD (for 30-month coordination period)
  • Medicare was the primary payor before eligibility due to ESRD
3) Have Temporary Continuation of Coverage(TCC) and...
  • 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)


C. When either you or a covered family member are eligible for Medicare solely due to disability and you...The primary payor for the individual with Medicare is MedicareThe primary payor for the individual with Medicare is this Plan
1) Have FEHB coverage on your own as an active employee or through a family member who is an active employee
2) Have FEHB coverage on your own as an annuitant or through a family member who is an annuitant
D. When you are covered under the FEHB Spouse Equity provision as a former spouse

*Workers' Compensation is primary for claims related to your condition under Workers’ Compensation.




Section 10. Definitions of Terms We Use in This Brochure

TermDefinition
Blue Cross Health & Wellness 

Blue Cross Health & Wellness is a suite of programs comprising health education, chronic condition management, case management that help members stay healthy, get better or improve their quality of life while living with an illness. This umbrella of care provides members with the information and tools they need to make informed health care choices.

Calendar year January 1 through December 31 of the same year. For new enrollees, the calendar year begins on the effective date of their enrollment and ends on December 31 of the same year.
Clinical trials cost categories

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 condition, whether the patient is in a clinical trial or is receiving standard therapy
  • Extra care costs – costs related to taking part in a clinical trial such as additional tests that a patient may need as part of the trial, but not as part of the patient’s routine care
  • Research 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.

Coinsurance

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

Copayment

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

Cost-sharing

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

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

Deductible

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

Experimental or investigational services

A product or procedure is considered not experimental or investigational if it meets all of the following conditions:

  • It has final approval from the appropriate government regulatory bodies;
  • The scientific evidence permits conclusions concerning the effect of the technology on health outcomes;
  • The technology improves the net health outcome; and
  • The technology is as beneficial as any established alternatives.

The investigational setting may be eliminated if the research and experimental stage of development is completed and the improvement in net health outcome is attainable outside the investigational settings.

Plan providers will follow generally accepted medical practice in prescribing any course of treatment. Before you enroll in this Plan, you should determine whether you would be able to accept treatment or procedures that may be recommended by this Plan’s providers.

Health care professionalA physician or other health care professional licensed, accredited, or certified to perform specified health services consistent with state law.
Out-of-pocket maximumThe out-of-pocket amount is the limit on total member medical and pharmacy copayments and coinsurance under a benefit contract.
Plan allowance Plan allowance is the amount we use to determine our payment and your coinsurance for covered services. Plans determine their allowances in different ways.
Post-service claimsAny claims that are not pre-service claims.  In other words, post-service claims are those claims where treatment has been performed and the claims have been sent to us in order to apply for benefits.
Pre-service claimsThose claims (1) that require precertification, prior approval, or a referral and (2) where failure to obtain precertification, prior approval, or a referral results in a reduction of benefits.
Reimbursement

A carrier's pursuit of a recovery if a covered individual has suffered an illness or injury and has received, in connection with that illness or injury, a payment from any party that may be liable, any applicable insurance policy, or a workers' compensation program or insurance policy, and the terms of the carrier's health benefits plan require the covered individual, as a result of such payment, to reimburse the carrier out of the payment to the extent of the benefits initially paid or provided. The right of reimbursement is cumulative with and not exclusive of the right of subrogation.

 

Subrogation

A carrier's pursuit of a recovery from any party that may be liable, any applicable insurance policy, or a workers' compensation program or insurance policy, as successor to the rights of a covered individual who suffered an illness or injury and has obtained benefits from that carrier's health benefits plan.

 

Urgent care claims

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 800-662-6667.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.

Us/We

Us and We refer to Blue Care Network of Michigan.

You You refers to the enrollee and each covered family member.



Index

Index Entry
(Page numbers solely appear in the printed brochure)
Accidental injury
Allergy care
Allogeneic transplants
Alternative treatments
Ambulance
Anesthesia
Autologous bone marrow transplant
Biopsy
Blood and blood plasma
Blue365
Casts
Catastrophic protection
Changes for 2021
Chemotherapy
Chiropractic
Cholesterol
Claims
Coinsurance
Colorectal cancer screening
Congenital anomalies
Continuation of coverage (see Temporary continuation of coverage)
Contraceptive drugs and devices
Copayments
Cost sharing
Crutches
Deductible
Dental care
Diagnostic services
Donor expenses
Dressings
Durable medical equipment
Effective date of enrollment
Emergency
Experimental or investigational
Family planning
Fecal occult blood test
Fraud
General exclusions
Home health services
Immunizations
Infertility
Inpatient hospital benefits
Insulin
Magnetic resonance imagings (see MRIs)
Mammogram
Maternity benefits
Medicaid
Medically necessary
Medicare
Mental health and substance misuse disorder benefits
MRI
Newborn services
Non-FEHB benefits
Nurse
Nurse anesthetist
Practical nurse
Registered nurse
Occupational therapy
Office visits
Out-of-pocket expenses
Outpatient services
Oxygen
pap test
Preauthorization (see also Prior approval)
Prescription drugs
Preventive care
Adult
Children
Prior approval
Prosthetic devices
Psychologist
Radiation therapy
Room and board
Second surgical opinion
Skilled nursing care
Skilled nursing facility
Smoking cessation
Social worker
Speech therapy
Splints
Subrogation
Substance abuse (see Mental health and substance misues disorder benefits)
Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial
Reconstructive
Syringes
Temporary continuation of coverage (TCC)
Tobacco cessation
Transplants
Vision care
Wheelchairs
Workers' Compensation
X-rays



Summary of Benefits for Blue Care Network of Michigan High Option — 2021

  • Do not rely on this chart alone.  This is a summary. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions in this brochure. Before making a final decision, please read this FEHB brochure. You can also obtain a copy of our Summary of Benefits and Coverage as required by the Affordable Care Act at www.bcbsm.com/fep.
  • If you want to enroll or change your enrollment in this Plan, be sure to put the correct enrollment code from the cover on your enrollment form.
  • We only cover services provided or arranged by Plan physicians, except in emergencies.



TermDefinition 1Definition 2

Medical services provided by physicians: Diagnostic and treatment services provided in the office

 

 

$15 copay per primary care physician's visit
$25 copay per  specialist visit

 

28

Home health care service visits

$25

35

Services provided by a hospital: Inpatient and outpatient

 

 

Nothing

44

Emergency benefits in- and out-of-service area

$100 copay

46

Mental health and substance use disorder treatment: 

Regular cost-sharing 

48

Prescription drugs: 30-day mail order or retail

$10 for Tier 1 (mostly generic)
$30 for Tier 2 (preferred brand-name)
$60 for Tier 3( nonpreferred brand-name)

51

Prescription drugs: 90-day mail order or retail

$20 for Tier 1 (mostly generic)
$60 for Tier 2 (preferred brand-name)
$120 for Tier 3 (nonpreferred brand-name)
Speciality drugs are limited to a 30-day supply. 

51

Prescription drugs: 30 day retail and mail order specialty drug

  • 20% coinsurance up to a maximum of $100 for Tier 4 specialty preferred 
  • 20% coinsurance up to a maximum of $200 for Tier 5 specialty nonpreferred

Note: Certain select speciality drugs are limited to a 15-day supply for the first prescription, reducing your copayment by half. 

51

Dental care: Accidental injury only

$25 copay

54

Vision Care

•  Annual eye exams
•  Lenses and contact lenses
•  Frames

 

 

$5 copay per eye exam
$7.50 copay
All charges above $130.00

33

Protection against catastrophic costs: (out-of-pocket maximum)

Out-of-pocket copayment maximum of $6,350 for Self Only, $12,700 for Self Plus One or $12,700 per Self and Family includes medical and prescription copayments and coinsurance

23




2021 Rate Information for Blue Care Network of Michigan

To compare your FEHB health plan options please go to www.opm.gov/fehbcompare.

 To review premium rates for all FEHB health plan options please go to www.opm.gov/FEHBpremiums or www.opm.gov/Tribalpremium.

Non-Postal rates apply to most non-Postal employees. If you are in a special enrollment category, contact the agency that maintains your health benefits enrollment.

Postal rates apply to certain United States Postal Service employees as follows: 

  • Postal Category 1 rates apply to career bargaining unit employees who are represented by the following agreement: NALC.
  • Postal Category 2 rates apply to career bargaining unit employees who are represented by the following agreement: PPOA.

Non-Postal rates apply to all career non-bargaining unit Postal Service employees and career bargaining unit employees who are represented by the following agreements: APWU, IT/AS, NPMHU, NPPN and NRLCA. Postal rates do not apply to non-career Postal employees, Postal retirees, and associate members of any Postal employee organization who are not career Postal employees.

If you are a Postal Service employee and have questions or require assistance, please contact:

USPS Human Resources Shared Service Center: 1-877-477-3273, option 5, Federal Relay Service 1-800-877-8339  

Premiums for Tribal employees are shown under the monthly non-Postal column.  The amount shown under employee contribution is the maximum you will pay. Your Tribal employer may choose to contribute a higher portion of your premium. Please contact your Tribal Benefits Officer for exact rates.




SOUTHEAST REGION [Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Wastenaw and Wayne counties]
Type of EnrollmentEnrollment CodeNon-Postal Premium
BiWeekly
Gov't Share
Non-Postal Premium
BiWeekly
Your Share
Non-Postal Premium
Monthly
Gov't Share
Non-Postal Premium
Monthly
Your Share
Postal Premium
BiWeekly
Category 1 Your Share
Postal Premium
BiWeekly
Category 2 Your Share
High Option Self OnlyLX1$241.58$111.87$523.42$242.39$108.51$98.45
High Option Self Plus OneLX3$517.46$295.49$1,121.16$640.23$288.30$266.74
High Option Self and FamilyLX2$562.25$300.17$1,218.21$650.37$292.36$268.94
EAST REGION [Arenac, Bay, Genessee, Gratiot, Isabella, Lapeer, Midland, Saginaw, Shiawassee, (excluding the towns of Perry, Shaftsburg and Morrice) and Tuscola counties]
Type of EnrollmentEnrollment CodeNon-Postal Premium
BiWeekly
Gov't Share
Non-Postal Premium
BiWeekly
Your Share
Non-Postal Premium
Monthly
Gov't Share
Non-Postal Premium
Monthly
Your Share
Postal Premium
BiWeekly
Category 1 Your Share
Postal Premium
BiWeekly
Category 2 Your Share
High Option Self OnlyK51$241.58$218.34$523.42$473.07$214.98$204.92
High Option Self Plus OneK53$517.46$540.37$1,121.16$1,170.81$533.18$511.62
High Option Self and FamilyK52$562.25$559.96$1,218.21$1,213.25$552.15$528.73