Appendix_2_-_Vision_Plan_Document.pdf
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- Attached to
- Fully Insured Vision Benefits
- Solicitation number
- RFP PS-26-0317
- Issued by
- Maricopa County, Phoenix City, Arizona
About this file
This is a Certificate of Insurance documenting vision benefits for employees of the City of Phoenix under Metropolitan Life Insurance Company's Group Policy Number 228667-1-G, effective January 1, 2023. The document outlines comprehensive vision insurance coverage for all full-time employees working 40 hours or more per week, part-time employees of specific units meeting minimum hour requirements, and retired employees eligible under the City's retirement plan. Coverage extends to employees' spouses and dependent children under age 26, with modified age limits for certain states. The vision plan is administered through the Davis Vision Network and includes annual benefits for eye examinations with a $10 in-network co-payment, corrective lenses with allowances ranging from $40 for single vision to $80 for lenticular lenses, frames with a $175 allowance, contact lenses with a $175 allowance for elective fitting, and low vision services with specified evaluation and device allowances. Additional value-added features include discounts on refractive surgery, supplemental eyewear purchases, and lens enhancements available through participating in-network providers.
The vision insurance operates on a calendar-year service interval basis with covered individuals eligible to receive services once per category per year, with specific exceptions for diabetic employees entitled to two eye examinations annually. Claims must be submitted within 30 days of service for electronic submission and paper claims require processing within 25 to 35 days respectively. The plan includes comprehensive appeal procedures with initial appeals required within 180 days of claim denial and second-level appeals within 60 days of the initial response. Continuation of coverage provisions are available for employees on approved leave, including up to 60 months for military leave, and for surviving dependents of deceased employees under specified circumstances. The certificate includes state-specific notices and modifications addressing child age limits, domestic partner coverage, and continuation rights for residents of states including California, Connecticut, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
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Text version
Certificate Number 1
YOUR BENEFIT PLAN
City Of Phoenix
All full-time employees of the Policyholder in an Active Work position that work 40 hours or more per week.
All part-time employees, including in a job share position, of:
• Unit 1 (LIUNA) of the Policyholder in an Active Work position that work an average of 50 hours per pay period for 26 weeks; and
• Units 2 through 9 of the Policyholder in an Active Work position that work an average of 30 hours per week or 120 hours per month.
Employees who retire and are eligible to receive retirement benefits under the Policyholders general practice.
Vision Insurance for You and Your Dependents
Certificate Date: January 1, 2023
Certificate Number 1
251 W. Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85003
TO OUR EMPLOYEES:
All of us appreciate the protection and security insurance provides.
This certificate describes the benefits that are available to you. We urge you to read it carefully.
GCERT2000
fp as amended by GEND16-NM-DSC 1
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10166
CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company ("MetLife"), a stock company, certifies that You and Your Dependents are insured for the benefits described in this certificate, subject to the provisions of this certificate. This certificate is issued to You under the Group Policy and it includes the terms and provisions of the Group Policy that describe Your insurance. PLEASE READ THIS CERTIFICATE CAREFULLY.
This certificate is part of the Group Policy. The Group Policy is a legal contract between MetLife and the Policyholder and may be changed or ended without Your consent or notice to You.
Policyholder: City Of Phoenix
Group Policy Number:
228667-1-G
Type of Insurance: Vision Insurance
MetLife Toll Free Number(s):
For Claim Information FOR VISION CLAIMS: 1-833-EYE-LIFE (1-833-393-5433)
THIS CERTIFICATE ONLY DESCRIBES VISION INSURANCE.
FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: REVIEW THIS CERTIFICATE CAREFULLY. IF YOU
ARE 65 OR OLDER ON YOUR EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS CERTIFICATE, YOU MAY
RETURN IT TO US WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE YOU RECEIVE IT AND WE
WILL REFUND ANY PREMIUM YOU PAID. IN THIS CASE, THIS CERTIFICATE WILL
BE CONSIDERED TO NEVER HAVE BEEN ISSUED.
THE BENEFITS OF THE POLICY PROVIDING YOUR COVERAGE ARE GOVERNED PRIMARILY BY THE
LAW OF A STATE OTHER THAN FLORIDA.
For Idaho Residents: TEN DAY RIGHT TO EXAMINE CERTIFICATE: You may return the certificate to Us within 10 days from the date You receive it. If You return it within the 10 day period, the certificate will be considered never to have been issued. We will refund any premium paid after We receive Your notice of cancellation.
THE GROUP INSURANCE POLICY PROVIDING COVERAGE UNDER THIS CERTIFICATE WAS ISSUED
IN A JURISDICTION OTHER THAN MARYLAND AND MAY NOT PROVIDE ALL THE BENEFITS
REQUIRED BY MARYLAND LAW.
For Residents of North Dakota: If You are not satisfied with Your Certificate, You may return it to Us within 20 days after You receive it, unless a claim has previously been received by Us under Your Certificate. We will refund within 30 days of Our receipt of the returned Certificate any Premium that has been paid and the Certificate will then be considered to have never been issued. You should be aware that, if You elect to return the Certificate for a refund of premiums, losses which otherwise would have been covered under Your Certificate will not be covered.
fp as amended by GEND16-NM-DSC 2
For New Mexico Residents: This type of plan is NOT considered "minimum essential coverage" under the Affordable Care Act and therefore does NOT satisfy the individual mandate that You have health insurance coverage. If You do not have other health insurance coverage, You may be subject to a federal tax penalty.
For New Mexico Residents: If You are not satisfied with Your certificate for any reason, You may return it to Us within 30 days after You receive it, unless a claim has previously been received by Us under Your certificate. We will refund any premium that has been paid and the certificate will then be considered to have never been issued. You should be aware that, if You elect to return the certificate for a refund of premiums, losses which otherwise would have been covered under Your certificate will not be covered.
For New Hampshire Residents: 30 Day Right to Examine Certificate.
Please read this Certificate. You may return the Certificate to Us within 30 days from the date You receive it.
If you return it within the 30 day period, the Certificate will be considered never to have been issued and We will refund any premium paid for insurance under this Certificate.
WE ARE REQUIRED BY STATE LAW TO INCLUDE THE NOTICE(S) WHICH APPEAR ON THIS PAGE
AND IN THE NOTICE(S) SECTION WHICH FOLLOWS THIS PAGE. PLEASE READ THE(SE) NOTICE(S)
CAREFULLY.
NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS OF TEXAS
GCERT-TX-NOTICE 2020 3
Have a complaint or need help?
If you have a problem with a claim or your premium, call your insurance company or HMO first. If you can't work out the issue, the Texas Department of Insurance may be able to help.
Even if you file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance, you should also file a complaint or appeal through your insurance company or HMO. If you don't, you may lose your right to appeal.
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
To get information or file a complaint with your insurance company or HMO:
Call: Corporate Consumer Relations Department at 1-800-438-6388
Toll-free: 1-800-438-6388
Email: RTQA@versanthealth.com
Mail: Davis Vision
Attention: Complaints and Appeals P.O. Box 791 Latham, NY 12110
The Texas Department of Insurance
To get help with an insurance question or file a complaint with the state:
Call with a question: 1-800-252-3439
File a complaint: www.tdi.texas.gov
Email: ConsumerProtection@tdi.texas.gov
Mail: MC 111-1A, P.O. Box 149091, Austin, TX 78714-9091
¿Tiene una queja o necesita ayuda?
Si tiene un problema con una reclamación o con su prima de seguro, llame primero a su compañía de seguros o HMO. Si no puede resolver el problema, es posible que el Departamento de Seguros de Texas (Texas Department of Insurance, por su nombre en inglés) pueda ayudar.
Aun si usted presenta una queja ante el Departamento de Seguros de Texas, también debe presentar una queja a través del proceso de quejas o de apelaciones de su compañía de seguros o HMO. Si no lo hace, podría perder su derecho para apelar.
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
Para obtener información o para presentar una queja ante su compañía de seguros o HMO:
Llame a: Departamento de Relaciones Corporativas del Consumidor al 1-800-438-6388
GCERT-TX-NOTICE 2020 4
Teléfono gratuito: 1-800-438-6388
Correo electrónico: RTQA@versanthealth.com
Dirección postal: Davis Vision
Attention: Complaints and Appeals
El Departamento de Seguros de Texas
Para obtener ayuda con una pregunta relacionada con los seguros o para presentar una queja ante el estado:
Llame con sus preguntas al: 1-800-252-3439
Presente una queja en: www.tdi.texas.gov
Correo electrónico: ConsumerProtection@tdi.texas.gov
Dirección postal: MC 111-1A, P.O. Box 149091, Austin, TX 78714-9091
NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS OF ALASKA, CONNECTICUT, LOUISIANA, MINNESOTA,
NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW MEXICO, TEXAS, UTAH AND WASHINGTON
notice/childdef 5
The Definition Of Child Is Modified For The Coverages Listed Below:
For Alaska Residents (Vision Insurance):
The term also includes newborns.
For Connecticut Residents (Vision Insurance):
The age limit for children will not be less than 26, regardless of the child’s marital status, student status or full-time employment status. Your natural child, adopted child or stepchild under age 26 will not need to be supported by You to qualify as a Child under this insurance.
A Child’s insurance will not end due to age until the end of the Year in which that Child attains age 26.
For Louisiana Residents (Vision Insurance):
The term also includes Your grandchildren residing with You. The age limit for children and grandchildren will not be less than 21, regardless of the child’s or grandchild’s student status or full-time employment status. In addition, the age limit for students will not be less than 24. Your natural child, adopted child, stepchild or grandchild under age 21 will not need to be supported by You to qualify as a Child under this insurance.
For Minnesota Residents (Vision Insurance):
The term also includes:
• Your grandchildren who are financially dependent upon You and reside with You continuously from birth;
• children for whom You or Your Spouse is the legally appointed guardian; and
• children for whom You have initiated an application for adoption.
The age limit for children and grandchildren will not be less than 25 regardless of the child’s or grandchild’s student status or full-time employment status. Your natural child, adopted child stepchild or children for whom You or Your Spouse is the legally appointed guardian under age 25 will not need to be supported by You to qualify as a Child under this insurance.
For New Hampshire Residents (Vision Insurance):
The age limit for children will not be less than 26, regardless of the child’s marital status, student status or full-time employment status. Your natural child, adopted child or stepchild under age 26 will not need to be supported by You to qualify as a Child under this insurance.
For New Mexico Residents (Vision Insurance):
The age limit for children will not be less than 26, regardless of the child’s student status or full-time employment status. Your natural child, adopted child or stepchild will not be denied vision insurance coverage under this certificate because:
• that child was born out of wedlock;
• that child is not claimed as Your dependent on Your federal income tax return; or
• that child does not reside with You.
For Texas Residents (Vision Insurance):
The term also includes Your grandchildren. The age limit for children and grandchildren will not be less than 25, regardless of the child’s or grandchild’s student status, full-time employment status or military service status. Your natural child, adopted child or stepchild under age 25 will not need to be supported by You to qualify as a Child under this insurance. In addition, grandchildren must be able to be claimed by You as a dependent for Federal Income Tax purposes at the time You applied for Insurance.
NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS OF ALASKA, CONNECTICUT, LOUISIANA, MINNESOTA,
NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW MEXICO, TEXAS, UTAH AND WASHINGTON (continued) notice/childdef 6
For Utah Residents (Vision Insurance):
The age limit for children will not be less than 26, regardless of the child’s student status or full-time employment status. Your natural child, adopted child or stepchild under age 26 will not need to be supported by You to qualify as a Child under this insurance. The term includes an unmarried child who is incapable of self-sustaining employment because of a mental or physical handicap as defined by applicable law and who has been continuously covered under a Vision plan since reaching age 26, with no break in coverage of more than 63 days, and who otherwise qualifies as a Child except for the age limit. Proof of such handicap must be sent to Us within 31 days after:
the date the Child attains the limiting age in order to continue coverage; or You enroll a Child to be covered under this provision;
and at reasonable intervals after such date, but no more often than annually after the two-year period immediately following the date the Child qualifies for coverage under this provision.
For Washington Residents (Vision Insurance):
The age limit for children will not be less than 26, regardless of the child’s marital status, student status, or full-time employment status. Your natural child, adopted child or stepchild under age 26 will not need to be supported by You to qualify as a Child under this insurance.
NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS OF ALL STATES WHO ARE INSURED FOR VISION
INSURANCE
GCERT2000 7
notice/visrights
Notice Regarding Your Rights and Responsibilities
Rights:
We will treat communications, financial records and records pertaining to Your care in accordance with all applicable laws relating to privacy.
Decisions with respect to vision treatment are the responsibility of You and the Vision Provider. We neither require nor prohibit any specified treatment. However, only certain specified services are covered for benefits. Please see the Vision Insurance sections of this certificate for more details.
You may request a written response from MetLife to any written concern or complaint.
Responsibilities:
You are responsible for the prompt payment of any charges for services performed by the Vision Provider not fully covered by your Vision Insurance.
You should consult with the Vision Provider about treatment options, proposed and potential procedures, anticipated outcomes, potential risks, anticipated benefits and alternatives. You should share with the Vision Provider the most current, complete and accurate information about Your medical and vision history and current conditions and medications.
You should follow the treatment plans and health care recommendations agreed upon by You and the Vision Provider.
notice/ar 8
NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS OF ARKANSAS
If You have a question concerning Your coverage or a claim, first contact the Policyholder or group account administrator. If, after doing so, You still have a concern, You may call the toll free telephone number shown on the Certificate Face Page.
Policyholders have the right to file a complaint with the Arkansas Insurance Department (AID). You may call AID to request a complaint form at (800) 852-5494 or (501) 371-2640 or write the Department at:
Arkansas Insurance Department
Consumer Services Division
1 Commerce Way, Suite 102
Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 notice/ca 9
NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS OF CALIFORNIA
IMPORTANT NOTICE
TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, OR TO MAKE A COMPLAINT, CONTACT THE
POLICYHOLDER OR METLIFE AT:
DAVIS VISION
ATTENTION: COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS
P.O. BOX 791
LATHAM, NY 12110
1-800-438-6388
IF, AFTER CONTACTING THE POLICYHOLDER AND/OR METLIFE, YOU FEEL THAT A SATISFACTORY
SOLUTION HAS NOT BEEN REACHED, YOU MAY FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE DEPARTMENT AT:
DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
CONSUMER SERVICES
300 SOUTH SPRING STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90013
WEBSITE: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/
1-800-927-4357 (within California)
1-213-897-8921 (outside California)
GCERT2000 10
notice/dp/ca
NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
California law provides that for vision insurance, domestic partners of California’s residents must be treated the same as spouses. If the certificate does not already have a definition of domestic partner, then the following definition applies:
"Domestic Partner means each of two people, one of whom is an employee of the Policyholder, a resident of California and who have registered as domestic partners or members of a civil union with the California government or another government recognized by California as having similar requirements."
If the certificate already has a definition of domestic partner, that definition will apply to California residents, as long as it recognizes as a domestic partner any person registered as the employee’s domestic partner with the California government or another government recognized by California as having similar requirements.
Wherever the term "Spouse" appears in this certificate it shall, unless otherwise specified, be read to include Your Domestic Partner.
Wherever the term step-child appears, it is replaced by step-child or child of Your Domestic Partner.
notice/ga 11
NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS OF GEORGIA
The laws of the state of Georgia prohibit insurers from unfairly discriminating against any person based upon his or her status as a victim of family violence.
notice/id 12
NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS OF IDAHO
If You have a question concerning Your coverage or a claim, first contact the Policyholder. If, after doing so, You still have a concern, You may call the toll free telephone number shown on the Certificate Face Page.
If You are still concerned after contacting both the Policyholder and MetLife, You should feel free to contact:
Idaho Department of Insurance
Consumer Affairs
700 West State Street, 3rd Floor
PO Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0043
1-800-721-3272 (for calls placed within Idaho) or 208-334-4250 or www.DOI.Idaho.gov
NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS OF ILLINOIS
notice/il 13
To make a complaint to MetLife, You may write to:
Davis Vision Attention: Complaints and Appeals
The address of the Illinois Department of Insurance is:
Illinois Department of Insurance
Public Services Division Springfield, Illinois 62767 notice/in 14
NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS OF INDIANA
Questions regarding your policy or coverage should be directed to:
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
1-833-EYE-LIFE (1-833-393-5433)
If you (a) need the assistance of the government agency that regulates insurance; or (b) have a complaint you have been unable to resolve with your insurer you may contact the Department of Insurance by mail, telephone or email:
State of Indiana Department of Insurance
Consumer Services Division
311 West Washington Street, Suite 300
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Consumer Hotline: (800) 622-4461; (317) 232-2395
Complaint can be filed electronically at www.in.gov/idoi
NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS OF MAINE
notice/me 15
You have the right to designate a third party to receive notice if Your insurance is in danger of lapsing due to a default on Your part, such as for nonpayment of a contribution that is due. The intent is to allow reinstatements where the default is due to the insured person’s suffering from cognitive impairment or functional incapacity. You may make this designation by completing a “Third-Party Notice Request Form” and sending it to MetLife. Once You have made a designation, You may cancel or change it by filling out a new Third-Party Notice Request Form and sending it to MetLife. The designation will be effective as of the date MetLife receives the form. Call MetLife at the toll-free telephone number shown on the face page of this certificate to obtain a Third-Party Notice Request Form. Within 90 days after cancellation of coverage for nonpayment of premium, You, any person authorized to act on Your behalf , or any covered Dependent may request reinstatement of the certificate on the basis that You suffered from cognitive impairment or functional incapacity at the time of cancellation.
NOTICE FOR MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS
notice/ma 16
CONTINUATION OF VISION INSURANCE
1. If Your Vision Insurance ends due to a Plant Closing or Covered Partial Closing, such insurance will be continued for 90 days after the date it ends.
2. If Your Vision Insurance ends because:
You cease to be in an Eligible Class; or Your employment terminates;
for any reason other than a Plant Closing or Covered Partial Closing, such insurance will continue for 31 days after the date it ends.
Continuation of Your Vision Insurance under the CONTINUATION OF INSURANCE WITH PREMIUM PAYMENT subsection will end before the end of continuation periods shown above if You become covered for similar benefits under another plan.
Plant Closing and Covered Partial Closing have the meaning set forth in Massachusetts Annotated Laws, Chapter 151A, Section 71A.
CONTINUATION OF VISION INSURANCE FOR YOUR FORMER SPOUSE
If the judgment of divorce dissolving Your marriage provides for continuation of insurance for Your former Spouse when You remarry, Vision Insurance for Your former Spouse that would otherwise end may be continued.
To continue Vision insurance under this provision:
1. You must make a written request to the employer to continue such insurance;
2. You must make any required premium to the employer for the cost of such insurance.
The request form will be furnished by the Employer.
Such insurance may be continued from the date Your marriage is dissolved until the earliest of the following:
the date Your former Spouse remarries;
the date of expiration of the period of time specified in the divorce judgment during which You are required to provide Vision Insurance for Your former Spouse;
the date coverage is provided under any other group health plan;
the date Your former Spouse becomes entitled to Medicare;
the date Vision Insurance under the policy ends for all active employees, or for the class of active employees to which You belonged before Your employment terminated;
the date of expiration of the last period for which the required premium payment was made; or the date such insurance would otherwise terminate under the policy.
If Your former Spouse is eligible to continue Vision Insurance under this provision and any other provision of this Policy, all such continuation periods will be deemed to run concurrently with each other and shall not be deemed to run consecutively.
NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS OF MISSISSIPPI
notice/ms/vis 17
CLAIMS FOR VISION INSURANCE
Routine Questions on Vision Insurance Claims
If there is any question about a claim payment, an explanation may be requested from MetLife by dialing 1-833-EYE-LIFE (1-833-393-5433).
Initial Determination
If Your claim for Vision Insurance benefits is a Clean Claim and it is approved, benefits will be paid within 25 days after We receive Proof in an electronic form of a covered loss, or within 35 days after receipt of Proof in paper form of a covered loss. Proof includes, but is not limited to, information essential for Us to administer coordination of benefits.
"Clean Claim" means a claim that:
does not require further information, adjustment or alteration by You or the provider of the services in order to process and pay it;
does not have any defects;
does not have any impropriety, including any lack of supporting documentation; and does not involve a particular circumstance required special treatment that substantially prevents timely payments from being made on the claim.
A Clean Claim does not include a claim submitted by a provider more than 30 days after the date of service, or if the provider does not submit the claim on Your behalf, a claim submitted more than 30 days after the date the provider bills You. Errors, such as system errors, attributable to the insurer, do not change the clean claim status.
If We do not deny payment of such benefits to You by the end of the 25 day period for clean claims submitted in electronic form, or 35 day period for Clean Claims submitted in paper form, and such benefits remain due and payable to You, interest will accrue on the amount of such benefits at the rate of 3 percent per month until such benefits are finally settled. If We do not pay benefits to You when due and payable, You may bring action to recover such benefits, any interest which has accrued with respect to such benefits and any other damages which may be allowed by law. We will pay benefits when We receive satisfactory Proof of Your claim.
If We are unable to pay a claim for Vision Insurance benefits because additional information or documentation is required, or there is a particular circumstance requiring special treatment, within 25 days after the date We receive the claim if it is submitted in electronic form, or within 35 days after the date MetLife receives the claim if it is submitted in paper form, We will send You notice of what supporting documentation or information is needed. Any claim or portion of a claim for Vision Insurance benefits that is resubmitted with all of the supporting documentation requested in Our notice and becomes payable will be paid to You within 20 days after it is received.
NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS OF MISSISSIPPI
notice/ms/vis 18
Claim Denial Appeals
If a claim is denied in whole or in part, under the terms of this certificate, a request may be submitted to Us by a Covered Person or a Covered Person’s authorized representative for a full review of the denial. A Covered Person may designate any person, including their provider, as their authorized representative.
References in this section to “Covered Person” include the Covered Person’s authorized representative, where applicable.
Initial Appeal. All requests for review must be made within one hundred eighty (180) calendar days following denial of a claim. A Covered Person may review, during normal business hours, any documents used by Us pertinent to the denial. A Covered Person may also submit Written comments or supporting documentation concerning the claim to assist in Our review. Our response to the initial appeal, including specific reasons for the decision, shall be communicated to the Covered Person within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of the request for the appeal.
Second Level Appeal. If a Covered Person disagrees with the response to the initial appeal of the denied claim, the Covered Person has the right to a second level appeal. A request for a second level appeal must be submitted to Us within sixty (60) calendar days after receipt of Our response to the initial appeal. We shall communicate Our final determination to the Covered Person within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of the request, or as required by any applicable state or federal laws or regulations. Our communication to the Covered Person shall include the specific reasons for the determination.
Other Remedies. When a Covered Person has completed the appeals stated herein, additional voluntary alternative dispute resolution options may be available, including mediation or arbitration. Additional information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor or the insurance regulatory agency for the Covered Persons’ state of residency. Additionally, under the provisions of ERISA (Section 502(a)(1)(B) 29 U.S.C. 1132(a)(1)(B)), the Covered Person has the right to bring a civil action when all available levels of reviews, including the appeal process, have been completed. ERISA remedies may apply in those instances where the claims were not approved in whole or in part as the result of appeals under this Policy and the Covered Person disagrees with the outcome of such appeals.
Time of Action. No action in law or in equity shall be brought to recover on this Policy prior to the Covered Person exhausting his/her rights under this Policy and/or prior to the expiration of sixty (60) calendar days after the claim and any applicable documentation has been filed with Us. No such action shall be brought after the expiration of any applicable statute of limitations, in accordance with the terms of this Policy. No such action shall be brought after the expiration of three (3) years from the last date that the claim and any applicable invoices were submitted to Us, and no such action shall be brought at all unless brought within three (3) years from the expiration of the time within which such materials are required to be submitted in accordance with the terms of this Policy. If it is determined in such action that We acted in bad faith as evidenced by a repeated or deliberate pattern of failing to pay benefits and/or claims when due, You (or the provider, if You assigned the benefits to the provider) shall be entitled to recover any interest which may accrue plus damages in an amount up to three (3) times the amount of the benefits that remain unpaid until the claim is finally settled or adjudicated.
Insurance Fraud: Any Covered Person who intends to defraud, knowingly facilitates a fraud, submits a claim containing false or deceptive information, or who commits any other similar act as defined by applicable state or federal law, is guilty of insurance fraud. Such an act is grounds for immediate termination of the coverage under this Policy of the Covered Person committing such fraud.
GCERT2000 19
notice/coi/nh
NOTICE FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE RESIDENTS
CONTINUATION OF YOUR VISION INSURANCE
If You are a resident of New Hampshire, Your Vision Insurance may be continued if it ends because Your employment ends unless:
Your employment ends due to Your gross misconduct;
this Vision Insurance ends for all employees;
this Vision Insurance is changed to end Vision Insurance for the class of employees to which You belong;
You are entitled to enroll in Medicare; or
Your Vision Insurance ends because You failed to pay the required premium.
The Employer must give You written notice of:
Your right to continue Your Vision Insurance;
the amount of premium payment that is required to continue Your Vision Insurance;
the manner in which You must request to continue Your Vision Insurance and pay premiums; and the date by which premium payments will be due.
The premium that You must pay for Your continued Vision Insurance may include:
any amount that You contributed for Your Vision Insurance before it ended;
any amount the Employer paid; and an administrative charge which will not to exceed two percent of the rest of the premium.
To continue Your Vision Insurance, You must:
send a written request to continue Your Vision Insurance; and pay the first premium within 30 days after the date Your employment ends.
The maximum continuation period will be the longest of:
36 months if Your employment ends because You retire, and within 12 months of retirement You have a substantial loss of coverage because the employer files for bankruptcy protection under Title 11 of the United States Code;
29 months if You become entitled to disability benefits under Social Security within 60 days of the date Your Employment ends; or
18 months.
Your continued Vision Insurance will end on the earliest of the following to occur:
the end of the maximum continuation period;
the date this Vision Insurance ends;
the date this Vision Insurance is changed to end Vision Insurance for the class of employees to which You belong;
the date You are entitled to enroll for Medicare;
if You do not pay the required premium to continue Your Vision Insurance; or the date You become eligible for coverage under any other group Vision coverage.
GCERT2000 20
NOTICE FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE RESIDENTS (continued)
CONTINUATION OF YOUR DEPENDENT’S VISION INSURANCE
If You are a resident of New Hampshire, Your Vision Insurance for Your Dependents may be continued if it ends because Your employment ends, Your marriage ends in divorce or separation, or You die, unless:
Your employment ends due to Your gross misconduct;
this Vision Insurance ends for all Dependents;
this Vision Insurance is changed, for the class of employees to which You belong, to end Vision Insurance for Dependents;
the Dependent is entitled to enroll in Medicare; or
Your Vision Insurance for Your Dependents ends because You fail to pay a required premium.
If Vision Insurance for Your Dependents ends because Your marriage ends in divorce or separation, the party responsible under the divorce decree or separation agreement for payment of premium for continued Vision Insurance must notify the employer, in writing, within 30 days of the date of the divorce decree or separation agreement that the divorce or separation has occurred. If You and Your divorced or separated Spouse share responsibility for payment of the premium for continued Vision Insurance, both You and Your divorced or separated Spouse must provide the notification.
The Employer must give You, or Your former Spouse if You have died or Your marriage has ended, written notice of:
Your right to continue Your Vision Insurance for Your Dependents;
the amount of premium payment that is required to continue Your Vision Insurance for Your Dependents;
the manner in which You or Your former Spouse must request to continue Your Vision Insurance for Your Dependents and pay premiums; and the date by which premium payments will be due.
The premium that You or Your former Spouse must pay for continued Vision Insurance for Your Dependents may include:
any amount that You contributed for Your Vision Insurance before it ended; and any amount the Employer paid.
To continue Vision Insurance for Your Dependents, You or Your former Spouse must:
send a written request to continue Vision Insurance for Your Dependents; and must pay the first premium within 30 days of the date Vision Insurance for Your Dependents ends.
If You, and Your former Spouse, if applicable, fail to provide any required notification, or fail to request to continue Vision Insurance for Your Dependents and pay the first premium within the time limits stated in this section, Your right to continue Vision Insurance for Your Dependents will end.
GCERT2000 21
NOTICE FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE RESIDENTS (continued)
CONTINUATION OF YOUR DEPENDENT’S VISION INSURANCE (Continued)
The maximum continuation period will be the longest of the following that applies:
36 months if Vision Insurance for Your Dependents ends because Your marriage ends in divorce or separation, except that with respect to a Spouse who is age 55 or older when your marriage ends in divorce or separation the maximum continuation period will end when the divorced or separated Spouse becomes eligible for Medicare or eligible for participation in another employer’s group plan;
36 months if Vision Insurance for Your Dependents ends because You die, except that with respect to a Spouse who is age 55 or older when You die, the maximum continuation period will end when Your surviving Spouse becomes eligible for Medicare or eligible for participation in another employer’s group vision coverage;
36 months if Vision Insurance for Your Dependents ends because You become entitled to benefits under Title XVIII of Social Security, except that with respect to a Spouse who is age 55 or older when You become entitled to benefits under Title XVIII of Social Security, the maximum continuation period will end when the divorced or separated Spouse becomes eligible for Medicare or eligible for participation in another employer’s group vision coverage;
36 months if You become entitled to benefits under Title XVIII of Social Security while You are already receiving continued benefits under this section, except that with respect to a Spouse who is age 55 or older when You first become entitled to continue Your Vision Insurance the maximum continuation period will end when the divorced or separated Spouse becomes eligible for Medicare or eligible for participation in another employer’s group vision coverage;
36 months with respect to a Dependent Child if Vision Insurance ends because the Child ceases to be a Dependent Child;
36 months if Your employment ends because You retire, and within 12 months of retirement You have a substantial loss of coverage because the employer files for bankruptcy protection under Title 11 of the United States Code;
29 months if Vision Insurance for Your Dependents ends because Your employment ends, and within 60 days of the date Your employment ends you become entitled to disability benefits under Social Security;
or
18 months if Vision Insurance for Your Dependents ends because Your employment ends.
A Dependent's continued Vision Insurance will end on the earliest of the following to occur:
the end of the maximum continuation period;
the date this Vision Insurance ends;
the date this Vision Insurance is changed to end Vision Insurance for Dependents for the class of employees to which You belong;
the date the Dependent becomes entitled to enroll for Medicare;
if You do not pay a required premium to continue Vision Insurance for Your Dependents; or the date the Dependent becomes eligible for coverage under any other group vision coverage.
NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS OF NEW MEXICO
notice/nm-ccn 22
Consumer Complaint Notice
If You are a resident of New Mexico, Your coverage will be administered in accordance with the minimum applicable standards of New Mexico law. If You have concerns regarding a claim, premium, or other matters relating to this coverage, You may file a complaint with the New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) using the complaint form available on the OSI website and found at:
https://www.osi.state.nm.us/ConsumerAssistance/index.aspx.
notice/pa 23
NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS OF PENNSYLVANIA
Vision Insurance for a Dependent Child may be continued past the age limit if that Child is a full-time student and insurance ends due to the Child being ordered to active duty (other than active duty for training) for 30 or more consecutive days as a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard or a Reserve Component of the Armed Forces of the United States.
Insurance will continue if such Child:
re-enrolls as a full-time student at an accredited school, college or university that is licensed in the jurisdiction where it is located;
re-enrolls for the first term or semester, beginning 60 or more days from the child’s release from active duty;
continues to qualify as a Child, except for the age limit; and submits the required Proof of the child’s active duty in the National Guard or a Reserve Component of the
United States Armed Forces.
Subject to the Date Insurance For Your Dependents Ends subsection of the section entitled ELIGIBILITY PROVISIONS: INSURANCE FOR YOUR DEPENDENTS, this continuation will continue until the earliest of the date:
the insurance has been continued for a period of time equal to the duration of the child’s service on active duty; or the child is no longer a full-time student.
notice/tx/wc 24
THE INSURANCE POLICY UNDER WHICH THIS CERTIFICATE IS ISSUED IS NOT A POLICY OF
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR EMPLOYER TO
DETERMINE WHETHER YOUR EMPLOYER IS A SUBSCRIBER TO THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
SYSTEM.
VISION INSURANCE: PROCEDURES FOR VISION CLAIMS
GCERT2000 25
notice/vision/tx
If You reside in Texas, note the following Procedures for Vision Claims will be followed:
Routine Questions on Vision Insurance Claims
If there is any question about a claim payment, an explanation may be requested from MetLife by dialing
1-833-EYE-LIFE (1-833-393-5433).
Claim Denial Appeals
If a claim is denied in whole or in part, under the terms of this certificate, a request may be submitted to Us by a Covered Person or a Covered Person’s authorized representative for a full review of the denial. A Covered Person may designate any person, including their provider, as their authorized representative. References in this section to “Covered Person” include the Covered Person’s authorized representative, where applicable.
Initial Appeal. All requests for review must be made within one hundred eighty (180) calendar days following denial of a claim. A Covered Person may review, during normal business hours, any documents used by Us pertinent to the denial. A Covered Person may also submit Written comments or supporting documentation concerning the claim to assist in Our review. Our response to the initial appeal, including specific reasons for the decision, shall be communicated to the Covered Person within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of the request for the appeal.
Second Level Appeal. If a Covered Person disagrees with the response to the initial appeal of the denied claim, the Covered Person has the right to a second level appeal. A request for a second level appeal must be submitted to Us within sixty (60) calendar days after receipt of Our response to the initial appeal. We shall communicate Our final determination to the Covered Person within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of the request, or as required by any applicable state or federal laws or regulations. Our communication to the Covered Person shall include the specific reasons for the determination.
Other Remedies. When a Covered Person has completed the appeals stated herein, additional voluntary alternative dispute resolution options may be available, including mediation or arbitration. Additional information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor or the insurance regulatory agency for the Covered Persons’ state of residency. Additionally, under the provisions of ERISA (Section 502(a)(1)(B) 29 U.S.C. 1132(a)(1)(B)), the Covered Person has the right to bring a civil action when all available levels of reviews, including the appeal process, have been completed. ERISA remedies may apply in those instances where the claims were not approved in whole or in part as the result of appeals under this Policy and the Covered Person disagrees with the outcome of such appeals.
Time of Action. No action in law or in equity shall be brought to recover on this Policy prior to the Covered Person exhausting his/her rights under this Policy and/or prior to the expiration of sixty (60) calendar days after the claim and any applicable documentation has been filed with Us. No such action shall be brought after the expiration of any applicable statute of limitations, in accordance with the terms of this Policy. No such action shall be brought after the expiration of three (3) years from the last date that the claim and any applicable invoices were submitted to Us, and no such action shall be brought at all unless brought within three (3) years from the expiration of the time within which such materials are required to be submitted in accordance with the terms of this Policy.
Insurance Fraud: Any Covered Person who intends to defraud, knowingly facilitates a fraud, submits a claim containing false or deceptive information, or who commits any other similar act as defined by applicable state or federal law, is guilty of insurance fraud. Such an act is grounds for immediate termination of the coverage under this Policy of the Covered Person committing such fraud.
NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS OF UTAH
GTY-NOTICE-UT-0710 26
Notice of Protection Provided by Utah Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association
This notice provides a brief summary of the Utah Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association ("the Association") and the protection it provides for policyholders. This safety net was created under Utah law, which determines who and what is covered and the amounts of coverage.
The Association was established to provide protection in the unlikely event that your life, health, or annuity insurance company becomes financially unable to meet its obligations and is taken over by its insurance regulatory agency. If this should happen, the Association will typically arrange to continue coverage and pay claims, in accordance with Utah law, with funding from assessments paid by other insurance companies.
The basic protections provided by the Association are:
Life Insurance o $500,000 in death benefits o $200,000 in cash surrender or withdrawal values
Health Insurance o $500,000 in hospital, medical and surgical insurance benefits o $500,000 in long-term care insurance benefits o $500,000 in disability income insurance benefits o $500,000 in other types of health insurance benefits
Annuities o $250,000 in withdrawal and cash values
The maximum amount of protection for each individual, regardless of the number of policies or contracts, is $500,000. Special rules may apply with regard to hospital, medical and surgical insurance benefits.
Note: Certain policies and contracts may not be covered or fully covered. For example, coverage does not extend to any portion of a policy or contract that the insurer does not guarantee, such as certain investment additions to the account value of a variable life insurance policy or a variable annuity contract.
Coverage is conditioned on residency in this state and there are substantial limitations and exclusions. For a complete description of coverage, consult Utah Code, Title 3 lA, Chapter 28.
Insurance companies and agents are prohibited by Utah law to use the existence of the Association or its coverage to encourage you to purchase insurance. When selecting an insurance company, you should not rely on Association coverage. If there is any inconsistency between Utah law and this notice, Utah law will control.
To learn more about the above protections, as well as protections relating to group contracts or retirement plans, please visit the Association's website at www.utlifega.org or contact:
Utah Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Assoc. Utah Insurance Department 60 East South Temple, Suite 500 3110 State Office Building Salt Lake City UT 84111 Salt Lake City UT 84114-6901
(801) 320-9955 (801) 538-3800
A written complaint about misuse of this Notice or the improper use of the existence of the Association may be filed with the Utah Insurance Department at the above address.
NOTICE TO RESIDENTS OF VIRGINIA
GCERT2000 27
notice/va1
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR INSURANCE
In the event You need to contact someone about this insurance for any reason please contact Your agent. If no agent was involved in the sale of this insurance, or if You have additional questions You may contact the insurance company issuing this insurance at the following address and telephone number:
To phone in a claim related question, You may call Claims Customer Service at:
If You have any questions regarding an appeal or grievance concerning the vision services that You have been provided that have not been satisfactorily addressed by this Vision Insurance, You may contact the Virginia Office of the Managed Care Ombudsman for assistance.
The Office of the Managed Care Ombudsman
Bureau of Insurance P.O. Box 1157
Richmond, VA 23218-1157 1-804-371-9691 - phone
1-877-310-6560 - toll-free 1-804-371-9944 - fax www.scc.virginia.gov - web address ombudsman@scc.virginia.gov - email
Or:
Office of Licensure and Certification
Division of Acute Care Services Virginia Department of Health
9960 Mayland Drive Suite 401
Henrico, Virginia 23233-1463 Phone number: 1-800-955-1819/ local: 804-367-2106
Fax: (804) 527-4503 MCHIP@vdh.virginia.gov
Written correspondence is preferable so that a record of Your inquiry is maintained. When contacting Your agent, company or the Bureau of Insurance, have Your policy number available.
NOTICE TO RESIDENTS OF VIRGINIA (continued)
GCERT2000 28
notice/va1
VISION INSURANCE: PROCEDURES FOR VISION CLAIMS
Routine Questions on Vision Insurance Claims
If there is any question about a claim payment, an explanation may be requested from MetLife by dialing
1-833-EYE-LIFE (1-833-393-5433).
Claim Denial Appeals
If a claim is denied in whole or in part, under the terms of this certificate, a request may be submitted to Us by a Covered Person or a Covered Person’s authorized representative for a full review of the denial. A Covered Person may designate any person, including their provider, as their authorized representative. References in this section to “Covered Person” include the Covered Person’s authorized representative, where applicable.
Initial Appeal. All requests for review must be made within one hundred eighty (180) calendar days following denial of a claim. A Covered Person may review, during normal business hours, any documents used by Us pertinent to the denial. A Covered Person may also submit Written comments or supporting documentation concerning the claim to assist in Our review. Our response to the initial appeal, including specific reasons for the decision, shall be communicated to the Covered Person within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of the request for the appeal.
Second Level Appeal. If a Covered Person disagrees with the response to the initial appeal of the denied claim, the Covered Person has the right to a second level appeal. A request for a second level appeal must be submitted to Us within sixty (60) calendar days after receipt of Our response to the initial appeal. We shall communicate Our final determination to the Covered Person within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of the request, or as required by any applicable state or federal laws or regulations. Our communication to the Covered Person shall include the specific reasons for the determination.
Other Remedies. When a Covered Person has completed the appeals stated herein, additional voluntary alternative dispute resolution options may be available, including mediation or arbitration. Additional information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor or the insurance regulatory agency for the Covered Persons’ state of residency. Additionally, under the provisions of ERISA (Section 502(a)(1)(B) 29 U.S.C. 1132(a)(1)(B)), the Covered Person has the right to bring a civil action when all available levels of reviews, including the appeal process, have been completed. ERISA remedies may apply in those instances where the claims were not approved in whole or in part as the result of appeals under this Policy and the Covered Person disagrees with the outcome of such appeals.
Time of Action. No action in law or in equity shall be brought to recover on this Policy prior to the Covered Person exhausting his/her rights under this Policy and/or prior to the expiration of sixty (60) calendar days after the claim and any applicable documentation has been filed with Us. No such action shall be brought after the expiration of any applicable statute of limitations, in accordance with the terms of this Policy. No such action shall be brought after the expiration of three (3) years from the last date that the claim and any applicable invoices were submitted to Us, and no such action shall be brought at all unless brought within three (3) years from the expiration of the time within which such materials are required to be submitted in accordance with the terms of this Policy.
Insurance Fraud: Any Covered Person who intends to defraud, knowingly facilitates a fraud, submits a claim containing false or deceptive information, or who commits any other similar act as defined by applicable state or federal law, is guilty of insurance fraud. Such an act is grounds for immediate termination of the coverage under this Policy of the Covered Person committing such fraud.
notice/wi 29
NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS OF WISCONSIN
KEEP THIS NOTICE WITH YOUR INSURANCE PAPERS
PROBLEMS WITH YOUR INSURANCE? - If You are having problems with Your insurance company or agent, do not hesitate to contact the insurance company or agent to resolve Your problem.
P.O. Box 791
You can also contact the OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE, a state agency which enforces Wisconsin’s insurance laws, and file a complaint. You can contact the OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE by contacting:
Office of the Commissioner of Insurance Complaints Department
P.O. Box 7873 Madison, WI 53707-7873
1-800-236-8517…
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