38344AK0730001 8888888 035339 (11-2015)
WELCOME Thank you for choosing Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska for your healthcare coverage. This benefit booklet tells you about this plan s benefits and how to make the most of them. Please read this benefit booklet to find out how your healthcare plan works. Some words have special meanings under this plan. Please see Definitions at the end of this booklet. In this booklet, the words we, us, and our mean Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska. The words you and your mean any member enrolled in the plan. The word plan means your healthcare plan with us. Please contact Customer Service if you have any questions about this contract or your healthcare plan. We are happy to answer your questions and hear any of your comments. On our website at premera.com you can also: Learn more about this plan Find a healthcare provider near you Look for information about many health topics We look forward to serving you and your family. Thank you again for choosing Premera. HOW TO CONTACT US Please call or write Customer Service for help with the following: Questions about the benefits of this plan Questions about your claims Questions or complaints about care or services you receive Change of address or other personal information CUSTOMER SERVICE Mailing Address: Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska (Premera) For Claims Only P.O. Box 240609 Anchorage, AK 99524-0609 Physical Address: 2550 Denali St. #1404 Anchorage, AK 99503-2737 Telephone Numbers: Local and toll-free number: 1-800-508-4722 Local and toll-free TDD number for the hearing-impaired: 1-800-842-5357 WHERE TO SEND CLAIMS Mail Your Claims To: Premera Blue Cross P.O. Box 240609 Anchorage, AK 99524-0609 PBCBSAK SCER (01-2015) Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska
PRESCRIPTION DRUG CLAIMS Mail Your Prescription Drug Claims To Express Scripts P.O. Box 14711 Lexington, KY 40512 Contact the Pharmacy Benefit Administrator at: 1-800-391-9701 www.express-scripts.com COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS Premera Blue Cross Attn: Appeals Department P.O. Box 91102 Seattle, WA 98111-9202 Local and toll-free number: 1-800-722-1471 Fax: 1-425-918-5592 PEDIATRIC DENTAL ESTIMATE OF BENEFITS Premera Blue Cross Attn: Dental Review P.O. Box 91059, MS 173 Seattle, WA 98111-9159 BLUECARD 1-800-810-BLUE(2583) Fax: 1-425-918-5956 WEBSITE Visit our website at premera.com for information and secure online access to claims information Group Name: 38344AK0730001 Effective Date: February 1, 2015 Group Number: 8888888 Plan: Alaska Balance Plus Certificate Form Number: PBCBSAK SCER (01-2015) PBCBSAK SCER (01-2015) Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska
INTRODUCTION This benefit booklet is for members enrolled in this plan. This benefit booklet describes the benefits and other terms of this plan. It replaces any other benefit booklet you may have received. We know that healthcare plans can be hard to understand and use. We hope this benefit booklet helps you understand how to get the most from your benefits. The benefits and provisions described in this plan are subject to the terms of the master group contract (contract) issued to the employer. The employer is the firm, corporation or partnership that contracts with us. This benefit booklet is a part of the contract on file at the employer s office. This plan will comply with state laws and the federal health care reform law, called the Affordable Care Act (see Definitions), including any applicable requirements for distribution of any medical loss ratio rebates and actuarial value requirements. If Congress, federal or state regulators, or the courts make further changes or clarifications regarding the Affordable Care Act and its implementing regulations, this plan will comply even if they are not or are in conflict with a statement made in this benefit booklet. Medical and payment policies we use in administration of this plan are available at premera.com. Translation Services If you need an interpreter to help with oral translation services, please call us. Customer Service will be able to guide you through the service. HOW TO USE THIS BENEFIT BOOKLET Every section in this benefit booklet has important information. You may find that the sections below are especially useful. HOW TO CONTACT US Our website, phone numbers, mailing addresses and other contact information are located on the inside front cover of this benefit booklet. SUMMARY OF YOUR COSTS Lists your costs for covered services. IMPORTANT PLAN INFORMATION Describes the applicable cost-shares, out-of-pocket maximums and allowed amount. HOW PROVIDERS AFFECT YOUR COSTS How your choice of a provider affects your benefits and your out-of-pocket costs. CARE MANAGEMENT Describes prior authorization, case management, disease management, and clinical review provisions. COVERED SERVICES A detailed description of what is covered. EXCLUSIONS Describes services that are not covered. OTHER COVERAGE - Describes how benefits are paid when you have other coverage or what you must do when a third party is responsible for an injury or illness. SENDING US A CLAIM Instructions on how to send in a claim. COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS What to do if you want to share ideas, ask questions, file a complaint, or send in an appeal. ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT Describes who can be covered. TERMINATION OF COVERAGE Describes when coverage ends. CONTINUATION OF COVERAGE Describes how you can continue coverage after your coverage under the group plan ends. OTHER PLAN INFORMATION Lists the general information about how this plan is administered and required state and federal notices. DEFINITIONS Meanings of words and terms used. PBCBSAK SCER (01-2015) Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska
TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY OF YOUR COSTS...1 IMPORTANT PLAN INFORMATION...7 Allowed Amount...7 Calendar Year Deductible...8 Copay...8 Coinsurance...8 Out-of-Pocket Maximum...8 HOW PROVIDERS AFFECT YOUR COSTS...9 Medical Services...9 Pediatric Dental Services...11 CARE MANAGEMENT...11 Prior Authorization...11 Clinical Review...14 Case Management...14 Disease Management...14 COVERED SERVICES...14 Common Medical Services...15 Other Covered Services...24 EMPLOYEE WELLNESS...30 EXCLUSIONS...30 OTHER COVERAGE...34 Coordinating Benefits With Other Plans...34 Subrogation and reimbursement...35 SENDING US A CLAIM...36 COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS...38 ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT...41 Who Is Eligible For Coverage...41 When Coverage Begins...41 Special Enrollment...43 TERMINATION OF COVERAGE...44 Events That End Coverage...44 CONTINUATION OF COVERAGE...44 OTHER PLAN INFORMATION...45 DEFINITIONS...48 PBCBSAK SCER (01-2015) Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska
SUMMARY OF YOUR COSTS This is a summary of your costs for covered services. Your costs are subject to all of the following: The allowed amount. This is the most this plan allows for a covered service. The coinsurance. This is the amount you pay after your deductible is met. The deductibles. Most of your cost shares are subject to the deductible. Sometimes the deductibles are waived and these are shown below. When covered services are subject to the Preferred INN Provider coinsurance, the Preferred INN Provider deductible applies. Preferred INN Providers Non-Preferred and Non- Participating Providers Individual deductible: $1,500 $3,000 Family deductible: $3,000 $6,000 The out-of-pocket maximum. This is the most you pay each calendar year for services from Preferred INN Providers. There is no out-of-pocket maximum for Non-Preferred and Non-Participating Providers. Preferred INN Providers Non-Preferred and Non-Participating Providers Individual out-of-pocket maximum: $6,350 Not applicable Family out-of-pocket maximum: $12,700 Not applicable Prior authorization. Some services must be authorized by us in writing before you get them. See Prior Authorization for details. The conditions, time limits and maximum limits described in this contract. Some services have special rules. See Covered Services for these details. 1 Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska PBCBSAK 01-2015 SYC 38344AK0730001, 8888888
YOUR COSTS OF THE ALLOWED AMOUNT COVERED SERVICES COMMON MEDICAL SERVICES Office and Clinic Visit You may have additional costs for things such as x-rays, lab, therapeutic injections and facility charges. See those covered services for details. Preventive Care Limited to how often you can get services based on your age and if you are male or female. Routine care, such as exams, screenings, immunizations, contraceptive management and nutritional therapy. Seasonal immunizations at a pharmacy or other mass immunizer, health education and nicotine cessation programs Facility charges You may have additional costs for things such as x-rays, lab, therapeutic injections and facility charges. See those covered services for details. Pediatric Care Limited to members under age 19 Vision Exams and Hardware Routine exams limited to one per calendar year One pair of lenses for glasses or hard contact lenses, or 12-month supply of disposable contact lenses per calendar year One pair of frames per calendar year One comprehensive low vision evaluation every five years; and 4 follow up visits in any five year period Low vision devices, high powered spectacles, magnifiers and telescopes when medically necessary Diagnostic X-ray, Lab and Imaging See Preventive Care for preventive screening cost share Surgery Services Includes the surgeon, assistant surgeon, anesthesiology, office surgeries, ambulatory surgical centers, and inpatient and outpatient hospital services PREFERRED INN PROVIDERS NON-PREFERRED PROVIDERS NON- PARTICIPATING PROVIDERS 20% 40% 60% 0%, deductible waived 40% 60% 0%, deductible waived 0%, deductible waived 0%, deductible waived 20% 40% 60% 10%, deductible waived 0%, deductible waived 0%, deductible waived 10%, deductible waived 0%, deductible waived 20% 40% 60% 20% 40% 60% 2 Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska PBCBSAK 01-2015 SYC 38344AK0730001, 8888888
YOUR COSTS OF THE ALLOWED AMOUNT COVERED SERVICES PREFERRED INN PROVIDERS NON-PREFERRED PROVIDERS NON- PARTICIPATING PROVIDERS Emergency Room 20% Emergency Ambulance Services Emergency air and surface (ground and water) ambulance services and nonemergency ground or water transport Non-emergency air ambulance services, including transfer from one facility to another facility Urgent Care Centers Services from centers not affiliated with a hospital or emergency room. Services from centers based in a hospital or emergency room You may have additional costs for other services such as x-rays, lab, therapeutic injections and hospital facility charges. See those covered services for details. Hospital Services Outpatient care and inpatient care services Mental Health, Behavioral Health and Chemical Dependency Services to treat mental health, behavioral health and chemical dependency conditions apply to this benefit, including services such as physical, speech or occupational therapy. Office visits Other professional services (including inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization) Facility services Maternity and Newborn Care Prenatal, postnatal, delivery and inpatient care. Includes hospital, birthing centers or short-stay facilities, diagnostic tests during pregnancy and professional services. Home Health Care Limited to 130 visits per calendar year. Hospice Care Limited to a lifetime maximum of 6 months; and to 10 days of inpatient care and 240 hours of respite care. All hospice services are subject to the lifetime maximum. Rehabilitative Services Limited to 30 inpatient days per calendar year and 45 outpatient visits per calendar year. 20% 20% 40% 60% 20% 40% 60% 20% 20% 40% 60% 20% 40% 60% 20% 40% 60% 20% 40% 60% 20% 40% 60% 20% 40% 60% 3 Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska PBCBSAK 01-2015 SYC 38344AK0730001, 8888888
YOUR COSTS OF THE ALLOWED AMOUNT COVERED SERVICES PREFERRED INN PROVIDERS NON-PREFERRED PROVIDERS NON- PARTICIPATING PROVIDERS Habilitative Services Limited to 30 inpatient days per calendar year and 45 outpatient visits per calendar year. Skilled Nursing Facility and Care Limited to 60 days per calendar year Home Medical Equipment (HME), Supplies, Devices, Prosthetics and Orthotics Foot orthotics and orthopedic shoes for other conditions other than diabetes are limited to $300 per calendar year 20% 40% 60% 20% 40% 60% 20% 40% 60% OTHER COVERED SERVICES Acupuncture Services Limited to 12 visits per calendar year You may have additional costs for hospital facility charges. See those covered services for details. Air or Surface Transportation (Commercial) Limited to the member needing the transportation and to round trip transport per medical occurrence per calendar year. 20% 40% 60% 20% Allergy Testing and Treatment 20% 40% 60% Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy and Kidney Dialysis Chemotherapy includes infusion and injectable drug services you get as an inpatient or outpatient. You may have additional costs for hospital facility charges. See those covered services for details. 20% 40% 60% Clinical Trials Office visits, professional services and facility services 20% 40% 60% Transportation for Cancer Clinical Trials only 20% Dental Accidents Limited to services you get within 12 months of the accident. Includes office visits, professional and facility services. Foot Care Routine care that is medically necessary for treatment of diabetes 20% 40% 60% 20% 40% 60% Infusion Therapy (Outpatient) 20% 40% 60% Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction 20% 40% 60% 4 Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska PBCBSAK 01-2015 SYC 38344AK0730001, 8888888
COVERED SERVICES Neurodevelopmental Therapy Limited to members under age 7; and to 30 inpatient days per calendar year and 45 outpatient visits per calendar year. Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing Spinal Manipulation Services Limited to 12 visits per calendar year You may have additional costs for hospital facility charges. See those covered services for details. PREFERRED INN PROVIDERS YOUR COSTS OF THE ALLOWED AMOUNT NON-PREFERRED PROVIDERS NON- PARTICIPATING PROVIDERS 20% 40% 60% 20% 40% 60% 20% 40% 60% Therapeutic Injections 20% 40% 60% Transplants Donor covered services are limited to $75,000 per transplant. Office visit, you may have additional costs for facility charges. See Hospital Services for details. Other outpatient care services and inpatient services $7,500 for travel and lodging expenses per transplant 20% Not covered Not covered 20% Not covered Not covered 0% 5 Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska PBCBSAK 01-2015 SYC 38344AK0730001, 8888888
YOUR COSTS OF THE ALLOWED AMOUNT COVERED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS IN-NETWORK PHARMACIES OUT-OF-NETWORK PHARMACIES Prescription Drugs Retail Pharmacy Limited up to a 90-day supply. Preventive drugs limited to prescribed drugs required by health care reform and to the HSA Generic Preventive Drug list Nicotine cessation drugs, oral generic and single source brand name contraceptive drugs and devices 0%, deductible waived 0%, deductible waived Formulary generic drugs Deductible then 20% Formulary preferred brand name drugs Deductible then 20% Formulary non-preferred brand name drugs Deductible then 20% Prescription Drugs Mail Order Pharmacy Limited up to a 90-day supply. Preventive drugs limited to prescribed drugs required by health care reform and to the HSA Generic Preventive Drug list Nicotine cessation drugs, oral generic and single source brand name contraceptive drugs and devices 0%, deductible waived Not covered 0%, deductible waived Not covered Formulary generic drugs Deductible then 20% Not covered Formulary preferred brand name drugs Deductible then 20% Not covered Formulary non-preferred brand name drugs Deductible then 20% Not covered Prescriptions Specialty Pharmacy Limited up to a 30-day supply for formulary and limited to our specialty pharmacies. Deductible then 20% Not covered 6 Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska PBCBSAK 01-2015 SYC 38344AK0730001, 8888888
IMPORTANT PLAN INFORMATION This plan is a Preferred Provider Plan (PPO) and provides you benefits for covered services from providers within the HeritagePlus network in Alaska. You have access to one of the many providers included in our network of providers for covered services included in this plan without referral. Please see How Providers Affect Your Costs for more information. You also have access to facilities, emergency rooms, surgical centers, equipment vendors or pharmacies providing covered services throughout the United States and wherever you may travel. ALLOWED AMOUNT This plan provides benefits based on the allowed amount for covered services. The allowed amount is described below. Providers In Alaska and Washington Who Have Agreements With Us For any given service or supply, the allowed amount is the lesser of the following: The provider s billed charge; or The fee that we have negotiated as a reasonable allowance for medically necessary covered services and supplies. Contracting providers agree to seek payment from us when they furnish covered services to you. You will be responsible only for any applicable cost-sharing, including deductibles, copays, coinsurance, charges in excess of the stated benefit maximums and charges for services and supplies not covered under this plan. Providers Outside Alaska and Washington Who Have Agreements With Other Blue Cross Blue Shield Licensees For covered services and supplies received outside Alaska and Washington or in Clark County, Washington, allowed amount is determined as stated in BlueCard Program. Providers Who Do Not Have Agreements With Us Or Another Blue Cross Blue Shield Licensee The allowed amount shall be defined as indicated below. When you receive services from a provider who does not have an agreement with us or another Blue Cross Blue Shield Licensee, you are responsible for any amounts not paid by us, including amounts over the allowed amount. In determining the allowed amount, we establish a profile of billed charges, using statistically creditable data for a period of 12 months by examining the range of charges for the same or similar service from providers within each geographical area for which we receive claims. The allowed amount will be no less than 80 th percentile of billed charges for that service. If we are unable to obtain sufficient data from a given geographical area, we will use a wider geographical area. If inclusion of the wider geographical area still does not provide sufficient data, we will set the allowed amount to no less than the equivalent of the 80 th percentile or no lower than 250% of Medicare allowed amount for the same services or supplies, whichever is greater. Using this methodology, the allowed amount will be the least of the following: An amount that is no less than the lowest amount we pay for the same or similar service from a comparable provider that has a contracting agreement with us 250% of the fee schedule determined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (Medicare), if available The provider s billed charges In no case will the allowed amount be less than the 80 th percentile of charges in the geographical area where services are received, or as otherwise required by law. Pediatric Dental Services Providers Who Have Signed A Contracting Agreement With Us The allowed amount is the fee that we have negotiated with contracting dental providers. Providers Who Have Not Signed A Contracting Agreement With Us The allowed amount will be the maximum allowed amount in the geographical area where the services were provided. In no case will the allowed amount be less than the 80 th percentile or no higher than the 90 th percentile of provider fees in that area where the services are received. Emergency Services Consistent with the requirements of the Affordable Care Act the allowed amount will be the greater of the following: The median amount providers who contract with us have agreed to accept for the same services The amount Medicare would allow for the same services The amount calculated by the same method the plan uses to determine payment to providers who do not have contracting agreements with us In addition to your applicable cost-sharing, you will be responsible for charges above the PBCBSAK SCER 01-2015 7 Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska
allowed amount when services are received from providers who do not have contracting agreements with us. CALENDAR YEAR DEDUCTIBLE A deductible is what you pay for covered services each calendar year before this plan provides benefits. See Summary of Your Costs for your deductible amounts. If you and one or more of your dependents are enrolled in this plan, the family deductible applies. When you add or drop dependents from coverage during the year, your deductible will change to the family or individual deductible as required by the change in family status. Individual Deductible This plan includes an individual deductible when you see Preferred INN providers and a separate individual deductible when you see Non-Preferred and Non-Participating providers. After you pay this amount, this plan will begin paying for your covered services. Family Deductible This plan includes a family deductible when you see Preferred INN providers and a separate family deductible when you see Non-Preferred and Non- Participating Providers. The family deductible is the aggregate amount your family must pay before this plan will begin paying for your family s covered services. Deductibles are subject to the following: Deductibles add up during a calendar year, and renew each year on January 1 There is no carry over provision. Amounts credited to your deductible during the current year will not count toward the next year s deductible. Amounts credited to the deductible will not be more than the allowed amount Copays, if any, are not applied to the deductible Prior authorization penalties are not applied to the deductible Amounts credited toward the deductible do not add to benefits with an annual dollar maximum Amounts credited toward the deductible accrue to benefits with annual visit limits and other annual durational maximums COPAY Copay is a dollar amount that you pay to a healthcare provider for a covered service. Your provider may ask you to pay the copay at the time of service. Not all plans include a copay. See Summary of Your Costs for any copays required by your plan. COINSURANCE Coinsurance is the percentage of the covered service that you are responsible to pay when you receive covered services. OUT-OF-POCKET MAXIMUM The out-of-pocket maximum is a limit on how much you or your family pays each calendar year for services from Preferred INN Providers. See the Summary of Your Costs for your out-of-pocket maximum. If you add or drop dependents from coverage during the year, your out-of-pocket maximum will change to the family or individual out-of-pocket maximum as required by the change in family status. Individual Out-of-Pocket Maximum This plan includes an individual out-of-pocket maximum for covered services when you use Preferred INN Providers. The copays (if applicable), deductibles and coinsurance count toward this limit. After you meet this limit, benefits for covered services from Preferred INN Providers are covered at 100% of the allowed amount for the rest of that year. Family Out-of-Pocket Maximum This plan includes a family out-of-pocket maximum if you and one or more of your dependents are enrolled in this plan. The family out-of-pocket maximum applies to covered services when you use Preferred INN Providers. The copays (if applicable), deductibles and coinsurance your family pays count toward this limit. After your family meets the out-ofpocket maximum, benefits for covered services from Preferred INN Providers are covered at 100% of the allowed amount for the rest of that year. There is no family out-of-pocket maximum for services received from Non-Preferred and Non- Participating Providers. You must always pay your cost share for services you get from these providers. Expenses that do not apply to the out-of-pocket maximum include: Charges above the allowed amount Services above any benefit maximum limit or durational limit Services not covered by this plan Covered services provided by Non-Preferred and Non-Participating Providers Prior authorization penalties Any covered service shown on the Summary of Your Costs as not applying to the out-of-pocket limit PBCBSAK SCER 01-2015 8 Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska
HOW PROVIDERS AFFECT YOUR COSTS MEDICAL SERVICES This plan is a Preferred Provider Plan (PPO). That means that this plan provides you benefits for covered services from providers of your choice. You have access to one of the many providers included in our HeritagePlus network. In Alaska your network includes any provider that has signed a contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska. You also have access to qualified practitioners, facilities, emergency rooms, surgical centers, equipment vendors or pharmacies providing covered services throughout the United States and wherever you may travel. See BlueCard Program below. Hospitals, physicians and other providers in these networks are called "in-network providers." Preferred INN Providers The Preferred INN Providers are part of our HeritagePlus network, or providers who are a part of a Host Blue's provider network. Preferred INN Providers provide medical services at a negotiated fee. This fee is the allowed amount. You also have access to qualified practitioners, facilities, emergency rooms, surgical centers, equipment vendors or pharmacies providing covered services throughout the United States and wherever you may travel. See BlueCard Program below. If a covered service is not available from a Preferred INN Provider, you may receive benefits for services provided by a Non-Preferred or Non-Participating provider at the Preferred INN Provider benefit level. Please see Prior Authorization for details. You do not need a referral from Premera or from any other person for access to specialty care. Preferred INN Providers In order to receive the highest level of benefits available under this plan for non-emergent services, you must use a Preferred INN Provider. Preferred INN Providers have agreed to accept the allowed amount as payment in full. They have also agreed to bill us directly for the covered portion of the services you receive, and we make payments directly to them. Your portion of the charges for covered services you get from Preferred INN Providers will be the lowest. Services you receive in a Preferred INN Provider hospital may be provided by doctors, anesthesiologists, radiologists or other professionals who are not part of our network. When you receive non-emergent services from these providers, the Non-Preferred or Non-Participating Provider costshare will apply. You will be responsible for amounts over the allowed amount for services received from Non-Participating providers. Amounts in excess of the allowed amount do not count toward your deductible, coinsurance or out-of-pocket maximum, if any. Non-Preferred Providers Non-Preferred providers are not included in our network, but do have a contract with Premera. Your medical bills will be reimbursed at a lower percentage when you use a Non-Preferred provider. This means that your out-of-pocket costs will be higher because your benefit level is lower. You are not responsible for any charges over the allowed amount. These providers also bill us directly for your care. Non-Participating Providers Non-Participating providers are not in our provider network and do not have a contract with Premera. This means that your out-of-pocket costs will be the highest because your benefit level is the lowest and you are responsible for any charges over the allowed amount. Amounts in excess of the allowed amount also do not count toward your deductible or coinsurance. You may have to pay for services and send us a claim for reimbursement. Accepted Rural Providers Accepted Rural Providers are providers practicing in a medically under-served area of Alaska. They do not contract with us and are not in our network. Your cost-shares for services you get from Accepted Rural Providers are the same as the cost-shares for Preferred INN Providers. Because accepted rural providers are not in our network, you must also pay for any charges over the allowed amount. You may also have to pay for services and send us a claim for reimbursement. See Summary of Your Costs for details. Finding a Network Provider A list of network providers is available in our HeritagePlus provider directory. These providers are listed by geographical area, specialty and in alphabetical order to help you select a provider that is right for you. We update this directory regularly and it is subject to change. We suggest that you call us for current information and to verify that your provider, their office location or provider group is included in the HeritagePlus network before you get services. The HeritagePlus provider directory is available any time on our website at premera.com. You may also request a copy of this directory by calling Customer Service at the number located on the inside front cover of this benefit booklet or on your Premera ID card. PBCBSAK SCER 01-2015 9 Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska
Special Circumstances The following services and/or providers will always be covered at the Preferred INN Provider benefit level based on the allowed amount: Emergency care Non-emergency care services received from a Non-Preferred or Non-Participating provider in Alaska when the nearest Preferred INN Provider is more than 50 miles from your home. We suggest that you contact us before you receive non-emergency care covered services from a Non-Preferred or Non-Participating provider. See Prior Authorization for additional information. Care received from Non-Preferred or Non- Participating Providers for covered stays at Preferred INN Provider hospitals when you have no choice as to who performs the services Certain categories of providers that we do not have contracting agreements You must pay your deductibles, copays, coinsurance and charges over the allowed amount. WHEN YOU RECEIVE CARE IN WASHINGTON You have access to a network of providers when you receive care in Washington. Like Preferred Innetwork providers in Alaska, you will receive the highest benefit level and lowest out-of-pocket costs when you see these providers. All the requirements of your plan described in this booklet apply to services received in Washington. To find an in-network provider in Washington, see our provider directory at premera.com, or call Customer Service. PROVIDER STATUS A provider s agreement with us is subject to change at any time. Therefore, it is important to verify a provider s status before you receive services. This will help you avoid additional out-of-pocket costs. You can call our Customer Service Department at the number listed on the back of this contract booklet to verify a provider s status. If you are outside Alaska, Washington or Clark County, Washington, call 1-800-810-BLUE (2583) to locate or verify the status of a provider. If you are seeing a provider and their written agreement with us is terminated while you are receiving pregnancy care or other active treatment, we will consider the provider to still have an agreement with us for the purpose of that care until one of the following occurs: This plan is terminated The provider s status will change on the date the provider s medically necessary treatment of a terminal condition ends. Terminal means that the patient is expected to live less than one year from the date the provider s agreement is terminated. In all other cases, the provider s status will change on the last of three dates to occur: The ninetieth day after the date the provider s agreement is terminated The date the current plan year ends The date postpartum care is completed BENEFITS FOR CARE OUTSIDE OF ALASKA AND WASHINGTON If you are outside Alaska and Washington, you may receive covered services from any provider licensed to provide the service. For non-emergent doctor and hospital services in Washington (except Clark County, Washington), you will receive the higher level of benefits available under this plan when you use network doctors and hospitals. Except as stated below, for the same services outside of Alaska and Washington or in Clark County, Washington, you will receive the higher level of benefits available by using doctors and hospitals with PPO agreements with the Blue Cross or Blue Shield Licensee in the area where you are receiving services. Benefits for covered services received from providers located outside the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are provided at the highest level of benefits available under the plan. For the most current information on network providers, please see premera.com or call Customer Service. If you are outside Alaska and Washington or in Clark County, Washington, call 1-800-810-BLUE (2583). BLUECARD PROGRAM The BlueCard Program allows you to obtain out-ofarea covered services from in-network providers within the geographic area of a Host Blue. We will still honor our contract with the Group. The Host Blue will contract with, and submit claims received from, its providers that provide your care directly to us. We will base the amount you pay on these claims processed through the BlueCard Program on the lower of: The provider s billed charges for your covered services; or The allowed amount that the Host Blue makes available to us. Often, this allowed amount is a discount that reflects an actual price that the Host Blue pays to the provider. In some cases it may be an estimated price that takes into account a special arrangement PBCBSAK SCER 01-2015 10 Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska
with a single provider or a group of providers. In other cases, it may be an average price, based on a discount that results in expected average savings for services from similar types of providers. For estimated and average prices, Host Blues may use a number of factors to establish these prices. These may include types of settlements; incentive payments; and/or other credits or charges. Host Blues may also need to adjust their prices to correct for over- or under-estimation of past prices. We will not apply any further adjustments to the price on the claim that we will use to determine the amount you pay now. Also, federal and/or state law may require a Host Blue to add other items, including a surcharge, to the price of a claim. If that occurs, we will calculate what you owe for any covered services according to applicable law. Clark County Providers Services you get in Clark County, Washington are processed through the BlueCard Program. Some providers in Clark County do have contracts with us. These providers will submit claims directly to us, and benefits will be based on our allowed amount for the covered service or supply. Out-of-Area Services Out-of-Network Providers In certain situations, you may receive covered services from out-of-network providers outside of our service area. In most cases we will base the amount you pay for such services on either the Host Blue s local payment or the pricing arrangements under applicable state law. In these situations, you may owe the difference between the amount that the out-of-network provider bills and the payment we will make for the covered services as set forth above. BlueCard Worldwide If you are outside the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, you may be able to take advantage of BlueCard Worldwide. BlueCard Worldwide is unlike the BlueCard Program available in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands in some ways. For instance, although BlueCard Worldwide has a network of contracting inpatient hospitals, it offers only referrals to doctors and other outpatient providers. Also, when you receive care from doctors and other outpatient providers outside the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, you will most likely have to send us the claims yourself. More Questions If you have questions or need to find out more about the BlueCard Program, please call our Customer Service Department. To find a provider in another Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Licensee service area, go to premera.com or call 1-800-810-BLUE (2583). You can also get BlueCard Worldwide information by calling the toll-free phone number. PEDIATRIC DENTAL SERVICES An enrolled child under the age of 19 is eligible for pediatric dental services. In-Network Dental Providers When services are received from our in-network dental providers, you receive the highest levels of benefits available under this plan. Your claims will be submitted directly to us and available benefits will be paid directly to the pediatric dental care provider. Our in-network dental providers agree to accept our allowed amount as payment in full. When you are outside of the service area, you also have access to a nationwide network of contracted pediatric dental providers who can provide covered pediatric dental services. You are only responsible for your in-network dental cost-shares, and charges for non-covered services. See Summary of Your Costs for cost-share amounts. For the most current information on dental network providers, please see our website at premera.com or contact Customer Service. Out-of-Network Dental Providers Out-of-network dental providers are not in your provider network and do not have a contract with us. These providers can bill you for charges above the allowed amount. You may also have to pay for services and send us a claim for reimbursement. See Sending Us a Claim for details. CARE MANAGEMENT Care Management services work to help ensure that you receive appropriate and cost-effective medical care. Your role in the Care Management process is simple, but important, as explained below. You must be eligible on the dates of service and services must be medically necessary. We encourage you to call Customer Service to verify that you meet the required criteria for claims payment and to help us identify admissions that might benefit from case management. PRIOR AUTHORIZATION Your coverage for some services depends on whether the service is approved by us before you receive it. This process is called prior authorization. A planned service is reviewed to make sure it is medically necessary and eligible for coverage under this plan. We will let you know in writing if the service is authorized. We will also let you know if the services are not authorized and the reasons why. If you disagree with the decision, you can request an appeal. See Complaints and Appeals PBCBSAK SCER 01-2015 11 Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska
or call us. There are three situations where prior authorization is required: Before you receive certain medical services and drugs, or prescription drugs Before you schedule a planned admission to certain inpatient facilities When you want to receive the Preferred INN Provider benefit level for services you receive from a Non-Preferred or Non-Participating provider Each situation has different requirements. How To Ask For Prior Authorization The plan has a specific list of services or supplies that must have prior authorization with any provider. The detailed list of medical services requiring prior authorization can be obtained by contacting Customer Service, or at our website at premera.com. Services from Preferred Providers and Non- Preferred Providers: It is your Preferred INN Provider or Non-Preferred Provider s responsibility to get prior authorization. They must call us at the number listed on your ID card to request a prior authorization. Services from Non-Participating Providers: It is your responsibility to get prior authorization for any of the services on the Prior Authorization list when you see a Non-Participating Provider. You or your provider must call us at the number listed on your ID card to request a prior authorization. The detailed list of medical services requiring prior authorization can be obtained by contacting Customer Service, or on our website at premera.com. The following are types of services that require prior authorization, including but not limited: Planned admission into hospitals or skilled nursing facilities Planned admission to an inpatient rehabilitation facility Non-emergency air or ambulance transport Transplant and donor services Injectable medications you get in a healthcare provider s office Prosthetics and orthotics other than foot orthotics or orthopedic shoes Reconstructive surgery, including repairs of defects caused by injury and correction of functional disorders Home medical equipment costing $500 or more Selected surgical, medical therapeutic, diagnostic and reconstructive procedures, such as: Abdominoplasty/Panniculectomy Bone anchored and implantable hearing aids Cardiac devices, including implantation Cardiac Percutaneous Interventions Corneal remodeling Deep brain stimulation Endoscopy Upper Gastrointestinal Hysterectomy Knee arthroplasty and arthoscopy Implantation or application of electric stimulator Radiation therapy such as gamma knife, proton beam, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), interoperative radiation therapy Spine surgery/treatments, such as cervical spinal fusion and lumbar spinal fusion Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), non-cosmetic Breast surgeries, such as certain implant removals, mastectomy, prophylactic mastectomy, and reduction mammoplasty Cochlear implantation Hyperbaric oxygen therapy Facility based sleep studies (Polysomnography) Radiofrequency tumor ablation Outpatient Imaging Tests Positron Emission Tomography (PET and PET/CT) Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CT) Angiography of the heart Computed Tomography (CT) Scans Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Nuclear Cardiology Echocardiograms Certain prescription drugs. See Prior Authorization for Prescription Drugs below We will respond to your request for prior authorization within 72 hours of receipt of all information necessary to make a decision. If your situation is clinically urgent (meaning that your life or health would be put in serious jeopardy if you did not receive treatment right away), you may request an expedited review. Expedited reviews are responded to as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours after we get the all information necessary to make a decision. We will provide our decision in writing. PBCBSAK SCER 01-2015 12 Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska
Our prior authorizations will be valid for 30 calendar days. This 30-day period is subject to your continued coverage under the plan. If you don t receive the service or supply within that time, you will have to ask us for another prior authorization. Prior Authorization Penalty For Services from Preferred INN Providers and Non-Preferred Providers These providers will get a prior authorization for you. You should verify with your provider that a prior authorization request has been approved in writing by us before you receive the services. For Services from Non-Participating Providers It is your responsibility to get prior authorization for any of the services on the Prior Authorization list when you receive services from these providers. If you do not get prior authorization, you will pay a penalty. The penalty is in addition to any deductibles, copays or coinsurance this plan requires for covered services. The prior authorization penalty is 50 percent of the allowed amount. The maximum penalty is $1,500 per occurrence. The prior authorization penalty does not count toward this plan s deductibles or out-of-pocket maximum, if any. Exceptions: The following services are not subject to this prior authorization requirement, but they have other requirements: Emergency hospital admissions, including admissions for drug or alcohol detoxification. They do not require prior authorization, but you must notify us as soon as reasonably possible. If you are admitted to a Non-Preferred or Non- Participating Provider hospital due to an emergency condition, those services will always be covered at the Preferred INN Provider costshare. We will continue to cover those services until you are medically stable and can safely transfer to a Preferred INN Provider hospital. If you choose to remain at the Non-Preferred or Non-Participating Provider hospital after you are stable to transfer, coverage will revert to the Non- Preferred or Non-Participating Provider benefit level. We pay services based on our allowed amount. If the hospital is non-contracted, you may be billed for charges over the allowed amount. Childbirth admission to a hospital, or admissions for newborns who need medical care at birth. They do not require prior authorization, but you must notify us as soon as reasonably possible. Admissions to a Non-Preferred or Non- Participating Provider hospital will be covered at the Non-Preferred or Non-Participating Provider cost-shares unless the admission was an emergency. Prior Authorization for Prescription Drugs Certain prescription drugs you receive through a pharmacy must have prior authorization before you get them at a pharmacy, in order for us to provide benefits. Your provider can ask for a prior authorization by faxing a prior authorization form to us. This form is on the pharmacy section of our website at premera.com. You can find out if a specific drug requires prior authorization by contacting Customer Service, or checking our website at premera.com. If your prescription drug requires prior authorization and you do not get prior authorization when you go to a network pharmacy to fill your prescription, your pharmacy will tell you that it needs to be prior authorized. You or your pharmacy should call your provider to let them know. Your provider can fax us a prior authorization form for review. You can buy the prescription drug before it is prior authorized, but you must pay the full cost. If the drug is authorized after you bought it, you can send us a claim for reimbursement. Reimbursement will be based on the allowed amount. See Sending Us a Claim for details. The list below includes examples of drug categories that require prior authorization. This list does not include specific drugs and it may change from time to time. You can call Customer Service or check the Pharmacy Section at premera.com for a detailed list of drugs that require authorization. Androgens, Estrogens, Hormones and related drugs Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers Anticonvulsants Antidepressant agents Antipsoriatic/Antiseborrheic Antipsychotics Drugs with significant changes in product labeling Glaucoma drugs Growth hormones Headache therapy Hypnotic agents Hypoglycemic agents Interferons Intranasal steroids Miscellaneous analgesics Miscellaneous antineoplastic drugs Miscellaneous antivirals Miscellaneous gastrointestinal agents Miscellaneous neurological therapy drugs PBCBSAK SCER 01-2015 13 Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska
Miscellaneous psychotherapeutic agents Miscellaneous pulmonary agents Miscellaneous rheumatological agents Narcotics Newly FDA-approved drugs NSAIDS/Cox II inhibitors Osteoporosis therapy Proton pump inhibitors Smoking deterrents Specialty drugs Tetracyclines Services from Non-Preferred or Non- Participating Providers This plan provides benefits for non-emergency services from Non-Preferred and Non-Participating providers at a lower benefit level. You may receive benefits for these services at the Preferred INN costshare if the services are medically necessary and not available from a Preferred INN Provider within 50 miles of your home. You or your provider may request a prior authorization for the Preferred INN Provider benefit before you see the Non-Preferred or Non-Participating Provider. These services will be covered at the Preferred INN cost-share. In addition to the cost-shares, you will pay any amounts over the allowed amount if the provider does not have a contracting agreement with us or, for out-of-state providers, with the local Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Licensee. If there are Preferred INN Providers who can give you the same non-emergency care and are within 50 miles of your home, your request will not be approved. CLINICAL REVIEW Premera has developed or adopted guidelines and medical policies that outline clinical criteria used to make medical necessity determinations. The criteria are reviewed annually and are updated as needed to ensure our determinations are consistent with current medical practice standards and follows national and regional norms. Practicing community doctors are involved in the review and development of our internal criteria. You or your provider may request a copy of the criteria used to make a medical necessity decision for a particular condition or procedure. To obtain the information, please send your request to Care Management at the address or fax number located on the inside front cover of this benefit booklet. Premera reserves the right to deny payment for services that are not medically necessary or that are considered experimental or investigational. A decision by Premera following this review may be appealed in the manner described in Complaints and Appeals. When there is more than one alternative available, coverage will be provided for the least costly among medically appropriate alternatives. CASE MANAGEMENT Case Management works cooperatively with you and your doctor to consider effective alternatives to hospitalization and other high cost care. Working together we can make more efficient use of this plan s benefits. Your participation in a treatment plan through case management is voluntary. DISEASE MANAGEMENT Premera s disease management programs are designed to improve health outcomes for members with certain chronic diseases. These programs seek to identify individuals who may benefit from such programs, and achieve the best possible therapeutic outcomes based on an assessment of the patient needs, ongoing monitoring of care, and consultation with your primary care provider. Participation in disease management programs is voluntary. To learn more about the availability of disease management programs, contact Customer Service at the number listed on your ID card. COVERED SERVICES This section describes the services this plan covers. Covered service means medically necessary services (see Definitions) and specified preventive care services you get when you are covered for that benefit. This plan provides benefits for covered services only if all of the following are true when you get the services: The reason for the service is to prevent, diagnose or treat a covered illness, disease or injury The service takes place in a medically necessary setting. This plan covers inpatient care only when you cannot get the services in a less intensive setting. The service is not excluded The provider is working within the scope of their license or certification This plan may exclude or limit benefits for some services. See the specific benefits in this section and Exclusions for details. Benefits for covered services are subject to the following: Copays, if applicable Deductibles Coinsurance PBCBSAK SCER 01-2015 14 Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska
Benefit limits Prior authorization. Some services must be authorized in writing by us before you get them. These services are identified in this section. For more information, see Prior Authorization. Medical and payment policies. Our policies are used to administer the terms of the plan. Medical policies are generally used to determine if a member has coverage for a specific procedure or service. Payment policies define billing and provider payment rules. Our policies are based on accepted clinical practice guidelines and industry standards accepted by organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA). Our policies are available to you and your provider at premera.com or by calling Customer Service. If you have any questions regarding your benefits and how to use them, call Customer Service at the number listed on the How to Contact Us section of this booklet or on the back of your Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska ID card. COMMON MEDICAL SERVICES The services listed in this section are covered as shown on the Summary of Your Costs. Please see the Summary of Your Costs for your copays (if applicable), deductibles, coinsurance and benefit limits. OFFICE AND CLINIC VISITS This plan covers professional office and home visits. The visits can be for examination, consultation and diagnosis of an illness or injury. You may have to pay a separate copay or coinsurance for other services you get during a visit. This includes services such as x-rays, lab work, therapeutic injections and office surgeries. Some outpatient services you get from a specialist must be prior authorized. See Prior Authorization for details. This benefit covers all of the following: Second opinions for covered medical conditions or treatment plans Prostate, colorectal and cervical cancer exams, unless they meet the guidelines for preventive care Biofeedback for migraines and other conditions that are not considered experimental and investigational Electronic Visits This benefit includes electronic visits (e-visits). E- visits are structured, secure online consultations between an approved physician and you. Your approved physician will determine which conditions and circumstances are appropriate for e-visits in their practice. E-visits are covered only when provided by an approved provider and all of the following are true: The physician has been approved for e-visits by us You have been treated by the physician before and have established a patient-physician relationship with that physician The e-visit is medically necessary You can call us at the number listed on the back of your ID card for help finding a physician approved to provide e-visits. This benefit does not cover: Surgical services. See Surgery Services for those covered services. EEG biofeedback or neurofeedback services Mental health services including biofeedback services. See Mental Health, Behavioral Health and Chemical Dependency for those covered services. Home health or hospice care visits. See Home Health and Hospice for those covered services. Facility charges. When you get care at a hospital based clinic or hospital based physician s office, you must pay your deductible and coinsurance for the facility charges. See Hospital Services for those costs. PREVENTIVE CARE This plan covers preventive care as described below. Preventive care is a specific set of evidence-based services expected to prevent future illness. These services are based on guidelines established by government agencies and professional medical societies. Preventive services have limits on how often you should get them. These limits are based on your age and gender. Some of the services you get as part of a routine exam may not meet preventive guidelines and would be covered as part of other medical benefits. The plan covers the following as preventive services: Covered preventive services include those with an A or B rating by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF); immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and as required by state law; and preventive care and screening recommended by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Well-baby care, including those provided by a qualified health aide, and routine exams. Included are exams for school, sports and employment. Women s preventive exams. Includes pelvic exams, pap smear and clinical breast exams. PBCBSAK SCER 01-2015 15 Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska