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TravelGap Gold
Trip Period Maximum Benefits - $250,000 per
Insured Person under Age 70
and $100,000 per Insured Person Age 70 through 84
Period of Insurance Maximum Benefits - $250,000 per Insured Person under
Age 70
and $100,000 per Insured Person Age 70 through 84
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit - $25,000
Repatriation of Remains Maximum Benefit - $25,000
Medical Evacuation Maximum Benefit - $500,000
$50 Deductible Plan
Deductible Waived for Physician Office Visits
within HTH International Healthcare Community Providers
Deductible Waived for Inpatient Hospital Services
within HTH International Healthcare Community Providers
Deductible Waived for Hospital and Physician Outpatient Services
within HTH International Healthcare Community Providers
Short Term Medical Plan
Certificate of Coverage
This Plan provides medical benefits while a person is
temporarily away from Home.
This Plan provides short term, limited duration coverage. It is not
subject to the guaranteed renewability and portability provisions of the
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). The
Insured Person may not purchase insurance under this Plan for a Period of
Insurance longer than 12 months. The Insured may request coverage for
additional Periods of Insurance of up to 12 months. If the Insurer agrees
to coverage for an additional Period of Insurance, it will issue a
successor certificate to the Insured Person as evidence of coverage.
Excess Coverage
The Insurer will reduce the amount payable under the Policy to the extent
expenses are covered under any Other Plan. The Insurer will determine the
amount of benefits provided by Other Plans without reference to any
coordination of benefits, non duplication of benefits or other similar
provisions. The amount from Other Plans includes any amount to which the
Covered Person is entitled, whether or not a claim is made for the
benefits. This Policy is secondary coverage to all other policies.
The Insurance Coverage Area is any place that is anywhere in the world.
Table of Contents
BCR 101 04/03
I. Introduction
About this Plan
This Certificate of Coverage is issued by UNICARE Life & Health
Insurance Company ("the Insurer").
In this Plan, the "Insurer" means UNICARE. The "Eligible
Participant" is the person who meets the eligibility criteria of this
Certificate. The term "Insured Person," means the Eligible
Participant and any Insured Dependents.
The benefits of this Plan are provided only for those services that the
Insurer determines are Medically Necessary and for which the Insured
Person has benefits. The fact that a Physician prescribes or orders a
service does not, by itself, mean that the service is Medically Necessary
or that the service is a Covered Expense. The Eligible Participant may
consult this Certificate of Coverage or telephone the Insurer at the
number shown on his/her identification card if he/she has any questions
about whether services are covered.
This Certificate of Coverage contains many important terms (such as
"Medically Necessary" and "Covered Expense") that are
defined in Part III and capitalized throughout the Certificate of
Coverage. Before reading through this Certificate of Coverage, consult
Part III for the meanings of these words as they pertain to this
Certificate of Coverage.
The Insurer has issued a Policy to the Group or Trust identified on the
Eligible Participant's identification card. The benefits and services
listed in this Certificate of Coverage will be provided for Insured
Persons for a covered Illness, Injury, or condition, subject to all of the
terms and conditions of the Group or Trust Policy.
Choice of Hospital and Physician: Nothing
contained in this Plan restricts or interferes with the Eligible
Participant's right to select the Hospital or Physician of the Eligible
Participant's choice. Also, nothing in this Plan restricts the Eligible
Participant's right to receive, at his/her expense, any treatment not
covered in this Plan.
Use of Administrator: The Insurer may use a
third party administrator to perform certain of the Insurer's duties on
the Insurer's behalf. The Group or Trust and the Insured Participant will
be notified of the use of an administrator.
Benefit Overview Matrix
Following is a very brief description of the benefit schedule of this
Plan. This should be used only as a quick reference tool. The entire
Certificate of Coverage sets forth, in detail, the rights and obligations
of both the Insured Person and the Insurer. It is, therefore, important
that THE ENTIRE CERTIFICATE OF COVERAGE BE READ
CAREFULLY!
The benefits outlined in the following table show the payment percentages
for Covered Expenses AFTER the Insured Person has
satisfied any Deductibles and prior to satisfaction of his/her
Out-of-Pocket Maximum. Covered Expenses are based on Reasonable
Charges which may be less than actual billed charges. Providers can bill
the Insured Person for amounts exceeding Covered Expenses.
Deductible: The Insured Person's Deductible is
$50 per Insured Person per Trip Coverage Period.
After the Deductible is satisfied, benefits are paid
for Covered Expenses as follows:
BENEFIT OVERVIEW MATRIX
| Professional Services |
a. Surgery,
anesthesia, radiation therapy, in-hospital Physician visits,
diagnostic X-ray and lab
If these services are
performed by a provider participating in the HTH International
Healthcare Community, the Deductible is Waived. |
100% |
b. Office Visits:
including X-rays and lab work billed by the attending Physician.
If these Physician
services are performed by a provider participating in the HTH
International Healthcare Community, the Deductible is Waived. |
100% |
| Inpatient Hospital Services |
a. Surgery,
X-rays, In-hospital Physician visits.
If these in-patient
Hospital services are performed by a provider participating in
the HTH International Healthcare Community, the Deductible is
Waived. |
100% |
b. In-patient
medical emergency.
If these in-patient
Hospital services are performed by a provider participating in
the HTH International Healthcare Community, the Deductible is
Waived. |
100% |
| |
|
Ambulatory
Surgical Center
If these Hospital and outpatient Physician services are
performed by a provider participating in the HTH International
Healthcare Community, the Deductible is Waived. |
100% |
| Ambulance
Service (non Medical Evacuation) |
100% up to
$1,000 Maximum |
| Benefits for
claims resulting from downhill (alpine) skiing and scuba
diving (certification by the Professional Association of
Diving Instructors (PADI) or the National Association of
Underwater Instructors (NAUI) or diving under the supervision
of a certified instructor required) |
Up to $10,000
Maximum |
| Medical
treatment received in the Home Country, if NOT covered by
Other Plan Same provisions apply for Professional Services,
Inpatient Hospital Services and Ambulatory Surgical Centers,
if the HTH International Healthcare Community providers are
used. |
100% of Covered
Expenses up to $25,000 Maximum per Trip Period |
| In the U.S.
Outpatient prescription drugs |
Not Covered. |
| Outside the U.S.
Outpatient prescription drugs |
100% of Covered
Expenses. |
| Dental Care
required due to an Injury |
100% of Covered
Expenses up to $200 Maximum per Trip Period and $200 Maximum
per tooth |
| Dental Care for
Relief of Pain |
100% of Covered
Expenses up to $100 Maximum per Trip Period and $100 Maximum
per tooth |
| Accidental,
Death And Dismemberment |
Principal Sum up
to $25,000 Maximum |
| Repatriation Of
Remains |
Up to $25,000
Maximum |
| Medical
Evacuation |
Up to $500,000
Maximum per Trip Period for all Evacuations |
| Bedside Visit |
Up to $1,500
Maximum per Trip Period for the cost of one (1) economy round
trip air fare ticket to the place of the Hospital Confinement |
BCR 134 04/03
II. Who is eligible for
coverage?
Eligible Participants and their Eligible Dependents are
the only people qualified to be covered by the Group or Trust Policy.
The following section describes who qualifies as an Eligible Participant
or Eligible Dependent, as well as information on when and who to enroll
and when coverage begins and ends.
Who is Eligible to Enroll Under this Plan? An
Eligible Participant:
- Is a member of a Group or a member or employee of a participant in
a Trust covered under the Policy.
- Has submitted an enrollment form, if applicable, and the premium
to the Insurer.
- Is a bona fide member in good-standing of a membership Group or
Trust.
Eligible Dependents
An Eligible Dependent means a person who is the Eligible Participant's:
- spouse;
- unmarried natural child, stepchild or legally adopted child who
has not yet reached Age 19;;
- own or spouse's own unmarried child, of any Age, enrolled prior to
Age 19, who is incapable of self support due to continuing mental
retardation or physical disability and who is chiefly dependent on
the Eligible Participant. The Insurer requires written proof from a
Physician of such disability and dependency within 31 days of the
child's 19th birthday and annually thereafter;
- unmarried child, from his/her 19th to 22nd
birthday who is a Full-time student attending an accredited college,
university, vocational or technical school, and who is fully
dependent upon the Eligible Participant for support. The Insurer may
require proof of student status, but not more than once a Period of
Insurance;
- For a person who becomes an Eligible Dependent (as described
below) after the date the Eligible Participant's coverage begins,
coverage for the Eligible Dependent will become effective in
accordance with the following provisions:
- Newborn Children: Coverage will be automatic for the first 31
days following the birth of an Insured Participant's Newborn
child. To continue coverage beyond 31 days, the Newborn child
must be enrolled within 31 days of birth.
- Adopted Children: An Insured Participant's adopted child is
automatically covered for Illness or Injury for 31 days from
either the date of placement of the child in the home or the
date of the final decree of adoption, whichever is earlier. To
continue coverage beyond 31 days, as Insured Participant must
enroll the adopted child within 31 days either from the date of
placement or the final decree of adoption.
- Court Ordered Coverage for a Dependent: If a court has ordered
an Insured Participant to provide coverage for an Eligible
Dependent who is a spouse or minor child, coverage will be
automatic for the first 31 days following the date on which the
court order is issued. To continue coverage beyond 31 days, and
Insured Participant must enroll the Eligible Dependent within
that 31-day period.
- grandchild, niece or nephew who otherwise qualifies as a dependent
child, if: (a) the child is under the primary care of the Insured
Participant; and (b) the legal guardian of the child, if other than
the Insured Participant, is not covered by an accident or sickness
policy.
The term "primary care" means that the Insured Participant
provides food, clothing and shelter on a regular and continuous
basis during the time that the District of Columbia public schools
are in regular session.
A person may not be an Insured Dependent for more
than one Insured Participant.
Additional Requirements for an Eligible Participant
and Eligible Dependents: An Eligible Participant or an Eligible
Dependent must meet all of the following requirements:
- Is a resident of the U.S.
- Is under Age 85.
- Is enrolled in a Primary Plan.
Enrollment Form and Effective Dates
The Coverage for an Eligible Participant and his or her Eligible
Dependents will become effective if the Eligible Participant submits a
properly completed enrollment form to the Insurer, is approved for
coverage by the Insurer and the Group or Trust and/or the Eligible
Participant pays the Insurer the premium. The Effective Date of the
Coverage under this Plan is indicated as follows: Period
of Insurance: Each Eligible Participant's and his/her Eligible
Dependent's Period of Insurance starts on the latest of the following:
- The Policy Effective Date;
- 12:00:01am on the date or the postmark of the enrollment form
received by the Insurer;
- 12:00:01 am on the date designated by the Eligible Participant in
the enrollment form, if that date is after the Insurer receives the
enrollment form.
- 12:00:01 am on the date designated by the Group or Trust of which
the Eligible Participant is a member.
Trip Coverage Start Date: The
Insured Person's coverage under the Policy for a trip during the Period
of Insurance starts as stated below:
- For a scheduled trip to a Foreign Country, when the Insured Person
boards a conveyance at the start of the trip.
- For any other trip, when the Insured Person is more than 200 miles
from his/her Home. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no coverage is in
effect for a trip unless the Insured Person is scheduled to spend at
least 24 hours away from Home.
An Insured Person is eligible for
benefits during his/her Period of Insurance ONLY during the Trip
Coverage Period.
All enrollment forms, if applicable, must be approved by the Insurer for
coverage to go into effect. In no event will an Eligible Dependent's
coverage become effective prior to the Insured Participant's Effective
Date of Coverage.
How Period of Insurance Coverage Ends
Insured Persons The Insured Person's coverage ends without notice
from the Insurer on the earlier of:
- the end of the last period for which premium payment has been made
to the Insurer;
- the date the Policy terminates;
- the date the Maximum Period of Insurance Benefit of this Plan has
been exhausted;
- the date of fraud or misrepresentation of a material fact by the
Insured Participant, except as indicated in the Time Limit on
Certain Defenses provision.
Trip Coverage End Date: The
Insured Person's coverage under this Plan for a trip during the Period
of Insurance ends as stated below:
- For a scheduled trip to a Foreign Country, when the Insured Person
alights from a conveyance at the completion of the trip.
- For any other trip, when the Insured Person is less than 200 miles
from his/her Home.
- On the Period of Insurance Termination Date. However, if the
Insured Person has not canceled his/her coverage, then coverage for
a trip will extend past the Period of Insurance Termination Date if
the Insured Person's return is delayed by unforeseeable
circumstances beyond his/her control. In this event, coverage will
terminate as stated immediately above or, if earlier, 11:59 p.m. on
the seventh day following the Period of Insurance Termination Date.
- If the Insured Person is covered under the Medical Evacuation
Benefit, upon the Insured Person's evacuation to his/her home area.
In no event will coverage for a trip extend past the Maximum Trip
Coverage Period stated below, subject to 3 immediately above and as
stated in the benefit provisions
Maximum Trip Coverage Period: for
any one trip may not exceed 70 days.
Group and Insurer
The coverage of all Insured Persons shall terminate if the Policy is
terminated. If the Insurer terminates the Policy, the Insurer will
notify the Group of cancellation. In addition, the Policy may be
terminated by the Group on any premium due date. It is the Group's
responsibility to notify all Insured Participants in either situation.
The Policy may be terminated by the Insurer:
- for non-payment of premium;
- on the date of fraud or intentional misrepresentation of a
material fact by the Group, except as indicated in the Time Limit on
Certain Defenses provision;
- on any premium due date for any of the following reasons. The
Insurer must give the Group written notice of cancellation at least
30 days in advance if termination is due to:
- failure to maintain the required minimum premium contribution;
- failure to provide required information or documentation
related to the Primary Plan or Other Plan upon request.
- on any premium due date if the Insurer is also canceling all
short-term plans in the state. The Insurer must give the Group
written notice of cancellation:
- at least 180 days in advance; and
- again at least 30 days in advance.
Extension of Benefits
No benefits are payable for medical treatment benefits after the Insured
Person's insurance terminates. However, if the Insured Person is in a
Hospital on the date the insurance terminates, the Insurer will continue
to pay the medical treatment benefits until the earlier of the date the
confinement ends or 31 days after the date the insurance terminates.
BCR 121 04/03
III. Definitions
The following definitions contain the meanings of key
terms used in this Plan. Throughout this Plan, the terms defined appear
with the first letter of each word in a capital letter.
Accident / Accidental Injury means an
accidental bodily Injury sustained by an Insured Person which is the
direct cause of a loss independent of disease, bodily infirmity or any
other cause.
Age means the Insured Person's attained age.
Ambulatory Surgical Center is a freestanding
outpatient surgical facility. It must be licensed as an outpatient
clinic according to state and local laws and must meet all requirements
of an outpatient clinic providing surgical services. It also must meet
accreditation standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of
Health Care Organizations or the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory
Health Care.
Certificate of Coverage is the document issued
to each Eligible Participant outlining the benefits under the Group or
Trust Policy.
Coinsurance is the percentage of Covered
Expenses the Insured Person is responsible for paying (after the
applicable Deductible is satisfied). Coinsurance does
not include charges for services that are not Covered Services or
charges in excess of Covered Expenses. These charges are the Insured
Person's responsibility and are not included in the Coinsurance
calculation.
Complications of Pregnancy are conditions,
requiring hospital confinement (when the pregnancy is not terminated),
whose diagnoses are distinct from the pregnancy but are adversely
affected by the pregnancy, including, but not limited to, acute
nephritis, nephrosis, cardiac decompression, missed abortion, pre-eclampsia,
intrauterine fetal growth retardation and similar medical and surgical
conditions of comparable severity. Complications of Pregnancy also
include termination of ectopic pregnancy and spontaneous termination of
pregnancy occurring during a period of gestation in which a viable birth
is not possible. Complications of Pregnancy do not include elective
abortion, elective cesarean section, false labor, occasional spotting,
morning sickness, Physician-prescribed rest during the period of
pregnancy, hyperemesis gravidarium and similar conditions associated
with the management of a difficult pregnancy not constituting a distinct
complication of pregnancy.
Continuing Hospital Confinement means
consecutive days of in-hospital service received as an inpatient or
successive confinements for the same diagnosis when discharge from and
readmission to the Hospital occurs within 24 hours.
Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery. Cosmetic Surgery
is performed to change the appearance of otherwise normal-looking
characteristics or features of the patient's body. A physical feature or
characteristic is normal-looking when the average person would consider
that feature or characteristic to be within the range of usual
variations of normal human appearance. Reconstructive
Surgery is surgery to correct the appearance of abnormal-looking
features or characteristics of the body caused by birth defects, Injury,
tumors, or infection. A feature or characteristic of the body is
abnormal-looking when an average person would consider it to be outside
the range of general variations of normal human appearance. Note:
Cosmetic Surgery does not become Reconstructive Surgery because of
psychological or psychiatric reasons.
Coverage Period Maximum Benefit is the maximum
amount of benefits available to each Insured Person during the person's
Coverage Period (Period of Insurance and/or Trip Coverage Period). All
benefits furnished are subject to these maximum amounts.
Covered Expenses are the expenses incurred for
Covered Services. Covered Expenses for Covered Services
will not exceed Reasonable Charges. In addition, Covered Expenses may be
limited by other specific maximums described in this Plan under section IV.
How this Plan Works and section V. Benefits: What this
Plan Pays. Covered Expenses are subject to applicable
Deductibles, penalties and other benefit limits. An expense is
incurred on the date the Insured Person receives the service or supply.
Covered Services are Medically Necessary
services or supplies that are listed in the benefit sections of this
Plan and for which the Insured Person is entitled to receive benefits.
Custodial Care is care provided primarily to
meet the Insured Person's personal needs. This includes help in walking,
bathing or dressing. It also includes preparing food or special diets,
feeding, administration of medicine that is usually self-administered or
any other care that does not require continuing services of a medical
professional.
Deductible means the amount of Covered
Expenses the Insured Person must pay for Covered Services before
benefits are available to him/her under this Plan. The Period of
Insurance Deductible is the amount of Covered Expenses the
Eligible Participant must pay for each Insured Person before any
benefits are available regardless of provider type.
Dental Prostheses are dentures, crowns, caps,
bridges, clasps, habit appliances and partials.
Effective Date of the Policy is the date that
the Group or Trust Policy became active with the Insurer.
Effective Date of Coverage is the date on
which coverage under this Plan begins for the Insured Participant and
any Insured Dependents.
Eligible Dependent (See 'Eligibility Rules' in
Section II of this Plan).
Eligible Participant (See 'Eligibility Rules'
in Section II of this Plan).
Emergency (See Medical Emergency).
Experimental / Investigational Procedures. Any
medical, surgical and/or other procedures, services, products, drugs or
devices (including implants) are considered experimental or
investigational if:
- Its use is mainly limited to laboratory and/or research;
- It has not been given approval for marketing by the United States
Food & Drug Administration at the time it is furnished and such
approval is required by law;
- Reliable evidence shows it is the subject of ongoing phase I, II
or III clinical trials or under study to determine its maximum
tolerated dose, its toxicity, its safety, its efficacy or its
efficacy as compared with the state or means of treatment or
diagnosis;
- Reliable evidence shows that the consensus of the opinion among
experts is that further studies or clinical trials are necessary to
determine its maximum tolerated dose, its toxicity, its safety, its
efficacy or its efficacy as compared with the stated means of
treatment of diagnosis;
- Reliable evidence shows that it is not generally approved or used
by Physicians in the medical community; or
- It does not have final approval from the appropriate governmental
regulatory body.
"Reliable evidence" means only: the published reports and
articles in authoritative medical and scientific literature; written
protocol or protocols by the treating facility or other facilities
studying substantially the same drug, device or medical treatment or
procedure; or the medical informed consent used by the treating facility
or other facilities studying substantially the same drug, device or
medical treatment or procedure.
Foreign Country is a country
other than the Insured Person's Home Country.
Foreign Country Provider is any institutional
or professional provider of medical or psychiatric treatment or care who
practices in a country outside the U.A. A Foreign Country Provider may
also be a supplier of medical equipment, drugs or medications. HTH
provides Insured Persons with access to a database of Foreign Country
Providers.
Full-time Student is a student enrolled at an
accredited college, university or trade school participating in the
Federally Guaranteed Student Loan Program. The student must be currently
attending classes, carrying at least 12 units per term.
Group or Trust to the business entity to which
the Insurer has issued the Policy.
Group Health Benefit Plan means a group,
blanket or franchise insurance policy; a certificate issued under a
group policy; a group hospital service contract; or a group subscriber
contract or evidence of coverage issued by a health maintenance
organization that provides benefits for health care services. The term
does not include:
- accident-only, credit or disability insurance coverages;
- specified disease coverage or other limited benefit policies;
- coverage of Medicare services under a federal contract;
- Medicare Supplement and Medicare Select policies regulated in
accordance with federal law;
- long-term care, dental care or vision care coverages;
- coverage provided by a single service health maintenance
organization;
- insurance coverage issued as a supplement to liability insurance;
- insurance coverage arising out of a workers' compensation system
or similar statutory system;
- automobile medical payment insurance coverage;
- jointly managed trusts authorized under 29 U.S.C. Section 141 et
seq. that contain a plan of benefits for employees that is
negotiated in a collective bargaining agreement governing wages,
hours and working conditions of the employees that is authorized
under 29 U.S.C. Section 157;
- hospital confinement indemnity coverage; or
- reinsurance contracts issued on a stop-loss, quota share or
similar basis.
Home Country means the Insured
Person's country of domicile named on the enrollment form or the roster,
as applicable. However, the Home Country of an Eligible Dependent who is
a child is the same as that of the Eligible Participant.
Hospital is a facility which provides
diagnosis, treatment and care of persons who need acute inpatient
hospital care under the supervision of Physicians. It must:
- be licensed as a hospital and operated pursuant to law;
- be primarily engaged in providing or operating (either on its
premises or in facilities available to the hospital on a
contractual, prearranged basis and under the supervision of a staff
of one or more Physicians) medical, diagnostic and major surgery
facilities for the medical care and treatment of sick or injured
persons on an inpatient basis for which a charge is made;
- provide 24-hour nursing service by or under the supervision of a
registered graduate professional nurse (R.N.);
- be an institution which maintains and operates a minimum of five
beds;
- have X-ray and laboratory facilities either on the premises or
available on a contractual, prearranged basis; and
- maintain permanent medical history records.
This definition excludes
convalescent homes, convalescent facilities, rest facilities, nursing
facilities or homes or facilities primarily for the aged and those
primarily affording custodial care or educational care.
HTH means Highway to Health (d/b/a HTH
Worldwide). This is the entity that provides the Insured Person with
access to online databases of travel, health and security information
and online information about Physicians and other medical providers.
HTH International Healthcare Community consists
of Physicians, dentists, mental health professionals, other allied
health professionals, hospitals, health systems and medical practices in
countries throughout the world, all dedicated to providing high quality
medical care to international travelers, employees and students. The
providers are accessed through the HTH online database or through the
HTH customer services.
Illness is a sickness, disease or condition of
an Insured Person which first manifests itself after the Insured
Person's Effective Date.
Injury (See Accidental Injury).
Insurance Coverage Area is the primary
geographical region in which coverage is provided to the Insured Person.
Insured Dependents are members of the Eligible
Participant's family who are eligible and have been accepted by the
Insurer under this Plan.
Insured Participant is the Eligible
Participant whose enrollment form has been accepted by the Insurer for
coverage under this Plan.
Insured Person means both the Insured
Participant and all Insured Dependents who are covered under this Plan.
Insurer means the UNICARE Life & Health
Insurance Company. UNICARE is a nationally licensed and regulated
insurance company. Insurer also includes a third party
administrator with which the Insurer has contracted to perform certain
of its duties on its behalf. The Group or Trust and the Insured
Participant will be notified of the use of an administrator.
Investigational Procedures (See
Experimental/Investigational).
Medical Emergency means a sudden onset of a
medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient
severity including, without limitation, sudden and unexpected severe
pain for which the absence of immediate medical attention could
reasonably result in:
- Permanently placing the Insured Person's health in jeopardy,
- Causing other serious medical consequences;
- Causing serious impairment to bodily functions; or
- Causing serious and permanent dysfunction of any bodily organ or
part. Previously diagnosed chronic conditions in which subacute
symptoms have existed over a period of time shall not be included in
this definition of a Medical Emergency unless symptoms suddenly
become so severe that immediate medical aid is required.
Previously diagnosed chronic conditions in which subacute symptoms have
existed over a period of time shall not be included in this definition
of a Medical Emergency unless symptoms suddenly become so severe that
immediate medical aid is required.
Medically Necessary services or
supplies are those that the Insurer determines to be all
of the following:
- Appropriate and necessary for the symptoms, diagnosis or treatment
of the medical condition.
- Provided for the diagnosis or direct care and treatment of the
medical condition.
- Within standards of good medical practice within the organized
community.
- Not primarily for the patient's, the Physician's or another
provider's convenience.
- The most appropriate supply or level of service that can safely be
provided. For Hospital stays, this means acute care as an inpatient
is necessary due to the kind of services the Insured Person is
receiving or the severity of the Insured Person's condition and that
safe and adequate care cannot be received as an outpatient or in a
less intensified medical setting.
Newborn is a recently born
infant within 31 days of birth.
Office Visit means a visit by the Insured
Person, who is the patient, to the office of a Physician during which
one or more of only the following three specific services are provided:
- History (gathering of information on an Illness or Injury).
- Examination.
- Medical Decision Making (the Physician's diagnosis and plan of
treatment).
This does not include other services (e.g. X-rays or lab services) even
if performed on the same day.
Other Plan is an insurance plan
other than this Plan that provides medical, repatriation of remains
and/or medical evacuation benefits for the Insured Person.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum is the amount of
Coinsurance each Insured Person incurs for Covered Expenses in a Period
of Insurance. The Out-of-Pocket Maximum does not
include any amounts in excess of Covered Expenses, the Deductible, any
penalties or any amounts in excess of other benefit limits of this Plan.
Period of Insurance Maximum Benefit is the
maximum amount of benefits available to each Insured Person during the
person's Period of Coverage. All benefits furnished are subject to this
maximum amount.
Physical and/or Occupational Therapy/Medicine
is the therapeutic use of physical agents other than drugs. It comprises
the use of physical, chemical and other properties of heat, light,
water, electricity, massage, exercise, spinal manipulation and
radiation.
Physician means a physician licensed to
practice medicine or any other practitioner who is licensed and
recognized as a provider of health care services in the state and/or
country the Insured Person resides or is treated and provides services
covered by this Plan that are within the scope of his/her licensure.
Plan is the set of benefits described in the
Certificate of Coverage and in the amendments to the Certificate (if
any). This Plan is subject to the terms and conditions of the Policy the
Insurer has issued to the Group or Trust. If changes are made to the
Policy or this Plan, an amendment or revised Certificate of Coverage
will be issued to the Group or Trust for distribution to each Insured
Participant affected by the change.
Policy is the Group insurance policy the
Insurer has issued to the Group or Trust.
Pre-existing Condition means a medical
condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was
recommended or received during the zero (0) months immediately preceding
the Insured Person's Effective Date of Coverage.
Primary Plan is a Group Health Benefit Plan,
an individual health benefit plan or a governmental health plan designed
to be the first payer of claims for an Insured Person prior to the
responsibility of this Plan.
Reasonable Charge, as determined by the
Insurer, is the amount the Insurer will consider a Covered Expense with
respect to charges made by a Physician, facility or other supplier for
Covered Services. In determining whether a charge is Reasonable, the
Insurer will consider all of the following factors:
- The actual charge.
- Specialty training, work value factors, practice costs,
regional/geographic factors and inflation factors.
- The amount charged for the same or comparable services or supplies
in the same region or in other parts of the country.
- Consideration of new procedures, services or supplies in
comparison to commonly used procedures, services or supplies.
- The Average Wholesale Price for Pharmaceuticals.
Reconstructive Surgery (See
Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery).
Special Care Units are special areas of a
Hospital that have highly skilled personnel and special equipment for
acute conditions that require constant treatment and observation.
Totally Disabled or Total Disability means:
- As applied to an Insured Participant, any period of time during
the Insured Participant's lifetime in which he/she is unable to
perform substantially all the duties required by his/her usual
occupation, provided the disability commences within twelve (12)
months from the date the disabling condition occurred; and
- As applied to a Dependent, not being able to perform the normal
activities of a like person of the same Age and sex.
The patient must be under the care of a Physician.
Trip Coverage Period Maximum Benefit
is the maximum amount of benefits available to each Insured Person
during the person's Trip Coverage Period. All benefits furnished are
subject to this maximum amount.
U.S. means the United States of America.
BCR 111 04/03
IV. How this Plan Works
This Plan pays a portion of the Insured Person's Covered Expenses
after he/she meets his/her Deductible for each Period of Insurance. This
section describes the Deductible and discusses steps to take to ensure
that he/she receives the highest level of benefits available under this
Plan. See section III. Definitions for a definition of
Covered Expenses and Covered Services.
The benefits described in the following sections are provided for
Covered Expenses incurred by the Insured Person while covered under this
Plan. An expense is incurred on the date the Insured Person receives the
service or supply for which the charge is made. These benefits are
subject to all provisions of this Plan, which may limit benefits or
result in benefits not being payable.
Either the Insured Person or the provider of service must claim benefits
by sending the Insurer properly completed claim forms itemizing the
services or supplies received and the charges.
Benefits
This Benefits section shows the maximum Covered Expense for each type of
provider. No benefits are payable unless the Insured Person's coverage
is in force at the time services are rendered, and the payment of
benefits is subject to all the terms, conditions, limitations and
exclusions of this Plan.
Hospitals, Physicians, and Other Providers.
The amount that will be treated as a Covered Expense for services
provided by a provider will not exceed the lesser of actual billed
charges or a Reasonable Charge as determined by the Insurer.
Exception: If Medicare is the primary payer,
Covered Expense does not include any charge:
- By a Hospital in excess of the approved amount as determined by
Medicare;
- By a Physician or other provider in excess of the lesser of the
maximum Covered Expense stated above;
- For providers who accept Medicare assignment, the approved amount
as determined by Medicare; or
- For providers who do not accept Medicare assignment, the limiting
charge as determined by Medicare.
The Insured Person will always be responsible for any expense incurred
which is not covered under this Plan.
Deductibles
Deductibles are prescribed amounts of Covered Expenses the Insured
Person must pay before benefits are available. The Period of Insurance
Deductible applies to all Covered Expenses. Only Covered Expenses are
applied to the Deductible. Any expenses the Insured Person incurs in
addition to Covered Expenses are never applied to any Deductible.
Deductibles will be credited on the Insurer's files in the order in
which the Insured Person's claims are processed, not necessarily in the
order in which he/she receives the service or supply.
If the Insured Person submits a claim for services which have a maximum
payment limit and his/her Period of Insurance Deductible is not
satisfied, the Insurer will only apply the allowed per visit, per day or
per event amount (whichever applies) toward any applicable Deductible.
Period of Insurance Deductible
The Insured Person's Period of Insurance Deductible is $50 per Insured
Person per Period of Insurance. This Deductible is the amount of Covered
Expenses the Insured Participant and Insured Dependents must pay for any
Covered Services incurred for services received.
Out-of-Pocket Maximums
The Out-of-Pocket Maximum is the amount of Coinsurance each Insured
Person incurs for Covered Expenses in a Period of Insurance. The
Out-of-Pocket Maximum does not include any amounts in
excess of Covered Expenses, Period of Insurance Deductible, amounts
applied to any penalties or any amounts in excess of other benefit
limits of this Plan. Once an Insured Person incurs $0 of Covered
Expenses toward the Out-of-Pocket Maximum in a Period of Insurance,
he/she will no longer have to pay any Coinsurance for the remainder of
the Period of Insurance.
Plan Payment
After the Insured Participant satisfies any required
Deductible, payment of Covered Expenses is provided as defined
below:
Limited Benefits
Regardless of the Insured Person's Out-of-Pocket Maximum, the Insurer
pays:
- For Ambulance Service (non Medical Evacuation) , 100% up to
$1,000;
- For claims resulting from downhill (alpine) skiing and scuba
diving (certification by the Professional Association of Diving
Instructors (PADI) or the National Association of Underwater
Instructors (NAUI) or diving under the supervision of a certified
instructor required), the Trip Period Maximum or $10,000, whichever
is less;
- For Medical treatment received in the Home Country if NOT covered
by Other Plan, 100% of Covered Expenses up to $25,000 maximum per
Trip Period;
- For Outpatient prescription drugs outside the U.S., 100% of
Reasonable Charges for Covered Expenses;
- For Dental Care required due to an Injury, 100% of Covered
Expenses up to $200 maximum per Trip Period and $200 maximum per
tooth;
- For Dental Care for Relief of Pain, 100% of Covered Expenses up to
$100 maximum per Trip Period and $100 maximum per tooth.
For all other Covered Expenses
First Level Payment.
Until an Insured Person satisfies his/her Out-of-Pocket Maximum for the
Period of Insurance, the Insurer pays:
- 100% of the Reasonable Charge for Covered Expense for Office
Visits.
- 100% of the Reasonable Charge for the Covered Expense for all
other Covered Services. The Insured Person pays 0% of the Covered
Expense, plus any amount in excess of the Covered Expense and in
excess of the Reasonable Charge for the Covered Expense.
Period of Insurance Maximum Benefits
The combined total of all medical benefits paid to the Eligible
Participant or any Insured Dependent is limited to a maximum of $250,000
per Insured Person under Age 70 and $100,000 per Insured Person Age 70
through 84 during each Insured Person's Period of Insurance, so long as
the Insured Participant or the Insured Dependent remains insured under
this Plan.
Trip Coverage Period Maximum Benefits
The combined total of all medical benefits paid to the Eligible
Participant or any Insured Dependent is limited to a maximum of $250,000
per Insured Person under Age 70 and $100,000 per Insured Person Age 70
through 84 during each Trip Coverage Period for each Insured Person, so
long as the Insured Participant or the Insured Dependent remains insured
under this Plan and so long as the cumulative amount of paid benefits
for all Trip Coverage Periods within the Period of Insurance does not
exceed the Period of Insurance Maximum.
Please note any additional limits on the maximum amount of Covered
Expenses in the discussions of each specific benefit.
BCR 362 04/03
V.
Benefits: What this Plan Pays
Before this Plan pays benefits, the Insured Person must
satisfy his/her Period of Insurance Deductible. After the Insured Person
satisfies the Deductible, the Insurer will begin paying for Covered
Services as described in this section.
The benefits described in this section will be paid for Covered Expenses
incurred on the date the Insured Person receives the service or supply
for which the charge is made. These benefits are subject to all terms,
conditions, exclusions and limitations of this Plan. All services are
paid at percentages and amounts indicated below or in the Benefit
Overview Matrix and subject to limits outlined in section IV.
How this Plan Works.
Following is a general description of the supplies and
services for which this Plan will pay benefits, if such supplies and
services are Medically Necessary:
Services and Supplies Provided by a Hospital
For any eligible condition other than for Mental, Emotional or
Functional Nervous Conditions or Disorders, Alcoholism or Drug Abuse,
the Insurer will pay indicated benefits on Covered Expenses for:
- Inpatient services and supplies provided by the Hospital except
private room charges above the prevailing two-bed room rate of the
facility.
- Outpatient services and supplies including those in connection
with outpatient surgery performed at an Ambulatory Surgical Center.
Payment of Inpatient Covered Expenses is subject to these
conditions:
- Services must be those which are regularly provided and billed by
the Hospital.
- Services are provided only for the number of days required to
treat the Insured Person's Illness or Injury
Note: No benefits will be provided for personal items, such as TV,
radio, guest trays, etc.
Professional and Other Services
The Insurer will pay Covered Expenses for:
- Services of a Physician.
- Services of an anesthesiologist or an anesthetist.
- Outpatient diagnostic radiology and laboratory services.
- Radiation therapy and hemodialysis treatment.
- Surgical implants.
- Artificial limbs or eyes.
- The first pair of contact lenses or the first pair of eyeglasses
when required as a result of a covered eye surgery.
- Self-administered, injectable drugs.
- Syringes when dispensed with self-administered, injectable drugs
(except insulin).
- Blood transfusions, including blood processing and the cost of
unreplaced blood and blood products.
- Services for the detection and prevention of osteoporosis for
qualified individuals. 1
- Rental or purchase of medical equipment and/or supplies that are all
of the following:
- ordered by a Physician;
- of no further use when medical need ends;
- usable only by the patient;
- not primarily for the Insured Person's comfort or hygiene;
- not for environmental control;
- not for exercise; and
- manufactured specifically for medical use.
Note: Medical equipment and supplies
must meet all of the above guidelines in order
to be eligible for benefits under this Plan. The fact that a
Physician prescribes or orders equipment or supplies does not
necessarily qualify the equipment or supply for payment. The
Insurer determines whether the item meets these conditions.
Rental charges that exceed the reasonable purchase price of the
equipment are not covered.
Ambulance Services
The following ambulance services are covered under this Plan:
- Base charge, mileage and non-reusable supplies of a licensed
ambulance company for ground or air service for transportation to
and from a Hospital.
- Monitoring, electrocardiograms (EKGs or ECGs), cardiac
defibrillation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and
administration of oxygen and intravenous (IV) solutions in
connection with ambulance service. An appropriate licensed person
must render the services.
Dental Care for An Accidental Injury
Benefits are payable for dental care for an Accidental Injury to natural
teeth that occurs while the Insured Person is covered under this Plan,
subject to the following:
- services must be received during the six months following the date
of Injury;
- no benefits are available to replace or to repair existing dental
prostheses even if damaged in an eligible Accidental Injury; and
- damage to natural teeth due to chewing or biting is not considered
an Accidental Injury under this Plan.
In addition, this Plan provides benefits for up to three days of
Inpatient Hospital services when a Hospital stay is ordered by a
Physician and a Dentist for dental treatment required due to an
unrelated medical condition. The Insurer determines whether the dental
treatment could have been safely provided in another setting. Hospital
stays for the purpose of administering general anesthesia are not
considered Medically Necessary.
Dental Care for Relief of Pain
Benefits are payable for dental care for Relief of Pain to the teeth
that occurs while the Insured Person is covered under this Plan.
Services must be received while covered during the Trip Coverage Period.
Complications of Pregnancy
Complications of Pregnancy are covered under this Plan as any other
medical condition. Benefits for complications of pregnancy shall be
provided for all Insured Persons.
Treatment received from Foreign Country Providers
Benefits for services and supplies received from Foreign Country
Providers are covered. The Insured Person may seek the assistance of HTH
in locating a provider.
Benefits for Claims resulting from downhill skiing
and scuba diving
The Insurer will pay Covered Expenses for claims resulting from downhill
(alpine) skiing. It will also pay Covered Expenses resulting from scuba
diving provided that the diver is certified by the Professional
Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) or the National Association of
Underwater Instructors (NAUI), or provided that he/she is diving under
the supervision of a certified instructor. These Covered Expenses are
Limited to the Trip Period Maximum or $10,000, whichever is less.
Accidental Death And Dismemberment Benefit
The Insurer will pay the benefit stated below if an Insured Person
sustains an Injury resulting in any of the losses stated below within
365 days after the date the Injury is sustained:
| Loss |
Benefit |
| Loss of life |
100% of the
Principal Sum |
| Loss of one hand |
50% of the
Principal Sum |
| Loss of one foot |
50% of the
Principal Sum |
| Loss of sight in
one eye |
50% of the
Principal Sum |
Loss of one hand or loss of one foot means the actual severance through
or above the wrist or ankle joints. Loss of the sight of one eye means
the entire and irrecoverable loss of sight in that eye. If more than one
of the losses stated above is due to the same Accident, the Insurer will
pay 100% of the Principal Sum. In no event will the Insurer pay more
than the Principal Sum for loss to the Insured Person due to any one
Accident. The Principal Sum is stated in Benefit Overview Matrix.
If more than one of the losses stated above is due to the same Accident,
the Insurer will pay 100% of the Principal Sum. In no event will the
Insurer pay more than the Principal Sum for loss to the Insured Person
due to any one Accident.
Repatriation Of Remains Benefit
If an Injury or a Sickness results in the Insured Person's loss of life
outside the U.S., the Insurer will pay the Reasonable Expense incurred
for cremation or for preparation of the body for burial in, and for
transportation of the body to, the home area up to the maximum stated
for this benefit in the Benefit Overview Matrix. Payment of this benefit
is subject to the Limitations and Conditions on Eligibility for
Benefits.
No benefit is payable if the death occurs after the Period of Insurance
Termination Date. However, if the Insured Person is Hospital Confined on
the Termination Date, eligibility for this benefit continues until the
earlier of the date the Insured Person's Confinement ends or 31 days
after the Termination Date. The Insurer will not pay any claims
under this provision unless the expense has been approved by the Insurer
before the body is prepared for transportation.
Medical Evacuation Benefit
If a Insured Person sustains an Injury or suffers a sudden Sickness
while traveling outside the U.S., the Insurer will pay the Medically
Necessary expenses incurred, up to the lifetime Maximum Limit for all
medical evacuations shown in the Benefit Overview Matrix, for a medical
evacuation to the nearest Hospital, appropriate medical facility or back
to the Insured Person's home area. Transportation must be by the most
direct and economical route. However, before the Insurer makes any
payment, it requires written certification by the attending Physician
that the evacuation is Medically Necessary. No benefits are payable
under any other provision of the Policy for expense incurred by the
Insured Person on and after the date of the evacuation to the Insured
Person's home area. Evacuation of the Insured Person to his or her home
area terminates further insurance under the Policy for the trip. The
Insurer will pay Reasonable Charges for escort services if the Insured
Person is a minor or if the Insured Person is disabled during a trip and
an escort is recommended in writing by the attending Physician and
approved by the Insurer. Any expenses for medical evacuation
require the Insurer's prior approval.
With respect to this provision only, the following is in lieu of the
Policy's Extension of Benefits provision: No benefits are payable for
Covered Expenses incurred after the date the Insured Persons insurance
under the Policy terminates. However, if, on the date of termination,
the Insured Person is Hospital Confined, then coverage under this
benefit provision continues until the earlier of the date the Hospital
Confinement ends or the end of the 31st day after the date of
termination.
Bedside Visit Benefit
If the Insured Person is Hospital Confined due to an Injury or Sickness
for more than 7 days while traveling outside the U.S., the Insurer will
pay up to a maximum benefit of $1,500 for the cost of one economy round
trip air fare ticket to the place of the Hospital Confinement for one
person designated by the Insured Person. With respect to any one trip,
this benefit is payable only once for that trip, regardless of the
number of Insured Persons on that trip. No more than one (1) visit may
be made during any 12-month period. No benefits are payable under this
provision prior to the end of the 7-day Hospital Confinement. No
benefits are payable unless the trip is approved in advance by the
Insurer.
BCR 364 04/03
VI. Exclusions
and Limitations: What the Plan does not pay for
Excluded Services
This Plan does not provide benefits for:
- Any amounts in excess of maximum amounts of Covered
Expenses stated in this Plan.
- Services not specifically listed in this Plan as
Covered Services.
- Services or supplies that are not Medically Necessary
as defined by the Insurer.
- Services or supplies that the Insurer considers to be Experimental
/ Investigational Procedures.
- Services received before the Effective Date of
coverage or during an inpatient stay that began before that
Effective Date of Coverage.
- Services received after coverage ends unless an
extension of benefits applies as specifically stated under Extension
of Benefits in the 'Who is Eligible for Coverage' section of this
Plan.
- Services for which the Insured Person has no legal
obligation to pay or for which no charge would be made if
he/she did not have a health policy or insurance coverage.
- Services for any condition for which benefits are
recovered or can be recovered, either by adjudication,
settlement or otherwise, under any workers' compensation, employer's
liability law or occupational disease law, even if the Insured
Person does not claim those benefits.
- Treatment or medical services required while traveling
against the advice of a Physician, while on a waiting list
for a specific treatment or when traveling for the purpose of
obtaining medical treatment.
- Services related to pregnancy or maternity care
other than for complications of pregnancy that may arise during a
Trip Coverage Period.
- Conditions caused by or contributed by (a) An act of war;
(b) The inadvertent release of nuclear energy when government funds
are available for treatment of Illness or Injury arising from such
release of nuclear energy; (c) An Insured Person participating in
the military service of any country; (d) An Insured Person
participating in an insurrection, rebellion or riot;
(e) Services received for any condition caused by an Insured
Person's commission of, or attempt to commit, a felony or to
which a contributing cause was the Insured Person being engaged in
an illegal occupation; (f) An Insured Person, Age 19 or
older, being under the influence of alcohol or intoxicants
or of illegal narcotics or non-prescribed, controlled
substances unless administered on the advice of a Physician.
- Any services provided by a local, state or federal government
agency except when payment under this Plan is expressly
required by federal or state law.
- Professional services received or supplies purchased from the
Insured Person, a person who lives in the Insured Person's home or
who is related to the Insured Person by blood,
marriage or adoption, or the Insured Person's employer.
- Inpatient or outpatient services of a private duty nurse.
- Inpatient room and board charges in connection with a Hospital
stay primarily for environmental change, physical therapy or
treatment of chronic pain, Custodial Care or rest cures;
services provided by a rest home, a home for the aged, a nursing
home or any similar facility service.
- Inpatient room and board charges in connection with a Hospital
stay primarily for diagnostic tests which could
have been performed safely on an outpatient basis.
- Treatment of Mental, Emotional of Functional Nervous
Conditions or Disorders.
- Treatment of drug, alcohol, or other substance addiction
or abuse.
- Dental services, dentures, bridges, crowns, caps
or other dental prostheses, extraction of teeth or treatment to the
teeth or gums, except as specifically stated under Dental
Care for Accidental Injury in the Benefits
section of this Plan.
- Dental and orthodontic services for temporomandibular joint
dysfunction (TMJ).
- Orthodontic services, braces and other
orthodontic appliances.
- Dental implants: Dental materials implanted into
or on bone or soft tissue or any associated procedure as part of the
implantation or removal of dental implants.
- Hearing aids.
- Routine hearing tests.
- Optometric services, eye exercises including
orthoptics, eyeglasses, contact lenses, routine eye exams and
routine eye refractions, except as specifically stated in this Plan.
- An eye surgery solely for the purpose of
correcting refractive defects of the eye, such as near-sightedness
(myopia), astigmatism and/or farsightedness (presbyopia).
- Outpatient speech therapy.
- Any drugs, medications or other substances except
as specifically stated in this Plan. This includes, but is not
limited to, items dispensed by a Physician.
- Any intentionally self-inflicted Injury or Illness.
This exclusion does not apply to the Medical Evacuation,
Repatriation of Remains and Bedside Visit Benefits.
- Cosmetic Surgery or other services for
beautification, including any medical complications that are
generally predictable and associated with such services by the
organized medical community. This exclusion does not apply to
Reconstructive Surgery to restore a bodily function or to correct a
deformity caused by Injury or congenital defect of a Newborn child,
or to Medically Necessary reconstructive surgery performed to
restore symmetry incident to a mastectomy.
- Procedures or treatments to change characteristics of the body to
those of the opposite sex. This includes any medical, surgical or
psychiatric treatment or study related to sex change.
- Treatment of sexual dysfunction or inadequacy.
- All services related to the evaluation or treatment of fertility
and/or Infertility, including, but not limited to, all
tests, consultations, examinations, medications, invasive, medical,
laboratory or surgical procedures including sterilization reversals
and in vitro fertilization
- All contraceptive services and supplies,
including but not limited to, all consultations, examinations,
evaluations, medications, medical, laboratory, devices or surgical
procedures.
- Cryopreservation of sperm or eggs.
- Orthopedic shoes (except when joined to braces)
or shoe inserts, including orthotics.
- Services primarily for weight reduction or
treatment of obesity including morbid obesity or any care which
involves weight reduction as a main method of treatment.
- Routine physical exams or tests that do not
directly treat an actual Illness, Injury or condition, including
those required by employment or government authority.
- Charges by a provider for telephone consultations.
- Items which are furnished primarily for the Eligible Participant's
personal comfort or convenience (air purifiers, air
conditioners, humidifiers, exercise equipment, treadmills, spas,
elevators and supplies for hygiene or beautification, etc.).
- Educational services except as specifically
provided or arranged by the Insurer.
- Nutritional counseling or food supplements.
- Durable medical equipment not specifically listed
as Covered Services in this Plan. Excluded durable medical equipment
includes, but is not limited to: orthopedic shoes or shoe inserts;
air purifiers, air conditioners, humidifiers; exercise equipment,
treadmills; spas; elevators; supplies for comfort, hygiene or
beautification; disposable sheaths and supplies; correction
appliances or support appliances and supplies such as stockings.
- Physical and/or Occupational Therapy/Medicine,
except when provided during an inpatient Hospital confinement or as
specifically provided under the benefits for Physical and/or
Occupational Therapy/Medicine.
- All infusion therapy together with any associated
supplies, drugs or professional services.
- Growth Hormone Treatment.
- Routine foot care including the cutting or
removal of corns or calluses; the trimming of nails, routine
hygienic care; and any service rendered in the absence of localized
Illness, Injury or symptoms involving the feet.
- Charges for which the Insurer are unable to determine the
Insurer's liability because the Eligible Participant or an
Insured Person failed, within 60 days, or as soon as reasonably
possible to: (a) authorize the Insurer to receive all the medical
records and information the Insurer requested; or (b) provide the
Insurer with information the Insurer requested regarding the
circumstances of the claim or other insurance coverage.
- Charges for the services of a standby Physician.
- Charges for animal to human organ transplants.
- Under the medical treatment benefits, for loss due to or arising
from a motor vehicle Accident if the Insured Person operated the
vehicle without a proper license in the jurisdiction where the
Accident occurred.
- Medical treatment services or supplies or Confinement in a
Hospital owned or operated by a national government
or its agencies. (This exclusion does not apply to charges the law
requires the Insured Person to pay.)
- Claims arising from loss due to riding in any aircraft
except one licensed for the transportation of passengers.
- Claims arising from participation in interscholastic or
professional and/or non-professional club sports or sports
event or participation in mountaineering, motor racing,
speed contests, skydiving, hang gliding, parachuting, spelunking,
heliskiing, extreme skiing or bungee-cord jumping.
- Treatment for or arising from sexually transmittable
diseases. (This exclusion does not apply to HIV, AIDS, ARC
or any derivative or variation.)
- Under the Accidental Death and Dismemberment provision,
for loss of life or dismemberment for or arising from an Accident in
the U.S.
- Under the Repatriation of Remains Benefit and the Medical
Evacuation Benefit provision, for repatriation of remains
or medical evacuation of the Covered Accident in the U.S. without
the prior approval of the Insurer.
- Treatment of Congenital Conditions.
Pre-existing Conditions
Benefits are not available for any services received on or within
zero (0) months after the Eligibility Date of an Insured Person, if
those services are related to a Pre-existing Condition
as defined in the Definitions section. This exclusion does not apply
to a Newborn that is enrolled within 31 days of birth or a newly
adopted child that is enrolled within 31 days from either the date
of placement of the child in the home, or the date of the final
decree of adoption.
NOTE: Creditable Coverage does not apply to this short term
policy.
BCR 365 04/03
VII. General
Provisions
Third Party Liability
No benefits are payable for any Illness, Injury or other condition for
which a third party may be liable or legally responsible by reason of
negligence, an intentional act or breach of any legal obligation on the
part of such third party. Nevertheless, the Insurer will advance the
benefits of this Plan to the Insured Person subject to the following:
- The Insured Participant agrees to advise the Insurer, in writing,
within 60 days of any Insured Person's claim against the third party
and to take such action, provide such information and assistance,
and execute such paper as the Insurer may require to facilitate
enforcement of the claim. The Insured Participant and Insured Person
also agree to take no action that may prejudice the Insurer's rights
or interests under this Plan. Failure to provide notice of a claim
or to cooperate with the Insurer, or actions that prejudice the
Insurer's rights or interests, will be material breach of this Plan
and will result in the Insured Participant being personally
responsible for reimbursing the Insurer.
- The Insurer will automatically have a lien, to the extent of
benefits advanced, upon any recovery that any Insured Person
receives from the third party, the third party's insurer, or the
third party's guarantor. Recovery may be by settlement, judgment or
otherwise. The lien will be in the amount of benefits paid by the
Insurer under this Plan for the treatment of the Illness, disease,
Injury or condition for which the third party is liable.
Benefits for Medicare Eligible Insured
Persons
Persons eligible for Medicare receive the full benefits of this Plan,
except for those Insured Persons listed below:
- Insured Persons who are receiving treatment for end-stage renal
disease following the first 30 months such Insured Persons are
entitled to end-stage renal disease benefits under Medicare,
regardless of group size.
- Insured Persons who are entitled to Medicare benefits as disabled
persons, unless the Insured Persons have a current employment
status, as determined by Medicare rules, through a Group of 100 or
more employees (subject to COBRA legislation).
- Insured Persons who are entitled to Medicare for any other reason,
unless the Insured Persons have a current employment status, as
determined by Medicare rules, through a Group of 20 or more
employees (subject to COBRA legislation).
In cases where exceptions 1, 2 or 3 apply, the Insurer
will determine the Insurer's payment and then subtract the amount of
benefits available from Medicare. The Insurer will pay the amount that
remains after subtracting Medicare's payment. Please note: the Insurer
will not pay any benefit when Medicare's payment is equal to or more
than the amount which the Insurer would have paid in the absence of
Medicare.
For example: Assume exception 1, 2 or 3
applies to the Insured Person, and he/she is billed for $100 of Covered
Expense. And assume in the absence of Medicare, the Insurer would have
paid $80. If Medicare pays $50, the Insurer would subtract that amount
from the $80 and pay $30. However, if, in this example, Medicare's
payment is $80 or more, the Insurer will not pay a benefit.
Alternate Cost Containment Provision
If it will result in less expensive treatment, the Insurer may approve
services under an alternate treatment plan. An alternate treatment plan
may include services or supplies otherwise limited or excluded by this
Plan. It must be mutually agreed to by the Insurer, the Insured Person,
and the Insured Person's Physician, provider or other healthcare
practitioner. The Insurer's offering an alternate treatment plan in a
particular case in no way commits the Insurer to do so in another case,
nor does it prevent the Insurer from strictly applying the express
benefits, limitations and exclusions of this Plan at any other time or
for any other Insured Person.
Terms of this Plan
- Entire Contract and Changes: The entire
contract between the Group and the Insurer is as stated in the
Policy and the entire contract between the Insured Participant and
the Insurer is as stated in the Certificate of Coverage including
the endorsements, application, and the attached papers, if any. No
change in the Policy or Certificate of Coverage shall be effective
until approved by one of the Insurer's officers. This approval must
be noted on or attached to the Certificate of Coverage. No agent may
change the Policy or waive any of its provisions.
- Payment of Premiums: Premiums are
payable in advance. Premiums must be paid monthly including any
contributions the Insured Participant must make. The Insurer may
change the premium rates from time to time. The Insurer must give
the Group written notice of any premium rate change at least 30 days
prior to the change. The Insurer may not increase premiums without
first providing written notification to the Group at least 30 days
prior to the date the increase is to take effect, with the exception
of retroactive premium rate increases related to fraud or the
intentional misrepresentation of a material fact.
- Grace Period: There is a Grace Period of
31 days allowed for the payment of each premium after the first
premium.
- Representations: All statements made by
the Insured Participant or the Group shall be considered
representations and not warranties. The Insurer must provide the
Insured Participant or the Group with a copy of any statements used
to contest coverage.
- Time Limit on Certain Defenses/Misstatements on
the Application: After two years from the Effective Date of
the Policy, the Insurer will not contest the validity of the Policy.
After two years from the Insured Participant's Effective Date of
Coverage, no misstatements on the Eligible Participant's application
may be used to:
- void this coverage, or
- deny any claim for loss incurred or disability that starts
after the 2 year period.
The above does not apply to fraudulent misstatements.
- Legal Actions: The Insured Person cannot
file a lawsuit before 60 days after the Insurer has been given
written proof of loss. No action can be brought after 3 years from
the time that proof is required to be given.
- Conformity With State Statutes: If any
provision of this Plan which, on its Effective Date, is in conflict
with the statutes of the state in which the Policyholder resides, it
is amended to conform to the minimum requirements of those statutes.
- Provision in Event of Partial Invalidity:
If any provision or any word, term, clause or part of any provision
of this Plan shall be invalid for any reason, the same shall be
ineffective, but the remainder of this Plan and of the provision
shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and effect.
- The Claims Process
Notice of Claim: Within 20 days after an
Insured Person receives Covered Services, or as soon as reasonably
possible, he/she, or someone on his/her behalf, must notify the
Insurer in writing of the claim.
Within 15 days after the Insurer receives the Insured Person's
written notice of claim, the Insurer must:
- acknowledge receipt of the claim;
- begin any investigation of the claim;
- specify the information the Eligible Participant must provide
to file proof of loss. (The Insurer can request additional
information during the investigation, if necessary.)
- send the Insured Person any forms the Insurer requires for
filing proof of loss. If the Insurer does not send the forms
within this time period, the Insured Person can file proof of
loss by giving the Insurer a letter describing the occurrence,
the nature and the extent of the Insured Person's claim. The
Insured Person must give the Insurer this letter within the time
period for filing proof of loss.
Proof of Loss: Within 90 days after the
Insured Person receives Covered Services, he/she must send the
Insurer written proof of loss. If it is not reasonably possible to
give the Insurer written proof in the time required, the Insurer
will not reduce or deny the claim for being late if the proof is
filed as soon as reasonably possible. Unless the Insured Person is
not legally capable, the required proof must always be given to the
Insurer no later than one year from the date otherwise required.
All benefits payable under this Plan will be payable immediately
upon receipt of due written proof of such loss. Should the Insurer
fail to pay the benefits payable under this Plan, the Insurer shall
have 15 workings days thereafter within which to mail the Insured
Person a letter or notice which states the reasons the Insurer may
have for failing to pay the claim, either in whole or in part, and
which also gives the Insured Person a written itemization of any
documents or other information needed to process the claim or any
portions thereof which are not being paid. When all of the listed
documents or other information needed to process the claim has been
received, the Insurer shall then have 15 working days within which
to process and either pay the claim or deny it, in whole or in part,
giving the Insured Person the reasons the Insurer may have for
denying such claim or any portion thereof.
Subject to proof of loss, all accrued benefits payable under this
Plan for loss of time will be paid not later than at the expiration
of each period of 30 days during the continuance of the period for
which the Insurer is liable and any balance remaining unpaid at the
termination of such period will be paid immediately upon receipt of
such proof.
Time Payment of Claims: Benefits for a
loss covered under this Plan will be paid as soon as the Insurer
receives proper written proof of such loss. Any benefits payable to
the Insured Participant and unpaid at the Insured Participant's
death will be paid to the Insured Person's estate.
Payment of Claims: The Insurer will pay
all or a portion of any indemnities provided for health care
services by a health care services provider directly to the Insured
Person, unless the Insured Participant directs otherwise in writing
by the time proofs of loss are filed. The Insurer cannot require
that the services be rendered by a particular health care services
provider.
Assignment of Claim Payments: The Insurer
will recognize any assignment made under this Plan, if:
- It is duly executed on a form acceptable to the Insurer; and
- A copy is on file with the Insurer.
The Insurer assumes no responsibility for the validity or effect of
an assignment.
Payment to a Managing Conservator: Benefits paid on
behalf of a covered dependent child may be paid to a person who is
not the Insured Participant if an order issued by a court of
competent jurisdiction in this or any other state names such person
the managing conservator of the child.
To be entitled to receive benefits, a managing conservator of a
child must submit to the Insurer with the claim form written notice
that such person is the managing conservator of the child on whose
behalf the claim is made and submit a certified copy of a court
order establishing the person as managing conservator. This will not
apply in the case of any unpaid medical bill for which a valid
assignment of benefits has been exercised or to claims submitted by
the Insured Participant where the Insured Participant has paid any
portion of a medical bill that would be covered under the terms of
this Plan.
- Misstatement of Age: If the Age of an
Insured Person has been misstated, an adjustment of premiums shall
be made based on the Insured Person's true Age. If Age is a factor
in determining eligibility or amount of insurance and there has been
a misstatement of Age, the insurance coverages or amounts of
benefits, or both, shall be adjusted in accordance with the Insured
Person's true Age. Any such misstatement of Age shall neither
continue insurance otherwise validly terminated nor terminate
insurance otherwise validly in force.
- Right to Recovery: If the Insurer makes
benefit payments in excess of the benefits payable under the
provisions of this Plan, the Insurer has the right to recover such
excess from any persons to, or for, or with respect to whom, such
payments were made.
- Plan Administrator - COBRA and ERISA. In
no event will the Insurer be plan administrator for the purpose of
compliance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
(COBRA) or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The
term "plan administrator" refers either to the Group or to
a person or entity, other than the Insurer, engaged by the Group to
perform or assist in performing administrative tasks in connection
with the Group's health plan. The Group is responsible for
satisfaction of notice, disclosure and other obligations of
administrators under ERISA. In providing notices and otherwise
performing under the Continuation (COBRA) section of this
certificate (if applicable), the Group is fulfilling statutory
obligations imposed on it by federal law and, where applicable,
acting as the Eligible Participant's agent.
- Waiver of Rights: Failure by the Insurer
to enforce or to require compliance with any provision herein will
not waive, modify or render such provision unenforceable at any
other time, whether the circumstances are or are not the same.
- Physical Exam and Autopsy: The Insurer
has the right to require a medical examination, at reasonable
intervals, or an autopsy, where not prohibited by law, when a claim
is made. If an examination or autopsy is required, the Insured
Participant will not have to pay for it.
- Required Information: The Group will
furnish the Insurer all information necessary to calculate the
premium and all other information that the Insurer may require.
Failure of the Group to furnish the information will not invalidate
any insurance, nor will it continue any insurance beyond the last
day of coverage. The Insurer has the right to examine any records of
the Group, any person, company or organization which may affect the
premiums and benefits of this Plan.
The Insurer's right to examine any records that exist:
- During the time the Plan is in force; or
- Until the Insurer pay the last claim.
The Insurer is not responsible for any claim for damages
or injuries suffered by the Insured Person while receiving care in any
Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, skilled nursing facility or from
any provider. Such facilities are providers and act as independent
contractors and not as employees, agents or representatives of the
Insurer.
The Insurer is entitled to receive from any provider of service
information about the Insured Person which is necessary to administer
claims on the Insured Person's behalf. This right is subject to all
applicable confidentiality requirements. By submitting an enrollment
form for coverage, the Insured Participant has authorized every provider
furnishing care to disclose all facts pertaining to the Insured
Participant's and his/her Insured Dependent's care, treatment, and
physical condition, upon the Insurer's request. The Insured Participant
agrees to assist in obtaining this information if needed.
Payments of benefits under this Plan neither regulate the amounts
charged by providers of medical care nor attempt to evaluate those
services.
Grievance Procedures: If the Insured Person's
claim is denied in whole or in part, he/she will receive written
notification of the denial. The notification will explain the reason for
the denial.
The Insured Person has the right to appeal any denial of a claim for
benefits by submitting a written request for reconsideration with the
Insurer. Requests for reconsideration must be filed within 60 days after
receipt of the written notification of denial. When the Insurer receives
the Insured Person's written request, the Insurer will review the claim
and arrive at a determination.
If the matter is still not resolved to the Insured Person's
satisfaction, he/she may request a second review of the claim by sending
the Insurer a written request for a second reconsideration. This written
request must be filed within 60 days of the Eligible Participant's
receipt of the Insurer's written notification of the result of the first
review. If the issue involves a dispute over the coverage of medical
services or the extent of that coverage, the second review will be
completed by physician-consultants who did not take part in the initial
reconsideration. The Insured Person will be informed, in writing, of the
Insurer's final decision.
The Insurer shall not take any retaliatory action, such as refusing to
renew or canceling coverage, against the Eligible Participant or the
Group because the Eligible Participant, the Group or any person acting
on the Eligible Participant's or the Group's behalf, has filed a
complaint against the Insurer or has appealed a decision made by the
Insurer.
The Insurer will meet any Notice requirements by mailing the Notice to
the Group at the billing address listed on the Insurer's records. The
Group will meet any Notice requirements by mailing the Notice to:
UNICARE Life &
Health Insurance Company
4533 LaTienda Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Dispute Resolution
All complaints or disputes relating to coverage under this Plan must be
resolved in accordance with the Insurer's grievance procedures.
Grievances may be reported by telephone or in writing. All grievances
received by the Insurer that cannot be resolved by telephone
conversation (when appropriate) to the mutual satisfaction of both the
Insured Person and the Insurer will be acknowledged in writing, along
with a description of how the Insurer proposes to resolve the grievance.
The Insurer shall not take any retaliatory action, such as refusing to
renew or canceling coverage, against the Insured Participant and his/her
Insured Dependents or the Group because the Insured Participant's, the
Group's, or any person's action on the Insured Person's or the Group's
behalf, has filed a complaint against the Insurer or has appealed a
decision made by the Insurer.
BCR 173 04/03
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