SelectBlue Plus Three-Tier Options
Transcription
SelectBlue Plus Three-Tier Options
SelectBlue Plus Three-Tier Options PLAN OPTIONS Health Plans for Employer Groups With 2-50 Employees EF F ECTI VE J A NUARY 1, 20 14 Choose the best BLUE FOR YOU! If you own a small business, you already know the challenges you face. It’s hard work. It’s a constant juggling act. You don’t need us to tell you that. What you do need from us is a way to offer your employees health care coverage–affordably. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska has options to meet your needs. These unique threetier plans offer a variety of benefit designs at affordable costs for groups in the Omaha community with 2 to 50 employees. All SelectBlue Plus options meet all of the requirements mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). So, with SelectBlue Plus, you can offer your employees qualified health plans that cover all the essential health benefits, including pediatric dental and vision. For specific information about your SelectBlue Plus options, refer to pages 22-23 of this booklet. 2 Small Group Three-Tier Options The three tiers offer three levels of cost sharing: COST SHARING (deductible/copayment/ coinsurance) NETWORK CONSISTS OF Select In-network (Tier I) Providers in the Select BlueChoice network Lowest In-network (Tier II) All other NEtwork BLUE providers, as well as BlueCard providers Moderate Out-of-network (Tier III) All non-contracting providers Highest Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska has teamed with several leading health care systems to offer your employees a unique three-tier plan design. This plan design uses a select provider network called Select BlueChoice. When a Select BlueChoice provider is used, your employees will receive Select In-network (Tier I) benefits. These benefits provide all the advantages of In-network (Tier II) benefits, but with the addition of lower deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. You already know about health plans with in-network and out-of-network benefits. A three-tier plan is similar to that, but a three-tier plan has an additional tier (or level) that offers the lowest cost sharing (or deductible, copayments, and coinsurance) available in a plan. This tier is called a Select In-network Tier. providers in the Select In-network Tier, members will receive all the advantages of an in-network provider, as well as pay the lowest deductible, copayment and/or coinsurance amounts available under their plan. Both Tier I and Tier II providers are considered in-network. Members may access any provider in any of the tiers. However, if they use 3 About the Select BlueChoice Network These leading health care systems, and other providers, are in the Select BlueChoice network: Children’s Hospital & Medical Center and Children’s Physicians Children’s Hospital & Medical Center is the region’s leading provider of pediatric care. It is the only full-service, pediatric health care center in Nebraska offering hospital and outpatient specialty care to children from infancy through young adulthood. Children’s operates the only Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in the state and offers 24-hour, in-house services by pediatric critical care specialists. It is recognized as a 2012-13 Best Children’s Hospital by U.S. News & World Report in cardiology and heart surgery, and cancer. The Nebraska Medical Center The Nebraska Medical Center is Nebraska’s largest health care facility with more than 5,700 employees and 1,350 physicians on staff. Patients from all 50 states and six continents come to The Nebraska Medical Center for treatment. The hospital is world-renowned in the major service lines of oncology, solid organ transplantation, cardiology, neurology and trauma. It is also an international pioneer in the treatment of lymphoma and leukemia. The Nebraska Medical Center and its teaching partner, The University of Nebraska Medical Center, are embarking on a cooperative effort to build a new $370 million cancer center on campus. Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital In the short time since opening in 2004, Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital has already established itself as a leader in orthopaedics and health care. Commitment to the complete care and treatment of the patient, as well as the dedication from physicians, administration and hospital staff, has earned the hospital both local and national recognition. Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital is Joint Commission accredited — receiving Disease Specific Certification for both total hip and total knee replacement. U.S. News and World Report named Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital a Top 50 Best Hospital for Orthopaedics in 2010 and 2011. 4 Top 50 Best Orthopaedic Hospital Bellevue Medical Center Methodist Hospital Bellevue Medical Center is a full service, acute care hospital offering emergency, intensive care, radiology, cardiology, pulmonary, pathology, maternity, inpatient and outpatient procedural, rehab and therapy, and patient care services. Methodist Hospital was ranked second-best in Nebraska by the recent U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. For the third quarter in a row, Bellevue Medical Center has been recognized by the University Healthcare Consortium (UHC) for its outstanding quality measures. 3 quarters in a row Methodist Hospital is a regular recipient of the Consumer’s Choice Award Recognized for outstanding quality measures In partnership with The Nebraska Medical Center, Bellevue Medical Center recently announced the opening of a fullservice outpatient hematology/oncology clinic and infusion center to better serve the residents of Bellevue, Sarpy County and the surrounding area. Nebraska Methodist Health System Founded in 1982, Methodist Health System is the oldest not-forprofit health care system in the region and employs approximately 5,000 people. The Health System is a regionally recognized leader in the delivery of consumer-preferred, high-quality services in cardiology, neurosurgery, women’s services, cancer care, gastroenterology, orthopedics and comprehensive diagnostic services. Methodist Health System is the parent organization for • • • • Methodist Hospital • Nebraska Methodist CollegeMethodist Women’s Hospital The Josie Harper Campus Jennie Edmundson Hospital • Shared Service Systems Methodist Physicians Clinic, Inc. Methodist Women’s Hospital Methodist Women’s Hospital is the region’s only hospital dedicated to women’s health care—and delivers more babies than any other hospital in Nebraska. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Methodist Women’s Hospital takes care of more babies than any other NICU in the region. Jennie Edmundson Hospital Affiliated with Methodist Health System since 1994, Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs was founded in 1886 by a nondenominational group of women called the Faith Band. Jennie Edmundson Hospital is a regional leader in wound care, emergency angioplasty procedures, cancer care, obstetrics and newborn care, sports medicine, occupational and behavioral health. Fremont Area Medical Center and participating local physicians Fremont Area Medical Center (FAMC) is everything a community hospital should be. And more. FAMC is one of the leaders in the state in the number of da Vinci™ robotic assisted surgical procedures performed and is consistently ranked nationally for patient quality, safety and patient satisfaction. Fremont Area Medical Center has all private inpatient rooms, electronic patient records, room service and much more. SecureCare SecureCare includes all the chiropractors in Nebraska and offers chiropractic care, primary care, acupuncture, and other noninvasive therapeutic services. In 2012, this Independent Physician Association received the nationally recognized URAC accreditation in provider credentialing. 5 access 50 IN ALL S TAT E S Provider networks Statewide, nationwide and around the world A health plan is only as good as its provider network. Whatever three-tier health plan option you choose, your employees have access to a large network of hospitals, doctors and other health care providers. Select BlueChoice (Tier I) offers a wide range of physicians and hospitals through The Nebraska Medical Center, Methodist Health System, Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Fremont Area Medical Center, and other facilities. Our NEtwork BLUE (Tier II) network is made up of 93% of the state’s doctors and 100% of Nebraska’s non-governmental acute care hospitals. That makes obtaining in-network care easy and convenient. In-network providers have agreed to accept our benefit payment for covered 6 services as payment in full, except for any deductible, copays, coinsurance amounts and charges for noncovered services, which are the member’s responsibility. That means Select BlueChoice and NEtwork BLUE providers, under the terms of their contract with us, can’t bill your employees for amounts over our benefit allowance. Out-of-network providers can bill patients for amounts in excess of the amount payable under the contract. Select BlueChoice and NEtwork BLUE providers also file claims for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska members, meaning your employees have less paperwork to worry about. And as an additional time-saving convenience for your employees, we send our benefit payment directly to Select BlueChoice and NEtwork BLUE providers. Have employees living in other states? Have employees with dependents attending college out of state? The BlueCard® Program makes obtaining in-network care easy. If your employees or their dependents live or travel outside Nebraska, they can still obtain covered services at the in-network level through the BlueCard Program. To access benefits wherever they are, all your employees have to do is use hospitals and doctors in the local Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plan’s BlueCard PPO network. When they do, they will also enjoy the discount and claim filing agreements Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans across the country have negotiated with the BlueCard network hospitals and doctors in their area. Emphasis on Health and Wellness Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) is excited to announce a new wellness program for our small group members enrolled in SelectBlue Plus. This program, administered by SimplyWell®, helps members: Keep their health care costs down Learn new ways to live a healthier lifestyle Learn ways to control stress Best of all, this program is free to members…and they can earn $50 in points* to spend at the SimplyWell online reward store. Items in the store include jewelry, electronics, recreation, household items, music, movies, games, and more. Participation is open to all BCBSNE members age 19 and older who are covered by SelectBlue Plus. This program is one more way we are helping our members stay healthy and lower health care costs. If you have questions, please contact a member of your BCBSNE sales or account service team, or call our Broker Services Line at 1-888-232-0942. *Internal Revenue Service tax code specifies that certain wellness program rewards offered to employees by employers create tax liabilities to reward recipients. Therefore, the value of the reward employees receive may result in employers having to issue a tax document to employees for the rewards employees earn in this program. At the end of the year, BCBSNE will send a report to employers listing who earned what rewards so employers can issue the tax document to those employees. SimplyWell, LLC is an independent company and does not offer Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska products or services. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska has contracted with SimplyWell to administer the wellness program mentioned above. 7 SMALL CHANGES CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE Emphasis on Wellness The lifestyle decisions employees make regarding nutrition, weight, exercise, smoking, seatbelt use, and more directly impact their health care costs. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska offers resources to help your employees make positive lifestyle changes. Blue Health Advantage Our wellness and lifestyle management program offers: • Educational health and wellness information • Lifestyle management guides • Personal health assessment tools Health education BlueHealth Advantage offers free health brochures and lifestyle management guides on a variety of topics, including blood pressure and cholesterol, stress, diabetes, heart health and healthy eating. Programs Know Your Numbers – This program helps your employees understand the numbers that impact their health, including cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and more. Free promotional materials are also available to you to promote this program to your employees at work. 8 WalkingWorksSM – Regular exercise plays a key role in staying healthy, and walking is a great way to get that exercise. The BlueHealth Advantage website provides your employees with useful tips to integrate walking into their daily routines, and provides you with free tools to launch a worksite walking campaign. My 9 MonthsSM – Created by the March of Dimes, My 9 Months is a special website packed with the latest information about preconception health and pregnancy in a quick and easy-to-read format. Self-service tools • Body mass index calculator • Personal health assessment • Cost of smoking calculator • Waist-to-hip ratio calculator • Exercise log To check out all the valuable health and wellness resources, go to www.bluehealthadvantagene.com. Blue365 is a national program that gives Blue members exclusive access to discounts and savings that make it easier and more affordable to make healthy choices. Members can explore special offerings from leading national companies in these categories: In conjunction with the Omaha World-Herald newspaper, our health care and healthy living information site provides comprehensive, reliable health information specifically for Nebraskans. To learn more, visit www.livewellnebraska.com. Fitness Healthy Eating Personal Care To learn more, visit www.nebraskablue.com/blue365. Maternity Management Program Our Maternity Management Program is available to all of our group business. This program is offered at no cost to the employer or member. The program: • Provides education and support during prenatal and post-delivery stages • Identifies for case management referral members with potential for a high risk pregnancy • Rewards moms-to-be for participating in the program • Helps improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce costs by preventing potential complications and long-term health care needs for mothers and babies 9 Your Employees Can Manage Their Health Care Whenever It’s Convenient Online Member Services The website that makes sense of your employees medical bills and health care spending – all in one place. Interactive Tools Here your employees will find answers to questions like: Your employees can help manage their health care needs and costs with these online tools: • • • • Have I met my deductible? How much have I spent on health care this year? How much might my knee surgery cost? Which of my family members spent the most at the pharmacy? • How much did my insurance pay for my last doctor visit? To sign up, employees: AA Go to mynebraskablue.com BB Select “Sign Up” CC Complete the four easy steps Your employees will need to enter their member ID number found on their Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska member ID card. Your employees may then instantly access details about their insurance plan and track their spending! If they have questions about myblue, employees may call the number on the back of their member ID card. Coverage AdvisorSM Helps employees understand which health care services they are likely to need, and then estimates the cost of those services. Cost Estimator Helps employees estimate medical costs before they receive care. With this tool, employees can find cost information for many common medical conditions and health care services, and compare physicians and facilities. Review Your Doctor Employees can write a review of their health care experience and read other reviews of doctors and hospitals. MyPrime® MyPrime is loaded with valuable information and interactive tools to help employees manage their family’s prescription drug purchases. This tool is from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska’s pharmacy benefits manager, Prime Therapeutics, LLC. With MyPrime, employees can find • benefit information and personal prescription drug claim history • a prescription drug list (also known as a formulary) • an Rx Nebraska participating pharmacy locator • a drug cost calculator • a comparison of brand name and generic drug costs 10 Health Care Coverage Calendar Year Deductible, Coinsurance, and Out-of-Pocket Limits Option 401 SelectBlue Plus option 401 requires satisfaction of an embedded family deductible and out-of-pocket limit. Out-of-Pocket Limit Out-of-pocket limit is the maximum amount of cost-sharing each covered person must pay in a calendar year before covered services are payable at 100%. The out-of-pocket limit includes deductible, coinsurance, and copayment amounts for medical and pharmacy services. The out-of-pocket limit does not include premium amounts, amounts over the allowable charge, charges for noncovered services, or penalties for failure to comply with certification requirements or as imposed under the Rx Nebraska Prescription Drug Program. Embedded family deductible means if the employee has family coverage, family members may combine their covered expenses to satisfy the required calendar year family deductible. However, no one family member contributes more than the individual deductible amount to satisfy the family’s deductible. Note: The in-network and out-of-network deductible and out-of-pocket limit amounts are separate and do not crossaccumulate. After the required deductible has been satisfied, the employee is responsible for paying a certain percentage of covered charges, called “coinsurance,” until the out-of-pocket limit has been reached. Under family coverage, the family may combine their covered expenses to satisfy the required embedded family out-of-pocket limit. No one family member contributes more than the individual out-of-pocket limit to satisfy the family’s out-of-pocket limit. The additional pediatric orthodontic out-of-pocket limit applies to all SelectBlue Plus options. This amount, in addition to the out-of-pocket limit (not to exceed $6,350 Individual/$12,700 Family), must be satisfied before covered pediatric orthodontic services are payable at 100%. On plan options with aggregate out-of-pocket limits, the family amount must be satisfied before services are payable at 100%. Please see the Schedule of Benefits Summary for more information. Note: Copay amounts for medical services and prescription drugs do not apply toward the calendar year deductible. Options 402 and 403 SelectBlue Plus options 402 and 403 require satisfaction of an aggregate family deductible and out-of-pocket limit. Aggregate family deductible means if the employee has family coverage, the entire family deductible must be met prior to any benefits becoming available. Family members may combine their covered expenses to satisfy the required family deductible. After the required deductible has been satisfied, the employee is responsible for paying a certain percentage of covered charges, called “coinsurance,” until the out-of-pocket limit has been reached. Under family membership, the entire aggregate family out-of-pocket limit must be met before covered services are paid at 100%. Family members may combine their covered expenses to satisfy the required out-of-pocket limit. Additional Pediatric Orthodontic Out-of-pocket Limit Standardized Metallic Plans We are required to offer plans that meet certain actuarial value requirements. Actuarial value (AV) represents the amount the insurer pays for an average claim. For example, if a plan has an AV of 70 percent, on average a member could expect to be responsible for 30 percent of the costs of all covered benefits in that plan. The base level, or Bronze plan, is 60 percent actuarial value. We also offer richer benefit packages, known as Silver and Gold plans, as shown in the below chart. Required AV Levels BRONZE SILVER GOLD 60% 70% 80% 11 Prescription Drug Coverage Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska’s Four-Tier Formulary Program helps control the impact skyrocketing prescription drug costs can have on your group’s plan. Benefits are based on Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska’s drug formulary, which is a listing of medicines divided into categories, or tiers. The deductible and copay/ coinsurance amount the employee must pay for each 30-day supply of a covered prescription drug depends on what tier the medication is in*. Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Generic drugs Formulary brand name drugs Nonformulary brand name drugs Specialty drugs** To review the drug formulary and specialty drug lists online, go to the Member Services tab of www.nebraskablue.com and select Pharmacy Tools, then Prescription Drug List or Specialty Drug Benefits. To use your group’s prescription drug benefits, the employee simply takes his or her Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska member ID card and the prescription to an Rx Nebraska participating pharmacy and pays the applicable copay/deductible/coinsurance amount. To locate participating Rx Nebraska pharmacies nationwide, call toll-free 1-877-800-0746 or go to the Member Services tab of www.nebraskablue.com and select MyPrime, then Find a Pharmacy. If the prescription is filled at a nonparticipating pharmacy, or if the employee does not present his or her card at a participating pharmacy, he or she will need to file an Rx Nebraska claim. The member will be reimbursed the Reasonable Allowance for the drug less the applicable deductible and copay/coinsurance amount and a 25% penalty. IMPORTANT * Under SelectBlue Plus Options 402 and 403, benefits for covered prescription drugs are subject to applicable deductible and coinsurance amounts. ** Specialty drugs must be purchased through a designated specialty pharmacy after two fills. 12 Using the Mail Service Pharmacy Benefit If members use the PrimeMail® Mail Service Pharmacy Program, they may order up to a 90-day supply of a covered medication at one time (if allowed by their prescription). The copay/coinsurance amounts shown in the charts on pages 22-23 apply per 30-day supply. Please note: If members order a 90-day supply they should make sure the prescription is written for a 90-day supply, not including refills. Members could pay more out of pocket if the prescription isn’t written correctly. Using the Extended Supply Network Pharmacy Benefit Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska offers our Extended Supply Network (ESN) retail pharmacy benefit to all SelectBlue Plus members. This benefit allows members to get a 90-day supply of prescription medications at one time from a retail pharmacy (if allowed by their prescription).* Non-ESN retail pharmacies are limited to a 30-day supply. Members on Gold Option 401 must pay three copays at one time to purchase a 90-day supply. Members on Silver Option 402 and Bronze Option 403 must pay the applicable deductible/coinsurance amounts to purchase a 90-day supply. Using the ESN retail pharmacy benefit for up to a 90-day supply of medications means fewer trips to the pharmacy, saving our members time. A list of ESN retail pharmacies is available on the mynebraskablue.com My Pharmacy link, or by calling our Member Services Department at the number on the back of your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska member ID card. * Except for specialty drugs. Here’s What’s Covered Under the Rx Nebraska Plan: • FDA-approved drugs requiring a doctor’s prescription. • Compound prescriptions with at least one FDA-approved prescription ingredient. • AIDS therapy drugs. • Anti-rejection drugs. • Dexedrine (through age 21). • Retin-A, Differin and Azelex (through age 40). • Covered diabetic supplies. • Prescription and over-the-counter drugs to treat nicotine addiction. • Injectable medications, including insulin. • Oral and transdermal contraceptives. • Prescription vitamins, including prenatal vitamins. These Drugs Are Not Covered Under The Rx Nebraska Plan: • Diet or appetite suppressant drugs. • Nutrition care, nutritional supplements, FDA-exempt infant formulas, supplies or other nutritional substances (including Neocate, Vivonex and other over-the-counter nutritional substances). • Drugs for treatment of infertility. • Cosmetic alteration drugs, including health and beauty aids (e.g. Vaniqa, Propecia and Renova). • Non-prescription and over-the-counter drugs. • Erectile dysfunction agents (including Viagra, Caverject, Muse, Cialis, Levitra and Alprostadil). • A prescription medication purchased in a foreign country, unless the covered person is living in another country, or has an emergency medical condition while traveling in that country. • Non-sedating antihistamines or antihistamine decongestant combination. 13 COMMITTED TO PROMOTING QUALITY CARE SAFETY AND PATIENT Prescription Drug Preauthorization Program As part of our efforts to address the serious issue of escalating costs and continue to provide your employees with access to quality and cost-effective pharmacy care, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska requires that benefits for certain prescription drugs be preauthorized. Gastroprotective NSAIDs Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) This program manages the use of costly gastroprotective NSAIDs used to treat inflammation and reduce pain. These drugs work the same as drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen. PPIs are used to help reduce stomach acid and provide relief from the symptoms of heartburn, ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Patients whose medical history and current medical condition do not indicate that use of a gastroprotective NSAID is required need to try a traditional NSAID first. Benefits for gastroprotective NSAIDs will be available if the patient’s medical condition warrants it. Note: For a list of additional medications requiring preauthorization, please go to www.nebraskablue.com. Select Member Services, Pharmacy Tools, and then Prescription Drug List. 14 For benefits to be considered for the formulary brand medication Nexium, members must first use a prescription generic formulary PPI. For benefits to be considered for a non-formulary PPI, members must first use three formulary PPIs. Benefits for generic formulary PPIs do not require preauthorization. Certification Requirements Inpatient Hospital & Long Term Acute Care Benefits Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska must be notified of all medical/surgical inpatient hospital admissions. This enables us to coordinate discharge planning, case management and disease management services with the patient’s providers. If the patient is hospitalized in a contracting Select BlueChoice or NEtwork BLUE hospital in Nebraska, notification will be provided by the hospital. Benefits are available for (but not limited to) the following covered services: If the patient is hospitalized in an out-of-network hospital in Nebraska or is admitted to an inpatient facility in another state, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska must be notified. • FDA-approved drugs, intravenous solutions and vaccines administered in the hospital. Benefits must be precertified for the following inpatient care, regardless of where the care is received, in or out of network (including, but not limited to): • Radiology, pathology and radiation therapy. • Physical rehabilitation • Long term acute care • Skilled nursing facility care When possible, certification should be completed prior to the inpatient admission. Benefits for services that are not medically necessary will be denied. • Semiprivate room; cardiac and intensive care units; treatment rooms and equipment. • Anesthesia. • Respiratory care. • Chemotherapy. • Physical, occupational and speech therapy. • Inpatient physical rehabilitation, subject to benefit precertification and certain requirements. • Physician-ordered skilled nursing facility services, up to 60 days per calendar year; subject to medical necessity criteria. Outpatient Hospital Benefits Preventive Care Benefits Physician Benefits Benefits for the services listed under “Inpatient Hospital and Long Term Acute Care Benefits” are also available (subject to certain limitations) when they are received in a hospital outpatient department, emergency room or freestanding ambulatory surgical facility. In addition, benefits for outpatient cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation are available, subject to preauthorization requirements and medical criteria. Preventive care benefits are available under all three-tier options. When a network provider is used, benefits are paid at 100% of the allowable charge (deductible and coinsurance are waived). Benefits are available for (but not limited to) the following covered services: Benefits are available for (but not limited to) the following covered services: • Radiation therapy and chemotherapy • Office visits and periodic exams to determine physical development • Pathology/lab The Allowable Charge • Mammograms and Pap smears Payment is based on the allowable charge for a covered service. Generally, the allowable charge for services by in-network providers will be the contracted amount. The allowable charge for services by out-of-network providers will generally be the lesser of the billed charge or the Reasonable Allowance for the service. • Immunizations (including pediatric*) • Colorectal cancer screenings and related services • Surgery and surgical assistance (for specified procedures) • Anesthesia • Radiology and pathology, including tissue exams • Physician home, office and outpatient visits for the diagnosis and treatment of an illness or injury • FDA-approved drugs • Consultation • Hearing * Deductible (if applicable) is waived for out-of-network pediatric immunizations. 15 Primary Care Physician and Specialist Office Services Copays (Applies to Gold Option 401 Only) When a member goes to a network primary care physician or specialist, he or she pays the plan’s designated copay for office visit services. Only covered services and supplies obtained in the physician’s office will be payable under the office services copay benefit. For office visits to out-of-network primary care physicians and specialists, benefits for covered services will be subject to the plan’s applicable deductible and coinsurance amounts. Covered services include: • Physician office visits and consultations • X-ray, lab and pathology services Maternity coverage is included in all plan options and is available to employees, as well as covered spouses and dependent daughters. If the employee is covered under a single or employee-spouse membership, benefits are available for the newborn for 31 days from the date of birth. To continue the newborn’s coverage beyond this time period, the employee must request a change to single parent or family membership within those 31 days and pay the additional premium. Benefits are available for screening tests (including newborn/ infant hearing) and physician services for routine exams of a newborn well infant while the baby is confined. All covered charges incurred by a newborn from birth will be subject to the baby’s calendar year deductible. • Supplies used to treat the patient during the office visit (excluding home medical equipment) Obstetrical benefits include prenatal and postnatal care. • Drugs administered during an office visit Organ & Tissue Transplant Benefits • Hearing and vision exams (non-routine/preventive) Benefits are available for covered services associated with medically necessary organ and tissue transplants, including (but not limited to) liver, heart, lung, heart-lung, kidney, pancreas, pancreas-kidney and cornea. Limited benefits are also available for allogeneic/autologous bone marrow transplants for the specific conditions listed in the contract. • Allergy testing and injections For purposes of this coverage, a “primary care physician“ is a physician who has a majority of his or her practice in the fields of internal or general medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, general pediatrics or family practice. All other types of physicians are considered specialists. Oral Surgery Benefits are available for (but not limited to) the following covered services: • Removal of tumors and cysts • Incision and drainage of abscesses, and other nonsurgical treatment of infections (not including periodontics or endodontics) • Reduction of a complete dislocation/fracture of the temporomandibular joint of the jaw (TMJ), required as a direct result of an accidental injury not related to eating, biting, or chewing. Covered services must be provided within 12 months of the injury • Diagnostic or surgical procedures involving a bone or joint of the face, neck or head, including osteotomies, for the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder or craniomandibular disorder • Treatment of natural teeth due to an accident which occurs within 12 months of an injury not related to eating, biting or chewing. Benefits are not available for orthodontics or dental implants 16 Maternity & Newborn Benefits Home Health Aide, Skilled Nursing Care & Hospice Benefits The following covered services require benefit preauthorization. Limitations and exclusions apply. Home health aide: When related to active medical treatment, benefits include personal services (e.g. bathing, feeding and performing necessary household duties). Benefits are subject to a 60-day per calendar year limit. Skilled nursing care: Benefits are available for medically necessary physician-ordered care by a registered or licensed practical nurse, provided in the home, up to eight hours per day. Hospice care: Benefits include Medicare-certified home health aide services for a terminally ill patient, including nursing services, respite care, medical social worker visits and crisis care and bereavement counseling. Benefits for inpatient hospice care are also available. Other Covered Services Noncovered Services • Ambulance services • Outpatient occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy, up to a combined maximum of 45 sessions per calendar year This brochure contains only a partial listing of the limitations and exclusions that apply to the three-tier health care coverage. A more complete list may be found in the master group contract. • Inpatient and outpatient treatment of mental illness and/or substance abuse No benefits are available for the following: • Services not covered by this contract • Spinal manipulation treatments and adjustments, up to 20 sessions per calendar year • External and surgically implantable devices to improve hearing, including audient bone conductors, and hearing aids and their fitting • Rental/initial purchase (whichever costs less) of medically necessary home medical equipment ordered by a doctor. Limited benefits are available for the repair, maintenance and adjustment of purchased covered medical equipment • Diabetes outpatient selfmanagement training and patient management; podiatric appliances • Services in accordance with the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act, which requires that a group health plan providing medical and surgical benefits for mastectomies also provide benefits for breast reconstruction, protheses and treatment of physical complicationst • Eye exercises or visual training • Routine eye exam for members age 19 or older • Eyeglasses or contact lenses for members age 19 and older • Infertility treatment and related services, including artificial insemination, embryo transfer procedures, drug and/or hormonal therapy, reversal of voluntary sterilization, ultrasounds, lab work and other testing done in conjunction with fertility treatment • Radial keratotomy or any other procedures/alterations of the refractive character of the cornea to correct myopia, hyperopia and/or astigmatism • Services we consider to be investigative, not medically necessary, experimental, cosmetic or obsolete • Services, drugs, medical supplies, devices or equipment that are not cost effective compared to established alternatives or that are provided for the convenience or personal use of the patient • Services provided before the coverage effective date or after termination • Services for illness or injury sustained while performing military service • Services for injury/illness arising out of or in the course of employment • Charges for services which are not within the provider’s scope of practice • Massage therapy • Residential treatment programs for treatment of mental illness and/or substance abuse • Treatment for weight reduction/ obesity, including surgical procedures • Charges in excess of our contracted amount • Nutrition care, supplies, supplements or other nutritional substances, including Neocate, Vivonex and other over-the-counter infant formulas and supplements • Charges made separately for services, supplies and materials we consider to be included within the total charge payable 17 Pediatric Dental Coverage Coverage for pediatric dental services is available for covered persons up to age 19 under all SelectBlue Plus plans. Covered Services Here is a partial list of pediatric dental covered services. For a complete list of covered services, please view the master group contract. Coverage A Preventive and Diagnostic Dentistry Under Coverage A, benefits are available for (but not limited to) the following covered services: • Two comprehensive and/or periodic oral examinations per calendar year • Consultation with a dental consultant • Two prophylaxis, including cleaning, scaling and polishing of teeth per calendar year • Two topical fluoride applications per calendar year • Dental X-rays –– One full mouth or panorex series of X-rays in five calendar years –– Two sets of four supplemental bitewing X-rays every calendar year • Application of sealants to unrestored permanent molar teeth, but not more often than once per tooth every three calendar years • Space Maintainers, including recementation. This does not include removal of fixed space maintainers if billed separately • Pulp vitality tests 18 Coverage B Maintenance and Simple Restorative Dentistry Under Coverage B, benefits are available for (but not limited to) the following covered services: Coverage D Orthodontic Dentistry All services related to orthodontic treatment must be certified to determine medical necessity and are subject to a 24-month waiting period. • Restorations of silver amalgam and/ or composite materials (if gold is used as a filling material, reimbursement will be made as for amalgam) • Cephalometric X-rays Coverage C Complex Restorative Dentistry • Extractions related to orthodontia Please see the master group contract for a complete list of covered services Oral surgery consisting of simple and impacted extractions (not available for orthodontic extractions), alveoloplasty, surgical incision and drainage of dental abscess, and tooth replantation Periodontic services • Treatment of diseases of gums and supporting tooth structure Endodontic services • Treatment of diseases or injuries of pulp chambers, root canals and periapical tissue • Panorex series X-rays, limited to not more than one in five calendar years • Surgical exposure to aid eruption • Casts and models • Initial and subsequent installations of orthodontic appliances, and orthodontic treatments. Benefits for braces are limited to metal appliances only • Oral/facial photographic images • Special Provisions for Orthodontia Covered Services and Treatment: –– For all forms of orthodontic treatment, if a provider bills a single charge for the entire treatment at the start of Coverage D Covered Services, payment will be made as set forth below, unless otherwise agreed between BCBSNE and the provider: • Benefits for the initial banding will be paid upon receipt of the claim How to Locate Dental GRID Dentists in Nebraska By phone: 1-877-721-2583 On the web: www.nebraskablue.com • Covered charges will be divided by the number of months in the period of treatment, and the appropriate amount will be paid each month –– Benefits for Coverage D Covered Services are subject to a 24-month waiting period. A change in plan options under this contract will not require a new 24-month waiting period provided that the covered person maintained continuous coverage under this contract. An interruption in coverage, or a change from a group plan to a non-group (individual) plan, or the reverse, will require a new 24-month waiting period. Note: The additional pediatric orthodontic out-of-pocket limit applies to all SelectBlue Plus options. This amount, in addition to the out-of-pocket limit (not to exceed $6,350 Individual/$12,700 Family), must be satisfied before covered pediatric orthodontic services are payable at 100%. On plan options with aggregate out-of-pocket limits, the family amount must be satisfied before services are payable at 100%. Please see the Schedule of Benefits Summary for more information. Exclusions and Limitations In addition to the exclusions and limitations stated in the contract, the following benefits are not provided: • Services that are not covered services under the plan endorsement • Dental services with respect to congenital malformations (including, but not limited to missing teeth) or primarily for cosmetic or aesthetic purposes, except as provided under Coverage D. Gnathologic tests, orthognathic surgery, osteoplasties, osteotomies, LeFort procedures, vestibuloplasties and stomatoplasties are not covered services under this endorsement • Temporary crowns • Caries susceptibility tests, bacteriologic studies and histopathologic exams • Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography (CT) scans • Services for orthodontic dentistry except as identified under Coverage D • Services for treatment of Temporomandibular (jaw) Joint • Implants or any procedure associated with the preparation for, maintenance of or placement or removal of implants, except as otherwise indicated in the endorsement • Oral pathology and laboratory services, including but not limited to biopsies • Sealants for teeth other than permanent molars • Removal of dental cysts and tumors (including biopsies and excisions of mouth lesions) • Excision of hyperplastic tissue • Treatment of acute infection and oral lesions • Benefits will not be provided for services, procedures or any supplies which are considered to be for cosmetic purposes, for personalization, or for any related services • Oral surgery, including but not limited to bone and osseous grafts, except as provided by the endorsement • Charges for services which are paid or payable under the medical provisions of the contract or under another medical contract issued or administered by us Dental GRID is a network of GRID Dental Corporation, an independent, unlicensed entity that provides dental network services on behalf of participating Blue plans such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. 19 Pediatric Vision Coverage Coverage for pediatric vision services is available for covered persons up to age 19 under all SelectBlue Plus plans. PEDIATRIC VISION SERVICES TIER I Select Provider TIER II In-network Provider TIER III Out-of-network Provider Vision Examination (including refraction and dilation, limited to one exam per calendar year) Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Eyeglass Frames/Lenses or Contacts (limited to one set of frames and eyeglass lenses per calendar year or one purchase of contact lenses, in lieu of eyeglasses, per calendar year) Deductible, then 50% Coinsurance Deductible, then 50% Coinsurance Tier II level of benefits Deductible, then 50% Coinsurance Deductible, then 50% Coinsurance Tier II level of benefits • Comprehensive low vision evaluation (limited to one every 5 calendar years) Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance • Follow-up low vision care (limited to four visits in any 5 calendar year period) Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible, then 50% Coinsurance Deductible, then 50% Coinsurance Tier II level of benefits Medically Necessary Contact Lenses (in lieu of eyeglasses, includes evaluation and fitting) NOTE: Contact lenses, including the evaluation and fitting require certification in excess of $600 Low Vision Services and Aids • Low vision aids NOTE: Low vision services and aids require certification Covered Services Vision services received are subject to the plan’s applicable deductible and coinsurance, unless otherwise stated. • One eye examination (contacts or eyeglasses) every calendar year, including refraction and dilation • One eyeglass frame every calendar year • One pair of prescription eyeglass lenses every calendar year • One purchase for prescription contact lenses in lieu of eyeglasses every calendar year, including evaluation and fitting • Medically necessary prescription contact lenses, in lieu of eyeglasses for certain conditions, subject to certification for charges in excess of $600. Contact lenses may be determined to be medically necessary in the treatment of the following conditions: keratoconus, pathological myopia, aphakia, anisometropia, aniseikonia, aniridia, corneal disorders, post-traumatic disorders, and irregular astigmatism. 20 • Low vision services and aids as follows: –– One comprehensive low vision evaluation every five calendar years, subject to certification –– Four follow-up low vision care visits in any five calendar year period, subject to certification –– Low vision aids such as, but not limited to, high-power spectacles, magnifiers and telescopes, subject to certification. Benefits for a second or subsequent purchase of an item for low vision aids may be covered when: • there is a significant change in the covered person's condition; • growth of a covered person; • the item is irreparable or the cost of repairs exceeds the expense of purchasing a second item; • the item is five or more years old (unless replacement is medically necessary prior to that time); or • as otherwise determined to be reasonable and necessary. Types of Enrollment Noncovered Services Single Membership: Covers the employee only. In addition to the exclusions and limitations stated in the contract, benefits are not available for: Family Membership: Covers the employee and eligible dependents. This may include the employee’s spouse and/or eligible dependents. • Services and materials not meeting accepted standards of optometric practice Eligible Dependent Children: The employee’s children will be covered to the age of 26. Reaching age 26 will not end the covered child’s coverage as long as the child is and remains both incapable of self-sustaining employment, or of returning to school as a full-time student, by reason of mental or physical handicap and dependent upon the subscriber for support and maintenance. • Services and materials resulting from failure to comply with professionally prescribed treatment • Office infection control charges • Medical treatment of eye disease or injury • Visual therapy • Replacement of lost or stolen eyewear • Non-prescription lenses, including, but not limited to, safety, athletic, or sunglass lenses • Two pairs of eyeglasses in lieu of bifocals • Vision prosthetic devices and related services • Insurance • Deluxe, athletic, safety, and sunglass frames • Prescription lenses designed for safety, athletic, or sunglass • Color contact lenses • Laser vision correction • Services provided to any person 19 years of age or older If you choose to buy insurance inside the SHOP, your business may be eligible for tax credits, but businesses must meet several criteria to qualify. To qualify, your business must: Have fewer than 25 full-time employees How to Shop for and Buy a SelectBlue Plus Option Due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA or the new heath care law), there are now two options for offering health insurance to your employees: AA You can buy health insurance that complies with the health care law the same way as before the ACA – through your agent/broker. BB You can buy from the Small Business Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace. In 2014, small business owners can select only one plan from the SHOP to offer employees. The federal government has said small businesses and their employees will be able to choose from multiple carriers and multiple plans in 2015. What is the SHOP Marketplace? The SHOP Marketplace, also known as “the SHOP,” is an online option for small business owners to shop for and purchase health care coverage for their employees. The SHOP opens on October 1, 2013. The SHOP was developed to give business owners a convenient place to compare health care plans. The standardized “metallic” plans, such as Gold, Silver, and Bronze, allow business owners to compare plans with similar levels of coverage. All three of our SelectBlue Plus options are available both inside and outside the SHOP. This means you can buy any of these options through your agent/broker or through the SHOP Marketplace at healthcare.gov. Pay average annual wages below $50,000 Contribute 50% or more toward your employees’ insurance premiums 21 Plan Options HSA-Eligible Deductible Individual Family Type of deductible Coinsurance Hospital/medical/surgical/other Out-of-pocket limit1 Individual Family Type of out-of-pocket limit Preventive care Preventive care services Physician services PCP office services Specialist office services Ambulance services On and Off SHOP4 Marketplace Out-of-network (Tier III) Select Network (Tier I) In-network (Tier II) Out-of-network (Tier III) $1,000 $2,000 $2,000 $4,000 Embedded $4,000 $8,000 $1,500 $3,000 $2,000 $4,000 Aggregate $4,000 $8,000 20% 30% 50% 20% 30% 50% $2,000 $6,000 $4,500 $12,000 Embedded $12,000 $24,000 $4,000 $8,000 $6,350 $12,700 Aggregate $12,000 $24,000 0% 0% Deductible and Coinsurance 0% 0% Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Tier II Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Tier II Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Tier II Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Tier II Deductible and Coinsurance $10 copay $10 copay Copay + 25% penalty $40 copay $40 copay Copay + 25% penalty $80 copay $80 copay Copay + 25% penalty $20 copay $40 copay $150 copay Mental illness/substance abuse Inpatient Deductible and Coinsurance Outpatient Deductible and Coinsurance Office services $20 copay Pharmacy benefits Generic drugs On and Off SHOP4 Marketplace In-network (Tier II) Deductible and Coinsurance Emergency care services Silver Option 402 Select Network (Tier I) Pregnancy and maternity services Pre/Post natal care and delivery Deductible and Coinsurance Emergency care Urgent care facility services $40 copay Emergency care services Gold Option 401 $150 copay 2 Formulary brand name drugs Nonformulary brand name drugs Specialty drugs 3 25% coinsurance with 25% coinsurance with $75 min and $100 max $75 min and $100 max Not covered Tier I Deductible and Coinsurance 25% penalty applies for out-of-network Tier I Deductible and Coinsurance 25% penalty applies for out-of-network Tier I Deductible and Coinsurance 25% penalty applies for out-of-network Tier I Deductible and Tier I Deductible and Not covered Coinsurance Coinsurance 1 The out-of-pocket limit includes deductible, coinsurance, and copayment amounts for medical and pharmacy services. An additional pediatric orthodontic out-of-pocket limit applies to some plans. This amount, in addition to the out-of-pocket limit, must be satisfied before covered pediatric orthodontic services are payable at 100%. Please see the Schedule of Benefits Summary for more information. 2 All pharmacy copays and/or deductible and coinsurance will accumulate to the Tier I out-of-pocket amounts. 3 Specialty drugs must be purchased through a designated specialty pharmacy after two fills. 4 SHOP means Small Business Health Options Program. 22 Benefit Chart Notes HSA-Eligible Bronze Option 403 On and Off SHOP4 Marketplace Deductible Individual Family Type of deductible Coinsurance Hospital/medical/surgical/other Out-of-pocket limit1 Individual Family Type of out-of-pocket limit Preventive care Preventive care services Physician services PCP office services Specialist office services Select Network (Tier I) In-network (Tier II) Out-of-network (Tier III) $4,000 $8,000 $5,500 $11,000 Aggregate $11,000 $22,000 20% 30% 50% $6,000 $12,000 $6,350 $12,700 Aggregate $15,000 $30,000 0% 0% Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance Deductible and Coinsurance • To be considered Select In-network (Tier I), services must be provided by a Select BlueChoice provider. To be considered Innetwork (Tier II), services must be provided by a NEtwork BLUE provider. • Copays do not apply toward the deductible but are included in the out-of-pocket limit. • Coinsurance is based on the allowable charge for a covered service. Generally, the allowable charge for services by in-network providers will be the contracted amount. The allowable charge for services by outof-network providers will generally be the lesser of the billed charge or the reasonable allowance for the service. Pregnancy and maternity services Pre/Post natal care and delivery Deductible and Deductible and Deductible and Coinsurance Coinsurance Coinsurance Emergency care Urgent care facility services Deductible and Deductible and Deductible and Coinsurance Coinsurance Coinsurance Emergency care services Deductible and Deductible and Tier II Deductible and Coinsurance Coinsurance Coinsurance Ambulance services Deductible and Deductible and Deductible and Coinsurance Coinsurance Coinsurance Mental illness/substance abuse Inpatient Deductible and Deductible and Deductible and Coinsurance Coinsurance Coinsurance Outpatient Deductible and Deductible and Deductible and Coinsurance Coinsurance Coinsurance Office services Deductible and Deductible and Deductible and Coinsurance Coinsurance Coinsurance Emergency care services Deductible and Deductible and Tier II Deductible and Coinsurance Coinsurance Coinsurance Pharmacy benefits2 Generic drugs Tier I Deductible and Coinsurance 25% penalty applies for out-of-network Formulary brand name drugs Tier I Deductible and Coinsurance 25% penalty applies for out-of-network Nonformulary brand name drugs Tier I Deductible and Coinsurance 25% penalty applies for out-of-network Specialty drugs3 Tier I Deductible and Tier I Deductible and Not covered Coinsurance Coinsurance 1 The out-of-pocket limit includes deductible, coinsurance, and copayment amounts for medical and pharmacy services. An additional pediatric orthodontic out-of-pocket limit applies to some plans. This amount, in addition to the out-of-pocket limit, must be satisfied before covered pediatric orthodontic services are payable at 100%. Please see the Schedule of Benefits Summary for more information. 2 All pharmacy copays and/or deductible and coinsurance will accumulate to the Tier I out-of-pocket amounts. 3 Specialty drugs must be purchased through a designated specialty pharmacy after two fills. 4 SHOP means Small Business Health Options Program. 23 This document is a brief overview of three-tier health plan options for groups with 2-50 employees. It is not a contract. It is a general overview only. It does not provide all the details of the coverage, including benefits, limitations and contract exclusions. In the event there are discrepancies between this document and the contract, the terms and conditions of the contract will govern. For more information regarding benefits, limitations, exclusions and other provisions, refer to the master group contract. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 36-185 (07-16-13)