Attachment G Washington Plan SPD FY26.pdf
PDF 2 MB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 25RFP17863
- Issued by
- Pennington County, South Dakota
About this file
This is a Summary Plan Description (SPD) for the South Dakota State Employee Health Plan, a self-funded group health plan administered by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota on behalf of the State of South Dakota's Bureau of Human Resources and Administration. The plan provides comprehensive medical and prescription drug benefits (Blue Select and Blue Rx Value Plus) to eligible state employees, their spouses, and dependents, effective July 1, 2025, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The plan covers a broad range of services including preventive care, emergency services, hospitalization, surgical procedures, mental health and chemical dependency treatment, maternity services, prescription drugs, and various therapeutic and diagnostic services. Coverage is structured around a network of PPO and Participating providers, with higher cost-sharing for Out-of-Network providers. Key coverage limits include a $5,750 individual/$11,500 family deductible for PPO providers, matching out-of-pocket maximums, and various specific benefit maximums such as 12 acupuncture visits per year and 15 lifetime days of hospice respite care.
The plan requires members to satisfy deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums before receiving full benefits, with coordinated deductibles and out-of-pocket limits between medical and prescription drug benefits. Prescription drug coverage operates on a tiered system with copayments ranging from $0 for Tier 1 preventive drugs to $110 for non-preferred specialty drugs. The plan is self-funded, with the State of South Dakota bearing the financial risk for claim payments while Wellmark provides administrative services and network access. Members are responsible for notification and prior authorization requirements for certain services, with PPO providers in South Dakota and Iowa handling these obligations on behalf of members. COBRA continuation coverage is available for qualifying events, allowing up to 18, 29, or 36 months of extended coverage depending on the triggering event. The plan includes coordination of benefits provisions, appeals processes, and external review options through the South Dakota Division of Insurance for adverse benefit determinations.
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Text version
Group Effective Date: 7/1/2025
Plan Year: July 1
Product ID: PL001923 RL005305
S U M M A R Y P L A N D E S C R I P T I O N
South Dakota State Employee Health Plan
State of South Dakota Washington HDHP
NOTICE
This group health plan is sponsored and funded by your employer or group sponsor. Your employer or group sponsor has a financial arrangement with Wellmark under which your employer or group sponsor is solely responsible for claim payment amounts for covered services provided to you. Wellmark provides administrative services and provider network access only and does not assume any financial risk or obligation for claim payment amounts.
Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp
Group Effective Date: 7/1/2025
Plan Year: July 1
Print Date: 6/30/2025
Product ID: PL001923 RL005305
Version: 01/25
Wellmark.com
Contents
About This Summary Plan Description
1. What You Pay Payment Summary Payment Details
2. At a Glance - Covered and Not Covered Medical Prescription Drugs
3. Details - Covered and Not Covered Medical Prescription Drugs
4. General Conditions of Coverage, Exclusions, and Limitations Conditions of Coverage General Exclusions Benefit Limitations
5. Choosing a Provider Medical Prescription Drugs
6. Notification Requirements and Care Coordination Medical Prescription Drugs
7. Factors Affecting What You Pay Medical Prescription Drugs
8. Coverage Eligibility and Effective Date Eligible Members Enrollment Requirements Eligibility Requirements When Coverage Begins Late Enrollees Changes to Information Related to You or to Your Benefits Qualified Medical Child Support Order Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993
9. Coverage Changes and Termination Coverage Change Events Requirement to Notify Group Sponsor The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) Coverage Termination Coverage Continuation
10. Claims When to File a Claim How to File a Claim Notification of Decision
11. Coordination of Benefits Other Coverage
Claim Filing Rules of Coordination Coordination with Medicare
12. Appeals Right of Appeal How to Request an Internal Appeal Where to Send Internal Appeal Review of Internal Appeal Decision on Internal Appeal External Review
13. Legal Action
14. General Provisions Contract Interpreting this Summary Plan Description Plan Year Authority to Terminate, Amend, or Modify Authorized Group Benefits Plan Changes Authorized Representative Release of Information Privacy of Information Member Health Support Services Value Added or Innovative Benefits Value-Based Programs Nonassignment Governing Law Medicaid Enrollment and Payments to Medicaid Subrogation and Reimbursement Workers’ Compensation Payment in Error High Deductible Medical Benefits Plan Notice Submitting a Complaint Consent to Telephone Calls and Text or Email Notifications
Glossary
Index
Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/AM_ 0125 1 PL001923 RL005305
About This Summary Plan Description
Important Information This summary plan description describes your rights and responsibilities under your group health plan. You and your covered dependents have the right to request a copy of this summary plan description, at no cost to you, by contacting your employer or group sponsor.
Please note: Your employer or group sponsor has the authority to terminate, amend, or modify the coverage described in this summary plan description at any time. Any amendment or modification will be in writing and will be as binding as this summary plan description. If your contract is terminated, you may not receive benefits.
You should familiarize yourself with the entire summary plan description because it describes your benefits, payment obligations, provider networks, claim processes, and other rights and responsibilities.
This group health plan consists of medical benefits and prescription drug benefits. The medical benefits are called Blue Select. The prescription drug benefits are called Blue Rx Value Plus. This summary plan description will indicate when the service, supply, or drug is considered medical benefits or drug benefits by using sections, headings, and notes when necessary.
Charts Some sections have charts, which provide a quick reference or summary but are not a complete description of all details about a topic. A particular chart may not describe some significant factors that would help determine your coverage, payments, or other responsibilities. It is important for you to look up details and not to rely only upon a chart. It is also important to follow any references to other parts of the summary plan description. (References tell you to
“see” a section or subject heading, such as, “See Details – Covered and Not Covered.”
References may also include a page number.)
Complete Information Very often, complete information on a subject requires you to consult more than one section of the summary plan description. For instance, most information on coverage will be found in these sections:
◼ At a Glance – Covered and Not Covered
◼ Details – Covered and Not Covered
◼ General Conditions of Coverage, Exclusions, and Limitations
However, coverage might be affected also by your choice of provider (information in the
Choosing a Provider section), certain notification requirements if applicable to your group health plan (the Notification Requirements and Care Coordination section), and considerations of eligibility (the Coverage Eligibility and Effective Date section).
Even if a service is listed as covered, benefits might not be available in certain situations, and even if a service is not specifically described as being excluded, it might not be covered.
Read Thoroughly You can use your group health plan to the best advantage by learning how this document is organized and how sections are related to each other. And whenever you look up a particular topic, follow any references, and read thoroughly.
About This Summary Plan Description
PL001923 RL005305 2 Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/AM_ 0125
Your coverage includes many services, treatments, supplies, devices, and drugs. Throughout the summary plan description, the words services or supplies refer to any services, treatments, supplies, devices, or drugs, as applicable in the context, that may be used to diagnose or treat a condition.
Plan Description Plan Name: South Dakota State Employee Health Plan Plan Sponsor: Administered by the Commissioner of the Bureau of Human Resources and
Administration of the State of South Dakota Employer ID Number: 46-6000364 When Plan Year Ends: June 30 Participants of Plan: See Coverage Eligibility and Effective Date later in this summary plan description.
Plan Administrator and Agent for Service of Legal Process:
Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Attn: Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
500 East Capitol Ave
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone Number: 605-773-3148
Service of legal process may be made upon the plan administrator and/or agent.
How Plan Costs Are Funded: Self Funded Type of Plan: Group Health Plan Type of Administration: Self-Funded Benefits Administered by: Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota
1601 W Madison Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57104-5710
If this plan is maintained by two or more employers, you may write to the plan administrator for a complete list of the plan sponsors.
Questions If you have questions about your group health plan, or are unsure whether a particular service or supply is covered, call the Customer Service number on your ID card.
Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/WYP_ 0125 3 PL001923 RL005305
1. What You Pay
This section is intended to provide you with an overview of your payment obligations under this group health plan. This section is not intended to be and does not constitute a complete description of your payment obligations. To understand your complete payment obligations you must become familiar with this entire summary plan description, especially the Factors
Affecting What You Pay and Choosing a Provider sections.
Provider Network Under the medical benefits of this plan, your network of providers consists of PPO and
Participating providers. All other providers are Out-of-Network Providers. Which provider type you choose will affect what you pay.
In-Network Providers PPO Providers. These providers participate with the Wellmark Blue PPOSM network or with a Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield PPO network in another state or service area. You typically pay the least for services received from these providers. Throughout this summary plan description we refer to these providers as “in-network providers” or PPO Providers.
Participating Providers. These providers participate with a Blue Cross and/or Blue
Shield Plan in another state or service area, but not with a PPO network. You typically pay more for services from these providers than for services from PPO Providers. Throughout this summary plan description we refer to these providers as Participating Providers.
Out-of-Network Providers Out-of-Network Providers. Out-of-Network Providers do not participate with Wellmark or any other Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Plan. You typically pay the most for services from these providers. Throughout this document we refer to these providers as Out-of-Network
Providers.
Payment Summary This chart summarizes your payment responsibilities. It is only intended to provide you with an overview of your payment obligations. It is important that you read this entire section and not just rely on this chart for your payment obligations.
Medical
You Pay
Deductible
$5,750 per person for covered services received from PPO Providers. This includes amounts you pay for covered drugs.
$11,500 (maximum) per family* for covered services received from PPO Providers.
This includes amounts you pay for covered drugs.
$11,250 per person for covered services received from Participating and Out-of- Network providers.
$22,500 (maximum) per family* for covered services received from Participating and Out-of-Network providers.
What You Pay
PL001923 RL005305 4 Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/WYP_ 0125
You Pay
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
$5,750 per person for covered services received from PPO and Participating providers. This includes amounts you pay for covered drugs.
$11,500 (maximum) per family* for covered services received from PPO and Participating providers. This includes amounts you pay for covered drugs.
$11,250 per person for covered services received from Out-of-Network Providers.
$22,500 (maximum) per family* for covered services received from Out-of-Network Providers.
*Family amounts are reached from amounts accumulated on behalf of any combination of covered family members. A member will not be required to satisfy more than the single deductible before we make benefit payments for that member.
Please note: Deductible and out-of-pocket maximum amounts you pay for covered medical benefits under Blue Select also apply toward the Blue Rx Value Plus deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Likewise, deductible and out-of-pocket maximum amounts you pay for covered prescription drug benefits under Blue Rx Value Plus apply toward the Blue Select medical deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.
Prescription Drugs
You Pay†
Deductible
$5,750 per person $11,500 (maximum) per family*
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
$5,750 per person $11,500 (maximum) per family*
HSA Preventive Drugs**
Copayment $0 for Tier 1 medications.
$55 for Tier 2 medications.
$75 for Tier 3 medications.
$85 for preferred specialty drugs.
$110 for non-preferred specialty drugs.
For more information see Tiers, page 65.
*Family amounts are reached from amounts accumulated on behalf of any combination of covered family members. A member will not be required to satisfy more than the single deductible before we make benefit payments for that member.
**Preventive drugs defined by the IRS are included in the formulary with a PV indicator. Formularies can be located on Wellmark.com/member/prescription-drugs.
†You pay the entire cost if you purchase a drug or pharmacy durable medical equipment device that is not on the Wellmark Blue Rx Value Plus Drug List. See Wellmark Blue Rx Value Plus Drug List, page 35.
Please note: Deductible and out-of-pocket maximum amounts you pay for covered prescription drug benefits under Blue Rx Value Plus also apply toward the Blue Select medical deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Likewise, deductible and out-of-pocket maximum amounts you pay for covered medical benefits under Blue Select apply toward the Blue Rx Value Plus deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.
Prescription Maximums Generally, there is a maximum days' supply of medication you may receive in a single prescription. However, exceptions may be made for certain prescriptions packaged in a dose exceeding the maximum days' supply covered under your Blue Rx Value Plus prescription drug benefits. To determine if this exception applies to your prescription, call the Customer Service number on your ID card.
Your payment obligations may be determined by the quantity of medication you purchase.
Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/WYP_ 0125 5 PL001923 RL005305
Prescription Maximum
90 day retail
90 day mail order
30 day specialty
HSA Preventive Drugs
Payment per days' supply:
1 copayment for 30 day supply
2.5 copayment for 90 day supply
Payment Details
Medical
Deductible This is a fixed dollar amount you pay for covered services in a benefit year before medical benefits become available.
The family deductible amount is reached from amounts accumulated on behalf of any combination of covered family members.
A member will not be required to satisfy more than the single deductible before we make benefit payments for that member.
Deductible amounts you pay will not start over on facility charges if an inpatient hospital stay extends from one benefit year to the next. Deductible amounts incurred after discharge will apply to the new plan year benefits.
Deductible amounts you pay for PPO or
Participating and Out-of-Network provider services apply toward meeting both the PPO and the Participating/Out-of-Network deductibles. The maximum deductible amount you pay is the Participating/Out-of-
Network deductible.
Deductible amounts you pay for covered medical benefits under Blue Select also apply toward the Blue Rx Value Plus deductible. Likewise, deductible amounts you pay for covered prescription drug benefits under Blue Rx Value Plus apply toward the Blue Select medical deductible.
Deductible amounts may change each year as determined by the federal government’s cost of living adjustment for medical benefits plans established to accompany a federally qualified health savings account
(HSA). This is true even if you are not participating in an HSA.
When the No Surprises Act applies, you may not be required to satisfy your entire deductible before we make benefit payments, amounts you pay for items and services will accumulate toward your PPO deductible, and you may not be billed for more than the amount you would pay if the services had been provided by a
Participating Provider. The No Surprises
Act applies to emergency services at an Out-of-Network facility, items and services from
Out-of-Network Providers related to visits to certain participating facilities, and Out-of-Network air ambulance services.
Deductible amounts are waived for some services. See Waived Payment Obligations later in this section.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum The out-of-pocket maximum is the maximum amount you pay, out of your pocket, for most covered services in a benefit year. Many amounts you pay for covered services during a benefit year accumulate toward the out-of-pocket maximum. These amounts include:
◼ Deductible.
◼ Amounts you pay for covered prescription drugs.
The family out-of-pocket maximum is reached from applicable amounts paid on
PL001923 RL005305 6 Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/WYP_ 0125 behalf of any combination of covered family members.
A member will not be required to satisfy more than the single out-of-pocket maximum.
Out-of-pocket maximum amounts you pay will not start over on facility charges if an inpatient hospital stay extends from one benefit year to the next. Out-of-pocket maximum amounts incurred after discharge will apply to the new plan year benefits.
Out-of-pocket maximum amounts you pay for covered medical benefits under Blue
Select also apply toward the Blue Rx Value
Plus out-of-pocket maximum. Likewise, out-of-pocket maximum amounts you pay for covered prescription drug benefits under
Blue Rx Value Plus apply toward the Blue
Select medical out-of-pocket maximum.
There is an out-of-pocket maximum for services you receive from PPO Providers and Participating Providers. There is also an out-of-pocket maximum for services you receive from Out-of-Network Providers.
These out-of-pocket maximums accumulate to one another.
However, certain amounts do not apply toward your out-of-pocket maximum.
◼ Amounts representing any general exclusions and conditions. See General
Conditions of Coverage, Exclusions, and
Limitations, page 39.
◼ Difference in cost between the generic drug and the brand name drug when you purchase a brand name drug that has an FDA-approved “A”-rated medically appropriate generic equivalent.
◼ Difference in cost between the provider’s amount charged and our maximum allowable fee when you receive services from an Out-of-Network Provider.
These amounts continue even after you have met your out-of-pocket maximum.
Out-of-pocket maximum amounts may change each year as determined by the federal government’s cost of living adjustment for medical benefits plans established to accompany a federally qualified health savings account (HSA). This is true even if you are not participating in an
HSA.
When the No Surprises Act applies, amounts you pay for items and services will accumulate toward your PPO out-of-pocket maximum and you may not be billed for more than the amount you would pay if the services had been provided by a
Participating Provider. The No Surprises
Act applies to emergency services at an Out-of-Network facility, items and services from
Out-of-Network Providers related to visits to certain participating facilities, and Out-of-Network air ambulance services.
Benefits Maximums Benefits maximums are the maximum benefit amounts that each member is eligible to receive.
Benefits maximums that apply per benefit year or per lifetime are reached from benefits accumulated under this group health plan and any prior group health plans sponsored by your employer or group sponsor and administered by Wellmark
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota.
No Surprises Act When the No Surprises Act applies, the amount you pay will be determined in accordance with the Act and you may not be billed for more than the amount you would pay if the services had been provided by a
Participating Provider. The No Surprises
Act applies to emergency services at an Out-of-Network facility, items and services from
Out-of-Network Providers related to visits to certain participating facilities, and Out-of-Network air ambulance services.
Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/WYP_ 0125 7 PL001923 RL005305
Waived Payment Obligations To understand your complete payment obligations you must become familiar with this entire summary plan description. Most information on coverage and benefits maximums will be found in the At a Glance – Covered and Not Covered and Details – Covered and Not Covered sections.
Some payment obligations are waived for the following covered services.
Covered Service Payment Obligation Waived
Breast pumps (manual or non-hospital grade electric) purchased from a covered PPO or Participating home/durable medical equipment provider.
Deductible
Breastfeeding support, supplies, and one-on-one lactation consultant services, including counseling and education, during pregnancy and/or the duration of breastfeeding when received from PPO or Participating providers.
Deductible
Cholesterol/lipid screenings, glucose screenings (without A1C), and venipuncture associated with labs when submitted with a preventive diagnosis when received from PPO or Participating Providers.
Deductible
Contraceptive medical devices, such as intrauterine devices and diaphragms received from PPO or Participating providers.
Deductible
Implanted and injected contraceptives received from PPO or
Participating providers.
Deductible
Medical evaluations and counseling for nicotine dependence per U.S.
Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines when received from PPO or Participating providers.
Deductible
Certain office visits and other services received from PPO Providers for the following conditions when receiving health support services from a
Wellmark Care Team nurse or support specialist:
◼ Asthma;
◼ Cardiovascular disease;
◼ Chronic kidney disease;
◼ Chronic pain; and
◼ Diabetes.
Deductible
One first trimester ultrasound and one second trimester ultrasound when the mother participates in the Pregnancy Care Program.
Deductible
PL001923 RL005305 8 Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/WYP_ 0125
Covered Service Payment Obligation Waived
Preventive care, items, and services,* received from PPO or
Participating providers, as follows:
◼ Items or services with an “A” or “B” rating in the current recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task
Force (USPSTF);
◼ Immunizations as recommended by the Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (ACIP);
◼ Preventive care and screenings for infants, children, and adolescents provided for in guidelines supported by the Health
Resources and Services Administration (HRSA); and
◼ Preventive care and screenings for women provided for in guidelines supported by the HRSA.
Deductible
Preventive digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammogram) when received from PPO or Participating providers.
Deductible
Vision examination (routine). Deductible
Voluntary sterilization for female members received from PPO or
Participating providers.
*A complete list of recommendations and guidelines related to preventive services can be found at www.healthcare.gov. Recommended preventive services are subject to change and are subject to medical management. USPSTF “A” and “B” recommendations will be implemented no later than the first plan year that begins on or after the date that is one year after the USPSTF recommendations are issued. A USPSTF recommendation is considered to be issued on the last day of the month on which it publishes or otherwise releases the recommendation. Waived Payment Obligations will be effective following implementation of the USPSTF recommendation.
Prescription Drugs
Deductible Deductible is the fixed dollar amount you pay for covered drugs or pharmacy durable medical equipment devices in a benefit year before Blue Rx Value Plus prescription drug benefits become available.
The family deductible is reached from amounts accumulated on behalf of any combination of covered family members.
A member will not be required to satisfy more than the single deductible before we make benefit payments for that member.
Deductible amounts you pay for covered prescription drug benefits under Blue Rx
Value Plus also apply toward the Blue Select medical deductible. Likewise, deductible amounts you pay for covered medical benefits under Blue Select apply toward the
Blue Rx Value Plus deductible.
Deductible amounts may change each year as determined by the federal government’s cost of living adjustment for medical benefits plans established to accompany a federally qualified health savings account
(HSA). This is true even if you are not participating in an HSA.
http://www.healthcare.gov/
Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/WYP_ 0125 9 PL001923 RL005305
You pay the entire cost if you purchase a drug or pharmacy durable medical equipment device that is not on the
Wellmark Blue Rx Value Plus Drug List. See
Wellmark Blue Rx Value Plus Drug List, page 35.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum The out-of-pocket maximum is the maximum you pay in a given benefit year toward the following amounts:
◼ Deductible.
The family out-of-pocket maximum is reached from applicable amounts paid on behalf of any combination of covered family members.
A member will not be required to satisfy more than the single out-of-pocket maximum.
Out-of-pocket maximum amounts you pay for covered prescription drug benefits under
Blue Rx Value Plus also apply toward the
Blue Select medical out-of-pocket maximum. Likewise, out-of-pocket maximum amounts you pay for covered medical benefits under Blue Select apply toward the Blue Rx Value Plus out-of-pocket maximum.
Out-of-pocket maximum amounts may change each year as determined by the federal government’s cost of living adjustment for medical benefits plans established to accompany a federally qualified health savings account (HSA). This is true even if you are not participating in an
HSA.
However, certain amounts do not apply toward your out-of-pocket maximum.
◼ Amounts representing any general exclusions and conditions. See General
Conditions of Coverage, Exclusions, and
Limitations, page 39.
◼ Difference in cost between the generic drug and the brand name drug when you purchase a brand name drug that has an FDA-approved “A”-rated medically appropriate generic equivalent.
These amounts continue even after you have met your out-of-pocket maximum.
Waived Payment Obligations To understand your complete payment obligations you must become familiar with this entire summary plan description. Most information on coverage and benefits maximums will be found in the Details – Covered and Not Covered section.
Some payment obligations are waived for the following covered drugs or services.
Covered Drug or Service Payment Obligation Waived
Generic contraceptive drugs and generic contraceptive drug delivery devices (e.g., birth control patches).
Payment obligations are also waived if you purchase brand name contraceptive drugs or brand name drug delivery devices when an
FDA-approved medically appropriate generic equivalent is not available.
Payment obligations are not waived if you purchase brand name contraceptive drugs or brand name contraceptive drug delivery devices when an FDA-approved medically appropriate generic equivalent is available.
PL001923 RL005305 10 Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/WYP_ 0125
Covered Drug or Service Payment Obligation Waived
Generic Medication Assisted Treatment agents for opioid use disorder. Deductible
Prenatal vitamins. Deductible
Preventive drugs as defined by the IRS.** Deductible
Preventive items or services* as follows:
◼ Items or services with an “A” or “B” rating in the current recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task
Force (USPSTF); and
◼ Immunizations as recommended by the Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (ACIP).
Deductible
Two smoking cessation attempts per calendar year, up to a 90-days' supply of covered drugs for each attempt, or a 180-days' supply total per calendar year.
*A complete list of recommendations and guidelines related to preventive services can be found at www.healthcare.gov. Recommended preventive items and services are subject to change and are subject to medical management. USPSTF “A” and “B” recommendations will be implemented no later than the first plan year that begins on or after the date that is one year after the USPSTF recommendations are issued. A USPSTF recommendation is considered to be issued on the last day of the month on which it publishes or otherwise releases the recommendation. Waived Payment Obligations will be effective following implementation of the USPSTF recommendation.
**Preventive drugs defined by the IRS are included in the formulary with a PV indicator. Formularies can be located at Wellmark.com/member/prescription-drugs.
http://www.healthcare.gov/
Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/AGC_ 0125 11 PL001923 RL005305
2. At a Glance - Covered and Not Covered
Medical
Your coverage provides benefits for many services and supplies. There are also services for which this coverage does not provide benefits. The following chart is provided for your convenience as a quick reference only. This chart is not intended to be and does not constitute a complete description of all coverage details and factors that determine whether a service is covered or not. All covered services are subject to the contract terms and conditions contained throughout this summary plan description. Many of these terms and conditions are contained in
Details – Covered and Not Covered, page 15. To fully understand which services are covered and which are not, you must become familiar with this entire summary plan description. Please call us if you are unsure whether a particular service is covered or not.
The headings in this chart provide the following information:
Category. Service categories are listed alphabetically and are repeated, with additional detailed information, in Details – Covered and Not Covered.
Covered. The listed category is generally covered, but some restrictions may apply.
Not Covered. The listed category is generally not covered.
See Page. This column lists the page number in Details – Covered and Not Covered where there is further information about the category.
Benefits Maximums. This column lists maximum benefit amounts that each member is eligible to receive. Benefits maximums that apply per benefit year or per lifetime are reached from benefits accumulated under this group health plan and any prior group health plans sponsored by your employer or group sponsor and administered by Wellmark Blue Cross and
Blue Shield of South Dakota.
Category C o ve re d
N o t C o ve
S ee
P ag e
Benefits Maximums
Acupuncture Treatment ⚫
12 visits per benefit year for acupuncture treatment.
Alcoholism Treatment ⚫ 15
Allergy Testing and Treatment ⚫ 15
Ambulance Services ⚫ 15
Anesthesia ⚫ 16
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Services
Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment ⚫ 17
Blood and Blood Administration ⚫ 17
Chemical Dependency Treatment ⚫ 17
Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy ⚫ 18
At A Glance – Covered and Not Covered
PL001923 RL005305 12 Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/AGC_ 0125 o ve t C o ve
P
Clinical Trials – Routine Care Associated with Clinical Trials
⚫ 18
Contraceptives ⚫
Conversion Therapy 18
Cosmetic Services 18
Counseling and Education Services ⚫
Dental Treatment for Accidental Injury ⚫ 19
Dialysis ⚫ 19
Education Services for Diabetes ⚫ 20
Emergency Services ⚫ 20
Fertility and Infertility Services ⚫ 20
Genetic Testing ⚫ 21
Hearing Services ⚫ 21
Home Health Services ⚫ 21
The daily benefit for short-term home skilled nursing services will not exceed Wellmark’s daily maximum allowable fee for skilled nursing facility services.
Home/Durable Medical Equipment ⚫ 22
Hospice Services ⚫ 22
15 days per lifetime for inpatient hospice respite care.
15 days per lifetime for outpatient hospice respite care.
Please note: Hospice respite care must be used in increments of not more than five days at a time.
Hospitals and Facilities ⚫ 23
Illness or Injury Services ⚫ 24
Inhalation Therapy ⚫ 24
Maternity Services ⚫ 24
Medical and Surgical Supplies and Personal Convenience Items
⚫ 25
Mental Health Services ⚫ 25
Motor Vehicles 26
Musculoskeletal Treatment ⚫ 26
Nonmedical or Administrative Services 26
Nutritional and Dietary Supplements ⚫ 27
Nutritional Counseling ⚫ 27
Occupational Therapy ⚫ 27
Orthotics (Foot) 27
Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/AGC_ 0125 13 PL001923 RL005305 o ve t C o ve
P
Physical Therapy ⚫ 28
Physicians and Practitioners 28
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners
⚫ 28
Audiologists ⚫ 28
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists ⚫ 28
Chiropractors ⚫ 28
Dentists—but not for general dentistry ⚫ 28
Doctors of Osteopathy ⚫ 28
Licensed ABA Therapists ⚫ 28
Licensed Independent Social Workers ⚫ 28
Medical Doctors ⚫ 28
Nurse Practitioners and Midwives ⚫ 28
Occupational Therapists ⚫ 28
Optometrists ⚫ 28
Oral Surgeons ⚫ 28
Physical Therapists ⚫ 28
Physician Assistants ⚫ 28
Podiatrists ⚫ 28
Psychologists ⚫ 28
Qualified Mental Health Professionals ⚫ 28
Speech Pathologists ⚫ 29
Prescription Drugs ⚫ 29
Preventive Care ⚫ 31
Well-child care until the child reaches age seven.
One routine physical examination per benefit year.
One routine mammogram per benefit year.
One routine Pap smear per benefit year.
One diagnostic screening for prostate cancer per benefit year, including digital rectal examination and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, for:
◼ Asymptomatic men aged 50 and older;
◼ Men 45 and older who are at a high risk for prostate cancer.
Prosthetic Devices ⚫ 32
Reconstructive Surgery ⚫ 32
Self-Help Programs 32
Sleep Apnea Treatment ⚫ 32
Social Adjustment 32
Speech Therapy ⚫ 32
Surgery ⚫ 33
Telehealth Services ⚫
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
(TMD)
⚫ 33
PL001923 RL005305 14 Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/AGC_ 0125 o ve t C o ve
P
Transplants ⚫ 33
Travel or Lodging Costs ⚫ 34
Vision Services ⚫ 34
One routine vision examination per benefit year.
Wigs or Hairpieces 34
X-ray and Laboratory Services ⚫ 34
Prescription Drugs
Please note: To determine if a drug is covered, you must consult the Wellmark Blue Rx Value
Plus Drug List. You are covered for drugs listed on the Wellmark Blue Rx Value Plus Drug List.
If a drug is not on the Wellmark Blue Rx Value Plus Drug List, it is not covered unless it is a
Non-Formulary Drug and an exception has been approved by Wellmark for coverage. See
Exception Requests for Non-Formulary Prescription Drugs, page 87.
For details on drug coverage, drug limitations, and drug exclusions, see the next section, Details
– Covered and Not Covered.
Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/DE_ 0125 15 PL001923 RL005305
3. Details - Covered and Not Covered
All covered services or supplies listed in this section are subject to the general contract provisions and limitations described in this summary plan description. Also see the section
General Conditions of Coverage, Exclusions, and Limitations, page 39. If a service or supply is not specifically listed, do not assume it is covered.
Medical
Acupuncture Treatment Covered: Acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture is a treatment in which the skin is penetrated with needles in order to stimulate certain points on the body. This may or may not be accompanied by electrical stimulation.
Benefits Maximum:
◼ 12 visits per benefit year for acupuncture treatment.
Not Covered: Acupressure treatment.
See Also:
Physicians and Practitioners later in this section.
Alcoholism Treatment Covered.
Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment
Program. Benefits are available for alcoholism treatment in the following settings:
◼ Treatment provided in an office visit, or outpatient setting;
◼ Treatment provided in an intensive outpatient setting;
◼ Treatment provided in an outpatient partial hospitalization setting;
◼ Drug or alcohol rehabilitation therapy or counseling provided while participating in a clinically managed low intensity residential treatment setting, also known as supervised living;
◼ Treatment, including room and board, provided in a clinically managed medium or high intensity residential treatment setting;
◼ Treatment provided in a medically monitored intensive inpatient or detoxification setting; and
◼ For inpatient, medically managed acute care for patients whose condition requires the resources of an acute care general hospital or a medically managed inpatient treatment program.
Not Covered:
◼ Room and board provided while participating in a clinically managed low intensity residential treatment setting, also known as supervised living.
◼ Recreational activities or therapy, social activities, meals, excursions or other activities not considered clinical treatment, while participating in substance abuse treatment programs.
See Also:
Chemical Dependency Treatment later in this section.
Hospitals and Facilities later in this section.
Notification Requirements and Care
Coordination, page 55.
Allergy Testing and Treatment Covered.
Ambulance Services Covered:
◼ Emergency air and ground ambulance transportation to a hospital.
All of the following are required to qualify for benefits:
Details – Covered and Not Covered
PL001923 RL005305 16 Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/DE_ 0125
⎯ If you are inpatient, the services required to treat your illness or injury are not available where you are currently receiving care.
⎯ You are transported to the nearest hospital with adequate facilities to treat your medical condition.
⎯ During transport, your medical condition requires the services that are provided only by an air or ground ambulance.
⎯ Your medical condition requires immediate ambulance transport.
⎯ In addition to the preceding requirements, for emergency air ambulance services to be covered, the following must be met:
◼ Great distances, inaccessibility of the pickup location by a land vehicle, or other obstacles are involved in getting you to the nearest hospital with appropriate facilities for treatment by ground transport.
When the No Surprises Act applies to air ambulance services, you cannot be billed for the difference between the amount charged and the total amount paid by us.
In an emergency situation, if you cannot reasonably utilize a PPO ambulance service, covered services will be reimbursed as though they were received from a PPO ambulance service.
However, if ground ambulance services are provided by an Out-of-Network
Provider, and because we do not have contracts with Out-of-Network
Providers and they may not accept our payment arrangements, you may be responsible for any difference between the amount charged and our amount paid for a covered service. When receiving non-emergency ground ambulance services, select a provider who participates in your network to avoid being responsible for any difference between the billed charge and our settlement amount.
◼ Non-emergency air or ground ambulance transportation to a hospital or nursing facility.
All of the following are required to qualify for benefits:
⎯ The services required to treat your illness or injury are not available where you are currently receiving care.
⎯ You are transported to the nearest hospital or nursing facility with adequate facilities to treat your medical condition.
⎯ During transport your medical condition requires the services that are provided only by an air or ground ambulance.
⎯ In addition to the preceding requirements, for non-emergency air ambulance services to be covered, all of the following must be met:
◼ You must already be receiving care at a hospital.
◼ Great distances, inaccessibility of the pickup location by a land vehicle, or other obstacles are involved in getting you to the nearest hospital or nursing facility with appropriate facilities for treatment by ground transport.
Not Covered:
◼ Air or ground ambulance transport from a facility capable of treating your condition.
◼ Air or ground ambulance transport to or from any location when you are physically and mentally capable of being a passenger in a private vehicle.
◼ Round-trip transports from your residence to a medical provider for an appointment or treatment and back to your residence.
◼ Air or ground transport when performed primarily for your convenience or the convenience of your family, physician, or other health care provider, such as a
Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/DE_ 0125 17 PL001923 RL005305 transfer to a hospital or facility that is closer to your home or family.
◼ Non-ambulance transport to any location for any reason. This includes private vehicle transport, commercial air transport, police transport, taxi, public transportation such as train or bus, ride-share vehicles such as Uber or Lyft, and vehicles such as vans or taxis that are equipped to transport stretchers or wheelchairs but are not professionally operated or staffed.
Anesthesia Covered: Anesthesia and the administration of anesthesia.
Not Covered: Local or topical anesthesia billed separately from related surgical or medical procedures.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Services Covered: Applied Behavior Analysis services when Applied Behavior Analysis services are performed or supervised by a licensed physician or psychologist or a licensed behavior analyst.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment Covered: Diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by social impairment, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior.
Blood and Blood Administration Covered: Blood and blood administration, including blood derivatives, and blood components.
Chemical Dependency Treatment Covered: Treatment for a condition with physical or psychological symptoms produced by the habitual use of certain drugs or alcohol as described in the most current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment
Program. Benefits are available for chemical dependency treatment in the following settings:
◼ Treatment provided in an office visit, or outpatient setting;
◼ Treatment provided in an intensive outpatient setting;
◼ Treatment provided in an outpatient partial hospitalization setting;
◼ Drug or alcohol rehabilitation therapy or counseling provided while participating in a clinically managed low intensity residential treatment setting, also known as supervised living;
◼ Treatment, including room and board, provided in a clinically managed medium or high intensity residential treatment setting;
◼ Treatment provided in a medically monitored intensive inpatient or detoxification setting; and
◼ For inpatient, medically managed acute care for patients whose condition requires the resources of an acute care general hospital or a medically managed inpatient treatment program.
Not Covered:
◼ Room and board provided while participating in a clinically managed low intensity residential treatment setting, also known as supervised living.
◼ Recreational activities or therapy, social activities, meals, excursions or other activities not considered clinical treatment, while participating in substance abuse treatment programs.
See Also:
Hospitals and Facilities later in this section.
Notification Requirements and Care
Coordination, page 55.
PL001923 RL005305 18 Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/DE_ 0125
Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Covered: Use of chemical agents or radiation to treat or control a serious illness.
Clinical Trials – Routine Care Associated with Clinical Trials Covered: Medically necessary routine patient costs for items and services otherwise covered under this plan furnished in connection with participation in an approved clinical trial related to the treatment of cancer or other life-threatening diseases or conditions, when a covered member is referred by a PPO or
Participating provider based on the conclusion that the member is eligible to participate in an approved clinical trial according to the trial protocol or the member provides medical and scientific information establishing that the member’s participation in the clinical trial would be appropriate according to the trial protocol.
Not Covered:
◼ Investigational or experimental items, devices, or services which are themselves the subject of the clinical trial;
◼ Clinical trials, items, and services that are provided solely to satisfy data collection and analysis needs and that are not used in the direct clinical management of the patient;
◼ Services that are clearly inconsistent with widely accepted and established standards of care for a particular diagnosis.
Contraceptives Covered: The following conception prevention, as approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:
◼ Contraceptive medical devices, such as intrauterine devices and diaphragms.
◼ Implanted contraceptives.
◼ Injected contraceptives.
Please note: Contraceptive drugs and contraceptive drug delivery devices, such as insertable rings and patches are covered under your Blue Rx Value Plus prescription drug benefits described later in this section.
See the Wellmark Blue Rx Value Plus Drug
List at myWellmark.com or call the
Customer Service number on your ID card and request a copy of the Drug List.
Conversion Therapy Not Covered: Conversion therapy services.
Cosmetic Services Not Covered: Cosmetic services, supplies, or drugs if provided primarily to improve physical appearance. However, a service, supply, or drug that results in an incidental improvement in appearance may be covered if it is provided primarily to restore function lost or impaired as the result of an illness, accidental injury, or a birth defect. You are also not covered for treatment for any complications resulting from a noncovered cosmetic procedure.
See Also:
Reconstructive Surgery later in this section.
Counseling and Education Services Covered:
◼ Bereavement counseling or services.
◼ Family counseling or services.
Not Covered:
◼ Marriage counseling or training services.
◼ Community-based services or services of volunteers or clergy.
◼ Education or educational therapy other than covered lactation consultant services or education for self-management of diabetes.
◼ Learning and educational services and treatments including, but not limited to, non-drug therapy for high blood pressure control, exercise modalities for weight reduction, nutritional instruction
Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/DE_ 0125 19 PL001923 RL005305 for the control of gastrointestinal conditions, or reading programs for dyslexia, for any medical, mental health, or substance abuse condition.
◼ Weight reduction programs or supplies
(including dietary supplements, foods, equipment, lab testing, examinations, and prescription drugs), whether or not weight reduction is medically appropriate.
See Also:
Genetic Testing later in this section.
Education Services for Diabetes later in this section.
Mental Health Services later in this section.
Nutritional Counseling later in this section.
Preventive Care later in this section.
Dental Services Covered:
◼ Dental treatment for accidental injuries when all of the following requirements are met:
⎯ Initial treatment is received within
12 months of the injury.
⎯ Follow-up treatment is completed within 24 months.
◼ Dental treatment for children and disabled persons as follows:
⎯ Anesthesia and hospital or ambulatory surgical facility charges for dental care, whether services are provided in a hospital, ambulatory surgical facility, or a dental office, for a member who:
◼ is under age 14; or
◼ if determined by a licensed physician, is severely disabled, has a developmental disability, or otherwise has a medical condition that places the person at serious medical risk.
◼ Impacted teeth removal (surgical) only when you have a medical condition
(such as hemophilia) that requires hospitalization.
◼ Facial bone fracture reduction.
◼ Incisions of accessory sinus, mouth, salivary glands, or ducts.
◼ Jaw dislocation manipulation.
◼ Orthodontic and other dental services related to management of cleft palate or cleft lip.
◼ Treatment of abnormal changes in the mouth due to injury or disease of the mouth, or dental care (oral examination, x-rays, extractions, and nonsurgical elimination of oral infection) required for the direct treatment of a medical condition, limited to:
⎯ Dental services related to medical transplant procedures;
⎯ Initiation of immunosuppressives
(medication used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system); or
⎯ Treatment of neoplasms of the mouth and contiguous tissue.
Not Covered:
◼ General dentistry including, but not limited to, diagnostic and preventive services, restorative services, endodontic services, periodontal services, indirect fabrications, dentures and bridges, and orthodontic services unrelated to accidental injuries or management of cleft palate or cleft lip.
◼ Injuries associated with or resulting from the act of chewing.
◼ Maxillary or mandibular tooth implants
(osseointegration) unrelated to accidental injuries or abnormal changes in the mouth due to injury or disease.
Dialysis Covered: Removal of toxic substances from the blood when the kidneys are unable to do so when provided as an inpatient in a hospital setting or as an outpatient in a
Medicare-approved dialysis center.
PL001923 RL005305 20 Form Number: Wellmark SD Grp/DE_ 0125
Education Services for Diabetes Covered: Inpatient and outpatient training and education for the self-management of all types of diabetes mellitus.
All covered training or education must be prescribed by a licensed physician.
Outpatient training or education must be provided by a qualified diabetes educator and recognized by the American Diabetes
Association (ADA) or use a curriculum approved by the ADA or the South Dakota
Department of Health.
A diabetes educator is a physician, nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, or other licensed health care provider who satisfies the current academic eligibility requirements of the National Certification Board for
Diabetes Educators and has completed a course in diabetic education and training or has been certified as a diabetes educator.
Certified diabetic education programs help a person with any type of diabetes and their caretaker understand the diabetes disease process and the daily management of diabetes.
Emergency Services Covered: When treatment is for a medical condition manifested by acute symptoms of sufficient severity, including pain, that a prudent layperson, with an average knowledge of health and medicine, could reasonably expect absence of immediate medical attention to result in:
◼ Placing the health of the individual or, with respect to a pregnant woman, the health of the woman and her unborn child, in serious jeopardy; or
◼ Serious impairment to bodily function;
or
◼ Serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part.
In an emergency situation, if you cannot reasonably reach a PPO Provider, covered services will be reimbursed as though they were received from a PPO Provider, unless the No Surprises Act applies. When the No
Surprises Act applies to emergency services, claims will be processed in accordance with the Act and you cannot be billed for the difference between the amount charged and the total amount paid by us. If you receive medically necessary emergency services to treat an emergency medical condition, those services will be covered as required under the No Surprises Act notwithstanding any other plan exclusion.
See Also:
Out-of-Network Providers, page 62.
Fertility and Infertility Services Covered:
◼ Fertility prevention, such as tubal ligation (or its equivalent) or vasectomy
(initial surgery only).
◼ Fertility and infertility services until you receive…
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