Sunday, November 3, 2013

How a Tiered Network Works



Frequently Asked Questions About Individual and Family Insurance Plans

Below are frequently asked questions about Independence Blue Cross health insurance plans for individuals and families. Click on a topic below to view a list of related questions. If you have additional questions, please email us your specific questions.

Health Insurance Basics

What is an HMO?
What is a PPO?
What’s the difference between HMO and PPO plans?
What is a premium?
What is a copay?
What is coinsurance?
What does out-of-pocket maximum mean?
What is a primary care physician (PCP)?
Can I change my primary care physician (PCP) after I have chosen one?
What is a specialist?
What is a referral?
What does precertification mean?
What is durable medical equipment?
What does in-network mean?
What does out-of-network mean?
What is an Urgent Care center?
What is a Retail Clinic?
What is an HSA account?
What is a deductible?
How can I find a doctor?
Is my current doctor in network?
Can I choose any doctor?
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Covered Benefits

What services do all plans cover?
What do the metallic levels mean?
Is routine eye care covered?
Are emergency services covered?
Is maternity covered?
Is mental health covered?
What are the ConnectionsSM Health Management Programs?
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Tiered Network

What is a tiered network?
Are there certain services that are covered at the same cost regardless of tier level?
What happens if I am admitted to a Tier 2 or 3 hospital through their Emergency Room?
What is unique about the Keystone HMO Proactive plans?
Why should I choose a Keystone HMO Proactive plan with a tiered network?
Are all providers from the Keystone Health Plan East HMO network assigned a tier?
Will my cost-sharing always vary based on the provider and tier I choose?
How did you determine which tier providers are assigned to?
What percentage of providers are in Tier 1 – Preferred?
How often will providers change tiers?
How can I find out which tiers my doctors and hospitals are in?
If my doctor refers me to a specialist in Tier 2 – Enhanced or Tier 3 – Standard, is there anything I can do?
Do I need to worry about tiers in the event of an emergency?
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Prescription Drugs

Are prescription drugs covered?
How does my prescription drug benefit work?
Is there a maximum prescription drug benefit?
What is the difference between generic and brand medications?
Do my benefits include mail-order service?
Are birth control pills covered under my plan?
What is a formulary?
What is the FutureScripts Preferred Pharmacy Network?
What pharmacies are excluded from the Preferred Pharmacy network?
How many pharmacies are available in the FutureScripts Preferred Pharmacy Network?
Are low-cost generics available?
Does the prescription plan cover non-formulary medications?
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HSA Plans

What is a health savings account (HSA)?
What is a high-deductible health plan (HDHP)?
What are the benefits of an HSA?
How do I set up a health savings account (HSA)?
If I open an HSA, are there any limits on the amount I can contribute to it?
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Applying

How do I apply?
Can I apply for health coverage for my family
Can I add my spouse or child at a later date?
Can I add my domestic partner to my health plan?
Can I add my fiancée to my health plan?
Can I apply for multiple plans?
Who should I contact if I have questions about how to fill out an application?
How long will it take to apply for a health plan?
Do I need to give my Social Security number?
What if I don’t have an email address?
What happens if I don’t purchase health insurance?
When do I need to purchase health insurance?
Is financial help available for purchasing health plans?
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Premiums

What are my payment options?
Will my actual rate be different from my rate quote?
How long are the rates valid?
How do electronic payments through ACH work?
When will the initial payment come out of my account?
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Online Application Process

Who do I contact for technical questions about using ibx4you.com?
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Health Insurance Basics

What is an HMO?
HMO stands for health maintenance organization. An HMO is a type of health plan that requires you to select a family doctor, often called a primary care physician or PCP. You need a referral from your PCP to see a specialist in the HMO network, such as a cardiologist (heart doctor). Typically, only emergency services are covered if you go outside the health plan network.
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What is a PPO?
PPO stands for preferred provider organization. A PPO is a type of health plan that allows members to see providers in and out of the network. You pay lower costs when you see network providers. But you can go outside the network and pay more for your services.
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What’s the difference between HMO and PPO plans?
In an HMO, you choose a family doctor, called a primary care physician (PCP), who provides the services you need. Your PCP refers you to other doctors or health care providers within the HMO network when you need specialized care. Typically, only emergency services are covered if you go outside of the plan network. HMOs usually have the lowest premiums.
In a PPO, you don’t have to choose a PCP, and you can go to doctors in or out of the health plan’s network. You can see doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers of your choice, such as a heart doctor, but you will pay more if your doctor does not participate in your health plan’s network. PPOs tend to have higher premiums than HMOs.
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What is a premium?
A premium is the fee you pay to your insurance company each month to pay your share of your health plan’s costs. This is separate from the deductible, copayments, and coinsurance amounts you pay when you use your benefits to receive covered services.
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What is a copay?
A copayment, or copay, is the fee you pay when you see a doctor or get other services. For example, $20 to see a doctor or $100 to go to the emergency room.
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What is coinsurance?
The percentage you pay for some covered services. If your coinsurance is 20 percent, your health insurance company will pay 80 percent of the cost of covered services, and you will pay the remaining 20 percent. The amount you pay is typically not based on the full retail price of the service. It is based on a discounted rate negotiated by your insurance company with heath care providers like doctors and hospitals.
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What does out-of-pocket maximum mean?
No matter what, you will not pay more than the out-of-pocket maximum for each health plan. This is the maximum amount that you will have to pay under your plan. Any care for covered services you get after you meet your out-of-pocket maximum will be covered 100 percent. The estimated standard out-of-pocket max for 2014 is $6,350 for individuals and $12,700 for families.
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What is a primary care physician (PCP)?
A PCP is the doctor you see for most of your health care needs. HMO plans require you to choose a PCP, who will refer you to a specialist when needed. PPOs do not require that you choose a primary care physician.
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Can I change my primary care physician (PCP) after I have chosen one?
Yes. Once you are a member, it’s easy to change your PCP. Simply login to ibxpress.com to make the change, or call 1-800-275-2583. PCP changes become effective on the first day of the following month.
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What is a specialist?
A specialist provides medical care for certain conditions in addition to the treatment provided by your primary care physician (PCP). For example, you may need to see an allergist for allergies or an orthopedic surgeon for a knee injury. Under an HMO plan, you need to obtain a referral from your PCP to receive benefits for care provided by a specialist. Under our PPO plans, you never need a referral to see a specialist.
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What is a referral?
If you have an HMO plan, your family doctor (or PCP) will need to write you a referral before you see other network providers, such as a dermatologist. No need to pick up a piece of paper, our referrals are done electronically.
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What does precertification mean?
This may also be called preapproval or pre-authorization. Basically, you may need additional approval from your health plan before you receive certain tests, procedures, or medications. It’s a way to make sure the services you’re getting are safe and effective.
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What is durable medical equipment?
Durable medical equipment includes, but is not limited to, the following: hospital beds, crutches, canes, wheelchairs, walkers, peripheral circulatory aids, cervical collars, traction equipment, physiotherapy equipment, oxygen equipment, and ostomy supplies. You should always check with both your provider and Independence Blue Cross to determine whether an item is considered to be durable medical equipment.
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What does in-network mean?
Your health care coverage is considered in-network when you use a provider who participates in our network of more than 42,500 doctors and 100 hospitals. For HMO plans, it’s the Keystone Health Plan East network. For PPO plans, it’s the Personal Choice® network which gives you access to see doctors in network across the country, plus you have the option to visit doctors out-of-network at a higher cost. To see if a provider or hospital is considered in-network, use our Find a Doctor tool.
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What does out-of-network mean?
Your health care coverage is considered out-of-network when you visit a doctor or hospital that does not participate in our network. With an HMO plan, you only have coverage for in-network providers, while PPO plans allow you the freedom to see both in- and out-of-network providers.
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What is an Urgent Care center?
Urgent care centers are stand-alone clinics where board-certified doctors treat illness or injury requiring immediate medical attention. You can use these centers when your doctor is not available immediately and your illness or injury is not life threatening, such as a cut requiring stitches or continual nausea. Care in an urgent care center will cost you less than the same care in a hospital emergency room. For conditions that feel life threatening, such as severe shortness of breath or chest pain, sudden or unexplained loss of consciousness, severe abdominal pain, or a cut or wound that won’t stop bleeding, seek the care of the closest emergency room.
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What is a Retail Clinic?
A retail clinic is a space within a pharmacy or other retail store that is staffed by nurse practitioners. You can use these clinics when your doctor is not available and your injury or illness is minor, such as a sore throat, earache, or skin rash. Care at a retail clinic will cost you less than the same care in a hospital emergency room.
Please note that if you go to a retail clinic in a Walgreens or Rite Aid store, and your prescription coverage uses the Preferred Pharmacy Network, you will need to go to another pharmacy in order to have your prescription covered by your health plan. The Preferred Pharmacy Network includes over 50,000 pharmacies, including most major chains and local pharmacies. CVS is part of the Preferred Pharmacy Network; Walgreens and Rite Aid are not.
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What is an HSA account?
A health savings account, or HSA, helps you save money for health expenses, tax-free. You don’t pay taxes on the money you put in, the money you take out, or any money you earn on the account. The IRS determines what qualifies as a health expense, which includes your out-of-pocket costs (copays, deductibles, coinsurance), along with some services not covered by a health plan, such as Lasik surgery.
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What is a deductible?
A deductible is the amount you pay each year before your health plan starts paying for covered services. For example, if your plan has a $1,000 deductible, you will need to pay the first $1,000 of the costs for the services you receive. Once you have paid this amount, your insurance will begin to pay a portion or all of your health care costs depending on the plan.
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How can I find a doctor?
The Find a Doctor tool allows you to search for doctors within the Independence Blue Cross network.
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Is my current doctor in-network?
When you search for a doctor, you will need to select the plan network. You will then be able to see which doctors are in and out of network for that plan.
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Can I choose any doctor?
If you have an HMO plan, you are only covered for doctors and hospitals within the HMO network. With a PPO plan, you are covered for doctors and hospitals both in and out of network. If the doctor or hospital you choose is out of network, then you may have to pay for your health service.
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Covered Benefits

What services do all plans cover?
All plans offered to people who purchase their own health insurance must include a core set of essential health benefits by 2014, as shown in the chart below.
essential benefits chart
In addition, insurers will cover 100 percent of the cost of many preventive services, such as wellness visits, immunizations, screenings for cancer, and other diseases. That means you will not pay any deductible, copayments, or coinsurance for many preventive services that can help you stay healthy.
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What do the metallic levels mean?
With the new health care law, the federal government is creating four categories of coverage or metallic levels for plans offered to small businesses (2–50 employees) and people that purchase their own insurance. Plans will be assigned one of these metallic levels based on how much of the cost for health care services is covered by the health insurance company. These “metal” categories — bronze, silver, gold, and platinum — will make it easier for you to compare health plans among health insurance companies. All products will cover essential health benefits like doctor visits, prescription drugs, X-rays, and hospital stays. The major differences will be in what you pay when you need these services and the monthly cost of the health plan.
How the metallic levels compare on costs:
metallic tier chart
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Is routine eye care covered?
Routine eye care for adults is covered by Keystone Health Plan East HMO plans only. Routine eye care for children under age 19 is considered an essential health benefit and available with all plans. To learn more, refer to the Benefits at a Glance for each plan.
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Are emergency services covered?
Yes. You are covered for medically necessary services for unexpected illnesses or emergency care no matter where you are.
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Is maternity covered?
Maternity and newborn services are considered an essential health benefit and are covered by all plans.
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Is mental health covered?
Mental health and substance abuse services, including behavioral health treatment, is considered an essential health benefit and available with all plans.
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What are the ConnectionsSM Health Management Programs?
Like our Healthy LifestylesSM programs, the Connections Health Management Programs are value-added programs available to you free of charge. Connections provides:
  • information and support when you are facing medical decisions or treatment options;
  • help when you are living with chronic conditions such as diabetes or asthma.
  • access to IBC Health Coaches, a 24/7 point of contact that provides individualized and coordinated advice and support. IBC Health Coaches can look at your condition(s), prescription drugs, recent diagnostic or therapeutic activities, and patterns of treatment and offer meaningful assistance as they you through the health care spectrum. Health Coaches can provide:
    • information on everyday health concerns, such as headaches and joint pain;
    • help if your employees are facing a significant medical decision, such as treatment options for back pain, breast or prostate cancer, or surgery;
    • personalized calls about chronic conditions or health concerns; information about what types of questions to ask the doctor.
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Tiered Network

What is a tiered network?
If you haven’t heard of a tiered network plan, that’s because it’s brand new to the Philadelphia region. It works just like a typical HMO in that you can visit any doctors and hospitals in the network, and you select a primary care physician who refers to you specialists. But now you can save on your out-of-pockets costs when you visit certain health care providers.
All Keystone Health Plan East HMO providers have been grouped into three tiers based on cost and quality measures. While all of the doctors and hospitals in our network must meet high quality standards, some are able to offer more cost-effective care. If they cost less, then you’ll pay less. It’s that simple. You can check what tier a doctor has been put in by searching for them in our Find a Doctor tool.
  • Tier 1 – Preferred: Members pay the lowest cost-sharing for most services.
  • Tier 2 – Enhanced: Members pay a higher cost-sharing for most services compared to Tier 1 – Preferred.
  • Tier 3 – Standard: Members pay the highest cost-sharing for most services.
tiered network groupings
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Are there certain services that are covered at the same cost regardless of tier level?
Yes. Many covered services will cost the same amount to you no matter the tier level of the provider or facility you choose. These are:
  • Emergency room
  • Ambulance
  • Urgent care
  • Pharmacy
  • Behavioral health
  • Transplants
  • Outpatient lab/pathology*
  • Routine radiology/diagnostic*
  • MRI/MRA, CT/CTA scan, PET scan*
  • Physical/occupational therapies*
* when you receive services at a designated site referred by your Primary Care doctor
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What happens if I am admitted to a Tier 2 or 3 hospital through their Emergency Room?
Emergency room fees are the same no matter which tier hospital you choose. However, if you are admitted to the hospital from the ER, your out-of-pocket costs for the hospital stay will be determined by the tier that hospital is in.
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What is unique about the Keystone HMO Proactive plans?
The Keystone HMO Proactive plans still include the full Keystone Health Plan East HMO network of providers. However, with our Proactive plans, doctors, hospitals, and other types of providers in the Keystone Health Plan East HMO network have been assigned to one of three benefit tiers. For most services, you can save money when you visit providers in lower tiers.
There are some services, such as preventive care and emergency room, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health, which have the same cost-sharing regardless of the provider’s assigned tier.
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Why should I choose a Keystone HMO Proactive plan with a tiered network?
Keystone HMO Proactive plans are ideal if you’re looking for a more affordable plan. They tend to have lower monthly premiums, plus they give you an opportunity to save even more on your cost-sharing by visiting providers in Tier 1 – Preferred. When you choose a Keystone HMO Proactive plan, you don’t have to stick with just one tier. You can choose Tier 1 Preferred providers for some services and providers from Tier 2 – Enhanced or Tier 3 – Standard for other services. The choice is yours each time you receive care. You can check the tiers of your current doctors and providers using our Find a Doctor tool.
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Are all providers from the Keystone Health Plan East HMO network assigned a tier?
Yes, all doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers from the Keystone Health Plan East HMO network are assigned a tier; however, there are some services that have the same cost-sharing across all tiers. Examples include preventive care and emergency room, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health. Refer to the summary of benefits for more details.
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Will my cost-sharing always vary based on the provider and tier I choose?
No. There are some services that have the same cost-sharing across all tiers. Examples include preventive care and emergency room, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health. Only certain provider types will have cost-sharing that varies based on the tier assignment. Refer to the summary of benefits for more details.
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How did you determine which tier providers are assigned to?
We assigned our HMO network providers to one of three tiers. These tier assignments were based on relative cost, quality (if available) and the tier of the facilities in which your PCP typically refers IBC patients for hospital and outpatient surgical services. While all of the doctors in our network must meet high quality standards, many offer the same services at a lower cost.
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What percentage of providers are in Tier 1 – Preferred?
Nearly 50 percent of doctors and hospitals are in Tier 1 – Preferred, so you have plenty of choices on where you receive care. And you don’t have to stay within one tier. For example, you can choose to see Tier 2 – Enhanced providers for some services and Tier 3 – Standard providers for other services.
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How often will providers change tiers?
Independence Blue Cross will re-evaluate its tier assignments annually.
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How can I find out which tiers my doctors and hospitals are in?
You can see all of the Keystone Health Plan East HMO network hospitals arranged by tier and county by viewing the pdf icon Tiered Network Hospital List. You can also see which tiers your doctors and hospitals are assigned by using our Find a Doctor tool.
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If my doctor refers me to a specialist in Tier 2 – Enhanced or Tier 3 – Standard, is there anything I can do?
Yes. You can speak with your doctor about why he or she chose the specialist. You can explain to your doctor that you have a tiered network plan and that you prefer to see a Tier 1 – Preferred specialist if possible.
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Do I need to worry about tiers in the event of an emergency?
No. If you have an emergency, you should visit the nearest hospital. Emergency room services, in addition to a few other services, have the same cost-sharing across all tiers. Please note that if you are admitted to an in-network hospital from the emergency room, the cost-sharing for inpatient hospital care will apply based on the tier of the in-network hospital. If you are admitted to an out-of-network hospital following an emergency room admission, the Tier 3 – Standard level of benefits (highest cost-sharing) will apply.
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Prescription Drugs

Are prescription drugs covered?
Yes, prescription drugs are covered for all of the individual plans. Please refer to your plan details for more information.
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How does my prescription drug benefit work?
The prescription drug program is administered by FutureScripts®, an independent pharmacy benefits management company. The FutureScripts network includes more than 60,000 retail pharmacies, including most national and regional chain pharmacies and many neighborhood pharmacies. Some plans utilize the FutureScripts Preferred Pharmacy Network, described below in another question.
Each time you go to a participating pharmacy to fill a prescription, simply present your ID card. How you will be charged will depend on your plan type.
  • Copay plans — You pay either the copay or coinsurance specified for the generic formulary, brand formulary, or non-formulary brand drug you have been prescribed. If your plan has a maximum copay amount, that means that IBC will cover any expenses beyond that amount for a particular prescription, and you only need to pay that maximum copay amount. If you use an out-of-network pharmacy, then you will be required to pay 70 percent coinsurance instead of a copay.
  • HSA plans — These plans have a prescription deductible that is integrated with the medical deductible. This means that you pay for prescriptions in full until your medical deductible has been reached. Once the deductible has been met, you are either covered 100 percent (Personal Choice PPO Bronze Reserve) or you pay the copay (Personal Choice PPO Silver Reserve) specified for generic formulary, brand formulary, or non-formulary brand drugs from in-network pharmacies. When using out-of-network pharmacies, you will need to pay 50 percent coinsurance.
NOTE: The metal tier of your health plan will also impact your prescription costs:
  • Platinum — These plans have set copays for generic formulary, brand formulary, and non-formulary brand drugs when purchased at in in-network pharmacy. When using an out-of-network pharmacy, you will be required to pay 70 percent coinsurance instead of copay.
  • Gold and Silver — Generic formulary drugs are assigned a copay, while brand and non-formulary brand drugs have specified coinsurance amounts (the exception being the Silver Reserve plan, which follows the above HSA plan model). These plans do have a maximum copay amount. This means that IBC will cover any expenses beyond that amount for a particular prescription. When using out-of-network pharmacies, you must pay 70 percent coinsurance.
  • Bronze plans — For HMO bronze plans, generic formulary drugs are assigned a copay. Brand and non-formulary brand drugs are integrated into your medical deductible, meaning you will pay full price for these drugs until your deductible is met. Once the plan’s deductible is met, you will receive brand drugs at no out-of-pocket cost. For PPO bronze plans, all drugs are integrated into the medical deductible, meaning you will pay full price for any drugs until your deductible is met. Once the plan’s deductible is met, you will pay the particular plan’s assigned copay or coinsurance amounts for the drugs in question.
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Is there a maximum prescription drug benefit?
No. In accordance with health care reform provisions effective October 1, 2010, all of our plans have unlimited prescription drug benefits.
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What is the difference between generic and brand medications?
A generic drug is an equivalent version of a brand drug with the same active chemical ingredients and equivalency in strength. A brand drug has a patented marketing name.
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Do my benefits include mail-order service?
Yes, as long as you use a participating pharmacy in-network. You can receive a 90-day supply of maintenance medications for two applicable copayments (generic/brand/non-formulary) through the mail-order service. (Typically, this represents a savings of one copayment.) To get started with mail-order service, login to ibxpress.com.
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Are birth control pills covered under my plan?
Yes. Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and injectable contraceptives are examples of preventive, wellness and disease management services under the list of essential health benefits and covered 100 percent by all plans.
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What is a formulary?
The formulary is a list of medications that have been selected for their medical effectiveness, positive results, and value. The formulary includes all generic medications and a defined list of brand medications. You maximize your benefits when you purchase formulary medications.
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What is the FutureScripts Preferred Pharmacy Network?
New for 2014, IBC will introduce a new pharmacy network called the FuturesScripts Preferred Pharmacy Network.
This network is a smaller version of our full FutureScripts pharmacy network, which is currently available on our existing individual portfolio. Pharmacies not a part of the Preferred network are considered non-participating or out-of-network pharmacies. The FutureScripts Preferred Pharmacy Network allows us to achieve greater cost savings, and ultimately a lower premium for the member.
The FutureScripts Preferred Pharmacy Network is included on 6 of our 13 base plans:
  • Personal Choice PPO Bronze
  • Keystone HMO Bronze
  • Personal Choice PPO Bronze Reserve
  • Keystone HMO Gold Proactive
  • Keystone HMO Silver Proactive
  • Personal Choice Catastrophic
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What pharmacies are excluded from the Preferred Pharmacy network?
Compared to the FutureScripts network, there are two pharmacies excluded from the FutureScripts Preferred Pharmacy Network: Walgreens and Rite Aid. If a member elects to get a prescription filled at Walgreens or Rite Aid, it will be considered an out-of-network claim and the member will be responsible for the total upfront cost of their prescription drug(s) at the pharmacy, with partial reimbursement afterward via a paper claim submission.
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How many pharmacies are available in the FutureScripts Preferred Pharmacy Network?
With this preferred network, members will continue to have access to more than 50,000 pharmacies, such as CVS, Wal-Mart, and Target, in addition to independent pharmacies.
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Are low-cost generics available?
Yes, many of our health plans feature a low member cost-share for certain designated prescription drugs at participating retail and mail order pharmacies. Your cost for these drugs would be $4 for a 30-day supply, or $8 for a 90-day supply via mail order. Generic drugs are as safe and effective as brand-name drugs and they cost less.
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Does the prescription plan cover non-formulary medications?
Yes. You have access to non-formulary medications; however, you pay less when you select formulary medications. You maximize cost savings when selecting a generic drug.
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HSA Plans

What is a health savings account (HSA)?
An HSA is a tax-advantaged savings account that can be used to save for health care expenses. You must be enrolled in an HSA-qualified high-deductible health plan to be eligible to open an HSA. There is a maximum amount that you can contribute to an HSA each year, but if you don’t use all of the money within your benefit period, it rolls over to the next year.
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What is a high-deductible health plan (HDHP)?
An HDHP is a health insurance plan with a minimum deductible of $1,250* (for self-only coverage) or $2,500* (for family coverage). The annual out-of-pocket cost (including deductibles and copays) cannot exceed $6,350* (for self-only coverage) or $12,700* (for family coverage). HDHPs have first-dollar coverage or no deductible for preventive care and higher out-of-pocket cost (copays and coinsurance) for non-network services.
*These amounts are indexed annually for inflation.
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What are the benefits of an HSA?
An HSA provides several benefits including:
  • tax-free interest or other earnings on your assets;
  • a tax deduction for the contributions you make (You are eligible for a deduction even if you don’t itemize your tax deductions on Internal Revenue Service [IRS] Form 1040.);
  • ability to build funds for your medical care needs (contributions remain in your HSA from year to year until you use them).
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How do I set up a health savings account (HSA)?
You can use our preferred vendor, Bank of America, an independent company, to set up an HSA or you can pick any bank you like. To set up your Bank of America HSA, simply check the box in Section A of the plan application that reads: “Yes, I’d like an HSA account set up through Bank of America.”
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If I open an HSA, are there any limits on the amount I can contribute to it?
Yes, there are limits on the amount that you may contribute to an HSA. These limits are set by the federal government and are generally updated each year to account for inflation.
For 2014, HSA contribution limits are:
  • $3,300 for individual coverage;
  • $6,550 for family coverage;
  • $1,000 in additional catch-up contributions for individuals between ages 55 to 65.
The contribution limits include all contributions made on behalf of the individual (including contributions made by an employee, an employer, a self-employed person, or a family member).
If you have more than one HSA, the annual contribution limit applies to the total of all HSAs. You can decide how to contribute to your HSA (one time or multiple times throughout the year) as long as you don’t exceed the maximum allowable annual contribution.
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Applying

How do I apply?
You can apply online or you can call 1-888-475-6206 to request a packet and learn more about our products.
Applying online is simple and secure. In addition, online applications are processed more quickly and you can check the status of your application at any time.
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Can I apply for health coverage for my family?
Yes. You can apply for health coverage as a(n):
  • individual;
  • individual and spouse;
  • individual and child(ren);
  • family.
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Can I add my spouse or child at a later date?
Yes. You can apply to add a spouse or child at a later date if you experience a significant life event, such as marriage, birth or adoption of a child, or change in employment.
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Can I add my domestic partner to my health plan?
No. Your domestic partner can apply individually for coverage. We do not currently provide combined coverage for domestic partners.
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Can I add my fiancée (female) or fiancé (male) to my health plan?
No. Your fiancée or fiancé can apply individually for coverage. Once you are married, you can request that your spouse be added to your existing coverage.
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Can I apply for multiple plans?
No. You must select one plan when you apply for an individual health plan.
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Who should I contact if I have questions about how to fill out an application?
Please call 1-888-475-6206 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. or email us your question or comment.
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How long will it take to apply for a health plan?
On average it takes between 20 – 30 minutes to apply and enroll for a health plan depending on your family’s needs.
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Do I need to give my Social Security number?
Yes. We need your Social Security number to verify your identity. Our site uses the latest security methods to protect the information you give us.
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What if I don’t have an email address?
There are many free email services where you can register for an email account. Some examples areGmail and Yahoo Mail. If you prefer not to create an email address, paper applications are available by request. You can request a hard copy application by calling 1-888-475-6206 or our secure web-based form.
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What happens if I don’t purchase health insurance?
Unless you meet certain requirements, you will pay a penalty to the government if you do not have a health plan. You will be charged the greater of these amounts for the years listed:
  • 2014 penalty: $95 or 1% of your taxable income
  • 2015 penalty: $325 or 2% of your taxable income
  • 2016 penalty: $695 or 2.5% of your taxable income
You may be able to avoid the penalty if you are facing serious financial problems, have certain religious beliefs, or meet other rules. To get more information, visit healthcare.gov.
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When do I need to purchase health insurance?
The new health care law requires that you have health insurance beginning January 1, 2014. You may begin shopping for plans on October 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014. However, in order to have coverage that begins January 1, 2014, you will need to purchase your plan by December 15, 2013. If you experience a life event change, you will be able to apply for a plan after March 31, 2014. Life event changes can include the birth of a baby, moving to a different state, losing your employer insurance, or becoming eligible for different products due to income changes.
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Is financial help available for purchasing health plans?
The government will be providing advance tax credits, or subsidies, to help people who purchase their own insurance, including working families. The subsidies will be based on how much money you make each year, the number of people in your family, and the age of the people in your family. If you qualify, you may be able to get one of the following:
  • free health insurance through Medical Assistance, also known as Medicaid;
  • lower monthly premium costs plus a break on the cost-sharing you pay each time you need medical care;
  • lower monthly premium costs.
The chart below shows guidelines for subsidy eligibility. If your yearly income is at or below the threshold shown below, then you may qualify for a subsidy. The enrollment process will include checking whether you are eligible.
Family Size                  Yearly Income Threshold
1                                            $45,960
2                                            $62,040
3                                            $78,120
4                                            $94,200
5                                            $110,280
6                                            $126,360
7                                            $142,440
8                                            $158,520

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Premiums

What are my payment options?
If you apply online, you have the option to pay monthly using electronic payments, credit/debit card payment (first payment only – Visa or MasterCard) form or you can select the “Bill Me” option to pay by check at a later date. If submitting a paper application, you can include a check for the first month’s premium, complete the credit/debit card payment (first payment only – Visa or MasterCard) form or complete the Electronic Payments form to authorize monthly electronic payments.
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Will my actual rate be different from my rate quote?
All of the rates provided on our website are final rates. If you navigate from our site to the Health Insurance Marketplace to register for and are approved for a subsidy, your subsidy amount will be provided by the government to IBC and will be reflected in your quoted rates.
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How long are the rates valid?
Rates are valid for one year and will be updated annually on January 1.
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How do electronic payments through ACH work?
With electronic payments, you authorize your monthly payment to be automatically withdrawn from your account. It’s a worry-free way to help ensure you won’t miss a payment and risk losing your health insurance coverage. You don’t have to write and send in checks. With electronic payment, your premium is taken care of even when you’re away on business or vacation.
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When will the initial payment come out of my account?
Credit and debit card payments are processed for approval at time of purchase. Payment by automatic checking may take several days to complete. Generally, the initial payment will come out of the customer’s account within 1–3 business days (which is typical bank processing time). Any payment that fails to clear due to insufficient funds could impact your coverage effective date.
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Online Application Process

Who do I contact for technical questions about using ibx4you.com?
Please call 888-475-6206 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Or, email us your question or comments.

http://www.ibx4you.com/faq/index.html#q97

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