Contract_Appendix_III_-_Wellwise_Choice_Health_Plan_Document_2025_revised_Final_8-20-25.pdf
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- Attached to
- Medical, Dental and Pharmacy Auditing
- Solicitation number
- RFP-017-2911101-CR
- Issued by
- Orange County, San Diego City, California
About this file
This document is the County of Orange Wellwise Choice Health Plan document, an amended and restated health insurance plan for County of Orange employees effective January 1, 2025. The plan provides comprehensive medical and prescription drug benefits for regular and limited-term employees working 20 or more hours per week, along with their eligible dependents. The health plan covers a wide range of medical services including preventive care, hospital stays, emergency services, mental health treatment, prescription drugs, specialty care, and various therapeutic services. The plan features network and non-network provider options, with different reimbursement rates and out-of-pocket maximums for each.
The plan includes detailed cost-sharing provisions, with calendar year deductibles of $500 for individual network coverage and $750 for non-network coverage, and corresponding family deductibles of $1,000 and $1,500. Out-of-pocket medical maximum benefits are set at $2,500 for individual network coverage and $5,000 for family network coverage, with higher limits for non-network providers. The prescription drug program operates on a tiered formulary with varying coinsurance rates for generic, preferred, and non-preferred drugs, and has an out-of-pocket prescription drug maximum of $4,100 for individuals and $8,200 for families. The plan is self-administered by the County of Orange, with claims administration services provided by third-party administrators, and includes comprehensive appeal and external review processes for denied claims.
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COUNTY OF ORANGE
WELLWISE CHOICE HEALTH PLAN
PLAN DOCUMENT
Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2025
Page i of 57
COUNTY OF ORANGE
WELLWISE CHOICE HEALTH PLAN
PLAN DOCUMENT
The COUNTY OF ORANGE Wellwise Choice HEALTH PLAN (the “PLAN”) assures the County of Orange employees during the period of this PLAN that all benefits hereinafter described shall be paid to them in the event that they and/or their eligible enrolled dependent(s) incur covered medical and prescription drug expenses.
The PLAN is subject to all the terms, provisions and conditions described within this document.
The COUNTY OF ORANGE has caused this PLAN and the terms and benefits described herein to take effect as of 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time on January 1, 2014, at Santa Ana, California 92701. The First Amended and Restated PLAN became effective January 1, 2015. The Second Amended and Restated PLAN became effective January 1, 2016. The Third Amended and Restated PLAN became effective January 1, 2018. The Fourth Amended and Restated PLAN became effective January 1, 2020. The Fifth Amended and Restated PLAN became effective January 1, 2021. The Sixth Amended and Restated PLAN became effective January 1, 2022. The Seventh Amended and Restated PLAN became effective January 1, 2023. The Eighth Amended and Restated PLAN becomes effective January 1, 2025.
All amendments to the PLAN implemented by the Eighth Amended and Restated PLAN shall be effective January 1, 2025. Earlier provisions apply to expenses incurred before that date.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page ii of 56
Page
ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT
ELIGIBILITY FOR COVERAGE
ENROLLING FOR COVERAGE
INDIVIDUAL PLAN COVERAGE EFFECTIVE DATES
INDIVIDUAL TERMINATION OF COVERAGE
EXTENDED BENEFITS
SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS
MEDICAL EXPENSE BENEFITS
PRESCRIPTION DRUG CARD PROGRAM
MEDICAL EXPENSE BENEFITS
HOW THE PLAN WORKS
CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR
UTILIZATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
Pre-Admission Review – Hospital Admissions Effect of Pre-Admission Review on Benefits Prior Authorization
CENTERS OF DISTINCTION
EMERGENCY SERVICES FACILITY AND PROVIDER
OUTPATIENT DIALYSIS
OUTPATIENT AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTERS
CASE MANAGEMENT
THE CALENDAR YEAR DEDUCTIBLE
Expenses That Do Not Apply Toward the Deductible
MID-YEAR PLAN CHANGE
NETWORK AND NON-NETWORK BENEFITS
OUT-OF-POCKET MEDICAL MAXIMUM BENEFIT
Expenses That Do Not Apply Toward the Out-of-Pocket Medical Maximum Benefit
OUT-OF-POCKET PRESCRIPTION DRUG MAXIMUM BENEFIT
COVERED MEDICAL EXPENSES
PRESCRIPTION DRUG CARD PROGRAM
HOW THE PLAN WORKS
FORMULARY INCLUDING PREFERRED DRUGS
FORMULARY EXCLUSIONS
OUT-OF-POCKET PRESCRIPTION DRUG MAXIMUM BENEFIT
COVERED PRESCRIPTION DRUG EXPENSES
QUANTITY LIMITS
AGE LIMITS
PRIOR AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
How to Obtain a Prior Authorization
MEDICATION MONITORING
STEP CARE THERAPY
SPECIALTY PHARMACY PROGRAM
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS THAT ARE NOT COVERED
PLAN LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
COORDINATION OF BENEFITS
DEFINITIONS APPLICABLE TO THIS PROVISION
EFFECT ON BENEFITS
RIGHT TO RECEIVE AND RELEASE NECESSARY INFORMATION
FACILITY OF PAYMENT
RECOVERY OF EXCESS PAYMENTS
GENERAL PROVISIONS
CLAIM PAYMENT DETERMINATION
PLAN EXCEPTIONS
DETERMINATION OF PAYMENT
PLAN DOCUMENT
ASSIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Page iii of 56
CONFORMITY WITH STATE AND FEDERAL STATUTES AND REGULATIONS
PLAN AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
CHANGE IN FUNDING MECHANISM
NOTICE AND PROOF OF CLAIM
CLAIM-RELATED DEFINITIONS
INITIAL CLAIM DETERMINATION
TIME FRAMES FOR INITIAL CLAIM DECISIONS
CLAIM APPEAL PROCEDURES – MEDICAL EXPENSES AND PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
TIME FRAMES FOR INTERNAL APPEALS PROCESS
LEVEL TWO APPEAL PROCESS
EXTERNAL REVIEW PROCESS
APPEALS OF CLAIMS INVOLVING ELIGIBILITY MATTERS
ACTS OF THIRD PARTIES
HIPAA PRIVACY AND HIPAA SECURITY
DEFINITIONS
ACCIDENTAL INJURY
AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTERS (ASC)
CALENDAR YEAR
CASE MANAGEMENT
CENTER OF DISTINCTION
CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR
COVERED DRUGS
COVERED MEDICAL EXPENSES
COVERED PERSON
CUSTODIAL CARE
DEDUCTIBLE
DEPENDENTS
DOMESTIC PARTNER
EMERGENCY HOSPITAL CONFINEMENT
EMERGENCY SERVICES
EXPERIMENTAL OR INVESTIGATIONAL PROCEDURES
FORMULARY
GENERIC DRUG
HOME HEALTH CARE AGENCY
HOSPITAL
ILLNESS
INPATIENT
MEDICAL EXPENSE BENEFITS
MEDICALLY NECESSARY
MEDICARE
NETWORK CONTRACT RATE
NETWORK HOSPITAL OR PROVIDER
NETWORK RETAIL PHARMACY
NON-NETWORK HOSPITAL OR PROVIDER
NON-NETWORK RETAIL PHARMACY
NON-PREFERRED DRUGS
OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS
OUTPATIENT
PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGER
PHYSICIAN
PLAN
PLAN ADMINISTRATOR
PRE-ADMISSION REVIEW
PREFERRED DRUGS
PRESCRIBER
PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
ROOM AND BOARD
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Page iv of 56
SEMI-PRIVATE CHARGE
SKILLED NURSING
SKILLED NURSING FACILITY
SPECIAL TRANSPLANT FACILITY
THE COUNTY
THE FUND
TOTAL DISABILITY
USUAL, REASONABLE AND CUSTOMARY (URC)
UTILIZATION REVIEW
WAITING PERIOD
SIGNATURE PAGE
ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT
ELIGIBILITY FOR COVERAGE
The Wellwise Choice Health Plan eligibility requirements for covered persons and their dependents are described in the definitions section of this document. For employees that are members of a collective bargaining unit with whom the County contracts, County provided Health Insurance provisions are described in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
ENROLLING FOR COVERAGE
Procedures and guidelines for enrolling in the Wellwise Choice Health Plan are described in the Benefits Enrollment Guide provided to all County employees during the annual open enrollment period.
INDIVIDUAL PLAN COVERAGE EFFECTIVE DATES
a) All eligible employees upon initiation of the PLAN will be covered on the date of inception of the
PLAN provided they are actively at work on that date or available for work if it is not a scheduled workday on the effective date; otherwise, they will be covered on the first day of the month following thirty (30) days after hire.
b) New employees shall be covered as explained under “Waiting Period” in Definitions Section.
c) Dependents shall be covered on the date application is approved for coverage for them as Dependents and any required contributions for coverage are made to the County. Newborn children are covered for the first 30 days of newborn’s life. Newborns will continue to be covered beyond day 30, provided enrollment is requested within 30 days following birth.
d) If application for coverage or for reinstatement is made by a person who is in an eligible status, but whose coverage had never become effective or had terminated because of failure to make the required contributions for Individual’s Coverage, the coverage for such person shall take effect only in accordance with the conditions of eligibility as applied to a new employee and Dependents.
e) If additional Dependents are acquired while the individual is eligible for Dependent Coverage, the coverage for each such Dependent shall become effective on the date the Dependent qualifies in accordance with the Definition of Dependent provision and has been enrolled in the method determined by the Plan Administrator.
f) A new dependent will be deemed to have been enrolled on the date he becomes eligible for coverage providing formal application for coverage is submitted within 30 days of the dependent’s eligibility.
INDIVIDUAL TERMINATION OF COVERAGE
Coverage under the PLAN shall terminate on the earliest of the following dates:
a) The date of termination of the PLAN; or
b) The last day of the month that membership ceases in an eligible class; or
ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT (continued)
c) The last day of the month in which a Dependent ceases to be a qualified Dependent as defined under “Dependents” in the Definition Section; or
d) The date all coverage or certain benefits are terminated on the Covered Person’s particular class by modification of the PLAN; or
e) The date the Covered Person becomes a full-time member of the Armed Forces of any country;
however, any Covered Person who is absent from work due to service in the uniformed services as defined by USERRA may elect to continue coverage, including their covered dependents, under the PLAN for up to 24 months as required under USERRA; or
f) The date the Covered Person fails to make a required contribution.
When coverage terminates because of a Leave of Absence during which premiums were not paid for coverage for the employee or Dependents, coverage can be reinstated upon return to work under terms and conditions applicable for the enrollment of a new employee and/or dependent.
Termination of PLAN eligibility is subject to regulations under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act and regulations requiring extension of benefit eligibility if applicable.
EXTENDED BENEFITS
If a Covered Person is totally disabled on the date his/her coverage terminates, the Medical Expense Benefits will be extended during the continuance of the Total Disability with respect to the Accidental Injury or Illness causing such Total Disability if such person is not or does not become covered under any other plan which entitles such person to any benefits for illness or injury. The benefits will be extended for the period of twelve months following the month in which the Total Disability commenced.
SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS
MEDICAL EXPENSE BENEFITS
The following Medical Expense Benefits are provided by this PLAN and administered by the Claims Administrator. Unless otherwise noted, all Covered Medical Expenses are subject to the applicable Deductible, coinsurance and other exclusions or limitations expressed herein.
When utilizing Non-Network facilities and providers, the Covered Person is responsible for all charges incurred that are above the URC amount. This may include, but is not limited to, preventive care. Covered Persons who receive emergency services at any emergency facility (including hospital emergency departments), air ambulance services or covered services at in-network facilities will only be responsible for applicable in-network benefit cost sharing amounts as reflected in this schedule of benefits and will not be responsible for any out-of-network charges for any such services.
MEDICAL EXPENSE BENEFITS Network Non-Network1
LIFETIME MAXIMUM BENEFIT None
CALENDAR YEAR DEDUCTIBLE2
Individual
Family
$500
$1,000
$750
$1,500
All Covered Medical Expenses accumulate toward both the Network Deductible and the Non-Network Deductible. Once the Non-Network Deductible is met, the Network Deductible will have been considered to be met for that Calendar Year. The total Deductible amount for the Calendar Year will not exceed the Non-Network Deductible amount.
OUT-OF-POCKET MEDICAL MAXIMUM
BENEFIT2 – After all medical out-of-pocket expenses (including deductibles and coinsurance) incurred by a Covered Person within a Calendar Year have totaled the amount shown, the PLAN will pay 100% of the remaining Covered Medical Expenses incurred by that Covered Person for the remainder of the Calendar Year.
If a Covered Person has a combination of Network and Non-Network services, the out-of-pocket expenses under both will be combined to determine whether the Out-of- Pocket Maximum Benefit has been met.
MEDICAL
Individual: $2,500
Family: $5,000
MEDICAL
Individual: $5,000
Family: $10,000
Does not include the cost of services that are not covered by the PLAN, amounts in excess of Usual, Reasonable and Customary, the 20% coinsurance reduction for failure to obtain
Pre-Admission approval, permissible balance billing charges, and/or if you chose a brand drug when a generic equivalent is available, the cost differential would be excluded
COINSURANCE
The PLAN pays the following percentage of
Covered Medical Expenses after the Covered Person pays the Deductible (except as noted below)
Preventive care services:
• Children (birth through 18 years of age)
• Adults (19 years of age or older)
100% (no Deductible)
Office Visit (includes Telehealth) 90% 70%
Telemedicine Visit
1-800-TELADOC
90% Not covered
MEDICAL EXPENSE BENEFITS (continued)
Physical/Occupational Therapy Visit 90% 70%
Urgent Care 90% 70%
Chiropractic services and acupuncture services
90% 70%
Combined Network and Non-Network maximum benefit of 25 visits per Calendar Year for chiropractic services and
25 visits per Calendar Year for acupuncture services.
Emergency Services
• Non-Network – covered person is responsible for all charges above the current URC amount
90%
Inpatient Hospital services:
• With Pre-Admission Review
• Without Pre-Admission Review
70%
50%
Outpatient surgery - Hospital 90% 70%
Outpatient surgery – Ambulatory Surgery Center (facility charges)
90% 70% up to a maximum of $1,500/day
Radiology - Advance Imaging including MRI, CT, PET Scans, X-Ray, and Ultrasound
(requires Prior Authorization for complex imaging, unless emergency)
Organ transplants3 90% 70%
Home health care (requires Prior Authorization if a Non-Network provider)
90% 70%
When home health care is authorized as an alternative to continued hospitalization in a Network Hospital, the home health care services will be reimbursed at 90%
Ambulance services
Non-Network: Covered person is responsible for all charges above the current URC amount for Ground Ambulance but only responsible for in-network charges for air ambulance services
90% 90%
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) 90% 70% Hearing Aids (not subject to Deductible or Coinsurance) $5,000 per member in any 36-month period
Orthotics (no Prior Authorization required) 90% 70%
Skilled nursing facility (requires Prior Authorization)
90% 70%
Combined Network and Non-Network maximum benefit of 100 days per Calendar Year
Hospice (requires Prior Authorization) 90% 70%
When Hospice residence immediately follows Inpatient services in a Network Hospital, the Hospice services will be reimbursed at 90%
MEDICAL EXPENSE BENEFITS (continued)
Dialysis Services (outpatient) 90% Within California: 70% up to a maximum of $600 per day
Outside California: 70%
Mental health and substance abuse treatment (severe and non-severe):
Inpatient
With Pre-Admission Review Without Pre-Admission Review
Outpatient
50% 70%
Applied Behavioral Analysis (requires Prior Authorization)
90% Not covered
Covered Drugs prescribed for emergency treatment or for treatment received while traveling outside of the United States, and not purchased through the Prescription Drug Card Program
80%
Certain surgical procedures for treatment of morbid obesity (requires Prior Authorization). Must use designated facilities if surgery occurs within California.3
90% Within California: Not covered Outside California: 70%
All other Covered Medical Expenses 90% 70%
Notes:
1 Covered Persons may be responsible for all out-of-network charges billed for certain services not obtained at an in-network facility.
2 Any amounts a Covered Person pays because the Pre-Admission Review requirements were not met do not apply to the Deductible or the Out-of-Pocket Medical Maximum Benefit accumulation. Out-of-Pocket prescription drug expenses do not apply to the Out-of-Pocket Medical Maximum Benefit accumulation.
3 Refer to Covered Medical Expenses for benefit limitations for organ procurement and travel expenses associated with a covered organ transplant.
4 Refer to How the Plan Works – Centers of Distinction for benefit limitations for bariatric surgeries performed at Non-Network facilities within California.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG CARD PROGRAM
The Prescription Drug Card Program is administered by the Pharmacy Benefit Manager.
LIFETIME MAXIMUM BENEFIT Unlimited
CALENDAR YEAR DEDUCTIBLE None
OUT-OF-POCKET PRESCRIPTION DRUG
MAXIMUM BENEFIT: The maximum amount of Prescription Drug coinsurance for which a Covered Person is responsible during a Plan Year.
$4,100 individual
$8,200 family
COINSURANCE THE PLAN PAYS THE COVERED PERSON PAYS
Covered drugs purchased through a Network Retail Pharmacy or approved Mail Order Service
Preventive Products1
Tier 1 – Lower cost/commonly used Generic drugs2. May also include some low-cost brand-name drugs.
Tier 2 – Preferred Drugs (many common brand-name drugs): When a generic equivalent does not exist, or the prescriber specifically requests the brand-name drug.
Tier 2 - Preferred Drugs (many common brand-name drugs): When a generic equivalent exists, but Covered Person requests the brand-name drug.
Tier 3 - Non-Preferred Drugs (mostly higher cost brand-name drugs): When a generic equivalent does not exist, or the prescriber specifically requests the brand-name drug.
Tier 3 - Non-Preferred Drugs (mostly higher cost brand-name drugs): When a generic equivalent exists, but Covered Person requests the brand-name drug.
Specialty Pharmacy Drugs (see page 26 of the Plan Document for reference).
100%
80%
75%
80% of generic cost
80% of generic cost
The remaining percentage of the cost of the covered drug
0%
20%
25%
20% of generic cost, plus cost differential3
30%
20% of generic cost, plus cost differential3
The percentage of the cost and any cost differential3 required of the covered person for Specialty Drugs as stated directly above for the respective covered Tier 1 - Generic, Tier 2 – Preferred or Tier 3 - Non-Preferred, up to a maximum of $150 required of the covered person per 30-day supply.4
Notes:
1 See information about Preventive Products under Covered Prescription Expenses section on page 23.
2 Some higher cost Generic Drugs may be placed in the Preferred Drug or Non-Preferred Drug Tiers.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG CARD PROGRAM (continued)
3 If the Covered Person requests a Brand-Name Drug when a Generic Drug equivalent is available, the Covered Person is responsible for paying the difference between the Participating Pharmacy contracted rate for the Brand- Name Drug and its Generic Drug equivalent, as well as the applicable Drug co-insurance. This differential in cost (Brand-Name vs. Generic) that the Covered Person must pay is not included in the Calendar Year maximum out-of-pocket prescription drug benefit. If the prescription specifies a Brand-Name Drug and the prescriber has written “Dispense as Written” or “Do Not Substitute” on the prescription, or if a Generic Drug equivalent is not available, the Covered Person is only responsible for paying the applicable Brand-Name Drug co-insurance.
4 A 30-day member cost share will be applied to any unbreakable package of greater than 30 days. Stepped up copays will not apply for claims with unbreakable packaging resulting in a greater day supply.
The Prescription Drug Card Program does not provide benefits for prescription drugs and medications purchased at a Non-Network Retail Pharmacy or unapproved mail order service.
Limited coverage is available under the Medical Expense Benefits for such expenses.
The Covered Person’s coinsurance for prescription drugs and medications that qualify as Covered Drugs under the Prescription Drug Card Program can be used to satisfy the Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Maximum Benefit. Prescription drugs and medications that qualify as Covered Drugs under the Prescription Drug Card Program cannot be used to satisfy the Medical Expense Benefits Deductible or Out-of-Pocket Medical Maximum Benefit amount.
HOW THE PLAN WORKS
CLAIMS ADMINISTRATOR
The Claims Administrator provides claims administration services for the PLAN’s Medical Expense Benefits.
UTILIZATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
The PLAN requires pre-service review of certain covered services. This process is called Utilization Review and is conducted by the Claims Administrator. The purpose of Utilization Review is to assist the Covered Person in identifying the most appropriate and cost-effective course of treatment for which benefits will be provided under the PLAN, and to determine whether the services are Medically Necessary. The necessity of medical services is evaluated through:
Inpatient Hospital Pre-Admission Review for elective Hospital confinements (including concurrent review and discharge planning), and
Prior Authorization of specialty health care services.
All Inpatient hospitalizations for elective services and certain specialty health care services must be authorized and approved by the Claims Administrator. The Covered Person is responsible for ensuring that Pre-Admission review or Prior Authorization has occurred.
Services that are determined to be not Medically Necessary by the Claims Administrator, either through the Pre-Admission Review or Prior Authorization process, will not be covered by the PLAN.
However, the Covered Person and his Physician make the final decision concerning treatment.
Pre-Admission Review – Hospital Admissions
If a Covered Person is to be admitted to a Hospital or Skilled Nursing Facility on an Inpatient basis for any reason other than childbirth, the Covered Person, his representative, or his Physician must contact the Claims Administrator prior to the hospital admission (or, in the case of an Emergency Hospital Confinement, within 48 hours of the commencement of such confinement, or within 72 hours of the commencement of such confinement if it commences on a Saturday, Sunday or statutory legal holiday).
After the Claims Administrator reviews the Covered Person’s request for Pre-Admission Review and the Covered Person’s Physician’s suggested treatment program, the Covered Person, the Covered Person’s Physician, and the Hospital will be notified of the Claims Administrator’s determination.
If the Covered Person’s stay is approved, the Claims Administrator will certify the length of stay and the level of care that is Medically Necessary based on professionally recognized quality standards. The Claims Administrator may also review the Covered Person’s progress while hospitalized. Then, before the Covered Person is released from the Hospital, the Claims Administrator may make arrangements to authorize benefits for any necessary care after the Covered Person’s discharge.
HOW THE PLAN WORKS (continued)
Effect of Pre-Admission Review on Benefits
1. Covered Medical Expenses shall not include any charges for Hospital Room and Board, or other services and supplies furnished by the Hospital that are incurred on any day of a Covered Person’s Inpatient Hospital confinement determined by the Claims Administrator not to be Medically Necessary.
2. If a Covered Person does not obtain Pre-Admission Review approval from the Claims Administrator for a Medically Necessary Hospital stay in a Non-Network Hospital or facility, the applicable coinsurance will be reduced from seventy percent (70%) to fifty percent (50%). The additional twenty percent (20%) for which the Covered Person is responsible due to failure to obtain Pre-Admission Review approval does not apply to the Deductible or Out-of-Pocket Medical Maximum Benefit amount.
Emergency inpatient hospitalizations are excluded from the requirements of this paragraph as Pre- Admission Reviews are not required for services that meet the Emergency Service definition; however, the Claims Administrator must still be notified for emergency inpatient hospitalizations within the time frames specified on the prior page under Pre-Admission Review – Hospital Admissions.
Prior Authorization
The following medical services require Prior Authorization by the Claims Administrator, unless it meets the Emergency Services definition. Additional services may also require Prior Authorization and are not listed here:
• Home health care if a Non-Network Provider;
• Hospice care in a Hospice facility or through a Hospice program;
• Surgical procedures for treatment of morbid obesity;
• Radiological and nuclear imaging procedures within California on an outpatient, non-emergency basis including, but not limited to, CT (computerized tomography) scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), MRA (magnetic resonance angiography), PET (positive emission tomography scan), and diagnostic cardiac procedures utilizing nuclear medicine;
• Spine surgery and pain management procedures within the United States on a non-emergency basis including, but not limited to lumbar spine surgery, cervical spine surgery, injections, epidurals, and joint blocks;
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA);
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT);
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP);
• Transmagnetic Stimulation (TMS);
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP).
If Prior Authorization is not obtained, and it is later determined by the Claims Administrator that the services are not Medically Necessary, the services will not be covered under this PLAN. However, the Covered Person and his Physician make the final decision concerning treatment.
CENTERS OF DISTINCTION
Bariatric surgery requires utilization of one of the Claims Administrator’s Centers of Distinction facilities for Covered Persons receiving such outpatient services within the State of California.
If a Covered Person as specified above obtains such services within California from a facility that is not a Center of Distinction, the services will not be covered under this PLAN. Services received outside of the State of California are exempt from this requirement.
For a hip or knee replacement, organ transplant, spinal surgery and cardiac care, it is strongly recommended that the Covered Person utilize one of the Claims Administrator’s Centers of Distinction to ensure high quality, cost-effective services are received.
EMERGENCY SERVICES FACILITY AND PROVIDER
When a Covered Person obtains treatment for a condition that meets the “Emergency Services” definition stated in this PLAN, the PLAN pays the Network rate of ninety percent (90%) of the Usual, Reasonable and Customary (URC) amount (after Deductible) until the patient is considered to be medically stable.
Covered Person may be responsible for all out-of-network charges billed for certain services not obtained in the emergency facility (e.g., ground ambulance) above the URC amount. Covered Persons who receive Emergency Services at any emergency facility (including hospital emergency departments) or air ambulance will only be responsible for applicable in-network benefit cost sharing amounts and will not be responsible for any out-of-network charges for any such services.
OUTPATIENT DIALYSIS
If a Covered Person receives outpatient dialysis services at a Non-Network facility within California, the Claims Administrator will pay a maximum of $600 per day to the provider. The Covered Person may be billed for any difference in cost.
OUTPATIENT AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTERS
If a Covered Person receives services at a Non-Network Ambulatory Surgery Center within California, the Claims Administrator will pay a maximum of $1,500 per day for the facility charges. The Covered Person may be billed for any difference in cost.
CASE MANAGEMENT
Case Management helps coordinate health care services and make efficient use of Plan Benefits. Its goal is to help with managing health conditions, avoiding unnecessary emergency room visits and repeated hospitalizations, and transitioning from Hospital to home. The Claims Administrator may contact Covered Persons to offer services, or a Covered Person may request Case Management. Case Management can help identify and access appropriate services and programs, instruct about self-management of health care conditions, and identify community resources that provide support while learning to manage a chronic health condition.
Under Case Management, alternative services may be offered when they are medically appropriate and used when the Covered Person, their health care provider, and the Claims Administrator mutually agree.
The availability of these services is specific to the Covered Person undergoing Case Management for a set period of time based on a specific diagnosed health condition. The Claims Administrator does not give up the right to administer Benefits based on this Plan Document or to discontinue any alternative services when they are no longer medically necessary. The PLAN is not obligated to cover the same or similar alternative services for any other Covered Person in any other instance.
THE CALENDAR YEAR DEDUCTIBLE
Annually, each Covered Person must satisfy the Calendar Year Deductible before most Covered Medical Expenses are reimbursed by the PLAN. The Calendar Year Deductible is different for Network and Non- Network expenses — see chart below.
The Calendar Year Deductible Network Providers Non-Network Providers
Individual Deductible $500 $750
Family Deductible $1,000 $1,500
All covered expenses accumulate toward both the Network Deductible and the Non-Network Deductible.
Once the Non-Network Deductible is met, the Network Deductible will have been considered to be met for that Calendar Year. The total Deductible amount for the Calendar Year will not exceed the Non-Network Deductible amount.
If, during a Calendar Year, the Deductible amount has been satisfied, as provided in the preceding chart, by Covered Persons who are members of the same family, and if the sum of such Deductibles is equal to the Family Deductible shown in the Schedule of Medical Expense Benefits, the cash Deductible requirement is waived from that point in time with respect to any remaining members of that family for the remainder of such Calendar Year. For the purposes of this provision, a “family” means an enrolled employee and his enrolled Dependents.
Expenses That Do Not Apply Toward the Deductible
The following expenses do not apply toward the Deductible:
a) Preventive care services specified in Covered Medical Expenses paragraph g) that are reimbursed by the PLAN at one hundred percent (100%);
b) Any Covered Drugs that qualify for coverage under the Prescription Drug Card Program;
c) The cost differential between a Brand-Name vs. Generic prescription, that a Covered Person must pay when a Generic Drug equivalent is available;
d) Any amounts over the URC amount;
e) Any amounts for hearing aid coverage;
f) Any amounts the Covered Person pays because the Pre-Admission Review requirements of the PLAN were not met; and
g) Any services not considered Covered Medical Expenses or otherwise excluded or in excess of PLAN limits.
MID-YEAR PLAN CHANGE
If you are eligible to change plans mid-year and change to Sharewell, you may be entitled to carry over the amounts accumulated towards your deductible and Out-of-Pocket Maximum Benefit limits to the Sharewell Plan. Contact the Claims Administrator or the Plan Administrator for more information.
NETWORK AND NON-NETWORK BENEFITS
The PLAN includes network and non-network benefits. Each time medical care is needed, the Covered Person decides whether to use a Network Provider or Non-Network Provider.
When medical care is received from a Network Provider, the PLAN pays ninety percent (90%) of the Network Contract Rate for most Covered Medical Expenses (after the Network Deductible), except Preventive Care which is covered at 100% regardless of network. Network Providers agree to not bill the Covered Person for any charges in excess of the Network Contract Rate. The Covered Person pays the Network Deductible and ten percent (10%) of the Network Contract Rate, plus any charges that do not qualify as a Covered Medical Expense or are otherwise excluded or limited by the PLAN. Dollar or visit limits may apply for Network care as well (e.g., chiropractic treatments, acupuncture, hearing aids and skilled nursing).
Except as otherwise specified in the Centers of Distinction, Emergency Services Facility and Provider, Outpatient Dialysis, and Outpatient Ambulatory Surgery Center sections above, when medical care is received from a Non-Network Provider, the PLAN pays seventy percent (70%) of the Usual, Reasonable and Customary (URC) amount (after the Non-Network Deductible), except Preventive Care which is covered at 100% regardless of network. The Covered Person pays the Non-Network Deductible, thirty percent (30%) of the URC amount, plus any amounts the Non-Network provider charges that exceed URC, any charges that do not qualify as Covered Medical Expenses or are otherwise excluded or limited by the PLAN, and the twenty percent (20%) coinsurance reduction for failure to follow the Pre-Admission Review and Prior Authorization requirements of the PLAN. Dollar and/or visits limits may apply for Non-Network care as well (e.g., ambulatory surgery, dialysis, chiropractic treatments, and acupuncture). Notwithstanding the foregoing, covered Persons who receive emergency services at any emergency facility (including hospital emergency departments), air ambulance services or covered services at in-network facilities will only be responsible for applicable in-network benefit cost sharing amounts and will not be responsible for any out-of-network charges for any such services.
OUT-OF-POCKET MEDICAL MAXIMUM BENEFIT
The Out-of-Pocket Medical Maximum Benefit limits the amount a Covered Person pays for Covered Medical Expenses in a Calendar Year. The Out-of-Pocket Medical Maximum Benefit amounts are different for network and non-network expenses. After a Covered Person’s medical out-of-pocket costs, including the Deductible, have totaled $2,500 individual and $5,000 family for Network or $5,000 individual and $10,000 family for Non-Network, the PLAN will pay one hundred percent (100%) of the remaining Covered Medical Expenses incurred by the Covered Person within the Calendar Year.
If the Covered Person has a combination of Network and Non-Network expenses, the Covered Person’s out-of-pocket costs under both will be combined to determine whether the Out-of-Pocket Medical Maximum Benefit amount has been met.
Expenses That Do Not Apply Toward the Out-of-Pocket Medical Maximum Benefit
The following expenses do not apply toward the Out-of-Pocket Medical Maximum Benefit amount:
• Preventive care services specified in Covered Medical Expenses paragraph g) that are reimbursed by the PLAN at one hundred percent (100%);
• Any Covered Drugs that qualify for coverage under the Prescription Drug Card Program;
• The differential in cost between a Brand-Name vs. Generic prescription, that the Covered Person must pay when a Generic equivalent is available;
• Any amounts over the URC amount;
• Any amounts for hearing aid coverage;
• Any amounts the Covered Person pays because the Pre-Admission Review requirements of the PLAN were not met; and
• Any services not considered Covered Medical Expenses or otherwise excluded or in excess of PLAN limits.
OUT-OF-POCKET PRESCRIPTION DRUG MAXIMUM BENEFIT
The Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Maximum Benefit limits the amount a Covered Person pays for Covered Prescription Drug Expenses in a Calendar Year. After a Covered Person’s prescription drug out-of-pocket expenses (i.e., coinsurance) have totaled $4,100 individual or $8,200 family, the PLAN will pay one hundred percent (100%) of the remaining Covered Prescription Drug Expenses incurred by the Covered Person within the Calendar Year.
The following expenses do not apply toward the Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Maximum Benefit amount:
Preventive Products specified in Covered Prescription Drug Expenses section below on page 23 that are reimbursed by the PLAN at one hundred percent (100%).
This cost differential (brand-name vs. generic) paid by the Covered Person when the Covered Person requests a Brand-Name Drug when a Generic Drug equivalent is available as specified on page 22 below.
COVERED MEDICAL EXPENSES
The PLAN covers preventive services, certain wellness services and other Medically Necessary services and supplies described below which are incurred by a Covered Person. Such services must be incurred by a Covered Person while eligible to receive benefits under the PLAN and recommended by a Physician for the treatment of the Covered Person’s Illness, Accidental Injury, or pregnancy, subject to the exclusions and limitations listed within this Plan Document. Unless otherwise noted, all Covered Medical Expenses are subject to the applicable Deductibles and coinsurance listed in the Schedule of Medical Expense Benefits. For Non-Network Providers, Covered Medical Expenses shall include only Usual, Reasonable and Customary charges for the services and supplies described below.
Covered Medical Expenses include:
a) Hospital care for room, board and other Hospital services required for purposes of treatment, but not to exceed for Hospital Room and Board the cost of the most common semi-private room or other accommodations deemed Medically Necessary by the attending Physician.
The PLAN will allow up to the Network Negotiated Rate or URC amounts charged by the Hospital for necessary Hospital Room and Board, services, medicines, blood plasma that is not replaced, and supplies for diagnosis or treatment of the Illness or Accidental Injury, for which the Covered Person is confined (except services of a Physician, dentist, special nursing in any form, or supplies not used in the Hospital) provided the Covered Person is Hospital confined as a registered bed patient; or the Covered Person has surgery performed in the Hospital; or, the Covered Person received necessary emergency treatment for an Illness or as a result and within seventy-two (72) hours of the time of an accident
Hospital care associated with dental procedures is covered only under the following circumstances:
1. The Covered Person is a child, up to 6 years old, with a dental condition (such as baby bottle syndrome) that requires administration of general anesthesia in a hospital setting for dental repairs of significant complexity (e.g., multiple amalgam and/or resin-based composite restorations, pulpal therapy, extractions, or any combinations of these noted or other dental procedures); or
2. The Covered Person exhibits physical, intellectual, or medically compromising conditions, is in need of dental treatment that requires administration of general anesthesia, and for whom administration of a general anesthesia can only be safely performed in a hospital setting. Conditions include but are not limited to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, cardiac problems and hyperactivity (verified by appropriate medical documentation).
Such coverage is limited to the charges by the hospital and the anesthesiologist. The actual dental procedure performed by a dentist or oral surgeon during the Hospital stay is not covered.
For services received at a Non-Network Hospital, benefits will be reduced as described in the Schedule of Medical Expense Benefits if a Pre-Admission Review is not obtained.
Benefits shall not be payable with respect to charges made by any institution or facility for the care of the sick or injured which does not qualify as a Hospital as defined in the section “Definitions.”
b) Inpatient newborn well-baby care following birth, including:
COVERED MEDICAL EXPENSES (continued)
Inpatient routine nursery care provided to a newborn well-baby while the mother is Hospital confined, Physician services for the initial pediatric examination of a newborn child in the Hospital, and Circumcision;
c) Medical or surgical services by a Physician;
d) Mental health and substance abuse treatment by a Physician; Psychiatrist (M.D.); Psychologist (Ph.D.);
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.); or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (L.M.F.T.).
Expenses incurred for severe mental illnesses of a person of any age, and of serious emotional disturbances of a child as required by law will be covered on the same basis as any other medical condition;
e) Professional services, recommended by a Physician, Physician Assistant (P.A.), Nurse Practitioner
(N.P.), and provided by a graduate Registered Nurse (R.N.), a Licensed Vocational Nurse (L.V.N.) or an audiologist. Such services shall include a California Registered Nurse Midwife acting within the scope of his license;
f) The following medical services or supplies that are recommended by a Physician:
1) Covered Drugs requiring a Physician’s prescription that are prescribed by a Physician for emergency treatment or treatment while traveling outside of the United States and are not purchased through the Prescription Drug Card Program. All other eligible drugs and medicines requiring a Physician’s prescription must be obtained through the PLAN’s Prescription Drug Card Program;
2) Anesthesia, including the charge for administration;
3) Diagnostic and laboratory tests, x-ray services, routine pap tests and blood pressure tests;
4) Oxygen and/or rental of equipment required for its administration;
5) X-ray, radium and radioactive isotope therapy;
6) Braces, crutches, casts, splints, blood, and blood plasma (if not replaced) including the cost of blood, blood plasma and blood processing, or other fluids actually injected into the circulatory system;
7) Initial purchase and fitting of artificial limbs or eyes or other prosthetic appliances;
8) Authorized purchase of durable medical equipment prescribed by a Physician; however, only rental will be authorized for temporary therapeutic use in the treatment of an active Illness or Accidental Injury when rental charges do not exceed the purchase price of the equipment. Temporary use is generally defined as use not to exceed a length of time of six (6) months;
9) Necessary emergency transportation of the Covered Person by a professional ambulance, to or returning from the nearest Hospital or other medical institution equipped and staffed to treat the Illness or Accidental Injury, for Medically Necessary medical treatment that qualifies as a Covered Medical Expense under the PLAN;
g) Preventive Care at No Cost:
Preventive Health Services mean those primary preventive medical Covered Services, including related laboratory services, for early detection of disease as specifically listed below:
1) Evidence-based items or services that have in effect a rating of "A" or "B" in the current recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
2) Immunizations that have in effect a recommendation from either the Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the most current version of the Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule/United States, jointly adopted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
3) With respect to infants, children, and adolescents, evidence-informed preventive care and screenings provided for in the comprehensive guidelines supported by the United States Health Resources and Services Administration.
4) With respect to women, such additional preventive care and screenings not described in paragraph
1, as provided for in comprehensive guidelines supported by the United States Health Resources and Services Administration.
Preventive Health Services include, but are not limited to, cancer screening (including, but not limited to, colorectal cancer screening, cervical cancer and HPV screening, breast cancer screening and prostate cancer screening), breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA 1 and BRCA 2) testing, osteoporosis screening, screening for blood lead levels in children at risk for lead poisoning, and health education.
When a covered preventative screening or service is limited by frequency, a year is considered to be a twelve (12) month period. More information regarding covered Preventive Health Services is available at the Claims Administrator’s website or by calling the Claims Administrator’s Customer Service.
In the event there is a new recommendation or guideline in any of the resources described in paragraphs 1 through 4 above, the new recommendation will be covered as a Preventive Health Service as of the first plan year that begins twelve (12) months following the issuance of the recommendation.
5) Preventive care services for children (birth through 18 years of age) provided by a Network or
Non-Network Physician or the appropriately designated medical professional within that Physician’s office. Preventive care service for children will be reimbursed at one hundred percent (100%) of the Network Contract Rate or URC. The Calendar Year Deductible will not apply to these services.
Covered preventive care services for children will follow the age criteria and service frequency as recommended by the organizations specified in g) paragraph 1 and 3 above and will include but not be limited to:
Physical and medical history Height and weight evaluation Head circumference Ocular prophylaxis Hemoglobin blood test Preventive health counseling and education
Vision and hearing screening Developmental screening Injury prevention Blood pressure evaluation Screening for diabetes; Chlamydia; syphilis; HIV; and rubella susceptibility
Covered immunizations for children will follow the age criteria and service frequency as recommended by the organizations specified in g) paragraph 2 above and will include but not be limited to:
Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis (DTaP) Haemophilus Influenza type b (Hib) Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Chicken pox (Varicella) Hepatitis B (HBV) Influenza Hepatitis A (HepA) Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) Rotavirus Meningococcal
Immunizations, vaccinations, and inoculations required for foreign travel are not a Covered Medical Expense of the PLAN.
6) Preventive care services for adults (19 years of age or older) provided by a Network or Non-
Network Physician or the appropriately designated medical professional within that Physician’s office. Preventive care services for adults will be reimbursed at one hundred percent (100%) of the Network Contract Rate or URC. The Calendar Year Deductible will not apply to these services.
Covered preventive care services for adults will follow the age criteria and service frequency as recommended by the organizations specified in g) paragraphs 1 and 4 above and will include but not be limited to:
Preventive health education and counseling Height and weight evaluation Blood pressure check Blood cholesterol examination (Total and HDL) Clinical breast examination Mammogram Well-woman exam, including pap smear Prostate examination, including PSA Hemoccult test Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy Vision screening Testicular examination Liver tests Screening for diabetes; breast cancer; cervical cancer; Chlamydia; syphilis; osteoporosis; HIV;
abdominal aortic aneurysm; or rubella susceptibility
Covered immunizations for adults will follow the age criteria and service frequency as recommended by the organizations in g) paragraph 2 above and will include but not be limited to:
Influenza Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Meningococcal Pneumococcal vaccine Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Rubella (German Measles) Tetanus, Diphtheria (Td) booster (every 10 years) Chicken Pox (Varicella) Shingles, age 60 and over (Zostavax)
Immunizations, vaccinations, and inoculations required for foreign travel are not a Covered Medical Expense of the PLAN.
h) Short-term physical or occupational therapy. Physical therapy uses physical agents and therapeutic treatment to develop, improve, and maintain the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and respiratory systems. Occupational therapy is treatment to develop, improve, and maintain the skills needed for Activities of Daily Living, such as dressing, eating, and drinking.
i) Skilled nursing facility for room, board, and other services, not to exceed for Room and Board the most common average semi-private room rate. Coverage is limited to a maximum of 100 days in any one Calendar Year.
j) Pregnancy-related services.
k) Elective abortions only when the life of the employee or an eligible spouse is in danger.
l) Services for voluntary sterilization.
m) Speech therapy by a speech pathologist to restore loss of speech following Illness or Accidental Injury only.
n) Services by a Home Health Care Agency for continued care and treatment of the Covered Person.
o) Hospice services for care and treatment of a terminal Illness or Accidental Injury certified by the attending Physician when the life expectancy of the Covered Person does not exceed six (6) months.
p) Chiropractic manipulations performed by a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) or Doctor of Medicine
(M.D.), but not to exceed a maximum benefit of twenty-five (25) visits in any one Calendar Year.
q) Charges for the use of a free standing or outpatient surgical facility, Physician’s office surgical suite, or a Hospital for outpatient surgery.
r) Charges for a Second Surgical Opinion by a specialist in the field for which the Covered Person is considering surgery.
s) Charges for medical treatment of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction. Dental procedures for treatment of TMJ Dysfunction are excluded.
t) Charges for organ transplants. Covered Medical Expenses include the following when incurred for an organ transplant that has been approved for coverage under the PLAN:
1) The cost of organ procurement. When the organ is harvested from a living donor, the PLAN will cover the medical expenses incurred by the organ donor for the surgical procedure and associated Hospital stay for harvesting of the donated organ, to the extent such expenses exceed any benefits available through another plan. Such expenses are limited to the donor’s Inpatient Hospital stay for the organ harvesting, and related follow-up care for sixty (60) days following the organ harvesting.
The medical expenses incurred by a Covered Person in connection with the Covered Person’s donation of an organ to an individual who is not a Covered Person under this PLAN are not covered.
2) The cost of a donor search, limited to a maximum benefit of $15,000 per organ transplant when the search is conducted by a Special Transplant Facility or $5,000 per organ transplant when the search is conducted by other facilities.
3) Travel expenses, limited to a maximum lifetime benefit of $10,000 for organ transplants performed at a Special Transplant Facility, or $5,000 for organ transplants performed at other facilities. Travel expenses associated with an organ transplant are covered if the facility at which the transplant is performed is more than 100 ground miles from the organ recipient’s home address. Benefits will be based on actual incurred costs. Covered travel expenses include:
a. Coach airfare on a public airline for the organ recipient and one companion (two companions if the organ recipient is a minor child) to travel to and from the site of the transplant. A “companion” includes the organ recipient’s legal spouse, legal parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
b. Reimbursement for mileage at the then federal maximum rate for use of a personal car or rental car used to travel to and from the site of…
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