HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAG1994-0041 - Original - Group Health Cooperative - Group Medical Coverage Agreement - 01/01/1994 Group
04401-
Health
Cooperative
of Puget Sound
GROUP MEDICAL COVERAGE
AGREEMENT
Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound (also GROUP HEALTH COOPERATIVE
referred to as "GHC or "the Cooperative") is a non- OF PUGET SOUND
profit health maintenance organization furnishing
health care primarily on a prepayment basis.As a direct By
service provider, the Cooperative is dedicated to
providing to its Enrollees quality health care,including Title Vice President,Health Plan and Insurance Services
preventive medical services.
GROUP
This Agreement states the terms of enrollment, pay-
ment and coverage under which a Group may secure City of Kent, #0369
GHC health benefits. The Schedule of Benefits lists
the benefits to which those enrolled under this Agree-
ment are entitled. Words with special meaning are
capitalized. They are defined in Section I. BY
ENROLLEES ARE ENTITLED TO COVERED Title
SERVICES ONLY AT GHC FACILITIES, UN-
LESS THE ENROLLEE HAS BEEN REFERRED
BY A GHC PHYSICIAN OR HAS RECEIVED This Agreement will become effective January 1,
EMERGENCY SERVICES ACCORDING TO 1994 and will continue in effect until terminated as
SECTION X.I. OF THE SCHEDULE OF
herein provided for.
BENEFITS.
0369 Pagel
Z34
GROUP MEDICAL COVERAGE
AGREEMENT
Table of Contents
I. Definitions
II. Dues and Fees
III. Termination
IV. Continuation Coverage, Conversion and Transfer
V. Coordination of Benefits
VI. Subrogation
VII. Grievance Procedures
VIII. Miscellaneous Provisions
IX. Enrollment and Eligibility Schedule
X. Schedule of Benefits
XI. Exclusions and Limitations
XII. Claims
• Medicare Endorsements
• Allowances,Deductibles, Copayments,and Fees
Schedule
• Dues Schedule
• Service Area Map
0369 Page 2
Z34
Section I. Definitions ENROLLEE: Any Subscriber or Family Dependent
covered by this Agreement.
AGREEMENT: This Medical Coverage Agreement, FAMILY DEPENDENT: Any member of a
including the Schedule of Benefits, Enrollment Subscriber's-family who meets all applicable
and Eligibility Schedule,Dues Schedule,Allowan- eligibility requirements,is enrolled hereunder,and
ces, Deductibles, Copayments, and Fees Schedule, for whom the dues prescribed in the Dues
Service Area Map, and Medicare endorsements. Schedule have been paid.
ALLOWANCE: The maximum amount payable by FAMILY UNIT: A Subscriber and all his/her Family
GHC for certain Covered Services under this Dependents.
Agreement, as set forth in the Allowances,Deduct-
ibles, Copayments,and Fees Schedule. GHC DESIGNATED FACILITY: A facility, not in-
cluding a GHC Facility,which the GHC Board of
COINSURANCE: An amount that the Enrollee is Trustees has specified to provide health care ser-
required to pay for Covered Services received vices to its Enrollees. (See Service Area Map.)
under this Agreement,which is a percentage of the Designated Facilities may be changed by GHC
Allowance for such services, as set forth in the upon appropriate notice.
Allowances, Deductibles, Copayments, and Fees
Schedule. GHC FACILITY:A hospital or medical center owned
and operated by Group Health Cooperative of
COPAYMENT: The specific dollar amount required Puget Sound. (See Service Area Map.)
to be paid by an Enrollee for certain Covered
Services under this Agreement, as set forth in the GHC MEDICARE PLAN: A plan of coverage for
Allowances, Deductibles, Copayments, and Fees persons enrolled in Medicare Part A(hospital in-
Schedule. surance)and Part B(medical insurance),or Part B
COVERED SERVICES: The services and benefits to only.
which an Enrollee is entitled under this Agree- GROUP: An employer, union, welfare trust, or as-
ment. sociation which has entered into a Group Medical
Coverage Agreement with GHC.
DEDUCTIBLE: A specific maximum amount paid by
an Enrollee for certain Covered Services before HEALTH EVALUATION: Screening of the applicant
benefits are payable under this Agreement. The or other eligible persons prior to enrollment ac-
applicable Deductible amounts are set forth in the cording to the standards which may be defined by
Allowances, Deductibles, Copayments, and Fees Group Health Cooperative to determine whether
Schedule. such person is qualified for enrollment under this
Group Medical Coverage Agreement.
DIRECTORY OF SERVICES: A fee-for-service
schedule adopted by GHC, setting forth the fees HOSPITAL CARE: Those Medically Necessary ser-
for medical and hospital services not covered by a vices generally provided by acute general hospitals
GHC prepayment agreement. for admitted patients which a GHC physician has
prescribed, directed, or authorized. Hospital care
EMERGENCY: The sudden, unexpected onset of a does not include convalescent or custodial care
medical condition that in the reasonable judgment which can, in the opinion of the GHC physician,
of a prudent person is of such a nature that failure be provided by a nursing home or convalescent
to render immediate care by a licensed medical care center.
provider would place the Enrollee's life in danger,
or cause serious impairment to the Enrollee's MEDICAL PERSONNEL: The Medical Staff, Clinic
health. Associate Staff, and Allied Health Professionals
employed by GHC, and any other health care
0369 Page 3
Z34
professional with whom GHC has entered into a Loss amount is set forth in the Allowances,Deduct-
formal legal arrangement. ibles, Copayments,and Fees Schedule.
MEDICALLY NECESSARY: Required for the diag- SUBSCRIBER:A person employed by or belonging to
nosis or treatment of illness or injury, as deter- the Group who meets all applicable eligibility re-
mined by a GHC physician, and consistent with quirements, is enrolled hereunder, and for whom
professionally recognized standards of health care. the dues specified in the Dues Schedule have been
paid.
MEDICARE: The federal health insurance program
for the aged and disabled. URGENT CONDITION: The sudden, unexpected
onset of a medical condition that is of sufficient
OPEN ENROLLMENT: An annual period, specified severity to require medical treatment within twen-
by the Group and GHC, during which an eligible ty-four(24) hours of its onset.
person may apply for coverage.
USUAL, CUSTOMARY, AND REASONABLE: A
PRE-EXISTING CONDITION:Acondition for which term used to define the level of benefits which are
there has been diagnosis, treatment (including payable by GHC when expenses are incurred from
prescribed drugs), or medical advice within the a non-GHC physician or provider. Expenses are
twelve (12) month period prior to the effective considered Usual, Customary, and Reasonable if
date of coverage, or a condition for which (1)the charges are consistent with those normally
symptoms existed within the twelve (12) month charged by the provider or organization for the
period prior to the date of coverage and for which same services or supplies; and (2) the charges are
a prudent person would have ordinarily sought within the general range of charges made by other
treatment. providers in the same geographical area for the
same services or supplies.
REFERRAL:A written temporary referral agreement
authorized in advance by a GHC physician and
approved by GHC, which entitles an Enrollee to Section II. Dues, Fees, and Copayments
receive Covered Services from a specified non-
GHC health care provider. Entitlement to such A. MONTHLY DUES PAYMENTS. The Group
services shall not exceed the limits of the Referral shall submit to GHC for each Enrollee the month-
and is subject to all the terms and conditions of the ly dues set forth in the current Dues Schedule and
Referral and this Agreement. a verification of enrollment,on or before the due
date, subject to a grace period of ten (10) days.
SERVICE AREA: King, Kitsap, Pierce, Skagit, Dues are subject to change by GHC upon thirty
Snohomish, Thurston, and Whatcom Counties, (30) days written notice.
and any other areas designated by GHC. (See
Service Area Map.) In the event the group increases enrollment at least
twenty-five percent (2501o) or more through acquisi-
SKILLED HOME HEALTH CARE: Reasonable and tion or merger, GHC reserves the right to require
necessary care for the treatment of an illness or re-rating of the group.
injury which requires the skill of a nurse or
therapist, based on the complexity of the service B. SUBSCRIBER'S LIABILITY. The Subscriber is
and the condition of the patient, and which is liable for (1) payment to the Group of his/her
performed directly by an appropriately licensed contribution toward the monthly dues, if any; (2)
professional provider. payment to the Cooperative of Copayments
and/or Coinsurance amounts for Covered Ser-
STOP LOSS: The maximum amount of Copayments vices provided to the Subscriber and his/her Fami-
paid during the calendar year for Covered Services ly Dependents, as set forth in the Allowances,
received by the Subscriber and his/her Family De- Deductibles, Copayments and Fees Schedule, and
pendents during the same calendar year.The Stop (3) payment to the Cooperative of any fees
charged for non-Covered Services provided to
0369 Page 4
Z34
the Subscriber and his/her Family Dependents. Section III. Termination
Failure to pay for services at the time of service may
result in a billing fee. A. TERMINATION OF ENTIRE AGREEMENT.
At the time of service,Enrollees shall be required This Agreement may be terminated in the follow-
to pay Copayments as set forth in the Allowances, ing circumstances:
Deductibles, Copayments and Fees Schedule. 1. Termination on Notice. Either GHC or the
Failure to pay Copayments at the time of service Group may terminate this Agreement b
may result in a billing fee. Failure to cancel a p y g y
giving thirty (30) days written notice to the
scheduled appointment at least 24 hours prior to the
appointment may result in a billing fee or the value other.
of the service. 2. Nonpayment. Failure to make any monthly
Payment of a Copayment does not exclude the dues payment in accordance with Section
possibility of an additional billing if the service is II.A. shall result in termination of this
determined to be a non-Covered Service. Agreement as of the due date.
Total out-of-pocket Copayment expenses in- 3. Misrepresentation to Obtain Insurance.
curred during the same calendar year shall not Group Health Cooperative may Fesei or �G(,�-�5
exceed the aggregate maximum amount (Stop terminate this Agreement upon&written 3
Loss) as set forth in the Allowances, Deductibles, notice in the event of material misrepresen-
Copayments,and Fees Schedule. tation, fraud, or omission of information in
order to obtain Group coverage.
If Copayments have been billed, any applicable
billing fees shall not be considered in calculating B. TERMINATION OF SPECIFIC ENROLLEES.
total out-of-pocket expenses for Copayments This Agreement may be terminated as to a
made. specific Enrollee for any of the following reasons:
C. SELF-PAYMENTS DURING A STRIKE, 1. Loss of Eligibility.If an Enrollee no longer
LOCK-OUT,OR OTHER LABOR DISPUTE.In meets the eligibility requirements set forth
the event of suspension or termination of in Section IX.B. and is not enrolled for con-
employee compensation due to a strike,lock-out, tinuation coverage as described in Section
or other labor dispute,a Subscriber may continue IV.A., coverage under this Agreement will
uninterrupted coverage under this Agreement terminate at the end of the month during
through payment of monthly dues directly to the which loss of eligibility occurs, unless other-
Group.Coverage may be continued for the lesser wise specified by the Group as set forth in
of the term of the strike, lock-out, or other labor Section IX. Enrollment and Eligibility
dispute, or for six (6) months after the cessation Schedule.
of work.
2. For Cause.Coverage of an Enrollee maybe
If the Group Agreement is no longer available, terminated upon written notice for:
the Subscriber shall have the opportunity to apply a. Nonpayment of dues for a specific En-
for individual Group Conversion or,if applicable, rollee by the Group.
continuation coverage (see Section IV.), or an
Individual and Family Medical Coverage Agree- b. Material misrepresentation, fraud, or
ment at the duly approved rates. omission of information in order to ob-
THE GROUP IS RESPONSIBLE FOR IMME- tain coverage. This includes failure to
DIATELY NOTIFYING EACH AFFECTED answer fully and correctly all questions
SUBSCRIBER OF HIS/HER RIGHTS OF contained in the application forms. In
SELF-PAYMENT UNDER THIS PRO- such event, the Cooperative may,
VISION. within two(2)years from the date of the
application,refuse to cover any service
for a condition(s) to which such ques-
tion was relevant, or may rescind or
0369 Page 5
Z34
cancel the Enrollee's coverage upon To the extent required by federal law, if the Sub-
ten (10)working days written notice. scriber or Family Dependent loses eligibility
under this Group Agreement, group coverage
c. Permitting the use of a GHC identifica-. may be continued under the circumstances
tion card by another person, or using described below. Except as set forth in Section
another person's identification card to IV.A.11., below, this provision applies only to
obtain care to which one is not entitled. Subscribers and Family Dependents enrolled
under this Agreement prior to the date of
d. Failure to comply with the rules and eligibility for continuation coverage who would
regulations of the Cooperative. otherwise lose coverage as a result of one of the
e. Nonpayment of charges as set forth in qualifying events listed below in subsections (1.),
g Section ILC. (2.), and (3.).
3. In no event will an Enrollee be terminated solely 1. Subscribers and Family Dependents are
eligible for continuation coverage for amax-
o
on the basis of their physical or mental condi- imum period f up to eighteen (18) months
tion provided they meet all other eligibility re- commencing the date that:
quirements set forth in this Agreement.
C. PERSONS HOSPITALIZED ON THE DATE
• The Subscriber's employment is ter-
urinated (unless terminated for gross
OF TERMINATION. An Enrollee who is a misconduct);or
registered bed patient receiving Covered Services
in a GHC Facility or GHC Designated Facility on • the Subscriber experiences a reduction
the date of termination shall continue to be in work hours resulting in loss of
eligible for Covered Services for the condition for eligibility for group benefits.
which the Enrollee was hospitalized, until dis-
charge from the facility.This continued coverage 2. Family Dependents are eligible for con-
will also apply to an Enrollee hospitalized in a tinuation coverage for a maximum period of
non-GHC Designated Facility as a result of an up to thirty-six (36) months commencing at
Emergency or Referral as set forth in Section the date that:
XI.B.1.
• The Subscriber is divorced or legally
D. SERVICES PROVIDED AFTER TERMINA- separated;
TION. Any services provided by GHC after the
effective date of termination (except those ser- • the Subscriber dies;
vices covered under Section III.C.) shall be
charged according to the Directory of Services. • the Subscriber becomes entitled to
The Subscriber shall be liable for payment of all Medicare;or
such charges for services provided to the Sub-
scriber and all Family Dependents. • a Dependent child ceases to qualify as
a Family Dependent under Section
Section IV. Continuation Coverage, IX.B.2.(b)or(c).
Conversion and Transfer 3. A COBRA eligible beneficiary who is dis-
abled prior to or on the date he/she loses
coverage due to termination of employment
A. CONTINUATION COVERAGE (other than for the beneficiary's gross mis-
conduct) or reduction of hours may extend
This subsection A. only applies to employer his/her coverage under COBRA from
groups who must offer continuation coverage eighteen(18)months up to twenty-nine(29)
under the applicable provisions of the Con- months, so long as the beneficiary provides
solidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of notice of his/her Social Security disability
1985 ("COBRA"), as amended, and only applies determination within sixty (60) days of such
to grant continuation of coverage rights to the determination and before the end of the
extent required by federal law.
0369 Page 6
Z34
eighteen(18)month coverage period.Social isting Condition which the Enrollee
Security Administration certification of total may have;
disability is required.The period of extended
coverage provided under this subsection • the Enrollee becomes enrolled under
shall terminate on the first day of the first Medicare;
month which begins more than 30 days after
the date of the Social Security Administra- • the employer ceases to maintain any
tion's final determination that the qualified group health plan;or
beneficiary is no longer disabled. • the Enrollee is no longer disabled as
4. In the event the group has retirees, the Sub- determined by the Social Security Ad-
scriber who is a retiree or the spouse or ministration.
Dependent of a retiree, may continue
coverage hereunder if the Subscriber andlor 7. Notice. The Group is responsible for assur-
Family Dependent would otherwise lose ing compliance with COBRA and that En-
coverage hereunder within one year of the rollees are given timely notice of their
date a proceeding under Title 11 of the continuation coverage option.The Group is
United States Code is commenced with also responsible for notifying GHC in a time-
respect to the Group. Coverage under this ly fashion of the election to continue
Section IV.A.4., continues only upon pay- coverage and the applicable coverage
ment of applicable monthly charges to the period.
Group at the time specified by the Group. The Subscriber or Family Dependent must
The terms and conditions of this coverage notify the Group, or plan administrator, if
are governed by COBRA. any, within sixty (60) days following a
5. If an individual enrolled for continuation divorce, legal separation, or when an en-
coverage experiences a second qualifying rolled dependent child no longer meets the
event as set forth in subsection (2.) above, eligibility requirements set forth in Section
continuation coverage may be extended for IX.B.2., or within sixty (60) days following
up to thirty-six(36) months,beginning from the date coverage ends in accordance with
the date of the first qualifying event. When the termination provisions under this Agree-
the Subscriber becomes entitled to ment,whichever is later.
Medicare, the period of continuation g, Application. Written application for con-
coverage for family dependents as a result of
the Subscriber's Medicare entitlement or tinuation coverage must be made within sixty any later event described in Section IV.A.2. (60) days of the termination date ofcoverage, or the date that the Enrollee
above shall extend up to a maximum of thir- receives specific notice of his/her right to
ty-six (36) months from the date the Sub- continuation coverage, whichever is later.
scriber becomes entitled to Medicare. For the purpose of this Agreement
6. In addition to the conditions set forth in "receives" means that written notice was
Section III. Termination, continuation mailed by the Group to the Enrollee's most
coverage may be terminated prior to the recent address as recorded with the Group.
prescribed period set forth in subsections No lapse in coverage prior to continuation
(l.), (2.), and (3.) above if: coverage is permitted, except as provided
above. The application shall be deemed by
• there is a failure to make timely pay- GHC to include all Family Dependents
ment of any monthly dues required eligible for continuation coverage unless
under this Agreement; specifically stated otherwise. A physical ex-
amination or statement of health is not re-
• the Enrollee becomes covered under quired.
any other group health plan, unless
such plan contains an exclusion or 9. Monthly Dues. Monthly dues must be paid
limitation on coverage for any Pre-ex- directly to the Group.The Group is respon-
0369 Page 7
Z34
sible for submitting such dues with its regular ment. Coverage under the GHC Group
monthly dues payment to GHC. Conversion Plan is subject to all terms and
conditions of such plan, including dues pay-
Payment of the initial dues payment,which ment. A physical examination or statement
includes the period from the election of health is not required for enrollment in
retroactive to the qualifying event, and any the Group Conversion Plan.
regular dues payment that becomes due
prior to the initial dues payment date, for C. PERSONS ENTITLED TO, OR ELIGIBLE TO
continuation coverage under COBRA is due PURCHASE MEDICARE. Except as defined by
forty-five(45)days after the date of the elec- federal regulations, all Enrollees entitled to, or
tion. Subsequent dues payments are due on eligible to purchase Medicare must transfer to the
a monthly basis.Dues for persons extending GHC Medicare Plan upon such entitlement or
COBRA coverage from eighteen (18) eligibility. A condition of coverage under the
months to twenty-nine(29)months because GHC Medicare Plan requires that an Enrollee be
of total disability may be charged at one continuously fully qualified and enrolled for the
hundred fifty percent(150%)of the Group's hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) benefits,
dues rate that would otherwise apply to or Part B only, available from the Social Security
them. Administration, and sign any papers that may be
required by GHC or Medicare. All applicable
10. Group Conversion. In addition to Group provisions of the GHC Medicare Plan are fully set
Conversion rights as set forth in Section forth in the Medicare Endorsement(s) attached
IV.B., the Subscriber or Family Dependent to this Agreement.
enrolled for continuation coverage is en-
titled to convert to GHC's Group Conver- D. PERSONS AGE SIXTY-FIVE (65) OR OLDER
sion Plan within a 180-day period prior to WHO ARE NOT ENTITLED TO, OR
termination of continuation coverage, if ELIGIBLE TO PURCHASE MEDICARE.Upon
his/her coverage under this Agreement is reaching age sixty-five (65), if not entitled to, or
terminated for any reason other than non- eligible to purchase Medicare, Enrollees may
payment or cause.See Section IV.13.2.GHC continue coverage under this Agreement upon
Group Conversion Plan-Application. payment of the applicable dues as set forth in the
Dues Schedule.
11. Open Enrollment and Adding Dependents.
To the extent required under COBRA, a
qualified beneficiary under COBRA may Section V. Coordination of Benefits
add Family Dependents during the Group's
Open Enrollment period and newly eligible Benefits provided under this Agreement do not dupli-
persons according to the procedures cate other group coverage for medical care or treat-
specified in Section IX.A. ment. If an Enrollee is entitled to receive benefits or
B. GHC GROUP CONVERSION PLAN. services for medical care or treatment under another
group or governmental plan, GHC may recover the
1. Eligibility. Any Subscriber or Family De- reasonable cash value of services provided under this
pendent is entitled to convert to GHC's Agreement so that benefits and services under all plans
Group Conversion Plan if his/her coverage do not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of allow-
under this Agreement is terminated for any able expenses (except copayments, coinsurances, and
reason other than nonpayment or cause. deductibles), as fully set forth in this section.
(See Section III.B.2.)Following termination
of marriage or death of the Subscriber, all A. Benefits Subject to This Provision:
Family Dependents are entitled to make
such a conversion. All of the benefits provided under this Agreement
are subject to this provision.
2. Application. Application for conversion
must be made within thirty-one (31) days B. Plan:
following termination under this Agree-
0369 Page 8
Z34
The definition of a "Plan" includes the following E. Right to Receive and Release Information:
sources of benefits or services:
For the purpose of determining the applicability
1. Group or blanket disability insurance of and implementing this provision and any
policies and health care service contractor provision of similar purpose in any other Plan,the
and health maintenance organization group Cooperative may, with such consent as may be
agreements, issued by insurers, health care necessary, release to or obtain from any other
service contractors and health maintenance insurer, organization or person any information,
organizations; with respect to any person which the insurer con-
siders necessary for such purpose. Any person
2. Labor-management trusteed plans,labor or- claiming benefits under this Agreement shall fur-
ganization plans, employer organization nish to the Cooperative the information neces-
plans or employee benefit organization sary for such purpose.
plans;
F. Facility of Payment:
3. Governmental programs; and
Whenever coverage which should have been
4. Coverage required or provided by any provided under this Agreement in accordance
statute. The term "Plan" shall be construed with this provision has been provided or paid for
separately with respect to each policy,agree- under any other Plan,the Cooperative shall have
ment or other arrangement for benefits or the right, exercisable alone and in its sole discre-
services, and separately with respect to the tion, to pay over to any Plan making such other
respective portions of any such policy,agree- payments any amounts it shall determine to be
ment or other arrangement which do and warranted in order to satisfy the intent of this
which do not reserve the right to take the provision, and amounts so paid shall be con-
benefits or services of other policies, agree- sidered to be coverage or benefits paid under this
ments or other arrangements into considera- Agreement and, to the extent of such payments,
tion in determining benefits. the Cooperative shall be fully discharged from
liability under this Agreement.
C. Allowable Expense:
G. Right of Recovery:
"Allowable Expense" means any necessary,
reasonable and customary items of expense at Whenever benefits have been provided by the
least a portion of which is covered under at least Cooperative with respect to Allowable Expenses
one of the Plans covering the person for whom in total amount at any time, in excess of the max-
the claim is made.When a Plan provides benefits imum amount of payment necessary at that time
in the form of services rather than cash payments, to satisfy the intent of this provision,the Coopera-
the reasonable cash value of each service tive shall have the right to recover the reasonable
rendered shall be considered as both an Allow- cash value of such benefits, to the extent of such
able Expense and a benefit paid. excess, from one or more of the following, as the
Cooperative shall determine: any persons to or
D. Claim Determination Period: for or with respect to whom such benefits were
"Claim Determination Period" means a period provided, any other insurers, any service plans or
P any other organization or other Plans.
beginning with any January 1 and ending with the
next following December 31 except that the first H. Effect on Benefits:
Claim Determination Period with respect to any
person shall begin on the effective date of 1. This provision shall apply in determining the
coverage under this Agreement with respect to benefits for a person covered under this
such person and end on the following December Agreement for a particular Claim Deter-
3 1.In no event will a Claim Determination Period mination Period if,for the Allowable Expen-
for any person extend beyond the last day on ses incurred as to such person during such
which such a person is covered under this Agree- period, the sum of:
ment.
0369 Page 9
Z34
a. The reasonable cash value of the a. The benefits of a Plan which covers the
benefits that would be provided under person on whose expenses a claim is
the Agreement in the absence of this based other than as a dependent shall
provision, and be determined before the benefits of a
Plan which covers such person as a de-
b. The benefits that would be payable pendent.
under all other Plans in the absence
therein or provisions of similar purpose b. In the case that a dependent is covered
to this provision would exceed such Al- under both parents' medical Plan, the
lowable Expenses. benefits of the Plan of the parent whose
birthday falls earlier in the year are
2. As to any Claim Determination Period with determined before those of the Plan of
respect to which this provision is applicable, a parent whose birthday falls later in the
the reasonable cash value of the benefits year.This birthdate will refer only to the
provided under this Agreement in the ab- month and day, not the year in which a
sence of this provision for the Allowable person was born. If both parents have
Expenses incurred as to such person during the same birthday, the benefits of the
such Claim Determination Period shall be Plan which covered the parent longer
reduced to the extent necessary so that the are determined before those that
sum of the reasonable cash value of benefits covered the other parent for a shorter
and all benefits payable for such Allowable period of time, except that in the case
Expenses under all other Plans, except as of a person for whom claim is made as
provided in subparagraph(3)of this Section, a dependent child,
shall not exceed the total of such Allowable
Expenses. Benefits payable under another i. when the parents are separated or
Plan include benefits that would have been divorced and the parent with cus-
payable had a claim been duly made there- tody of the child has not remarried,
for. In determining liability under this para- the benefits of a Plan which covers
graph, the Plan is not required, and will not the child as a dependent of the
take into consideration, deductibles, copay- parent with custody of the child
ments,or other cost-sharing provisions. will be determined before the
benefits of a Plan which covers the
3. If child as a dependent of the parent
without custody; and
a. another Plan which is involved in sub-
paragraph(2)of this Section and which ii. when the parents are divorced and
contains a provision coordinating its the parent with custody of the
benefits with those of this Agreement child has remarried,the benefits of
would,according to its rules,determine a Plan which covers the child as a
its benefits after the benefits of this dependent of the parent with cus-
Plan have been determined; and tody shall be determined before
the benefits of a Plan which covers
b. the rules set forth in subparagraph (4) that child as a dependent of the
of this Section would require this stepparent, and the benefits of a
Agreement to determine its benefits Plan which covers that child as a
before such other Plan, then the dependent of the stepparent will
benefits of such other Plan will be ig- be determined before the benefits
nored for the purposes of determining of a Plan which covers that child as
the benefits under this Agreement. a dependent of the parent without
4. For the purposes of subparagraph(3)of this custody.
Section, the rules establishing the order of Notwithstanding items (i) and (ii)
benefit determination are: above, if there is a court decree which
would otherwise establish financial
0369 Page 10
Z34
responsibility for the medical,dental or shall be charged against any applicable
other health care expenses with respect benefit limit of this Agreement.
to the child,the benefits of a Plan which
covers the child as a dependent of the
parent with such financial responsibility Section VI. Subrogation
shall be determined before the benefits
of any other Plan which cover the child "Injured person"under this section means an Enrollee
as a dependent child. covered by this Agreement who sustains compensable
c. When rules(a)and(b)do not establish injury. "GHC's medical expenses" means the expense
an order of benefit determination, the incurred and the reasonable value of the services
benefits of a Plan which has covered the provided by the Cooperative for the care or treatment
person on whose expenses claim is of the injury sustained.
based for the longer period of time shall
be determined before the benefits of a If the injured person was injured by an act or omission
Plan which has covered such person the of a third party giving rise to a claim of legal liability
shorter period of time,provided that: against the third party, GHC shall have the right to
recover from the third party GHC's medical expenses.
i. The benefits of a plan covering the This right is commonly referred to as "subrogation."
person on whose expenses claim is GHC shall be subrogated to and may enforce all rights
based as a laid off or retired of the injured person to the extent of GHC's medical
employee, or dependent of such expenses. GHC's equitable and contractual rights of
person shall be determined after subrogation are limited in accordance with
the benefits of any other Plan Washington law.
covering such person as an
employee, other than a laid off or The injured person and his or her agents must
retired employee,or dependent of cooperate fully with GHC in its efforts to collect
such person; and GHC's medical expenses. This cooperation shall in-
ii. If either plan does not have a clude supplying GHC with information about any
defendants and/or insurers related to the injured
provision regarding laid off or erson's claim. The injured person and his or her
retired employees,which results in p �each Plan determining its benefits agents shall permit GHC, at GHC's option, to as-
after the other,then the provisions sociate with the injured party or to intervene in any
of (i) of this subsection shall not action filed against any third party.The injured person
apply. and his or her agents shall do nothing to prejudice
GHC's subrogation rights.The injured person shall not
d. If none of the above rules determines settle a claim without protecting GHC's interest.
the order of benefits,the benefits of the
Plan which covered an employee or GHC shall not recover anything under this section
Subscriber for the longer period of time until the Enrollee has been made whole,except in the
shall be determined before those of the case that the Enrollee fails to cooperate fully with
Plan which covered that person for the GHC in recovery of medical expenses as described
shorter time period. above.In which case,the Enrollee shall be responsible
5. When this provision operates to reduce the for reimbursing GHC for such medical expenses.
total amount of benefits otherwise to be GHC shall not pay any attorney's fees or collection
provided to a person covered under this costs to attorneys representing the injured person
Agreement during any Claim Determination where it has retained its own legal counsel or acts on
Period, the reasonable cash value of each its own behalf to represent its interests and unless
benefit that would be provided in the ab-
sence of this provision shall be reduced there is a written fee agreement signed by GHC prior
to any collection efforts. When reasonable collection
proportionately, and such reduced amount
costs have been incurred with GHC's prior written
0369 Page 11
Z34
agreement,to recover GHC's medical expenses,there F. INDEMNIFICATION.GHC agrees to indemnify
shall be an equitable apportionment of such collection and hold the Group harmless against all claims,
costs between GHC and the injured person subject to damages, losses, and expenses, including reason-
a maximum responsibility of GHC equal to one-third able attorney's fees, arising out of GHC's failure
of the amount recovered on behalf of GHC. to perform or negligent performances of its ex-
press obligations under the Group Medical
Coverage Agreement. GHC further agrees to in-
Section VII.Grievance Procedures demnify and hold the Group harmless against
claims, damages, losses or expenses, including
reasonable attorney's fees, for injury or damage
The Consumer Relations Program is designed to help caused to any person which is the result of or is
an Enrollee resolve formal complaints and concerns alleged to be the result of the failure to provide
about medical and business service. GHC will record, or the negligent provision of medical services or
research, and respond in a timely manner to an supplies specified under this contract by any
Enrollee's concern. A concern should initially be health care provider who is employed by, is an
registered at the Enrollee's area medical center.If not agent of or who has a direct contractual relation-
satisfied,the Enrollee should then contact the regional ship with GHC. Provided, however, that the
Consumer Relations Department,which will arrange Group notifies GHC in writing promptly of any
for review by appropriate Medical Staff,management, such claims, that it will assist GHC (at GHC's
and/or GHC consumers. expense) in the defense of same, and that GHC
has the right to direct and arrange the defense of
the case.
Section VIII. Miscellaneous Provisions
The foregoing shall not in any way be construed
A. DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION. The as applying to any claim, demand or loss arising
Group is responsible for disseminating to Sub-
out of negligent acts or omissions of the Group,
its agents,officers or employees,or failure by the
scribers written information concerning this Agreement which is provided by the Cooperative. Group to carry out any of its responsibilities under
this Agreement.
B. IDENTIFICATION CARDS. The Cooperative Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound does not
will furnish cards, for identification only, to all discriminate on the basis of physical or mental hand-
persons enrolled under this Agreement. icaps in its employment practices and services.
C. ADMINISTRATION OF AGREEMENT. GHC
may adopt reasonable policies and procedures to Section IX. Enrollment and Eligibility
help in the administration of this Agreement.
Schedule
D. MODIFICATION OF AGREEMENT. This
Agreement may be modified by GHC upon thirty A. ENROLLMENT
(30) days written notice.
1. Application for Enrollment.Application for
E. Group Health Cooperative reserves the right to enrollment shall be made on an application
construe the provisions of this Medical Coverage form furnished and approved by GHC. No
Agreement, and to determine any and all ques- person shall be enrolled or dues accepted
tions pertaining to benefit entitlement and until this completed application has been
coverage. received and approved by GHC.The Group
No oral statement o an person shall modify or is responsible for submitting completed ap-
plication forms to GHC.
otherwise affect the benefits, limitations, and ex-
clusions of this Agreement, convey or void any a. Newly Eligible Persons.Newly eligible
coverage, increase or reduce any benefits under this Subscribers may make written applica-
Agreement or be used in the prosecution or defense tion for enrollment to the Group within
of a claim under this Agreement. thirty-one (31) days of eligibility. If the
0369 Page 12
Z34
Subscriber wishes to enroll his/her ment to the Group within sixty(60)days
eligible Dependents, application must following the date of birth.
be made during this same thirty-one
(31) day period. In the event there is a change in the
monthly dues payment as a result of the
Written application for enrollment for addition of an adoptive child,including
a newly dependent person,other than a adopted newborns,the Subscriber must
newborn or newborn adopted child, make written application for enroll-
must be made to the Group within thir- ment within sixty(60)days from the day
ty-one (31) days after the dependency that the child is physically placed with
occurs. the Subscriber for the purpose of adop-
tion and the Subscriber assumes finan-
A Subscriber's newborn child shall be cial responsibility for the medical
automatically enrolled when born: expenses of the child.
i. at a GHC Facility or GHC Desig- b. If the spouse of a GHC Subscriber loses
nated Facility;or eligibility under a group medical plan
provided by his/her employer, the
ii. at a non-GHC Facility due to an spouse and any eligible Dependents
Emergency, provided that all the listed on the spouse's insurance may be
requirements of Section X.I. of added to the GHC Subscriber's plan.
this Agreement are met,including Enrollment must be continuous be-
notification of GHC by way of the tween plans and application must be
GHC Notification Line within made prior to, or at the same time as,
twenty-four (24) hours following termination of previous enrollment.
inpatient admission, or as soon
thereafter as medically possible. c. Open Enrollment. A person not en-
rolled as a Subscriber or Family De-
GHC shall provide notice of such en- pendent when newly eligible, as
rollment to the Subscriber and the described above, may make written ap-
Group. It is the Subscriber's respon- plication during the Group's Open En-
sibility to complete and submit a revised rollment period.
application form to the Group. If the
Subscriber does not want the newborn d. Health Evaluation. If a Subscriber or
child enrolled,he/she must notify GHC Family Dependent wishes to enroll out-
within sixty (60) days of the date of side the periods of eligibility as set forth
birth. in Section IX.A.1., he/she must first
satisfy all Health Evaluation require-
If subsequent to enrollment it is dis- ments as established by GHC and
covered that the newborn child is not defined in Section I. of the Group
eligible or if the Group does not initiate Medical Coverage Agreement.
dues payments on or before sixty (60)
days from the date of birth, GHC shall 2. Limitation on Enrollment.This Agreement
disenroll the child retroactive to the will be open for application as set forth in
effective date of coverage. Section IX.A.1. GHC may limit enrollment,
establish quotas, or set priorities for accep-
Children who are born in a non-GHC tance of new applications if it determines
Facility on a nonemergency basis will that its capacity,in relation to its total enroll-
not be automatically enrolled. In the ment, is not adequate to provide services to
event there is a change in the monthly additional persons.
dues payment as a result of the addition
of a newborn child,the Subscriber must 3. Effective Date of Enrollment.
make written application for enroll-
0369 Page 13
Z34
a. Provided application is made as set at a GHC or GHC Designated Facility under
forth in Section IX.A.l.a. (above), en- the medical management of a GHC
rollment for a newly eligible Subscriber physician unless the Enrollee has been
and listed Dependents will begin on the Referred by a GHC physician or has
date of hire. received Emergency services according to
Section X.I.
Subscribers who return to work from a
leave without pay status within ninety B. ELIGIBILITY
(90) days, shall be eligible for enroll-
ment on the first of the month following In order to be accepted for enrollment and con-
their date of return to work. tinuing coverage under the Group Agreement,
individuals must meet all applicable requirements
For eligible Subscribers and Family De- set forth below. The Group is responsible for
pendents who have satisfied the Health determining eligibility.
Evaluation requirement as set forth in
Section IX.A.1., following acceptance Subscribers and Family Dependents must reside in
by the Cooperative, enrollment will the GHC Service Area (as defined in Section L) in
begin on the date specified by GHC. order to be eligible for enrollment under this Agree-
meet, except for temporary residency outside the
Enrollment for newly dependent per- Service area for purposes of attending school,court-
sons,other than newborns and adopted ordered coverage for Dependents,or when approved
children,will begin on the first (1st) of in advance by GHC, other unique family arrange-
the month following application. ments. All non-urgent/emergent care must be
provided at GHC Facilities or GHC Designated
Provided newborns are enrolled as Facilities.
specified in Section IX.A.l.a. (above),
enrollment is effective from the date of 1. Subscribers. Bona fide employees and
birth. LEOFF II employees who are employed on
a regularly scheduled basis of not less than
A newborn is defined as a child who is twenty(20) hours per week shall be eligible
not older than four (4)weeks. for enrollment.
For adopted children,enrollment is ef- Elected officials and councilmembers shall
fective from the date that the adopted be eligible for enrollment.
child is physically placed with the Sub-
scriber for the purpose of adoption and LEOFF I employees will not be covered
the Subscriber has assumed financial under this plan.
responsibility for the medical expenses
of the child. 2. Family Dependents.The Subscriber may en-
roll any of the following:
b. Persons Hospitalized on Effective
Date.If a person,other than a newborn, a. The Subscriber's legal spouse;
is confined in a hospital on the date
enrollment would otherwise become b. Unmarried dependent children who
effective, the effective date of enroll- are under the age of twenty-one (21),
ment for the person(s)hospitalized will provided they reside regularly with the
not begin until discharge from the Subscriber or qualify as Dependents for
facility. Federal Income Tax purposes.
4. Effective Date of Services and Benefits.Ser- "Children" means the children of the
vices provided to Enrollees, including new- Subscriber including adopted children,
borns,are subject to all terms and conditions stepchildren, foster children, children
of the Group Agreement including the re- for whom the Subscriber has a court order
quirement that all services must be received to provide coverage, and any other
0369 Page 14
Z34
children for whom the Subscriber is the under the Group Agreement or any other Medi-
legal guardian. cal Coverage Agreement issued by Group Health
Cooperative of Puget Sound has been terminated
c. Enrollment may be extended past the for cause.
limiting age for an unmarried person
enrolled as a Family Dependent on C. CONTINUATION OF ENROLLMENT
his/her twenty-first(21st)birthday if:
While on a group approved leave of absence,the
i. the Dependent is a full-time Subscriber and listed Dependents will continue to
registered student at an accredited receive services and benefits under this Agree-
secondary school, college, or ment for up to one hundred eighty (180) days,
university and under the age of provided the employer or Group continues to
twenty-three(23);or remit dues to GHC for the Subscriber and such
Dependents.
ii. the Dependent is incapable of
self-sustaining employment be-
cause of a developmental dis- Section X. Schedule of Benefits
ability or a physical handicap
incurred prior to attainment of the Subject to all provisions of this Group Medical
limiting age as set forth in Section Coverage Agreement, persons enrolled for Com-
IX.B.2.b.,or prior to attainment of prehensive Health Care are entitled to receive the
the student limiting age as set forth
in Section IX.B.2.c., and is chiefly benefits and services that are Medically Necessary as
dependent upon the Subscriber determined by GHC's Medical Director, or his/her
designee, and as described in this Schedule of
for support and maintenance. A
dependent child shall be con- Benefits.
sidered chiefly dependent upon
the Subscriber for support and A. HOSPITAL CARE
maintenance when, as a result of
disability, one-half (1/2) or more Hospital care is provided when approved by a
of the total support of the depend- GHC physician, limited to the following services:
ent child is provided by the Sub- 1. Room and board, including private room
scriber as determined under when prescribed, and general nursing ser-
Internal Revenue Service regula-
tion. Enrollment for such a De-
pendent may be continued for the 2. Hospital services(including use of operating
duration of the incapacity, room, anesthesia, oxygen, x-ray, laboratory,
provided enrollment does not ter- and radiotherapy services).
minate for any other reason.
Medical proof of incapacity and 3. Drugs and medications which are listed as
proof of financial dependency covered in the GHC Drug Formulary (ap-
must be furnished to the Coopera- proved drug list).
tive upon request, but not more
frequently than annually after the 4. Special duty nursing (when prescribed as
two (2) year period following the Medically Necessary).
Dependent's attainment of the
limiting age. Personal comfort items, such as telephone and
television, are not covered.
d. Dependents of LEOFF I employees
are eligible for coverage under this con- If an Enrollee is hospitalized in a non-GHC
tract. Facility,GHC reserves the right to require trans-
fer of the Enrollee to a GHC Facility, upon con-
Ineligible Persons. GHC reserves the right to sultation with a GHC physician. If the Enrollee
refuse enrollment to any person whose coverage refuses to transfer to a GHC Facility, all further
0369 Page 15
Z34
costs incurred during the hospitalization are the Prenatal testing for the detection of con-
responsibility of the Enrollee. genital and heritable disorders when Medi-
cally Necessary as determined by GHC's
B. MEDICAL AND SURGICAL CARE Medical Director,or his/her designee.
Medical and surgical services are provided, Voluntary(not medically indicated and non-
limited to the following,when prescribed by GHC therapeutic) or involuntary termination of
Medical Personnel: pregnancy.
1. Surgical services. 8. Transplants. When authorized as medically
appropriate by GHC's Medical Director, or
2. Diagnostic x-ray, nuclear medicine, his/her designee,and in accordance with cri-
ultrasound, and laboratory services. teria established by the Cooperative, for
heart, heart-lung, single lung, double lung,
3. Routine eye examinations and refractions, kidney, simultaneous pancreas/kidney, cor-
limited to once every twelve (12) months, nea,bone marrow,and liver transplants,lim-
except when Medically Necessary. Services ited to the following:
for routine eye examinations must be
received at a GHC Facility and in accord- • evaluation testing to determine recipi-
ance with GHC medical criteria in order to ent candidacy;
be covered.
• transplantation, limited to costs for the
Evaluations and surgical procedures to correct surgery and hospitalization related to
refractions which are not related to eye pathol- the transplant, and medications; and
ogy are not covered. Complications related to
such surgery are also excluded. • follow-up services for specialty visits,
re-hospitalization, and maintenance
Contact lens fittings and related examina- medications.
tions are not covered except as set forth
below. When dispensed through GHC Transportation expenses,except as set forth
Facilities, one contact lens per diseased eye under Section X.J. of this Agreement, and
in lieu of an intraocular lens,including exam living expenses are excluded.
and fitting, is covered for Enrollees follow-
ing cataract surgery performed by a GHC Donor costs for a covered organ recipient are
physician, provided the Enrollee has been covered,limited to procurement center fees,
continuously covered by GHC since such travel costs for a surgical team,excision fees,
surgery. Replacement of a covered contact and matching tests. GHC shall exclude
lens will be provided only when needed due coverage for donor costs to the extent that
to change in the Enrollee's medical condi- the donor costs are reimbursable by the
tion but may be replaced only one time organ donor's insurance.
within any twelve (12) month period.
Except for children who have been continu-
4. Family planning counseling services. ously enrolled at GHC since birth,coverage
for all transplants and any related services,
5. Hearing examinations to determine hearing items,and drugs shall be excluded until such
loss. time as the Enrollee has been continuously
enrolled under this Agreement,or any prior
6. Blood derivatives and the administration of GHC Medical Coverage Agreement, for
blood and blood derivatives. The cost of twelve(12)consecutive months without any
blood is not covered. lapse in coverage,unless the Enrollee requires
7. Maternitycare,including care for com lica- a transplant as the result of a condition which
g P had a sudden unexpected onset after the
tions of pregnancy;prenatal and postpartum Enrollee's effective date of coverage.
visits; and hospitalization and delivery.
0369 Page 16
Z34
9. Physician visits (including consultations and lips, tongue, gums, roof and floor of the
second opinions by a GHC physician)in the mouth; and incision of salivary glands and
hospital or office. ducts.
10. Preventive services for health maintenance 14. Nonexperimental implants, limited to the
including routine mammography screening following: cardiac devices, artificial joints,
and physical examinations in accordance and intraocular lenses.Artificial or mechani-
with criteria established by the Cooperative, cal hearts are excluded.
for the detection of disease; and immuniza-
tions and vaccinations which are listed as 15. When authorized as medically appropriate
covered in the GHC Drug Formulary (ap- by GHC's Medical Director,or his/her desig-
proved drug list). A fee may be charged for nee, and in accordance with criteria estab-
health education programs. lished by the Cooperative, treatment of
growth disorders by growth hormones.
11. Radiation therapy services.
Growth hormone treatment shall be ex-
12. Medical and surgical services and related cluded until such time as the Enrollee has
hospital charges, including orthognathic been continuously enrolled under this
(jaw) surgery for the treatment of tem- Agreement or any prior GHC Medical Cov-
poromandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, are erage Agreement for twelve (12) consecu-
covered as setforth in the Allowances,Deduct- tive months without any lapse in coverage.
ibles, Copayments, and Fees Schedule when
determined to be Medically Necessary and 16. Respiratory therapy.
referred in advance by GHC.Such disorders
may exhibit themselves in the form of pain, 17. Dietary formula for the treatment of phenyl-
infection, disease, difficulty in speaking, or ketonuria (PKU) when determined Medi-
difficulty in chewing or swallowing food. cally Necessary by GHC's Medical Director
TMJ appliances are covered as set forth or his/her designee. Coverage for this for-
under orthopedic appliances (Section mula is not subject to a Pre-existing Condi-
X.E.1.). tions waiting period, if any.
Orthognathic (jaw)surgery,radiology services Outpatient Total Parenteral Nutritional
and TAU specialist services, including fit- Therapy, when Medically Necessary and in
ting/adjustment of splints, is subject to the accordance with medical criteria as estab-
beneftt limit set forth in the Allowances, De- lished by GHC is covered including supplies
ductibles, Copayments,and Fees Schedule. necessary for its administration. Outpatient
enteral therapy is excluded.
The following services, including related
hospitalizations, are excluded regardless of Dietary formulas and special diets, except
origin or cause: for treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU)
and total parenteral nutritional therapy as
• orthognathic(jaw)surgery in the absence set forth above, are excluded.
of a TAU diagnosis,
18. Pre-existing Conditions are covered in the
• treatment for cosmetic purposes,and same manner as any other illness.
• all dental services(except as noted above), 19. Skilled Nursing Facility care in a GHC-ap-
including orthodontic therapy. proved skilled nursing facility up to a maxi-
mum of thirty (30) days per condition when
13. The following services are covered by GHC full-time skilled nursing care is necessary in
when performed by a GHC physician or the opinion of the attending GHC physician.
GHC oral surgeon: reduction of a fracture
or dislocation of the jaw or facial bones; When prescribed by a GHC physician, such
excision of tumors or cysts of the jaw,cheeks, care may include board and room; general
nursing care;drugs,biologicals,supplies,and
0369 Page 17
Z34
equipment ordinarily provided or arranged approval. If an Enrollee is hospitalized
by a skilled nursing facility; and short-term in a non-GHC Designated Facility,
physical therapy, occupational therapy, and coverage is subject to payment of the
restorative speech therapy. Deductible shown in the Allowances,
Deductibles, Copayments, and Fees
Excluded from coverage are personal com- Schedule, and notification of GHC by
fort items such as telephone and television; way of the GHC Notification Line
and rest cures,custodial, domiciliary or con- within twenty-four(24)hours following
valescent care. inpatient admission, or as soon there-
after as medically possible. Further-
C. CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY TREATMENT more,if an Enrollee is hospitalized in a
non-GHC Designated Facility, GHC
Subject to all terms and conditions of this Agree- reserves the right to require transfer of
ment,care is provided as set forth below at a GHC the Enrollee to a GHC Facility upon
Facility, GHC Designated Facility, or GHC-ap- consultation with a GHC physician. If
proved treatment facility, subject to the Benefit the Enrollee refuses transfer to a GHC
Period Allowance and Lifetime Maximum Facility, all further costs incurred
Benefit as described below and as shown in the during the hospitalization are the
Allowances, Deductibles, Copayments, and Fees responsibility of the Enrollee.
Schedule.
For the purpose of this section, "acute
chemical withdrawal" means with-
1. Chemical Dependency Treatment Services. drawal of alcohol and/or drugs from a
P Y person for whom consequences of
a. All alcoholism and/or drug abuse treat- abstinence are so severe as to require
ment services must be: (1) provided at medical/nursing assistance in a hospital
a facility as described above and must be setting and which is needed immedi-
authorized in advance,except for acute ately to prevent serious impairment to
chemical withdrawal as described in the Enrollees health.
Section X.C.2.b.;and(2)deemed Medi- 3. Benefit Period and Benefit Period Al-
cally Necessary by GHC's ADAPT lowance.
Director or his/her designee. Chemical
dependency treatment may include the a. Benefit Period.For the purpose of this
following services received on an in- section, "Benefit Period" shall mean a
patient or outpatient basis: diagnostic twenty-four (24) consecutive calendar
evaluation and education,organized in- month period during which the Enrol-
dividual and group counseling, lee is eligible to receive covered chemi-
detoxification services, and prescrip- cal dependency treatment services as
tion drugs and medicines. set forth in this section. The first
b. Court-ordered treatment shall be Benefit Period shall begin on the first
provided only if determined to be Medi- day the Enrollee receives covered
P Y chemical dependency services under
cally Necessary by GHC's ADAPT this or any other group insurance,
Director or his/her designee. health care service contractor, health
2. Emergency Care. maintenance organization,self-insured
plan or any combination thereof,
a. Coverage for medical Emergencies in- hereinafter referred to as"group plans,"
cident to the abuse of alcohol and/or and shall continue for twenty-four (24)
drugs is subject to the Emergency care consecutive calendar months, provided
benefit as set forth in Section X.I. that coverage under this Agreement
remains in force. All subsequent
b. Coverage for acute chemical Benefit Periods thereafter will begin on
withdrawal is provided without prior the first day Covered Services are
0369 Page 18
Z34
received after expiration of the pre- correct a medical condition following an in-
vious twenty-four (24) month Benefit jury or incidental to surgery covered by GHC
Period. which has produced a major effect on the
Enrollee's appearance, provided:
b. Benefit Period Allowance. The maxi-
mum allowance available for any • the Enrollee has been continuously en-
Benefit Period shall be the total of all rolled with GHC since the date of such
chemical dependency benefits provided injury or surgery; and
and payments made for chemical de-
pendency treatment under any group • when in the opinion of a G H C
plan(s), not to exceed the Benefit physician, such services can reasonably
Period Allowance shown in the Al- be expected to correct the condition.
lowances, Deductibles, Copayments, and
Fees Schedule during the Enrollee's Complications of noncovered surgical ser-
Benefit Period. vices are excluded.
4. Lifetime Maximum Benefit. 2. for reconstructive surgery and associated
procedures following a mastectomy for En-
Chemical dependency services are not rollees who are medically suitable can-
covered after the Enrollee has reached didates, as determined by GHC's Medical
his/her Lifetime Maximum Benefit amount Director or his/her designee, regardless of
as shown in the Allowances, Deductibles, when the mastectomy was performed.Inter-
Copayments, and Fees Schedule. All such nal breast prostheses required incident to
benefits provided or payments made by: the surgery will be provided.
a. GHC under any GHC Group Medical An Enrollee will be covered for all stages of
Coverage Agreement; plus one reconstructive breast reduction on the
nondiseased breast to make it equivalent in
b. all amounts paid on an individual's be- size with the diseased breast after definitive
half under any carrier or plan main- reconstructive surgery on the diseased
tained by the Group, including breast has been performed.
self-insured plans,
3. for women who have not undergone breast
shall be applied toward this Lifetime Maxi- reconstruction, external breast prostheses
mum Benefit amount. following mastectomy and post-mastectomy
bras limited to one external breast prosthesis
Any Deductibles or Copayments which may be per diseased breast every two years,and two
borne by the Enrollee under the terms of this post-mastectomy bras every six (6) months,
Agreement shall not be applied toward the up to four(4)in any twelve(12)consecutive
Benefit Period Allowance or Lifetime Maximum month period. Coverage for post-mastec-
Benefit. tomy bras is subject to the Coinsurance as set
forth in the Allowances, Deductibles, Copay-
In regard to this section, the Benefit Period(s), ments, and Fees Schedule.
Benefit Period Allowance(s), and Lifetime Max-
imum Benefit shall include only alcoholism treat- E. APPLIANCES,DEVICES AND SUPPLIES
ment services received on or after January 1,1987
and alcoholism and/or drug abuse services 1. Orthopedic Appliances.When Medically
received on or after January 1, 1988. Necessary,orthopedic appliances,which are
attached to an impaired body segment for
D. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SER- the purpose of protecting the segment or
VICES are covered: assisting in restoration or improvement of its
function, are covered. Medically Necessary
1. to correct an existing functional disorder repair, adjustment or replacement of an or-
resulting from a congenital disease or anom- thopedic appliance is covered when
aly as determined by a GHC physician;or to
0369 Page 19
Z34
authorized in advance by a GHC physician. The Enrollee will be charged for mailing drugs,
Covered Services are subject to the Coin- medicines or devices and replacing lost or stolen
surance set forth in the Allowances, Deduct- drugs, medicines or devices.
ibles, Copayments, and Fees Schedule.
Excluded are arch supports; orthopedic G. HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES,as set forth
shoes that are not attached to an appliance; in this section, shall be provided by GHC Home
or any orthopedic appliances that are not Health Services or by a GHC-authorized home
listed as covered in GHC's Orthopedic Ap- health agency when Referred in advance by a
pliance Formulary. GHC physician for Enrollees who meet the fol-
lowing criteria:
2. Nasal CPAP Device. When Medically
Necessary, the purchase of a nasal CPAP 1. The Enrollee is unable to leave home due to
device,and the initial purchase of associated his or her health problem or illness (unwill-
supplies, is covered. The initial one-month ingness to travel and/or arrange for transpor-
rental of the device prior to purchase,which tation does not constitute inability to leave
is required to establish compliance, is also the home);
covered. Medically Necessary repair or re-
placement of a nasal CPAP device is covered 2. the Enrollee requires intermittent Skilled
when authorized in advance by a GHC Home Health Care services, as described
physician. Covered Services are subject to below; and
the allowance as set forth in the Allowances, 3. a GHC physician has determined that such
Deductibles, Copayments,and Fees Schedule.
Coverage for replacement of supplies is ex- services are Medically Necessary and are
C
Cover. most appropriately rendered in the
cludedEnrollee's home.
3. Ostomy Supplies. Ostomy supplies neces-
sary for the removal of bodily secretions or Covered Services for home health care may in-
waste are covered. clude the following when prescribed by a GHC
physician and when rendered pursuant to an ap-
4. Oxygen and Oxygen Equipment. When proved home health care plan of treatment:nurs-
medical criteria as established by GHC are ing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy,
met, and upon Referral, oxygen and oxygen respiratory therapy, restorative speech therapy,
equipment for home use is covered. and medical social worker and limited home
health aide services. Home health services are
Replacement or repair of appliances,devices and provided on an intermittent basis in the Enrollee's
supplies that are due to loss,breakage from willful home. "Intermittent" means care that is to be
damage, neglect or wrongful use, or due to per- rendered because of a medically predictable
sonal preference are excluded. recurring need for Skilled Home Health Care
services.
F. DRUGS AND MEDICINES FOR OUT-
PATIENT USE as prescribed by a GHC physician Excluded are: custodial care and maintenance
for conditions covered by this Agreement. All care, private duty or continuous nursing care in
drugs, supplies, medicines and devices must be the Enrollee's home, housekeeping or meal ser-
obtained at a GHC pharmacy. vices, care in any nursing home or convalescent
facility, any care provided by or for a member of
Excluded are: dietary supplements, except the patient's family, and any other services
therapeutic vitamins for use up to thirty(30)days; rendered in the home which are not specifically
dietary formulas and special diets, except as set listed as covered under this Agreement.
forth in Section X.B.; contraceptive drugs and
devices and their fitting;medicines and injections H. MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES
for anticipated illness while traveling; and any
other drugs, medicines, and injections not listed 1. Inpatient Services:
as covered in the GHC Drug Formulary (ap-
proved drug list).
0369 Page 20
Z34
Usual, Customary, and Reasonable charges Allowance set forth in the Dues and Fees
for services described in this section,includ- Schedule. All individual, family and group
ing mental health Emergencies resulting in visits of one and one-half (1-1/2) hours or
inpatient services, shall be covered up to a less are regarded as one full visit per individ-
maximum benefit of seven(7)days at eighty ual. A missed appointment will be consid-
percent (80%) per Enrollee per calendar ered a "visit" unless the Mental Health
year.This benefit shall include coverage for Service is notified at least twenty-four (24)
mental health treatment in a GHC-ap- hours in advance of a scheduled session.The
proved hospital or other facility devoted length of the treatment program and the
primarily to treatment of mental or nervous frequency and type of visits shall be deter-
disorders. All non-Emergent care must be mined by GHC's Mental Health Service.
authorized in advance by the Director of
GHC's Mental Health Service, or his/her 3. Exclusions and Limitations for Outpatient
designee, and the facility approved by the and Inpatient Mental Health Treatment
Cooperative. Services.
Subject to the maximum Inpatient Mental Covered Services are limited to those
Health Care Allowance as set forth above, provided for covered conditions for which,
services provided under involuntary commit- in the opinion of the Director of GHC's
ment statutes shall be covered at facilities Mental Health Service, or his/her designee,
approved by GHC for any court-ordered ob- significant improvement can be expected
servation period and/or treatment up to through a short-term treatment program.
seventy-two(72)hours.Services for a court- Enrollees who need long-term individual
ordered treatment program beyond the psychotherapy or who have conditions that
seventy-two(72)hours shall be covered only cannot be treated within the limits of the
if determined to be Medically Necessary by benefit described in this section and the
the Director of GHC's Mental Health Ser- Dues and Fees Schedule are not covered.
vice, or his/her designee.
Partial hospitalization programs are covered
Coverage for voluntary Emergency in- only under Section H.1. (Inpatient Services)
patient mental health services is subject to of this Agreement. Treatment under this
the Emergency Care benefit as set forth in Agreement is limited to acute care only.
Section X.I., including the twenty-four (24)
hour notification and transfer provisions. Excluded are: all forms of extensive psycho-
therapy including ongoing care for chronic
Payment of bills incurred for non-GHC mental health conditions; day treatment;
treatment shall exclude any charges that custodial care;treatment of sexual disorders
would otherwise be excluded for hospitaliza- and/or dysfunctions; specialty programs for
tion within a GHC Facility, such as mental health therapy which are not
telephone, television, and personal items. provided by GHC; court-ordered treatment
which is not specifically described above;
2. Outpatient Services: psychological testing,except when provided
during the course of mental health treat-
Mental health services,limited to the follow- ment;classes or courses such as(a)behavior
ing, are provided on an outpatient basis at modification programs, (b) "Parent Effec-
GHC. Subject to the limitations set forth in tiveness Training," and (c) adult develop-
this section, diagnostic evaluation, brief ment programs,when obtained at non-GHC
focal psychotherapy, intermittent care, and facilities;or any other services not specifical-
consultation services will be provided in the ly listed as covered in this section.All other
following formats:individual,couple,family, provisions, exclusions and limitations under
or group. this Agreement also apply.
Coverage for each Enrollee is provided ac- I. EMERGENCY CARE
cording to the Outpatient Mental Health
0369 Page 21
Z34
1. At a GHC Facility or GHC Designated authorized in advance by a GHC physician or
Facility.GHC will cover Emergency care for meets the definition of an Emergency. (See Sec-
all Covered Services subject to payment of tion I.)
the Copayment set forth in the Allowances,
Deductibles, Copayments,and Fees Schedule. 1. Emergency Transport to a GHC Facility or
GHC Designated Facility.Each Emergency
If two (2) or more members of the Family is covered as set forth in the Allowances,
Unit require Emergency care as a result of Deductibles, Copayments,and Fees Schedule.
the same accident, only one (1) Emergency
Care Copayment will apply. 2. Emergency Transport to a Non-GHC
Designated Facility. Each Emergency is
If the Enrollee is admitted to a GHC or GHC covered as set forth in the Allowances, De-
Designated Facility directly from the emer- ductibles, Copayments,and Fees Schedule.
gency room, the Emergency Care Copay-
ment is waived. 3. Waiver of Ambulance Services Deductible.
If two (2) or more members of the Family
2. At a Non-GHC Designated Facility. Usual, Unit require Emergency ambulance
Customary, and Reasonable charges for transport as a result of the same accident,
Emergency care for Covered Services are only one (1) Ambulance Deductible will
covered subject to: apply.
a. payment of the Emergency Deductible The Ambulance Deductible will not apply
shown in the Allowances, Deductibles, when ambulance service is authorized in ad-
Copayments,and Fees Schedule;and vance by the Cooperative.
b. notification of GHC by way of the GHC 4. Transfer to a GHC Facility. When
Notification Line within twenty-four authorized in advance by the Cooperative,
(24) hours following inpatient admis- an additional Ambulance Allowance is
sion,or as soon thereafter as medically provided for transfer to a GHC Facility.
possible.
K. HOSPICE
If two(2)or more members of a Family Unit
require emergency care as a result of the It is understood and agreed that the following
same accident,only one(1) Emergency De- fully sets forth the eligibility requirements and
ductible will apply. Covered Services for an Enrollee who elects to
receive services through GHC's Hospice Pro-
Outpatient medications prescribed by a non- gram. Enrollees who elect to receive GHC
GHC physician are excluded. Hospice Services do so in lieu of curative treat-
ment for their terminal illness for the period that
3. Transfer and Follow-up Care.If an Enrollee they are in the GHC Hospice Program.
is hospitalized in a non-GHC Facility, GHC
reserves the right to require transfer of the Hospice Program
Enrollee to a GHC Facility, upon consult-
ation with a GHC physician. If the Enrollee 1. Eligibility. Hospice Services, as set forth
refuses to transfer to a GHC Facility, all below, shall be provided to Enrollees for as
further costs incurred during the hospitaliza- long as the following criteria are met:
tion are the responsibility of the Enrollee.
a. a GHC physician has determined that
Follow-up care which is a direct result of the the Enrollee's illness is terminal and life
Emergency must be obtained at GHC, un- expectancy is six(6) months or less;
less a GHC physician has authorized such
care in advance. b. the Enrollee has chosen a palliative
treatment focus (emphasizing comfort
J. AMBULANCE SERVICES are covered as set and supportive services rather than
forth below, provided that the service is
0369 Page 22
Z34
treatment aimed at curing the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
Enrollee's terminal illness); Continuous care is provided for
four(4)or more hours per day for
c. the Enrollee has elected in writing to a period not to exceed five (5)
receive hospice care through GHC's days,or a total of seventy-two(72)
Hospice Program; hours, whichever first occurs.
Continuous care is covered only
d. the Enrollee has available a primary when a GHC physician deter-
care person who will be responsible for mines that the Enrollee would
the Enrollee's home care; and otherwise require hospitalization
e. a GHC physician and GHC's Hospice in an acute care facility.
Director determine that the Enrollee's b. Inpatient Hospice Services shall be
illness can be appropriately managed in provided in a facility designated by
the home. GHC's Hospice Program when Medi-
2. Hospice Care shall be defined as a coor- cally Necessary and authorized in ad-
p vance by a GHC physician and GHC's
dinated program of palliative and supportive Hospice Program. Inpatient Hospice
care for dying persons by an interdisciplinary Services shall be provided according to
team of professionals and volunteers center- the provisions set forth in Section X.of
ing primarily in the Enrollee's home. this Agreement.
3. Covered Services. Hospice Services may in- 4. Hospice Exclusions:All services not specifi-
clude the following as prescribed by a GHC tally listed as covered in this section includ-
physician and rendered pursuant to an ap- ing:
proved hospice plan of treatment:
a. Home Services a. Financial or legal counseling services.
i. Intermittent care by a hospice in- b. Housekeeping or meals services.
terdisciplinary team which may in- c. Custodial or maintenance care in the
clude services by a physician, home or on an inpatient basis.
nurse, medical social worker,
physical therapist, speech d. Services not specifically listed as
therapist, occupational therapist, covered by this Medical Coverage
respiratory therapist, and limited Agreement.
services by a Home Health Aide
under the supervision of a e. Any services provided by members of
Registered Nurse. the patient's family.
ii. One period of continuous care f. All other exclusions listed in Section
service per Enrollee in the XI.,Exclusions and Limitations, of this
Enrollee's home when prescribed Medical Coverage Agreement, apply.
by a GHC physician,as set forth in
this paragraph.A continuous care L. REHABILITATION SERVICES are covered as
period is defined as "skilled nurs- set forth in this section, limited to the following:
ing care provided in the home physical therapy; occupational therapy; and
during a period of crisis in order to speech therapy to restore function following ill-
maintain the terminally ill patient ness,injury,or surgery. Services are subject to all
at home."Continuous care may be terms, conditions, and limitations of this Agree-
provided for pain or symptom ment, including the following:
management by a Registered
Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, 1. All services must be provided at GHC or a
or Home Health Aide under the GHC-approved rehabilitation facility and
must be prescribed and provided by a GHC-
0369 Page 23
Z34
approved rehabilitation team that may in- tion and improvement of function for
clude medical,nursing,physical therapy,oc- neurodevelopmentally disabled children age
cupational therapy and speech therapy six(6)and under shall be covered.Coverage
providers. includes maintenance of a covered Enrollee
in cases where significant deterioration in
2. The Enrollee must be referred for the Enrollee's condition would result
rehabilitation services in advance by a GHC without the services. Coverage for inpatient
physician. and outpatient services is limited to the al-
lowance set forth in the Allowances,Deduct-
3. Services are limited to those necessary to ibles, Copayments,and Fees Schedule.
restore or improve functional abilities when
physical, sensori-perceptual and/or com- Services excluded under this benefit include:
munication impairment exists due to injury specialty rehabilitation programs;long-term
or illness. Such services are provided only rehabilitation programs; physical therapy,
when GHC's Medical Director, or his/her occupational therapy, and speech therapy
designee, determines that significant, services when such services are available
measurable improvement to the Enrollee's (whether application is made or not)
condition can be expected within a sixty(60) through governmental programs; programs
day period as a consequence of intervention offered by public school districts; except as
by covered therapy services described in set forth above, therapy for degenerative or
paragraph one (1) above. static conditions when the expected out-
come is primarily to maintain the Enrollee's
4. Coverage for inpatient and outpatient ser- level of functioning; implementation of
vices is limited to the allowances set forth in home maintenance programs; programs for
theAllowances,Deductibles,Copayments,and treatment of learning problems; any treat-
Fees Schedule. ment not considered Medically Necessary;
any services not specifically included as
Services excluded under this benefit include covered in this Section;and any services that
the following: specialty rehabilitation are excluded under Section XI.
programs not provided by GHC; long-term
rehabilitation programs; physical therapy, M. SMOKING CESSATION. When provided
occupational therapy, and speech therapy through Group Health,services related to smok-
services when such services are available ing cessation are covered, limited to:
(whether application is made or not)
through governmental programs including 1. participation in one individual and/or group
programs offered by public school districts; program per calendar year;
therapy for degenerative or static conditions
when the expected outcome is primarily to 2. educational materials; and
maintain the Enrollee's level of functioning
(except for neurodevelopmental therapies); 3. one course of nicotine replacement therapy
implementation of home maintenance per calendar year, provided the Enrollee is
programs; programs for treatment of learn- actively participating in the Group Health
ing problems; any other treatment not con- Smoking Cessation Program.
sidered Medically Necessary by GHC; any
services not specifically included as covered Covered services are subject to the allowances set
in this section; and any services that are ex- forth in the Allowances, Deductibles, Copayments,
cluded under Section XI. and Fees Schedule.
Neurodevelopmental Therapies for
Children Age Six (6) and Under. When Section XI. Exclusions and Limitations
determined to be Medically Necessary by
GHC's Medical Director, or his/her desig- A. EXCLUSIONS
nee, physical therapy,occupational therapy,
and speech therapy services for the restora- 1. Blood for transfusions.
0369 Page 24
Z34
2. Except as provided in Sections X.B., X.D., 9. Those parts of an examination and associ-
X.E., and X.F., corrective appliances and ated reports and immunizations required for
artificial aids including: eyeglasses; contact employment, immigration, license, or in-
lenses including services related to their fit- surance purposes that are not deemed Medi-
ting;prosthetic devices;diabetic supplies in- cally Necessary by GHC for early detection
cluding insulin pumps; hearing aids and of disease.
examinations in connection therewith;take-
home dressings and supplies following 10. Investigational or experimental treatment,
hospitalization;or any other supplies,dress- including medical and surgical services,
ings, appliances, devices or services which drugs, devices and biological products, until
are not for the specific treatment of disease formally approved by GHC for medical cov-
or injury,or not specifically listed as covered erage. GHC's determination shall be made
under Section X. in accordance with criteria for determining
investigational status as established by GHC
3. Cosmetic services, including treatment for as generally outlined below. Specific indica-
complications of cosmetic surgery,except as tions and methods of use shall be considered
provided in Section X.D. in GHC's review of evidence provided by
evaluations of national medical associations,
4. Dental care, surgery, services, and applian- consensus panels, and/or other technologi-
ces,including:treatment of accidental injury cal evaluations,including the scientific qual-
to natural teeth, reconstructive surgery to ity of such supporting evidence and
the jaw incident to denture wear, periodon- rationale.Any investigational or experimen-
tal surgery,and any other dental services not tal treatment,including medical and surgical
specifically listed as covered under Section services, drugs, devices and biological prod-
X. The Cooperative's Medical Director, or ucts not meeting GHC's determination pur-
his/her designee,will determine whether the suant to its criteria as outlined below are
care or treatment required is within the excluded.
category of dental care or service.
a. Investigational or experimental drugs,
If a GHC physician determines that an unre- devices and biological products until
lated medical condition requires that an En- clinical trials have been completed and
rollee be hospitalized for a dental procedure approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
which is normally done in a dentist's office, Administration (FDA) as being safe
GHC will cover associated hospital and and efficacious for general marketing
anesthesia costs at a GHC or GHC Desig- and permission has been granted by the
nated Facility. GHC will not cover the FDA for commercial distribution;
dentist's or oral surgeon's fees.
b. there is sufficient scientific evidence in
5. Certain drugs, medicines, and injections. published medical literature to permit
(See Section X.F.) Any exclusion of drugs, conclusions concerning the effect of the
medicines, and injections, including those treatment on health outcomes;
not listed as covered in the GHC Drug For-
mulary(approved drug list),will also exclude C. there is conclusive evidence in pub-
their administration. lished peer-reviewed medical literature
that the treatment will result in a de-
6. Convalescent or custodial care. monstrable benefit for the particular
injury,disease or condition in question,
7. Durable medical equipment such as hospital and that the benefits are not out-
beds, wheelchairs, and walk-aids, except weighed by the risks;
while in the hospital or as set forth in Section
X.E. d. evidence that the new treatment is as
safe and effective as all existing conven-
8. Services rendered as a result of work-in-
tional treatment alternatives; and
curred injuries, illness or conditions.
0369 Page 25
Z34
e. that treatment will satisfy (c) and (d) The Enrollee and his or her agents must
outside of a research setting. cooperate fully with GHC in its efforts to en-
force this exclusion. This cooperation shall in-
Appeals regarding denial of coverage must clude supplying GHC with information about
be submitted to your regional Consumer any available insurance coverage.The Enrollee
Relations Department, or to GHC's Con- and his or her agents shall permit GHC, at
tracts and Coverage Department at 1730 GHC's option,to associate with the Enrollee or
Minor Avenue, Suite 1910, Seattle, WA to intervene in any actionfiled against anyparty
98101. GHC will respond in writing within related to the injury. The Enrollee and his or
twenty (20)working days of the receipt of a her agents shall do nothing to prejudice GHC's
fully documented request. right to enforce this exclusion.
11. Nontherapeutic sterilization and proce- GHC shall not enforce this exclusion as to
dures and services to reverse a therapeutic coverage available under uninsured motorist or
or nontherapeutic sterilization. underinsured motorist coverage until the En-
rollee has been made whole,unless the Enrollee
12. See coverage for Pre-existing Conditions fails to cooperate fully with GHC as described
under Section X.B. above. In the event the Enrollee fails to
13. Mental health care, exce t as specifically cooperate fully, the Enrollee shall be respon-
P P Y sible for reimbursing GHC for such medical
provided in Section X.H. expenses.
14. Procedures,services,and supplies related to GHC shall not pay any attorneys'fees or collec-
sex transformations. tion costs to attorneys representing the injured
15. Regardless of origin or cause, diagnostic person where it has retained its own legal coun-
testin and medical treatment of sterility, sel or acts on its own behalf to represent its
g Y interests and unless there is a written fee agree-
ment signed by GHC prior to any collection
16. Services of practitioners whose licensing efforts.
category is not represented by GHC Medical 19. Services or supplies not specifically listed as
Personnel. covered in the Schedule of Benefits.
17. Services directly related to obesity, except 20. See coverage under Section X.B.7.
for nutritional counseling provided by GHC
staff. 21. The cost of services and supplies resulting
18. An services to the extent bene s are available from an Enrollee's loss of or willful damage
y
to the Enrollee under the terms of any vehicle, to covered appliances,devices,supplies,andmaterials provided by GHC for the treat-
homeowner's, property or other insurance ment of disease,injury, or illness.
policy, except for individual or group health
insurance,whether the Enrollee asserts a claim 22. Routine circumcision, including newborn
or not,pursuant to:(1)medical coverage,medi- circumcision,which is not considered Medi-
cal"no fault"coverage,Personal Injury Protec- cally Necessary.
tion coverage, or similar medical coverage
contained in said policy,and/or(2) uninsured 23. Orthoptic (eye training) therapy.
motorist or underinsured motorist coverage
contained in said policy.For the purpose of this 24. Specialty treatment programs not provided
exclusion,benefits shall be deemed to be"avail- by GHC including weight reduction,
able"to the Enrollee if the Enrollee is a named rehabilitation, and behavior modification
insured, comes within the policy definition of programs.
insured, is a third party donee beneficiary
under the terms of the policy,or otherwise has 25. Services required as a result of war,whether
the right to receive benefits under the policy. declared or not declared.
0369 Page 26
Z34
B. LIMITATIONS delay or failure to provide or arrange
Covered Services to the extent facilities or
1. Conditions and Extent of Coverage. ALL personnel are unavailable due to a major
SERVICES AND BENEFITS UNDER disaster or epidemic.
THIS AGREEMENT MUST BE PRO-
VIDED BY GHC MEDICAL PERSON- 4. Unusual Circumstances.If the provision of
NEL AT A GHC FACILITY UNLESS: Covered Services is delayed or rendered im-
possible due to unusual circumstances such
a. the Enrollee has received a Referral as complete or partial destruction of
from a GHC physician; or facilities,military action,civil disorder,labor
disputes, or similar causes, GHC shall pro-
b. the Enrollee has received Emergency vide or arrange for services that, in the
services according to Section X.I. reasonable opinion of GHC's Medical
Director, or his/her designee, are emergent
2. Recommended Treatment. The Coopera- or urgently needed. In regard to nonurgent
tive's Medical Director or his/her designee and routine services,GHC shall make a good
will determine the necessity, nature,and ex- faith effort to provide services through its
tent of treatment to be provided in each then-available facilities and personnel.GHC
individual case and the judgment, made in shall have the option to defer or reschedule
good faith,will be final. services that are not urgent or routine while
Enrollees have the right to artici ate in its facilities and services are so affected. In
decisions regarding their healthh
g p no case shall the Cooperative have any
care.An en- liability or obligation on account of delay or
rollee may refuse recommended treatment failure to provide or arrange such services.
or diagnostic plan to the extent permitted by
law.In such case,GHC shall have no further
obligation to provide the care in question. Section XII. Claims
Enrollees who seek other sources of care
because of such a disagreement do so with
the full understanding that GHC has no Enrollees must submit claims for reimbursement of
obligation for the cost, or liability for the Covered Services to GHC within sixty(60)days of the
outcome, of such care. service date, or as soon thereafter as is reasonably
possible. In no event, except in the absence of legal
3. Major Disaster or Epidemic.In the event of capacity, shall a claim be accepted later than one (1)
a major disaster or epidemic, GHC Medical year from the service date. This section applies to
Personnel will provide Covered Services ac- Covered Services received under Section X.I.and X.J.,
cording to their best judgment, within the or services for which the Enrollee has received a
limitations of available facilities and person- Referral from a GHC physician.
nel. The Cooperative has no liability for
0369 Page 27
Z34
OGroup
Heaith
Cooperative
't Puget Sound
Medicare
Endorsement
For Persons Covered by Parts A and B of Medicare
THE PROVISIONS OF THE GROUP MEDICAL UNLESS THE ENROLLEE HAS BEEN REFERRED
COVERAGE AGREEMENT SHALL REMAIN IN BY GHC OR THE ENROLLEE HAS RECEIVED
EFFECT EXCEPT AS MODIFIED BY THE ADDI- EMERGENCY OR URGENTLY NEEDED SER-
TION OF THE PROVISIONS,EXCLUSIONS,AND VICES ACCORDING TO SECTION V.D. OF THIS
LIMITATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS MEDICARE MEDICARE ENDORSEMENT.
ENDORSEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE
BENEFITS UNDER THIS ENDORSEMENT For those enrolled under GHC's Medicare plan,as set
DUPLICATE THE BENEFITS UNDER THE forth in this Endorsement,all copayments are waived
GROUP MEDICAL COVERAGE AGREEMENT. except the prescription drug copayment.
COVERAGE UNDER THE GROUP MEDICAL
COVERAGE AGREEMENT IS INTEGRATED This Endorsement does not constitute a Medicare
WITH THE MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL BENEFITS supplemental contract.
ESTABLISHED BY TITLE 18 OF THE SOCIAL
SECURITY ACT AS AMENDED,AND REFERRED Section I. DEFINITIONS
TO AS "MEDICARE." THE BENEFITS AND EX-
CLUSIONS DESCRIBED IN THIS ENDORSE- CUSTODIAL CARE: Care that is primarily for the
MENT APPLY ONLY TO ENROLLEES WHO ARE
COVERED UNDER BOTH PART A AND PART B purpose of meeting personal needs and could be
OF MEDICARE. provided by persons without professional skills or
training. Custodial Care includes help in walking,
Except as defined by Federal Regulations, all Enrol- bathing, dressing, eating, and taking medicine.
lees entitled to,or eligible to purchase Medicare must EMERGENCY SERVICES (Medicare defined): In-
transfer to the GHC Medicare Plan upon such entitle- patient or outpatient services that are rendered
ment or eligibility.A condition of enrollment under the immediately by an appropriate non-GHC provider
GHC Medicare Plan requires that an Enrollee be
continuously enrolled for the hospital (Part A) and because of an injury or sudden illness, and for
medical (Part B) benefits available from the Social which the time required to reach GHC or a GHC
Security Administration, and sign any papers that may Designated Facility would risk permanent damage
be required by GHC or Medicare. For additional in- to the Enrollee's health.
formation, the Enrollee may refer to "The Medicare HEALTH CARE FINANCING ADMINISTRATION
Handbook." (HCFA): The federal agency that administers the
NEITHER GHC NOR MEDICARE MAY PAY FOR Medicare program.
SERVICES PROVIDED AT NON-GHC FACILITIES
0369 Page 28
Z34
MEDICARE: The federal health insurance program a non-GHC physician or provider. Expenses are
for the aged and disabled. considered Usual, Customary and Reasonable if
(1) the charges are consistent with those normally
MEDICARE GUIDELINES: Coverage rules and charged by the provider or organization for the
policies established by the Health Care Financing same services or supplies; and (2) the charges are
Administration (HCFA), a federal agency. within the general range of charges made by other
providers in the same geographical area for the
MEDICARE HANDBOOK (Titled "The Medicare same services or supplies.
Handbook"): A pamphlet published by the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services,Social
Security Administration, which provides an easy- Section II. TERMINATION
to-read explanation of Medicare benefits.
Enrollment under the GHC Medicare Plan for a
PERMANENT MOVE: An uninterrupted absence of specific Enrollee, may be terminated in the cir-
cumstances set forth below.
Area.
REFERRAL:A written temporary referral agreement Until such time as an Enrollee's termination of en-
authorized in advance b GHC physician, and rollment is effective,neither GHC nor Medicare shall
y a p formally approved in advance through GHC's pay for services provided at non-GHC Facilities un-
less the Enrollee has been referred by GHC or the
Medicare medical coverage approval process,that Enrollee has received Emergency or Urgently Needed
entitles an Enrollee to receive Covered Services Services according to Section V.D. of this Medicare
from a specified non-GHC health care provider. Endorsement.
Entitlement to such services shall not exceed the
limits of the Referral and is subject to all terms and A. Termination of Specific Enrollees.
conditions of the Referral and this Agreement.
1. Loss of Medicare Part B Entitlement.If the
SERVICE AREA: The geographic area comprised of Health Care Financing Administration
King,Kitsap,Pierce,Skagit,Snohomish,Thurston, (HCFA) advises GHC that an Enrollee's
and Whatcom Counties,and any other areas desig- entitlement to Medicare coverage no longer
nated by GHC and approved by the Health Care exists,or the Enrollee voluntarily terminates
Financing Administration. (See Service Area Medicare enrollment,enrollment under the
Map.) GHC Medicare Plan shall terminate the first
of the month as specified by HCFA.
SKILLED NURSING FACILITY: A Medicare cer-
tified and licensed facility, as defined in Medicare 2. Change of Permanent Residence Outside
regulations, primarily engaged in providing skilled GHC's Service Area.If an Enrollee makes a
nursing care or rehabilitation and related services Permanent Move as set forth in Section I.of
for which Medicare pays benefits or qualifies to this Medicare Endorsement, enrollment
receive such approval. shall terminate the first day of the month
following the month in which GHC receives
URGENTLY NEEDED SERVICES (Medicare notification of such move.
defined): Services needed in order to prevent a 3. For Cause. Enrollment may be terminated
serious deterioration of the Enrollee's health due upon written notice for:
to an unforeseen illness or injurywhile temporarily
absent from GHC's Service Area, and which can- a. Knowingly providing fraudulent infor-
not be delayed until the Enrollee returns to the mation to obtain coverage. In such
Service Area. event, GHC may rescind or cancel en-
rollment upon ten (10) working days'
USUAL, CUSTOMARY, AND REASONABLE: A written notice.
term used to define the level of benefits which are
payable by GHC when expenses are incurred from
0369 Page 29
Z34
b. Permitting the use of a GHC identifica- amount required to fully compensate the injured per-
tion card by another person. son for the loss sustained. Full compensation shall be
measured on an objective, case-by-case basis, but is
c. Failure to comply with the rules and subject to a presumption that a settlement which does
regulations of GHC including disrup- not exhaust the third parry's reachable assets is full
tive, unruly, abusive or uncooperative compensation to the injured person.
conduct.
Such termination shall be subject to review The injured person and his or her agents must
and approval by HCFA_ cooperate fully with GHC in its efforts to collect
GHC's medical expenses. This cooperation shall in-
B. Persons Hospitalized on the Date of Termina- clude,but is not limited to,supplying GHC with infor-
tion.An Enrollee who is a registered bed patient mation about any defendants and/or insurers related
receiving Covered Services in a GHC Facility or to the injured person's claim. The injured person and
GHC Designated Facility on the date of termina- his or her agents shall permit GHC, at GHC's option,
tion shall continue to receive covered inpatient to associate with the injured party or to intervene in
services, until discharge from the facility. This any action filed against any third party. The injured
continued coverage will also apply to an Enrollee person and his or her agents shall do nothing to
hospitalized in a Medicare-certified non-GHC prejudice GHC's subrogation rights. The injured per-
Designated Facility as a result of Emergency or son shall not settle a claim without protecting GHC's
Urgently Needed Services or Referral as set forth interest.
in Section VI.B. of this Medicare Endorsement.
GHC shall not pay any attorney's fees or collection
C. Services Provided After Termination. Any ser- costs to attorneys representing the injured person
vices provided by GHC after the effective date of where it has retained its own legal counsel or acts on
termination(except those services covered under its own behalf to represent its interests and unless
Section II.B.of this Medicare Endorsement)shall there is a written fee agreement signed by GHC prior
be charged according to the Directory of Services. to any collection efforts. When reasonable collection
The Subscriber shall be liable for payment of all costs have been incurred, with GHC's prior written
such charges for services provided to the Sub-
agreement,to recover GHC's medical expenses,there
scriber and all Family Dependents.
shall be an equitable apportionment of such collection
costs between GHC and the injured person subject to
Section III. SUBROGATION a maximum responsibility of GHC equal to one-third
of the amount recovered on behalf of GHC.
"Injured person"under this section means an Enrollee
covered by this Agreement who sustains compensable This provision does not apply to occupationally in-
injury. "GHC's medical expense" means the expense curred disease, sickness, and/or injury.
incurred by GHC for the care or treatment of the injury
sustained. Section IV. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
If the injured person was injured by an act or omission
of a third party giving rise to a claim of legal liability A. GHC Consumer Relations Program.
against the third party, GHC shall have the right to The Consumer Relations Program is designed to
recover its cost of providing benefits to the injured help an Enrollee resolve formal complaints and
person (subrogation) from the third party as set forth concerns about medical and business service.
in this Agreement and in compliance with Medicare GHC will record,research,and respond in a time-
regulations and guidelines. GHC shall be subrogated ly manner to an Enrollee's concern. A concern
to and may enforce all rights of the injured person to should be registered initially at the Enrollee's
the extent of its medical expense.After Medicare laws area medical center.If not satisfied,the Enrollee
and regulations mandating recovery of Medicare pay- should then contact the regional Consumer Rela-
ments have been satisfied, the Cooperative's right of tions Department, which will arrange for review
subrogation shall be limited to the excess of the
0369 Page 30
Z34
by appropriate medical staff,management and/or hospice services as provided under the Medicare
GHC consumers. Hospice Program. Enrollees who elect to receive
hospice services do so in lieu of curative treat-
B. Reconsideration of Claims. ment for their terminal illness for the period that
they are in the hospice program. To receive
If GHC denies a request for payment of a claim, hospice services,the Enrollee is required to sign
or declines to provide services which the Enrollee the Hospice Election Form.
believes should be provided,the Enrollee may file
a request for reconsideration with GHC or a So- Covered Services. In addition to the hospice ser-
cial Security Administration office. The request vices provided under the Group Medical
must be filed in writing within sixty (60) days of Coverage Agreement, the following hospice ser-
GHC's written notice of denial unless an exten- vices shall be provided:
sion is specifically approved. If GHC does not
overturn the denial in full, it will be referred by 1. Home Services
GHC to the Health Care Financing Administra-
tion for reconsideration. Continuous care services per Enrollee in the
Enrollee's home when prescribed by a GHC
physician,as set forth in this paragraph.Con-
Section V. SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS tinuous care is defined as "skilled nursing
care provided in the home during a period of
All benefits and services listed in this Schedule of crisis in order to maintain the terminally ill
Benefits: patient at home." Continuous care may be
provided for pain or symptom management
• are subject to all provisions of this Agree- by a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical
ment and Medicare Endorsement; Nurse, or Home Health Aide under the su-
pervision of a Registered Nurse.Continuous
• must be approved in advance by GHC except care may be provided up to twenty-four(24)
for Emergency and Urgently Needed Ser- hours per day during periods of crisis. Con-
vices as set forth in Section V.D. of this tinuous care is covered only when a GHC
Medicare Endorsement; and physician determines that the Enrollee
otherwise would require hospitalization in
• must meet Medicare guidelines and limita- an acute care facility.
tions unless otherwise specified.
2. Inpatient Hospice Services for short-term
GHC covers all Medicare deductibles and coin- care shall be provided through a Medicare-
surance. The booklet, "The Medicare Handbook" certified Hospice Program when Medically
provides additional information about Medicare Necessary, and authorized in advance by a
benefits. GHC physician. Respite care is covered for
a maximum of five (5) consecutive days per
A. Skilled Nursing Facility.Upon Referral and fol- occurrence in order to continue care for the
lowing a Medicare-certified three(3)day hospital Enrollee in the temporary absence of the
stay,GHC will cover up to one hundred(100)days Enrollee's primary care-giver(s).
of care in a Skilled Nursing Facility,in accordance
with Medicare Guidelines, when Medically 3. Other hospice services may include the fol-
Necessary, as determined by GHC's Medical lowing:
Director,or his/her designee. a. drugs and biologicals that are used
B. Hospice. primarily for the relief of pain and
symptom management;
Enrollees with Part A and Part B of Medicare who
elect to receive Medicare-covered hospice ser- b. medical appliances and supplies pri-
vices may select any Medicare-certified hospice marily for the relief of pain and symp-
program. Enrollees who elect to receive services tom management;
from the GHC Hospice Program are entitled to
0369 Page 31
Z34
c. counseling services for the Enrollee charges when required to replace the natural
and his/her primary care-giver(s); and lens of the eye.Covered eyeglasses and con-
tact lenses must be dispensed through GHC
d. bereavement counseling services for Facilities. Replacements will be provided
the family. when needed due to change in the Enrollee's
medical condition or when deemed ap-
C. Mental Health Care, Alcoholism and Drug propriate by a GHC physician.
Abuse Treatment Services.
3. Blood, blood derivatives, and their ad-
1. Outpatient mental health, alcoholism and ministration.
substance abuse treatment services are
covered for each Enrollee in accordance 4. Maternity and pregnancy-related services,
with Medicare Guidelines. including visits before and after birth; in-
voluntary termination of pregnancy; and
2. Inpatient mental health care services are care for any other complication of pregnan-
covered in full up to a 190-day lifetime cy.
benefit when such services are provided in a
Medicare-certified mental health facility. 5. Organ transplants, limited to heart, kidney,
cornea,bone marrow,and liver,when estab-
Inpatient alcoholism and drug abuse treat- lished criteria are met.
ment services are covered in full when such
services are provided in a hospital-based 6. Physician calls (including consultations and
treatment center. second opinions by a GHC physician)in the
hospital, office, home, Skilled Nursing
3. Coverage for Medical Emergencies incident Facility, nursing home,or convalescent cen-
to alcoholism and drug abuse or for acute ter.
alcoholism or drug abuse, including acute
detoxification,is provided as set forth in Sec- 7. Restorative physical, occupational, and
tion V.D. of this Medicare Endorsement. speech therapy following illness, injury, or
D. Emergency/Urgently Needed Services. When an surgery.
Emergency meets the Medicare definition for 8. Immunizations and vaccinations that are
Emergency or Urgently Needed Services as listed as covered in the GHC Drug Formu-
defined in Section I. of this Medicare Endorse- lary (approved drug list) or approved by
ment,services are covered in full. Medicare.
E. Medicare Ambulance Benefit. Medically Neces- 9. Services related to dysfunction of the jaw.
sary ambulance transportation to or from a hospi- When Referred by a GHC physician,evalua-
tal or Skilled Nursing Facility is covered in full tion and treatment by a GHC-approved tem-
only if transportation by any other vehicle could poromandibular joint (TMJ)care provider.
endanger the patient's health and the ambulance,
equipment, and personnel meet Medicare re- All TMJ appliances,other than the occlusal
quirements. splint and its fitting, are excluded.
F. Medical and Surgical Care.The following medi- Treatment of jaw dysfunction, including
cal and surgical services are covered when TMJ dysfunction, will NOT be provided
prescribed by GHC Medical Personnel and when the dysfunction is related to maloc-
Medicare requirements are met: clusion or when TMJ services are needed
due to dental work performed.All such ser-
f. Eye examinations and treatment for eye vices and related hospitalization, including
pathology. orthodontic therapy and orthognathic (jaw)
surgery, are excluded regardless of origin or
2. One pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses, cause.
including examination and fitting, following
cataract surgery,are covered subject to UCR
0369 Page 32
Z34
(See Section X.B.12. of Group Medical b. provided by GHC Community Health
Coverage Agreement for Covered Services Services or by a GHC-approved agency;
not meeting Medicare Guidelines). and
10. Chiropractic care limited to spinal manipula- c. that the Enrollee has incurred no less
tions. Excluded are any other diagnostic or than the equivalent of$6,870.00 in ex-
therapeutic services, including x-rays, fur- penses for Medicare Part B Covered
nished by a chiropractor. Enrollees must Services during the calendar year in
receive all chiropractic services from GHC- which respite benefits are to be
designated licensed practitioners in order to provided.
be covered. A list of GHC-designated
licensed practitioners is available by contact- 2. Covered Services.Covered respite care Ber-
ing any GHC area medical center. vices are provided up to a maximum of eighty
(80) hours for the twelve(12)month period
11. Podiatric care. Excluded is treatment of flat following the date all eligibility requirements
feet or other misalignments of the feet; are met.Covered respite services are limited
removal of corns and calluses; and routine to the following:
foot care such as hygienic care,except in the
presence of a nonrelated medical condition a. Services of a homemaker or home
affecting the lower limbs. Enrollees who health aide;
receive their primary care in portions of the
GHC Service Area where GHC designated b. Personal care services; and
licensed practitioners are available must util- c. Nursing care provided by a licensed
ize GHC s designated providers in order to
professional nurse.
be covered.
12. Home intravenous (IV) drug therapy ser- "Chronically dependent persons" under this sec-
vices. tion means persons who live with a voluntary
care-giver;are dependent upon the care-giver for
G. Prosthetic Devices, such as cardiac devices, in- assistance with at least two activities of daily
traocular lenses, artificial joints, breast pros- living, such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting,
theses, artificial eyes, and braces, are covered. or transferring in and out of a bed or chair; and
Excluded are: orthopedic shoes unless they are who meet the eligibility requirements described
part of leg braces; dental plates or other dental above.
devices; and experimental devices.
H. Medical/Surgical Supplies,such as casts,splints, Section VI. EXCLUSIONS AND
post-surgical dressings, and ostomy supplies, are LIMITATIONS
covered.
1. Rental or Purchase of Durable Medical Equip- A. Exclusions.
ment, such as oxygen and oxygen equipment, 1. Investigational procedures, including medi-
wheelchairs and other walk-aids, and hospital cal and surgical services, drugs and devices
beds, is covered. until formally approved by Medicare unless
J. Respite Care. specifically provided herein (See Section
XI.A.10. in the Group Medical Coverage
1. Eligibility. Respite care is provided to Agreement).
chronically dependent persons for reason- 2. Supportive devices for the feet.
able and necessary in-home services,
provided that such services are: 3. Services directly related to obesity except as
a. authorized in advance by a GHC phys- provided by Medicare.
ician;
0369 Page 33
Z34
4. Services or supplies not specifically listed as providers other than Group Health Cooperative
covered by Medicare or GHC. should be sent to: Medicare Claims, Group Health
Cooperative of Puget Sound. If you must receive
B. Limitations. Emergency or Urgently Needed Services from a non-
Conditions and Extent of Coverage. EXCEPT GHC provider, be sure to show your GHC I.D. card
AS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS V.F.10. AND and your red,white, and blue Medicare card.
V.F.11., ALL SERVICES AND BENEFITS A. The Enrollee must file claims for services
UNDER THIS AGREEMENT MUST BE rendered during the first nine (9) months of a
PROVIDED BY GHC MEDICAL PERSON- calendar year by December 31 of the following
NEL AT A GHC OR GHC DESIGNATED calendar year.
FACILITY UNLESS:
1. the Enrollee has received a Referral from B. The Enrollee must file claims for services
GHC, including formal advance approval rendered in the last three(3)months of a calendar
through GHC's Medicare medical coverage year the same as if the services had been furnished
approval process,or in the subsequent calendar year.The time limit on
filing claims for services furnished in the last three
2. the Enrollee has received Emergency or Ur- (3) months of the calendar year is December 31
gently Needed Services as defined in Section of the second calendar year following the calen-
I. and as set forth in Section V.D. of this dar year in which the services were rendered.
Medicare Endorsement. See"The Medicare Handbook"for additional in-
formation regarding filing claims.
Section VII. CLAIMS PROCEDURE
GHC may obtain information which it deems
necessary concerning the medical care and
Claims for services or supplies and explanation of hospitalization for which payment is requested.
Medicare benefits for services or supplies from
0369 Page 34
Z34
Group
Health
Cooperative
of Puget Sound
Medicare
Endorsement
For Persons Covered by Part B only of Medicare
THE PROVISIONS OF THE GROUP MEDICAL EMERGENCY OR URGENTLY NEEDED SER-
COVERAGE AGREEMENT SHALL REMAIN IN VICES ACCORDING TO SECTION V.C. OF THIS
EFFECT EXCEPT AS MODIFIED BY THE ADDI- MEDICARE ENDORSEMENT.
TION OF THE PROVISIONS, EXCLUSIONS AND
LIMITATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS MEDICARE For those enrolled under GHC's Medicare plan,as set
ENDORSEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE forth in this Endorsement,all copayments are waived
BENEFITS UNDER THIS ENDORSEMENT except the prescription drug copayment.
DUPLICATE THE BENEFITS UNDER THE
GROUP MEDICAL COVERAGE AGREEMENT. This Endorsement does not constitute a Medicare
COVERAGE UNDER THE GROUP MEDICAL supplemental contract.
COVERAGE AGREEMENT IS INTEGRATED
WITH THE MEDICAL BENEFITS ESTABLISHED Section I. DEFINITIONS
BY TITLE 18 OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT AS
AMENDED, AND REFERRED TO AS "MEDI-
CUSTODIAL CARE: Care that is primarily for the
DESCRIBED IN THIS ENDORSEMENT APPLY purpose of meeting personal needs and could be
ONLY TO ENROLLEES WHO ARE COVERED provided by persons without professional skills or
UNDER PART B ONLY OF MEDICARE. training. Custodial Care includes help in walking,
bathing, dressing,eating, and taking medicine.
Except as defined by Federal Regulations, all Enrol- EMERGENCY SERVICES (Medicare defined):
lees entitled to,or eligible to purchase Medicare must Medicare Part B services that are rendered imme-
transfer to the GHC Medicare Plan upon such entitle- diately by an appropriate non-GHC provider Be-
ment or eligibility.A condition of enrollment under the cause of an injury or sudden illness, and for which
GHC Medicare Plan requires that an Enrollee be the time required to reach GHC or a GHC Desig-
continuously enrolled for medical (Part B) benefits nated Facility would risk permanent damage to the
available from the Social Security Administration,and Enrollee's health.
sign any papers that may be required by GHC or
Medicare. For additional information, the Enrollee HEALTH CARE FINANCING ADMINISTRATION
may refer to "The Medicare Handbook." (HCFA): The federal agency that administers the
NEITHER GHC NOR MEDICARE MAY PAY FOR Medicare program.
SERVICES PROVIDED AT NON-GHC FACILITIES MEDICARE: The federal health insurance program
UNLESS THE ENROLLEE HAS BEEN REFERRED for the aged and disabled.
BY GHC OR THE ENROLLEE HAS RECEIVED
0369 Page 35
Z34
MEDICARE GUIDELINES: Coverage rules and Section II. TERMINATION
policies established by the Health Care Financing
Administration (HCFA), a federal agency.
Enrollment under the GHC Medicare Plan for a
MEDICARE HANDBOOK (Titled The Medicare specific Enrollee, may be terminated in the cir-
Handbook"): A pamphlet published by the U.S. cumstances set forth below.
Department of Health and Human Services,Social
Until such time as an Enrollee's termination of en-
Security Administration, which provides an easy- rollment is effective,neither GHC nor Medicare shall
to-read explanation of Medicare benefits.
pay for services provided at non-GHC Facilities un-
PERMANENT MOVE: An uninterrupted absence of less the Enrollee has been referred by GHC or the
more than ninety (90) days from GHC's Service Enrollee has received Emergency or Urgently Needed
Area. Services according to Section V.C. of this Medicare
Endorsement.
REFERRAL:A written temporary referral agreement
authorized in advance by a GHC physician, and A. Termination of Specific Enrollees.
formally approved in advance through GHC's 1. Loss of Part B Medicare Entitlement.If the
Medicare medical coverage approval process,that Health Care Financing Administration
entitles an Enrollee to receive Covered Services (HCFA) advises GHC that an Enrollee's
from a specified non-GHC health care provider. entitlement to Medicare coverage no longer
Entitlement to such services shall not exceed the exists,or the Enrollee voluntarily terminates
limits of the Referral and is subject to all terms and Medicare Part B enrollment, enrollment
conditions of the Referral and this Agreement. under the GHC Medicare Plan shall ter-
minate
SERVICE AREA: The geographic area comprised of HCFA.the first of the month as specified by
King,Kitsap,Pierce,Skagit,Snohomish,Thurston,
and Whatcom Counties,and any other areas desig- 2. Change of Permanent Residence Outside
nated by GHC and approved by the Health Care GHC's Service Area.If an Enrollee makes a
Financing Administration. (See Service Area Permanent Move as set forth in Section I.of
Map.) this Medicare Endorsement, enrollment
shall terminate the first day of the month
URGENTLY NEEDED SERVICES (Medicare following the month in which GHC receives
defined):Medicare Part B services needed in order notification of such move.
to prevent a serious deterioration of the Enrollee's
health due to an unforeseen illness or injury while 3. For Cause. Enrollment may be terminated
temporarily absent from GHC's Service Area,and upon written notice for:
which cannot be delayed until the Enrollee returns a. Knowingly providing fraudulent infor-
to the Service Area. mation to obtain coverage. In such
USUAL, CUSTOMARY, AND REASONABLE: A event, GHC may rescind or cancel en-
term used to define the level of benefits which are rollment upon ten (10) working days'
written notice.
payable by GHC when expenses are incurred from
a non-GHC physician or provider. Expenses are b. Permitting the use of a GHC identifica-
considered Usual, Customary and Reasonable if tion card by another person.
(1) the charges are consistent with those normally
charged by the provider or organization for the C. Failure to comply with the rules and
same services or supplies; and (2) the charges are regulations of GHC including disrup-
within the general range of charges made by other tive, unruly, abusive or uncooperative
providers in the same geographical area for the conduct.
same services or supplies. Such termination shall be subject to review
and approval by HCFA.
0369 Page 36
Z34
Section III. SUBROGATION costs between GHC and the injured person subject to
a maximum responsibility of GHC equal to one-third
of the amount recovered on behalf of GHC.
"Injured person"under this section means an Enrollee
covered by this Agreement who sustains compensable This provision does not apply to occupationally in-
injury. "GHC's medical expense" means the expense curred disease,sickness, and/or injury.
incurred by GHC for the care or treatment of the injury
sustained.
Section IV. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
If the injured person was injured by an act or omission
of a third party giving rise to a claim of legal liability A. GHC Consumer Relations Program.
against the third party, GHC shall have the right to
recover its cost of providing benefits to the injured The Consumer Relations Program is designed to
person (subrogation) from the third party as set forth help an Enrollee resolve formal complaints and
in this Agreement and in compliance with Medicare concerns about medical and business service.
regulations and guidelines. GHC shall be subrogated GHC will record,research,and respond in a time-
to and may enforce all rights of the injured person to ly manner to an Enrollee's concern. A concern
the extent of its medical expense.After Medicare laws should be registered initially at the Enrollee's
and regulations mandating recovery of Medicare pay- area medical center.If not satisfied,the Enrollee
ments have been satisfied, the Cooperative's right of should then contact the regional Consumer Rela-
subrogation shall be limited to the excess of the tions Department, which will arrange for review
amount required to fully compensate the injured per- by appropriate medical staff,management and/or
son for the loss sustained. Full compensation shall be GHC consumers.
measured on an objective, case-by-case basis, but is B. Reconsideration of Claims.
subject to a presumption that a settlement which does
not exhaust the third party's reachable assets is full If GHC denies a request for payment of a claim,
compensation to the injured person. or declines to provide services which the Enrollee
believes should be provided,the Enrollee may file
The injured person and his or her agents must a request for reconsideration with GHC or a So-
cooperate fully with GHC in its efforts to collect cial Security Administration office. The request
GHC's medical expenses. This cooperation shall in- must be filed in writing within sixty (60) days of
clude,but is not limited to,supplying GHC with infor- GHC's written notice of denial unless an exten-
mation about any defendants and/or insurers related sion is specifically approved. If GHC does not
to the injured person's claim. The injured person and overturn the denial in full, it will be referred by
his or her agents shall permit GHC, at GHC's option, GHC to the Health Care Financing Administra-
to associate with the injured party or to intervene in tion for reconsideration.
any action filed against any third party. The injured
person and his or her agents shall do nothing to Section V. SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS
prejudice GHC's subrogation rights. The injured per-
son shall not settle a claim without protecting GHC's
interest. All benefits and services listed in this Schedule of
Benefits:
GHC shall not pay any attorney's fees or collection are subject to all provisions of this Agree-
costs to attorneys representing the injured person ment and Medicare Endorsement;
where it has retained its own legal counsel or acts on
its own behalf to represent its interests and unless • must be approved in advance by GHC except
there is a written fee agreement signed by GHC prior for Emergency and Urgently Needed Ser-
to any collection efforts. When reasonable collection vices as set forth in Section V.C. of this
costs have been incurred, with GHC's prior written Medicare Endorsement; and
agreement,to recover GHC's medical expenses,there
shall be an equitable apportionment of such collection
0369 Page 37
Z34
• must meet Medicare guidelines and limita- the temporary absence of the Enrollee's
tions unless otherwise specified. primary care-giver(s).
GHC covers all Medicare deductibles and coin- 3. Other hospice services may include the fol-
surance. The booklet, "The Medicare Handbook" lowing:
provides additional information about Medicare
benefits. a. drugs and biologicals that are used
primarily for the relief of pain and
A. Hospice. symptom management;
It is understood and agreed that the following b. medical appliances and supplies
fully sets forth Covered Services for an Enrollee primarily for the relief of pain and
with Part B Medicare only who elects to receive symptom management;
hospice services. Enrollees who elect to receive
hospice services do so in lieu of curative treat- c. counseling services for the Enrollee
ment for their terminal illness for the period that and his/her primary care-giver(s); and
they are in the hospice program. To receive d. bereavement counseling services for
hospice services,the Enrollee is required to sign the family.
the Hospice Election Form. y'
Covered Services. Hospice services may include B. Outpatient Mental Health Care,Alcoholism and
the following as prescribed by a GHC physician Drug Abuse Treatment Services are covered for
and rendered pursuant to an approved hospice each Enrollee in accordance with Medicare
plan of treatment: Guidelines.
1. Home Services C. Outpatient Emergency/Urgently Needed Ser-
vices. When an Emergency meets the Medicare
Continuous care services per Enrollee in the definition for Emergency or Urgently Needed
Enrollee's home when prescribed by a GHC Services as defined in Section I.of this Medicare
physician,as set forth in this paragraph.Con- Endorsement,services are covered in full.
tinuous care is defined as "skilled nursing D. Medicare Ambulance Benefit. Medically Neces-
care provided in the home during a period of sary ambulance transportation to or from a hospi-
crisis in order to maintain the terminally ill tal or Skilled Nursing Facilityis covered in full
patient at home." Continuous care may be only if transportation by any other vehicle could
provided for pain or symptom management endanger the patient's health and the ambulance,
by a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical equipment, and personnel meet Medicare re-
Nurse, or Home Health Aide under the su- quirements.
pervision of a Registered Nurse.Continuous
care may be provided up to twenty-four(24) E. Medical and Surgical Care.The following medi-
hours per day during periods of crisis. Con- cal and surgical services are covered when
tinuous care is covered only when a GHC prescribed by GHC Medical Personnel and
physician determines that the Enrollee Medicare requirements are met:
otherwise would require hospitalization in
an acute care facility. 1. Eye examinations and treatment for eye
2. Inpatient Hospice Services for short-term pathology.
care shall be provided in a facility designated 2. One pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses,
by GHC's Hospice Program when Medically including examination and fitting, following
Necessary and authorized in advance by a cataract surgery,are covered subject to UCR
GHC physician and GHC's Hospice Pro- charges when required to replace the natural
gram.Respite care is covered for a maximum lens of the eye.Covered eyeglasses and con-
of five (5) consecutive days per occurrence tact lenses must be dispensed through GHC
in order to continue care for the Enrollee in Facilities. Replacements will be provided
when needed due to change in the Enrollee's
0369 Page 38
Z34
medical condition or when deemed ap- therapeutic services, including x-rays, fur-
propriate by a GHC physician. nished by a chiropractor. Enrollees must
receive all chiropractic services from GHC-
3. Blood, blood derivatives, and their ad- designated licensed practitioners in order to
ministration. be covered. A list of GHC-designated
licensed practitioners is available by contact-
4. Maternity and pregnancy-related services, ing any GHC area medical center.
including visits before and after birth; in-
voluntary termination of pregnancy; and 11. Podiatric care. Excluded is treatment of flat
care for any other complication of pregnan- feet or other misalignments of the feet;
cy. removal of corns and calluses; and routine
foot care such as hygienic care,except in the
5. Organ transplants, limited to heart, kidney, presence of a nonrelated medical condition
cornea,bone marrow,and liver,when estab- affecting the lower limbs. Enrollees who
lished criteria are met. receive their primary care in portions of the
GHC Service Area where GHC designated
6. Physician calls (including consultations and licensed practitioners are available must util-
second opinions by a GHC physician)in the ize GHC's designated providers in order to
hospital, office, home, Skilled Nursing be covered.
Facility,nursing home,or convalescent cen-
ter. 12. Home intravenous (IV) drug therapy ser-
vices.
7. Restorative physical, occupational, and
speech therapy following illness, injury, or F. Prosthetic Devices, such as cardiac devices, in-
surgery. traocular lenses, artificial joints, breast pros-
8. Immunizations and vaccinations that are theses, artificial eyes, and braces, are covered.
Excluded are: orthopedic shoes unless they are
listed as covered in the GHC Drug For- part of leg braces; dental plates or other dental
mulary (approved drug list) or approved by devices; and experimental devices.
Medicare.
9. Services related to dysfunction of the jaw. G. Medical/Surgical Supplies,such as casts,splints,
Y J
When Referred by a GHC physician,evalua- post-surgical dressings, and ostomy supplies, are
covered,
tion and treatment by a GHC-approved tem-
poromandibular joint (TMJ)care provider. H. Rental or Purchase of Durable Medical Equip-
ment, such as oxygen and oxygen equipment,
All TMJ appliances,other than the occlusal wheelchairs and other walk-aids, and hospital
splint and its fitting, are excluded. beds, is covered.
Treatment of jaw dysfunction, including I. Respite Care.
TMJ dysfunction, will NOT be provided
when the dysfunction is related to maloc- L Eligibility. Respite care is provided to
clusion or when TMJ services are needed chronically dependent persons for
due to dental work performed.All such ser- reasonable and necessary in-home services,
vices and related hospitalization, including provided that such services are:
orthodontic therapy and orthognathic (jaw)
surgery, are excluded regardless of origin or a. authorized in advance by a GHC
cause. physician;
(See Section X.B.12 of the Group Medical b. provided by GHC Community Health
Coverage Agreement for Covered Services Services or by a GHC-approved agency;
not meeting Medicare Guidelines). and
10. Chiropractic care limited to spinal manipula- C. that the Enrollee has incurred no less
tions. Excluded are any other diagnostic or than the equivalent of$6,870.00 in ex-
0369 Page 39
Z34
penses for Medicare Part B Covered Conditions and Extent of Coverage. EXCEPT
Services during the calendar year in AS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS V.E.10. AND
which respite benefits are to be V.E.11., ALL SERVICES AND BENEFITS
provided. UNDER THIS AGREEMENT MUST BE
PROVIDED BY GHC MEDICAL PERSON-
2. Covered Services.Covered respite care ser- NEL AT A GHC OR GHC DESIGNATED
vices are provided up to a maximum of eighty FACILITY UNLESS:
(80) hours for the twelve(12)month period
following the date all eligibility requirements 1. the Enrollee has received a Referral from
are met.Covered respite services are limited GHC, including formal advance approval
to the following: through GHC's Medicare medical coverage
approval process,or
a. Services of a homemaker or home
health aide; 2. the Enrollee has received outpatient Emer-
gency or Urgently Needed Services as
b. Personal care services; and defined in Section I. and as set forth in Sec-
tion V.C.of this Medicare Endorsement.
c. Nursing care provided by a licensed
professional nurse.
Section VII. CLAIMS PROCEDURE
"Chronically dependent persons" under this sec-
tion means persons who live with a voluntary Claims for services or supplies and explanation of
care-giver;are dependent upon the care-giver for Medicare benefits for services or supplies from
assistance with at least two activities of daily providers other than Group Health Cooperative
living, such as eating,bathing, dressing, toileting,
or transferring in and out of a bed or chair; and should be sent to: Medicare Claims, Group Health
who meet the eligibility requirements described Cooperative of Puget Sound. If you must receive
above. Emergency or Urgently Needed Services from a non-
GHC provider, be sure to show your GHC I.D. card
Section VI. EXCLUSIONS AND and your red,white, and blue Medicare card.
LIMITATIONS A. The Enrollee must file claims for services
rendered during the first nine (9) months of a
A. Exclusions. calendar year by December 31 of the following
calendar year.
1. Investigational procedures, including medi- B. The Enrollee must file claims for services
cal and surgical services, drugs and devices rendered in the last three(3)months of a calendar
until formally approved by Medicare unless year the same as if the services had been furnished
specifically provided herein (See Section in the subsequent calendar year.The time limit on
XI.A.10. in the Group Medical Coverage filing claims for services furnished in the last three
Agreement). (3) months of the calendar year is December 31
2. Supportive devices for the feet. of the second calendar year following the calen-
dar year in which the services were rendered.
3. Services directly related to obesity except as See"The Medicare Handbook"for additional in-
provided by Medicare. formation regarding filing claims.
4. Services or supplies not specifically listed as GHC may obtain information which it deems
covered by Medicare or GHC. necessary concerning the medical care and
B. Limitations. hospitalization for which payment is requested.
0369 Page 40
Z34
ALLOWANCES DEDUCTIBLES, COPAYMENTS,AND FEES SCHEDULE
The following Allowances, Deductibles, Copayments and Fees are subject to all provisions, limitations, and
exclusions set forth in the Group Medical Coverage Agreement.
BENEFIT ALLOWANCES/DEDUCTIBLES/COPAYMENTS/FEES
Stop
Total out-of-pocket Copayment expenses for Limited to an aggregate maximum of$750 per
Emergency care at a GHC or GHC Designated Enrollee and$1,500 per family per calendar year
Facility
Mental Health Care
• Outpatient Services First ten (10)visits at GHC covered in full; ten
(10) additional visits covered at 50% per
calendar year; no coverage after twenty(20)
visits per calendar year.
• Inpatient Services Coverage allowance up to 7 days at 80% per
Enrollee per calendar year at a GHC-approved
mental health care facility when authorized in
advance by GHC.
Total expenses and Coinsurance paid for mental
health treatment do not apply to Stop Loss.
Chemical Dependency Treatment
• Benefit Period Allowance $5,000 maximum per Enrollee per any 24
consecutive calendar month period for
outpatient and inpatient services combined
• Lifetime Maximum Benefit $10,000 per Enrollee
Emergency Care
• At a GHC or GHC Designated Facility $25 Copayment per Emergency visit per
Enrollee. Copayment is waived if Enrollee is
admitted directly from the Emergency
department.
0369 Page 41
Z34
• At a non-GHC Designated Facility $100 Deductible per Emergency visit per
Enrollee. Emergency Deductible does not apply
to Stop Loss.
Ambulance Services
$1,000 Allowance per Emergency transport per Enrollee
• To a GHC or GHC Designated Facility No Copayment
• To a non-GHC Designated Facility $50 Deductible per Emergency transport per
Enrollee.Ambulance Deductible does not apply
to Stop Loss.
Additional$1,000 transfer Allowance per Enrollee
• Transfer to a GHC or GHC Designated No Copayment
Facility
Rehabilitation Services
• Inpatient physical, occupational and Covered up to 60 days per condition per
restorative speech therapy services calendar year
combined, including services for
neurodevelopmentally disabled children
age six(6) and under, plus associated
hospital services for the purpose of
rehabilitation
• Outpatient physical,occupational and Covered up to 60 visits per condition per
restorative speech therapy services calendar year
combined, including services for
neurodevelopmentally disabled children
age six(6) and under
Orthopedic Appliances
Orthopedic appliances when prescribed by a Covered Services are subject to a 50%
GHC physician and listed as covered in the Coinsurance. Coinsurance amount does not
Orthopedic Appliance Formulary apply to Stop Loss.
0369 Page 42
Z34
Nasal CPAP Device
Nasal CPAP device,when Medically Necessary Covered Services are subject to a 50%
and authorized in advance by GHC Coinsurance. Coinsurance amount does not
apply to Stop Loss.
Post-Mastectomy Bras Covered Services are subject to a 50%
Coinsurance. Coinsurance amount does not
apply to Stop Loss.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMI) Services
Inpatient and outpatient TMJ services when $1,000 maximum per Enrollee per calendar year
Medically Necessary and authorized by GHC
Lifetime Maximum Benefit $5,000 per Enrollee
Smoking Cessation
• Individual/Group Sessions Covered at 50% of the total charges.
Coinsurance amount does not apply to Stop
Loss.
• Nicotine replacement therapy Covered when provided at GHC facilities and
prescribed by a GHC physician.
Skilled Nursing Facility
Care in a GHC-approved skilled nursing facility Coverage allowance up to thirty(30)days per
condition per Enrollee
0369 Page 43
Z34
PA-754-Basic Agreement
CA-174-Medicare A& B
CA-175 -Medicare B Only
PA-1117-Service Area Map
CA-7-ER Copay
CA-66-M&A
CA-18-Pec(0)
CA-210-Inpt MH-O
CA-61 -SN-A
0369 Page 44
Z34
Health
Cooperative Dues Schedule
of Puget Sound
For attachment to Group Medical Coverage Agreement with:
CITY OF KENT GROUP # 0369
This schedule reflects Group Health Cooperative monthly dues effective January 1, 1994
and guaranteed to January 1, 1995.
MONTHLY HEALTH CARE DUES
Subscriberonly.......................................................................................... $160.94 per month
Subscriber and spouse.............................................................................. $360.09 per month
Subscriber and child(ren)........................................................................... $324.58 per month
Subscriber and family................................................................................. $515.50 per month
Spouseonly ............................................................................. $199.15 per month
) Y
Child ren only ........................................................... $163.64 per month
( .................................Spouse and children................................................................................. $354.56 per month
COPAYMENT PROVISION
The following copayments apply to this plan. See Group Medical Coverage Agreement for
benefit details.
$0 Outpatient/Office Visit
$0 Outpatient Prescription Drugs
$25 Emergency Room
0 Month Pre-existing Condition
BILLING INFORMATION
Dues must be remitted on a calendar month basis on or before the first day of the coverage
month for which they become payable. Each remittance must be accompanied by a list of
subscribers for whom such dues are paid.
9.0 percent (9%) of each month's medical dues for each member and each family enrollee, as
scheduled above, is the budgeted prepayment for cost of all pharmaceuticals and prescriptions
to be dispersed on written orders of the Group Health Cooperative Medical Staff for the next
fiscal year under coverage of your medical coverage agreement.
Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound does not discriminate on the basis of physical or
mental handicaps in its employment practices or services.
BILLING INFORMATION, Continued
Regardless of the effective date of enrollment for a Subscriber and Family
Dependents, the Group will not be required to submit dues to the Cooperative
for the month of enrollment, and these Enrollees will appear on the subsequent
month's billing at the regular charge. When the Subscriber's enrollment
terminates, the group will submit the full amount of dues to the Cooperative
regardless of the specific date of termination for that month.
WashD
hIeHIV1
Cooperative
Group Health Service AreaK�
o, s
,L:♦
................
Legend
\ as
`�va.',\�`'•,,,�-. .`•�..\� \`\.\\r,+:�•�\\\\�4\\'�+.@,>�v'�'\�\fit\\\,:�.�i
'•?'��.. Y•. .T+., \.T,.Y.,±`�ui\\�;���.;.1'yy`\\,1�r`„ ,T,'4�J`:\:A;:p;:
}
Ewa} 'td\,`,k�...,� "t�.�`.�`�5::�}},L�}a�::.�;}+.•?\,++\\\`,`�•<:�\,�4 \"•`.�•.`,�'%
Medical Centers ':K
\•:{\'a}, � ,.: �^„ ,�•.: �: �:,,� \��:.•'R\.' \v,
Specialty Center
* Hospitals
a.
:ik}:•;:�:-:k:-:k;:Y.>::<�i.}::;y;:... � Designated Facilities
Dotted lines show only �,�:.... } tea' ,t, a..:T} ;.. ,�a�:',\\' �•
county boundaries,NOT a.. '\� 4 "a „�,�\7�,i`:`}.?•x\\:V ..:,�:"`t-z,A\,v
,..•
service area.The service ,�: -. ,,. ��,..,`;•,,.,,.+. �....,��-.
5.:::i:;'[k:Y:.x+.>t{}:-:�x#�:a:?s#T,'�,: :..u:::::,�.::k•��::: i,'y+�,'�.�c\il�..:..
area lies INSIDE solid lines.
`h`E> njYii v;iY.-<.\'�•'� ,T\ `•�+\,Yt\4l.`, \ \
only.
'„?`'•L:\:�':24,:v:�'}',::\:Y:{::M1t'Y}:::n;}tiL:Y}:{:L;'\ia \ �.^s a
a
4
*'t#'+;'�o:i :�:;:.a \,Y:+,t•,`').?,. .�;" :?SlYn�.`a: ....an....n Y}
':EEo#Y{:Y:..::�';:�`:'',�T'.`'A',' .T�•�••�C.,.. a�. ':\+Yr""t4v-.i{;{X:}av}%�;•:�a;,v
5
ti
,.:..:.. :,-,•.;,,:..:\.v.,-.-oaf
�nL
+::::}:iii .T-.4*. }\.. '\. :qa:> .4 FC-0 L}lsv,: '.+t4,`- ,,,4}.T'\VT .•v:3:+tv 'ik:;r::h '.:• \
M,in}:;;+.R S:LMM:T:
{kv,RY:;{>{::.{}:L.::.,,,.. .......i..'4R'ti'.. '\,'�•.::ivL..v YY, .. -.:k, � \4 C�4�#�- �}... v\?.:9:}:....�: ..
...5.,. nUi}}•;a':M1.\-.l•V,., Zv+, 1. - :: �y... iTiti:;;;.h'\vv vT: :},..v +t `'\:
:r?:;•:a;:;::,;:::••:...:.:};:Y.�:�;e?o�i,!.2Ry...;. :? .4:- ,$4 ...a`';.•? "'`t' N;r: :,ti..'' •: .:.{.:•;,,q:` }'�•'.T,\}. '.\.
.,-:T•:;:T..Y-:�:;:. kh .'Yta. .a,�•?.} ;}\•�.'+,} :g::5#:•{• Vic:
;;c;xaY:;•?:::: fi.w3•.„Y T ::.}.%::;> ? aY:+'...T,;t{�:,^x.#E-T•tiY:
,::.?}::.:�„•:» -:;.SRa ::La, �:ti#7.C,: +l}k. @:7E" "L•;:'.Y:• '\; ;:�.., ��.
go
>?: •o`,,+.`?j\ ::•`:e:Ft`,s::: ":;•;�G .:k ti• }1 .Z,:SiGC•i+"\a. .:�`;•., a,`:
gg
W.
CaF:
a
%
s,
S.
YM1.
Area of Detail
9liealth
►► COOp@��IVG
Facilities �►
Group Health Medical Northshore Medical Center Snohomish County Group Health
11913 N.E. 195th St. New Medical Center to open Designated
and Specialty Centers Bothell,WA 98011
(206)489 3100 July 1994: Facilities
Kin Count Group Health Everett Medical Center
g y 2930 Maple St.
Burien Medical Center Rainier Medical Center Everett,WA 98201 Anacortes
140 S.W. 146th St. 5316 Rainier Ave.S. Island Hospital
Seattle,WA 98166 Seattle, - Everett Medical Center 1211 24th St.
(206)433-2900 (206)7215600 14 E.Casino Rd. Anacortes,WA 98221
Renton Medical Center Everett,WA 98208 (206)293-3181
Capitol Hill Family Health Center 275 Bronson Way N.E. (206)347-7800
122 16th Ave.E. (Relocating to new Medical Center Bellingham
Seattle,WA 98112 Renton,WA 98056 July 1994)
(206)235'2800 St.Joseph Hospital
(206)326-3454
2901 Squalicum Parkway
University Medical Center Lynnwood Medical Center Bellingham,WA 98225
The Care Center at Kelsey Creek 4225 Roosevelt Way N.E., 20200 Lynnwood,
Ave.W. (206)734-5400
fourth floor
2210 132nd Ave.S.E. Lynnwood,WA 98036
Bellevue,WA 98005 Seattle,W 98105 (206)672.6822 St.Joseph Hospital
S A
(206)957-2400 206)634 98 South Campus
North Everett Satellite 809 E.Chestnut St.
Central Medical Center South 1410 Broadway Bellingham,WA 98225
125 16th Ave.E. Kitsap County Everett,WA 98201 (206)734-8300
Seattle,WA 98112 Bainbridge Island Medical Center (206)388-4000
(206)326.3000 621 High School Rd.N.W. (Relocating to new Medical Center Bremerton
Bainbridge Island,WA 98110 July 1994) Harrison Memorial Hospital
Downtown Seattle Medical Center (206)842-9911 2520 Cherry Ave.
Medical-Dental Bldg.,ninth floor Bremerton,WA 98310
509 Olive Way Port Orchard Medical Center OB/GYN and Women's
Seattle,WA 98101ealthcare Services (206)3773911
t Pottery AveAvc. 1330 Rockefeller,Suite 120
(206)223-2611 Port
Orchard,WA 98366 Everett
(206)895-5000 Everett,WA 98201
Eastsidc Primary Care Center (206)3884050 Providence General Medical Center
2701 156th Ave.N.E. Port Orchard Medical 916 Pacific
Redmond,WA 98052 Center—Tremont Thurston County Everett,WA 98201
(206)883-5151 1400 Pottery Ave. Olympia Medical Center (206)258-7123
Port Orchard,WA 98366 700 N.Lilly Rd. Mount Vernon
Eastside Specialty Center (206)895-5000 Olympia,WA 98506
2700 152nd Ave.N.E. (206)456-1700 Skagit Valley Hospital
Redmond,WA 98052 - 1415 E.Kincaid
Group Health Medical
(206)883-5151 Center—Silverdale West Olympia Medical Center Mount Vernon,WA 98273
10452 Silverdale Way N.W. 3030 Limited Lane N.W. (206)424-4111
Factoria Medical Center Silverdale,WA 98383 Olympia,WA 98502
13451 S.E.36th St. (206)692-3880 (206)352-5200 Olympia
Bellevue,WA 98006
(206)562-1330 St.Peter Hospital
Pierce County 413 N.Lilly Rd.
Family Practice Residency Tacoma Medical Center Group Health Olympia,WA 98506
200 15th Ave.E. 1112 S.Cushman Hospitals (206)491-9480
Seattle,WA 98112 Tacoma,WA 98405 Sedro Woolley
(206)326-3580 (206)383-7801 King County
Central Hospital United General Hospital
Federal Way Medical Center Tacoma South Medical Center 1971 Hospital Drive
301 S.320th St. 9505 S.Steelc St. 200 15th Ave.E. Sedro Woolley,WA 98284
Federal Way,WA 98003 Tacoma,WA 98444 Seattle,WA 98112 (206)856,6021
(206)874-7000(King Co.) (206)597-6800 (206)320-3000
(206)927-7511(Pierce Co.) Tacoma
Tacoma Specialty tal Center Eastsidc Hospital
2700 152nd Ave.N.E. Mary Bridge Children's Hospital
Madrona Medical Center 209 Martin Luther King Jr.Way Redmond,WA 98052 317 Martin Luther King Jr.Way
1403 34th Ave. Tacoma,WA 98405 (206)883-5151 Tacoma,WA 98405
Seattle,WA 98122 (206)596-3300 (206)594-1404
(206)720-6000
Tacoma Avenue Pierce County Tacoma General Hospital
Northgatc Medical Center Primary Care Center Group Health Inpatient Center 315 Martin Luther King Jr.Way
9800 4th Ave.N.E. 124th Tacoma Ave.S. at Tacoma General Hospital Tacoma,WA 98405
Seattle,WA 98115 Tacoma,WA 98402 315 Martin Luther King Jr.Way (206)594-1000
(206)527-7100 (206)383.6125 Tacoma,WA 98405
(206)594-1335 Vashon
Vashon Health Center
Sunrise Ridge Center
10030 S.W.210th St.
Vashon,WA 98070
(206)463-3671
GS.9581(4B4)
®Printed an recycled peak