HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAG1988-0038 - Original - Group Health Cooperative - Group Medical Coverage Agreement - 01/01/1988 Group
Health ,
Cooperative
of Puget Sound
GROUP MEDICAL COVERAGE
AGREEMENT
Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound (also GROUP HEALTH COOPERATIVE OF PUGET SOUND
referred to as "GHC" or the "Cooperative") is a •
non-profit health maintenance organization furnishing By ""`�►•.
health care primarily on a prepayment basis. As a
direct service provider, the Cooperative is dedicated Title Vice-President,Health Plan and Insurance Services
to providing to its Enrollees quality health care,
including preventive medical services. GROUP CITY OF KENT
This Agreement states the terms of enrollment, #0369
payment, and coverage under which a Group may
secure GHC health benefits. The Schedule of B
Benefits lists the benefits to which those enrolled y
under this Agreement are entitled. Words with Title c lD �.rr l 1�/�L� l�W12�-4,74,special meaning are capitalized. They are defined in
Section I.
ENROLLEES ARE ENTITLED TO COVERED
SERVICES ONLY AT GHC FACILITIES, UNLESS
THE ENROLLEE HAS BEEN REFERRED BY A
GHC PHYSICIAN OR HAS RECEIVED EMER- This Agreement will become effective 01 L0,1/88
GENCY SERVICES ACCORDING TO SECTION X.I. and will continue in effect until terminated as herein
ded for.
OF THE SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS. provi
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GROUP MEDICAL COVERAGE
AGREEMENT
Table of Contents
I. Definitions
II. Dues and Fees
III. Termination
IV. 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
List of Attachments
1. Dues and Fees Schedule
2. Service Area Map
3. Coordination of Benefits Contract Attachment
4. Medicare High Option Endorsement
5. Medicare Standard Option Endorsement
6. Continuation Coverage, Conversion, and
Transfer Contract Endorsement
7. Emergency Department Copayment Contract Endorsement
8. Maternity Care Contract Endorsement
9. Pre-existing Conditions Contract Endorsement
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Section I. DEFINITIONS Map.) Designated Facilities may be changed by
GHC upon appropriate notice.
AGREEMENT: This Medical Coverage Agreement,
including the Schedule of Benefits, Enrollment GHC FACILITY: A hospital or medical center
and Eligibility Schedule, Dues and Fees owned and operated by Group Health Coopera-
Schedule, Coordination of Benefits Attachment, tive of Puget Sound. (See Service Area Map.)
Service Area Map, and any applicable
endorsements. - GHC MEDICARE PLAN: A plan of coverage for
persrns enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital
ALLOWANCE: The maximum amount payable by insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), or
GHC for certain Covered Services under this Part B only.
Agreement, as set forth in the Dues and Fees
Schedule. GROUP: An employer, union, welfare trust, or
association which has entered into a Group
COVERED SERVICES: The services and benefits Medical Cover.-e Agreement with GHC.
to which an Enrollee is entitled under this
Agreement. HOSPITAL CARE: Those Medically Necessary
services generally provided by acute general
DEDUCTIBLE: A specific maximum amount paid hospitals for admitted patients which a GHC
by an Enrollee for certain Covered Services physician has prescribed, directed, or authorized.
before benefits are payable under this Agree- Hospital care does not include convalescent or
ment. The applicable Deductible amounts are custodial care which can, in the opinion of the
set forth in the Dues and Fees Schedule. GHC physician, be provided by a nursing home
or convalescent care center.
DIRECTORY OF SERVICES: A fee-for-service
schedule adopted by GHC, setting forth the fees MEDICAL PERSONNEL: The Medical Staff, Clinic
for medical and hospital services not covered by Associate Staff, and Allied Health Professionals
a GHC prepayment agreement. employed by GHC, and any other health care
professional with whom GHC has entered into a
EMERGENCY: The sudden, unexpected onset of a formal legal arrangement.
medical condition that, in the reasonable opinion
of the Enrollee or person assuming respon- MEDICALLY NECESSARY: Required for the
sibility for transporting the Enrollee, is of such a diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury, as
nature that failure to render immediate care by a determined by a GHC physician, and consistent
licensed medical provider would place the with professionally recognized standards of
Enrollee's life in danger, or cause serious health care.
impairment to the Enrollee's health.
MEDICARE: The federal health insurance program
ENROLLEE: Any Subscriber or Family Dependent for the aged and disabled.
covered by this Agreement.
OPEN ENROLLMENT: An annual period, specified
FAMILY DEPENDENT: Any member of a Sub- by the Group and GHC, during which an eligible
scriber's family who meets all applicable person may apply for coverage.
eligibility requirements, is enrolled hereunder,
and for whom the dues prescribed in the Dues PRE-EXISTING CONDITION: A condition for
and Fees Schedule have been paid. which there has been diagnosis, treatment
(including prescribed drugs), or medical advice
FAMILY UNIT: A Subscriber and all his/her Family within the twelve (12) month period prior to the
Dependents. effective date of coverage, or a condition for
which symptoms existed within the twelve (12)
GHC DESIGNATED FACILITY: A facility, not month period prior to the date of coverage and
including a GHC Facility, which the GHC Board for which a prudent person would have or-
of Trustees has specified to provide health care dinarily sought treatment.
services to its Enrollees. (See Service Area
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REFERRAL: A prior written authorization by a B. Subscriber's Liability. The Subscriber is liable
GHC physician, approved by GHC, which for payment to the Group of his/her contribution
entitles an Enrollee to receive Covered Services toward the monthly dues, if any, and payment to
from a specified non-GHC health care provider. the Cooperative of any fees charged for non-
Entitlement to such services shall not exceed the Covered Services provided to the Subscriber and
limits of the Referral and is subject to all terms his/her Family Dependents.
and conditions of this Agreement.
C. Self-Payments During a Strike, Lock-Out, or
SERVICE AREA: King, Kitsap, Pierce, Skagit, Other Labor Dispute. In the event of suspen-
Snohomish, Thurston, and Whatcom Counties, sion or termination of employee compensation
and any other areas designated by GHC. (See due to a strike, lock-out, or other labor dispute, a
Service Area Map.) Subscriber may continue uninterrupted coverage
under this Agreement through payment of
SKILLED HOME HEALTH CARE. Reasonable monthly dues directly to the Group. Coverage
and necessary care for tl-e treatment of an illness may be continued for the lesser of the term of
or injury which requires the skill of a nurse or the strike, lock-out, or other labor dispute, or for
therapist, based on the complexity of the service six (6) months after the cessation of work.
and the condition of the patient, and which is
If the Group Agreement is no longer available,
performed directly by an appropriately licensed the Subscriber shall have the opportunity to
professional provider. apply for individual Group Conversion or, if
SUBSCRIBER: A person who meets all applicable applicable, continuation coverage (see Section
IV.), or an Individual and Family Medical
eligibility requirements, is enrolled hereunder, Coverage Agreement at the duly approved rates.
and for whom the dues specified in the Dues and
Fees Schedule have been paid. THE GROUP IS RESPONSIBLE FOR IM-
MEDIATELY NOTIFYING EACH AFFECTED
URGENT CONDITION: The sudden, unexpected SUBSCRIBER OF HIS/HER RIGHTS OF
onset of a medical condition that is of sufficient SELF-PAYMENT UNDER THIS PROVISION.
severity to require medical treatment within
twenty-four (24) hours of its onset. Section III. TERMINATION
USUAL, CUSTOMARY, AND REASONABLE: A A. Termination of Entire Agreement. This
term used to define the level of benefits which Agreement may be terminated in the following
are payable by GHC when expenses are incurred circumstances:
from a non-GHC physician or provider. Ex-
penses are considered Usual, Customary, and 1. Termination on Notice. Either GHC or the
Reasonable if (1) the charges are consistent with Group may terminate this Agreement by
those normally charged by the provider or giving thirty (30) days written notice to the
organization for the same services or supplies; other.
and (2) the charges are within the general range 2. Non-Payment. Failure to make any monthly
of charges made by other providers in the same dues payment in accordance with Section
geographical area for the same services or II.A. shall result in termination of this
supplies. Agreement as of the due date.
Section II. DUES AND FEES B. Termination of Specific Enrollees. This
A. Monthly Dues Payments. The Group shall Agreement may be terminated as to a specific
submit to GHC for each Enrollee the monthly Enrollee for any of the following reasons:
dues set forth in the current Dues and Fees 1. Loss of Eligibility. If an Enrollee no longer
Schedule and a verification of enrollment, on or meets the applicable eligibility requirements
before the due date, subject to a grace period of
ten (10) days. Dues are subject to change by set forth in Section IX.B., coverage under
GHC upon thirty (30) days written notice. this Agreement shall terminate at the end of
the month during which loss of eligibility
occurs.
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2. For Cause. Coverage of an Enrollee may be following termination under this Agreement.
terminated upon written notice for: Coverage under the GHC Group Conversion
Plan is subject to all terms and conditions of
a. Non-payment of dues for a specific such plan, including dues payment. A
Enrollee by the Group. physical examination or statement of health
b. Material misrepresentation or fraud in is not required for enrollment in the Group
obtaining coverage for an Enrollee or
Conversion Plan.
non-Enrbllee. B. Persons Entitled to, or Eligible to Purchase
c. Permitting the use of a GHC identifica- McAcare. Except as defined by federal regula-
tion card by another person, or using tions, all Enrollees entitled to, or eligible to
another person's identification card to purchase Medicare must transfer to the GHC
obtain care to which one is not entitled. Medicare Plan upon such entitlement or
d. Failure to comply with the rules and eligibility. A condition of coverage under the
regulations of the Cooperative. GHC Medicare Plan requires that an Enrollee be
continuously fully qualified and enrolled for the
C. Persons Hospitalized on the Date or Termina- hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) benefits,
tion. An Enrollee who is a registered bed or Part B only, available from the Social
patient receiving Covered Services in a GHC Security Administration, and sign any papers
Facility or GHC Designated Facility on the date that may be required by GHC or Medicare. All
of termination shall continue to be eligible for applicable provisions of the GHC Medicare Plan
Covered Services for the condition for which the are fully set forth in the Medicare En-
Enrollee was hospitalized, until discharge from dorsement(s) attached to this Agreement.
the facility. This continued coverage will also
apply to an Enrollee hospitalized in a non-GHC C. Persons Age Sixty-five (65) or Older Who Are
Designated Facility as a result of an Emergency Not Entitled to, or Eligible to Purchase
or Referral as set forth in Section XI.B.1. Medicare. Upon reaching age sixty-five (65), if
not entitled to, or eligible to purchase Medicare,
D. Services Provided after Termination. Any Enrollees may continue coverage under this
services provided by GHC after the effective Agreement upon payment of the applicable dues
date of termination (except those services as set forth in the Dues and Fees Schedule.
covered under Section III.C.) shall be charged Section V. COORDINATION OF BENEFITS
according to the Directory of Services. The
Subscriber shall be liable for payment of all such Benefits provided under this Agreement do not
charges for services provided to the Subscriber duplicate other coverage for medical care or treat-
and all Family Dependents. ment. If an Enrollee is entitled to receive benefits or
Section IV. CONVERSION AND TRANSFER services for medical care or treatment under another
group or governmental plan, GHC may recover the
A. GHC Group Conversion Plan. reasonable cash value of services provided under this
Agreement so that benefits and services under all
1. Eligibility. Any Subscriber or Family Plans do not exceed one hundred percent (100%).
Dependent eighteen (18) years of age or
older is entitled to convert to GHC's Group This provision is fully set forth in the attach-
ment to this Agreement titled "Coordination of
Conversion Plan if his/her coverage under
Benefits."
this Agreement is terminated for any reason
other than non-payment or cause. (See
Section VI. SUBROGATION
Section III.B.2.) Following termination of
marriage or death of the Subscriber, all
F "Injured person" under this section means an
Family Dependents are entitled to make such
Enrollee covered by this Agreement who sustains
a conversion.
compensable injury. Cooperatives medical ex-
2. Application. Application for conversion pense" means the expense incurred by the Cooperative
must be made within thirty-one (31) days for the care or treatment of the injury sustained.
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If the injured person was injured by an act or Section VII. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
omission of a third party giving rise to a claim of
legal liability against the third party, the Cooperative The Consumer Relations Program is designed to
shall have the right to recover its cost of providing help an Enrollee resolve formal complaints and
benefits to the injured person (subrogation) from the concerns about medical and business service. GHC
third party. The Cooperative shall be subrogated to will record, research, and respond in a timely manner
and may enforce all rights of the injured person to the to an Enrollee's concern. A concern should initially
extent of its medical expense. The Cooperative's be registered at the Enro'lee's area medical center. If
riglit of subrogation shall be limited to the excess of not satisfied, the Enrolee should then contact the
the amount required to fully r ompensate the injured regional Consumer Relations Department, which will
person for the loss sustained. Full compensation shall arrange for review by appropriate Medical Staff,
be measured on an objective, case-by-case basis, but management, and/or GHC consumers.
is subject to a presumption that a settlement which
does not exhaust the third party's reachable assets is Section VIII. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
full compensation to the injured person.
The injured person, or the injured person's A. Dissemination of Information. The Group is
representative, must cooperate fully with GHC and responsible for disseminating to Subscribers
GHC's legal counsel in effecting collection from written information concerning this Agreement
persons causing the injury. If an injured party settles which is provided by the Cooperative.
a claim without protecting the Cooperative's interest,
the injured person's rights to full compensation may B. Identification Cards. The Cooperative will
be lost. furnish cards, for identification only, to all
persons enrolled under this Agreement.
Except in cases where GHC has retained its own
legal counsel, when reasonable collection costs C. Administration of Agreement. GHC may adopt
including legal fees have been incurred to recover the reasonable policies and procedures to help in the
Cooperative's medical expense, whether incurred in administration of this Agreement.
an action for damages or otherwise, and where there is
recovery in the Cooperative's behalf, there shall be an D. Modification of Agreement. This Agreement
equitable apportionment of such collection costs may be modified by GHC upon thirty (30) days
between the Cooperative and the injured person or written notice.
Enrollee subject to a limit for GHC of one-third of the
amount GHC recovers. GHC shall not pay such
collection costs where GHC has retained its own legal Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound does not
counsel to represent its own interests. This provision discriminate on the basis of physical or mental
does not apply to occupationally incurred disease, handicaps in its employment practices and services.
sickness, and/or injury. (See Section XI.A.8.)
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Section IX. ENROLLMENT AND ELIGIBILITY c. Open Enrollment. A person not en-
SCHEDULE rolled as a Subscriber or Family
Dependent when newly eligible, as
A. Enrollment described above, may make written
1. Application for Enrollment. Application application during the Group's Open
for enrollment shall be made on an ap- Enrollment period.
plication form furnished or approved by 2. Limitation on Enrollment. This Agree-
GHC. No person shall be enrolled or ment will be open for application as set
dues accepted until this completed ap- forth in Section IX.A.1. GHC may
plication has been received by GHC. limit enrollment, establish quotas, or
The Group is responsible for submitting set priorities for acceptance of new ap-
completed application forms to GHC. plications if it determines that its capa-
a. Newly Eligible Persons. Newly eli- city, in relation to its total enrollment,
gible Subscribers may make written is not adequate to provide services to
application for enrollment to the additional persons.
Group within thirty-one (31) days of 3. Effective Date of Enrollment.
eligibility. If the Subscriber wishes a. Provided application is made as set
to enroll his/her eligible Depend- forth in Section IX.A.l.a. (above),
ents, application must be made dur- enrollment for a newly eligible Sub-
ing this same thirty-one (31) day scriber and listed Dependents will
period. begin on the date of hire.
Written application for enroll- Enrollment for newly depend-
ment for a newly acquired Depend- ent persons, other than newborns
ent other than a newborn or and adopted children, will begin on
adopted child must be made to the the first of the month following ap-
Group within thirty-one (31) days plication.
after the dependency occurs. Provided newborns are enrolled
A Subscriber who, subsequent as specified in Section IX.A.l.a.
to his/her enrollment, wishes to en- (above), enrollment is effective
roll a newborn child must make from the date of birth.
written application to the Group A newborn is defined as a child
within sixty (60) days of the child's who is not older than four (4)
birthdate. Adopted children must weeks.
be enrolled within sixty (60) days For adopted children, enroll-
from the day that the child is phys- ment is effective from the date
ically placed with the Subscriber that the adopted child is physically
for the purpose of adoption and the placed with the Subscriber for the
Subscriber assumes financial re- purposes of adoption and the Sub-
sponsibility for the medical ex- scriber has assumed financial re-
penses of the child. sponsibility for the medical ex-
b. If the spouse of a GHC Subscriber penses of the child.
loses eligibility under a group med- b. Persons Hospitalized on Effective
ical plan provided by his/her em- Date. If a person is confined in a
ployer, the spouse and any eligible hospital on the date enrollment
Dependents listed on the spouse's would otherwise become effective,
insurance may be added to the GHC enrollment for the person(s) hospi-
Subscriber's plan. Enrollment must talized will not begin until dis-
be continuous between plans and charge from the facility.
application must be made prior to, 4. Effective Date of Services and Benefits.
or at the same time as, termination Services provided to Enrollees are sub-
of previous enrollment. ject to all terms and conditions of this
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Agreement including the requirement birthday if:
that all services must be received at a i. The Dependent is a full-time
GHC or GHC Designated Facility under registered student at an ac-
the medical management of a GHC credited secondary school, col-
physician unless the Enrollee has been lege, or university and under
referred by a GHC physician or has re- the age of twenty-three (23);
ceived Emergency services according to or
Section X.I. ii. The Dependent is incapable of
B. Eligibility self-support because of devel-
In order to be accepted for enrollment and opmental disability or physical
continuing coverage under this Agreement, handicap incurred prior to at-
individuals must meet all applicable re- tainment of the limiting age, is
quirements set forth below. The Group is chiefly dependent upon the
responsible for determining eligibility. Subscriber for support and
1. Subscribers. Elected officials and bona maintenance, and qualifies as a
fide employees who are employed on a Dependent for Federal Income
regularly scheduled basis of not less Tax purposes. Enrollment for
than eighty (80) hours in each calendar such a Dependent may be con-
month shall be eligible for enrollment. tinued for the duration of the
Uniformed Personnel will not be incapacity, provided enroll-
covered under this plan. ment does not terminate for
2. Family Dependents. The Subscriber any other reason. Medical
may enroll any of the following: proof of incapacity and proof
a. The Subscriber's legal spouse; of financial dependency must
b. unmarried dependent children who be furnished to the Coopera-
are under the age of twenty-one tive upon request, but not
(21), provided they reside regularly more frequently than annually
with the Subscriber or qualify as after the two-year period fol-
Dependents for Federal Income Tax lowing the Dependent's at-
purposes. tainment of the limiting age.
"Children" means the children d. Dependents of Uniformed Personnel
of the Subscriber including adopted are eligible for coverage under this
children, stepchildren, foster chil- contract.
dren, and any other children for Ineligible Persons. GHC reserves the right
whom the Subscriber is the legal to refuse enrollment to any person whose
guardian. coverage under this Agreement or any other
c. Enrollment may be extended past Medical Coverage Agreement issued by
the limiting age for an unmarried Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound
person enrolled as a Family Depen- has been terminated for cause. (See Section
dent on his/her twenty-first (21st) III.B.2.)
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Section X. SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS 7. Maternity care, including care for complications
of pregnancy, and prenatal and postpartum
Subject to all provisions of this Group Medical visits. Hospitalization and delivery are
Coverage Agreement, persons enrolled for Com- provided, subject to payment of the Maternity
prehensive Health Care are entitled to receive the Care Fee set forth in the Dues and Fees
services and benefits described in this Schedule. Schedule. The Maternity Care Fee must be paid
in equal monthly installments during the
A. HOSPITAL CARE prenatal period, with the final installment
Hospital care is provided when approved by a GHC payable not later than thirty (30) days prior to
physician, limited to the following services: expected date of birth.
1. Room and board, including private room when Voluntary (not medically indicated and non-
prescribed, and general nursing services. therapeutic) termination of pregnancy will be
2. Hospital services (including use of operating charged according to the Cooperative's Direc-
room, anesthesia, oxygen, x-ray, laboratory, and tory of Services.
radiotherapy services). 8. Transplants. When authorized as medically
3. Drugs and medication. appropriate by GHC's Medical Director or
4. Special duty nursing (when prescribed as
Medically Necessary). his/her designee and in accordance with criteria
established by the Cooperative, limited to heart,
Personal comfort items, such as telephone and kidney, corneal, bone marrow, and liver
television, are not covered. transplants for children under the age of
If an Enrollee is hospitalized in a non-GHC Facility, thirteen (13) with congenital biliary atresia.
GHC reserves the right to require transfer of the Organ acquisition costs including applicable
Enrollee to a GHC Facility, upon consultation with a hospital and medical costs of the donor are not
GHC physician. If the Enrollee refuses to transfer to covered.
a GHC Facility, all further costs incurred during the
hospitalization are the responsibility of the Enrollee. Coverage for heart and liver transplants and/or
B. MEDICAL AND SURGICAL CARE any related services, items, and drugs shall be
Medical and surgical services are provided, limited excluded until such time as the Enrollee has
to the following, when prescribed by GHC Medical been continuously enrolled under this Agree-
Personnel: ment, or any prior GHC Medical Coverage
1. Surgical services. Agreement for twelve (12) consecutive months
2. Diagnostic x-ray, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, without any lapse in coverage.
and laboratory services. 9. Physician visits (including consultations and
3. Eye examinations and refractions. Contact lens second opinions by a GHC physician) in the
examinations and fittings are not covered hospital or office.
except as set forth below. When dispensed 10. Physical therapy; occupational therapy;
through GHC Facilities, one contact lens per respiratory therapy; and speech therapy to
diseased eye in lieu of an intraocular lens, restore speech following severe illness, injury,
including exam and fitting, is covered for or surgery.
Enrollees following cataract surgery performed 11. Preventive services for health maintenance
by a GHC physician, provided the Enrollee has including physical examinations for detection
been continuously covered by GHC since such of disease or other conditions, and im-
surgery. Replacement of a covered contact lens munizations and vaccinations which are listed
will be provided only when needed due to as covered in the GHC Drug Formulary
change in the Enrollee's medical condition but (approved drug list). A fee may be charged for
may be replaced only one time within any health education programs.
twelve (12) month period. 12. Radiation therapy services.
4. Family planning counseling services. 13. Services related to dysfunction of the jaw:
5. Hearing examinations to determine hearing loss. when referred by a GHC physician, evaluation
6. Blood derivatives and the administration of and treatment at a GHC-approved temporoman-
blood and blood derivatives. The cost of blood dibular joint (TMJ) care provider, and occlusal
is not covered. splint fitting.
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All TMJ appliances, including the occlusal prescription drugs and medicines.
splint and night guard, are excluded. Treatment b. Court-ordered treatment shall be provided
of jaw dysfunction, including TMJ dysfunction, only if determined to be Medically
will NOT be provided when the dysfunction is Necessary by GHC's ADAPT Director or
related to malocclusion or when TMJ services his/her designee.
are needed due to dental work performed. All 2. Emergency Care.
such services and related hospitalization, i a. Coverage for medical Emergencies incident
including orthodontic therapy, and orthognathic to the abuse of alcohol and/or drugs is
(jaw) surgery, are excluded, regardless of origin subject to the Emergency care benefit as set
or cause. forth in Section X.I.
14. The following services are covered by GHC
b. Coverage for acute chemical withdrawal is
when performed by a GHC physician or GHC
provided without prior approval. If an
oral surgeon: reduction of a fracture or disloca-
lion of the jaw or facial bones; excision of Enrollee is hospitalized in a non-GHC
tumors or cysts of the jaw, cheeks, lips, tongue, Designated Facility, coverage is subject to
gums, roof and floor of the mouth; and incision payment of the Deductible shown in the
Dues and Fees Schedule, and notification of
of salivary glands and ducts.
GHC by way of the GHC Notification Line
15. Non-experimental implants, limited to the
following: cardiac devices, artificial joints, and immediately upon inpatient admission, or as
inuaocular lenses. Artificial or mechanical soon thereafter as practicable, but in no
hearts are excluded. event more than twenty-four (24) hours
following admission. Furthermore, if an
16. When authorized as medically appropriate by
Enrollee is hospitalized in a non-GHC
GHC's Medical Director or his/her designee,
and in accordance with criteria established by Designated Facility, GHC reserves the right
the Cooperative, treatment of growth disorders to require transfer of the Enrollee to a GHC
by growth hormones. Facility upon consultation with a GHC
physician. If the Enrollee refuses transfer
Growth hormone treatment shall be excluded to a GHC Facility, all further costs incurred
until such time as the Enrollee has been during the hospitalization are the responsi-
continuously enrolled under this Agreement or bility of the Enrollee.
any prior GHC Medical Coverage Agreement For the purpose of this section, "acute
for twelve (12) consecutive months without any chemical withdrawal" means withdrawal of
lapse in coverage. alcohol and/or drugs from a person for
whom consequences of abstinence are so
C. CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY TREATMENT severe as to require medical/nursing
Subject to all terms and conditions of this Agree- assistance in a hospital setting and which
ment, care is provided as set forth below at a GHC are needed immediately to prevent serious
Facility, GHC Designated Facility, or GHC-approved impairment to the Enrollee's health.
treatment facility meeting all requirements of RCW 3. Benefit Period and Benefit Period Allowance.
70.96A.010, et. seq., subject to the Benefit Period a. Benefit Period. For the purpose of this
Allowance and Lifetime Maximum Benefit as section, "Benefit Period" shall mean a
described below and as shown in the Dues and Fees twenty-four (24) consecutive calendar
Schedule. month period during which the Enrollee is
1. Chemical Dependency Treatment Services. eligible to receive covered chemical
a. All alcoholism and/or drug abuse treatment dependency treatment services as set forth
services must be: (1) provided at a facility in this section. The first Benefit Period
as described above and must be authorized shall begin on the first day the Enrollee
in advance, except for acute chemical receives covered chemical dependency
withdrawal as described in Section services under this or any other group
X.C.2.b.; and (2) deemed Medically insurance, health care service contractor,
Necessary by GHC's ADAPT Director or health maintenance organization, self-
his/her designee. Chemical dependency insured plan or any combination thereof,
treatment may include the following hereinafter referred to as "group plans," and
services received on an inpatient or out- shall continue for twenty-four (24) con-
patient basis: diagnostic evaluation and secutive calendar months provided that
education, organized individual and group coverage under this Agreement remains in
counseling, detoxification services, and force. All subsequent Benefit Periods
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thereafter will begin on the first day one reconstructive breast reduction on the
Covered Services are received after expira- nondiseased breast to make it equivalent in size
tion of the previous twenty-four (24) month with the diseased breast after definitive re-
Benefit Period. constructive surgery on the diseased breast has
b. Benefit Period Allowance. The maximum been performed.
allowance available for any Benefit Period
shall be the total of all chemical depend- E. APPLIANCES which are Medically Necessary,
ency benefits provided and payments made limited to the following: ostomy supplies; temporary
for chemical dependency treatment under orthopedic appliances for use during treatment up to
any group plan(s), not to exceed the Benefit a maximum of six (6) months; and on Referral,
Period Allowance shown in the Dues and oxygen and oxygen equipment for home use.
Fees Schedule during the Enrollee's Benefit
Period. F. DRUGS AND MEDICINES FOR OUTPATIENT
USE as prescribed by a GHC physician for condi-
4. Lifetime Maximum Benefit. tions covered by this Agreement. All drugs, sup-
Chemical dependency services are not covered plies, medicines and devices must be obtained at a
after the Enrollee has reached his/her Lifetime GHC pharmacy.
Maximum Benefit amount as shown in the Dues
and Fees Schedule. All such benefits provided Excluded are: dietary supplements (except
or payments made by therapeutic vitamins for use up to thirty [30] days);
a. GHC under any GHC Group Medical outpatient mental health drugs; contraceptive drugs
Coverage Agreement, plus and devices and their fitting; medicines and injec-
b. all amounts paid on an individual's behalf lions for anticipated illness while traveling; and any
under any carrier or plan maintained by the other drugs, medicines, and injections not listed as
Group, including self-insured plans, covered in the GHC Drug Formulary (approved drug
shall be applied toward this Lifetime Maximum list).
Benefit amount. The Enrollee will be charged for mailing or replacing
Any Deductibles or Copayments which may be lost or stolen drugs, medicines or devices.
borne by the Enrollee under the terms of this
Agreement shall not be applied toward the G. HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES, as set forth in
Benefit Period Allowance or Lifetime Maxi- this section, shall be provided by GHC Home Health
mum Benefit. Services or by a GHC-authorized home health agency
when Referred in advance by a GHC physician for
In regard to this section, the Benefit Period(s), Enrollees who meet the following criteria:
Benefit Period Allowance(s), and Lifetime 1. The Enrollee is unable to leave home due to his
Maximum Benefit shall include only alcoholism or her health problem or illness (unwillingness
treatment services received on or after January to travel and/or arrange for transportation does
1, 1987 and alcoholism and/or drug abuse not constitute inability to leave the home);
services received on or after January 1, 1988. 2. the Enrollee requires intermittent Skilled Home
Health Care services, as described below; and
D. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SERVICES 3. a GHC physician has determined that such
will be provided: services are Medically Necessary and are most
1. to correct a functional disorder, as determined appropriately rendered in the Enrollee's home.
by a GHC physician, resulting from a congeni-
tal disease or anomaly; or Covered Services for home health care may include
2. to correct a medical condition following an the following when prescribed by a GHC physician
injury or incidental to surgery covered by GHC, and when rendered pursuant to an approved home
provided the Enrollee has. been continuously health care plan of treatment: nursing care, physical
covered at GHC since such injury or surgery. therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy,
3. Reconstructive surgery and associated proce- restorative speech therapy, and medical social worker
dures following a mastectomy will be covered and limited home health aide services. Home health
for Enrollees who are medically suitable services are provided on an intermittent basis in the
candidates, as determined by GHC's Medical Enrollee's home. "Intermittent" means care that is to
Director or his/her designee. Internal breast be rendered because of a medically predictable
recurring need for Skilled Home Health Care
prostheses required incident to the surgery will
be provided. services.
4. An Enrollee will be covered for all stages of Excluded are: custodial care and maintenance care,
PA-754
I00061WS.3
(01/87)rev.01/88
private duty or continuous nursing care in the En- If two or more members of a Family Unit
rollee's home, housekeeping or meal services, care in require Emergency care as a result of the same
any nursing home or convalescent facility, any care accident, only one Emergency Deductible will
provided by or for a member of the patient's family, apply.
and any other services not listed specifically as covered Outpatient medications prescribed by a non-
when rendered in the home under this Agreement. GHC physician are excluded.
H. MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES, limited to 3. Transfer and Follow-up Care. If an Enrollee
the following, are provided on an outpatient basis at is hospitalized in a non-GHC Facility, GHC
GHC. Subject to the limitations set forth in this reserves the right to require transfer of the
section, and all other provisions of this Agreement, Enrollee to a GHC Facility, upon consultation
brief focal psychotherapy, chronic intermittent care, with a GHC physician. If the Enrollee refuses
and consultation services will be provided in the to transfer to a GHC Facility, all further costs
following therapy formats: individual, couple, incurred during the hospitalization are theresponsibility of the Enrollee.
family, or group.
Follow-up care which is a direct result of the
Coverage for each Enrollee is provided according to Emergency must be obtained at GHC, unless a
the outpatient mental health care allowance set forth GHC physician has authorized such care in
in the Dues and Fees Schedule. advance.
Covered Services are limited to those provided for J. AMBULANCE SERVICES are covered as set forth
covered conditions for which, in the opinion of the below, provided that the service is authorized in
director of GHC's Mental Health Service, or his/her advance by a GHC physician or meets the definition
designee, significant improvement can be expected of an Emergency. (See Section I.)
within a treatment program of twenty (20) visits or 1. Emergency Transport to a GHC Facility or
less. GHC Designated Facility. Each Emergency is
covered as set forth in the Dues and Fees
Excluded are: all forms of intensive or extensive Schedule.
psychotherapy, including but not limited to intensive, 2. Emergency Transport to a Non-GHC Desig-
ongoing care for chronic mental health conditions; nated Facility. Each Emergency is covered as
treatment of sexual disorders and/or dysfunctions; set forth in the Dues and Fees Schedule.
specialty programs not provided by GHC; court- 3. Waiver of Ambulance Services Deductible. If
ordered treatment which is not specifically described two or more members of the Family Unit
above; day treatment; psychological testing, except require Emergency ambulance transport as a
where provided during the course of mental health result of the same accident, only one Am-
treatment; hospital and related inpatient or custodial bulance Deductible will apply.
care. The Ambulance Deductible will not apply when
I. EMERGENCY CARE ambulance service is authorized in advance by
the Cooperative.
1. At a GHC Facility or GHC Designated 4. Transfer to a GHC Facility. When authorized
Facility. GHC will cover Emergency care for in advance by the Cooperative, an additional
all Covered Services. Ambulance Allowance is provided for transfer
2. At a Non-GHC Designated Facility. Usual, to a GHC Facility.
Customary, and Reasonable charges for Emer-
gency care for Covered Services are covered K. HOSPICE
subject to: It is understood and agreed that the following fully
sa. payment of the Emergency Deductible sets forth the eligibility requirements and Covered
shown in the Dues and Fees Schedule; Services for an Enrollee who wishes to elect to
and receive services through GHC'
s Hospice Program.
b. notification of GHC by way of the GHC Enrollees who elect to receive GHC Hospice
Notification Line immediately upon Services do so in lieu of curative treatment for
inpatient admission, or as soon thereafter their terminal illness for the period that they are
as practicable, but in no event more than in the GHC Hospice Program.
twenty-four (24) hours following Hospice Program
admission. 1. Eligibility. Hospice Services, as set forth
below, shall be provided to Enrollees for as
PA-7 54
I0006IWS.4
(01/87)rev. 01/88
long as the following criteria are met: b. Inpatient Hospice Services shall be
a. A GHC physician has determined that the provided in a facility designated by GHC's
Enrollee's illness is terminal and life Hospice Program when Medically
expectancy is six (6) months or less; Necessary and authorized in advance by a
b. the Enrollee has chosen a palliative treatment GHC physician and GHC's Hospice
focus (emphasizing comfort and supportive Program. Inpatient Hospice Services shall
services rather than treatment aimed at curing be provided according to the provisions set
the Enrollee's terminal illness); forth in Section X. of this Agreement.
c. the Enrollee has elected in writing to 4. Hospice Exclusions: All services not spe-
receive hospice care through GHC's cifically listed as covered in this section,
Hospice Program; including, but not limited to:
d. the Enrollee has available a primary care a. Financial or legal counseling services.
person who will be responsible for the b. Housekeeping or meals services.
Enrollee's home care; and C. Custodial or maintenance care in the home
e. a GHC physician and GHC's Hospice or on an inpatient basis.
Director determine that the Enrollee's illness d. Services not specifically listed as covered
can be appropriately managed in the home. by this Medical Coverage Agreement.
e. Any services provided by members of the
2. Hospice Care shall be defined as a coordinated patient's family.
program of palliative and supportive care for All other exclusions listed in Section XI.,f.
dying persons by an interdisciplinary team of professionals and volunteers centering primarily Exclusions and Limitations, of this Medical
in the Enrollee's home. Coverage Agreement, apply.
3. Covered Services. Hospice Services may Section XI. EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS
include the following as prescribed by a GHC
physician and rendered pursuant to an approved
hospice plan of treatment: A. EXCLUSIONS
a. Home Services 1. Blood for transfusions.
i. Intermittent care by a hospice inter- 2. Except as provided in Sections X.B.3., X.D,
disciplinary team which may include X.E., and X.F., corrective appliances and
services by a physician, nurse, medical artificial aids, including but not limited to:
social worker, physical therapist, eyeglasses; contact lenses including ex-
speech pathologist, occupational ther- aminations and fittings; prosthetic devices;
apist, respiratory therapist, and limited diabetic supplies including insulin pumps;
services by a Home Health Aide under hearing aids and examinations in connection
the supervision of a Registered Nurse. therewith; arch supports or corrective shoes;
ii. One period of continuous care service take-home dressings and supplies following
per Enrollee in the Enrollee's home hospitalization; or any other supplies, dress-
when prescribed by a GHC physician, ings, appliances, devices or services which are
as set forth in this paragraph. A not for the specific treatment of disease or
continuous care period is defined as injury.
"skilled nursing care provided in the 3. Cosmetic services, including treatment for
home during a period of crisis in order complications of cosmetic surgery, except as
to maintain the terminally ill patient at provided in Section X.D.
home." Continuous care may be 4. Dental care, surgery, services, and appliances,
provided for pain or symptom manage- including but not limited to: treatment of
ment by a Registered Nurse, Licensed accidental injury to natural teeth, reconstructive
Practical Nurse, or Home Health Aide surgery to the jaw incident to denture wear, and
under the supervision of a Registered periodontal surgery. The Cooperative's
Nurse. Continuous care is provided for Medical Director, or his/her designee, will
four (4) or more hours per day for a determine whether the care or treatment
period not to exceed five (5) days, or a required is within the category of dental care or
total of seventy-two (72) hours, service.
whichever first occurs. Continuous
care is covered only when a GHC If a GHC physician determines that an unrelated
physician determines that the Enrollee medical condition requires that an Enrollee be
would otherwise require hospitalization hospitalized for a dental procedure which is
in an acute care facility. normally done in a dentist's office, GHC will
PA-754
I00061WS.5
(01/87)rev. 01/88
cover associated hospital and anesthesia costs at Agreement for twelve (12) consecutive months
a GHC or GHC Designated Facility. GHC will without any lapse in coverage.
not cover the dentist's or oral surgeon's fees. 13. Mental health care, except as specifically
5. Certain drugs and medicines. (See Section provided in Section X.H.
X.F.) Any exclusion of drugs and medicines 14. Procedures, services, and supplies related to sex
will also exclude their administration. transformations.
6. Convalescent or custodial care, including 15. Regardless of origin or cause, diagnostic testing
skilled nursing-facility care. and medical treatment of sterility, infertility,
7. Durable medical equipment such as hospital impotency, and frigidity.
beds, wheelchairs, and walk-aids, except while 16. Services of practitioners whose licensing
in the hospital. category is not represented by GHC Medical
8. Services covered by employment or government Personnel.
programs: 17. Surgery directly related to obesity.
a. Any illness, condition or injury for which 18. Any services for which an Enrollee has a
benefits are available, or could be available, contractual right to recover the cost thereof,
through application for coverage under any whether a claim is asserted or not, under
federal or state workers' compensation or automobile medical, personal injury protection,
industrial insurance law or employer's uninsured or underinsured motorist, home
liability contract or insurance. It is ex- owner's or other first party coverage, except for
pressly understood that this Agreement is individual health insurance.
NOT to serve as private industrial in- 19. Services or supplies not specifically listed as
surance, or a self-insured plan maintained covered in the Schedule of Benefits.
by the employer. 20. Voluntary (not medically indicated and non-
b. Any federal, state, county, municipal, or therapeutic) termination of pregnancy.
other governmental agency, including in the 21. The cost of services and supplies resulting from
case of service-connected disabilities, the an Enrollee's loss of or willful damage to
Veterans Administration. covered appliances, devices, supplies, and
GHC reserves all rights to reimbursement materials provided by GHC for the treatment of
provided by any of the above-described laws, disease, injury, or illness.
private industrial insurance, self-insured plans, 22• Routine circumcision, including newborn
or governmental agencies. circumcision, which is not considered Medi-
cally Necessary.
Services will be provided under this Agreement:
a. if there is reasonable doubt whether an B. LIMITATIONS
Enrollee should receive benefits under this 1. Conditions and Extent of Coverage. ALL
Agreement or from another source; and SERVICES AND BENEFITS UNDER THIS
b. if the Enrollee actively seeks to establish AGREEMENT MUST BE PROVIDED BY GHC
his/her rights to benefits from that source. MEDICAL PERSONNEL AT A GHC
9. Those parts of an examination and associated FACILITY UNLESS:
reports required for employment, immigration,
license, or insurance purposes that are not a. The Enrollee has received a Referral from a
deemed Medically Necessary by GHC for early GHC physician.
detection of disease. b. The Enrollee has received Emergency
10. Investigational procedures, including medical service s.according to Section X.I.
and surgical services, drugs, and devices until 2. Recommended Treatment. The Cooperative's
formally approved by GHC for medical Medical Director or his/her designee will
coverage. Investigational drugs are not covered determine the necessity, nature, and extent of
until approved by the U.S. Food and Drug treatment to be provided in each individual case
Administration for general marketing and by and the judgment, made in good faith, will be
GHC for medical coverage. final.
11. Non-therapeutic sterilization; and procedures Enrollees have the right to participate in
and services to reverse a therapeutic or non- decisions regarding their health care. An
therapeutic sterilization. Enrollee may refuse recommended treatment or
12. Pre-existing Conditions shall be excluded from diagnostic plan to the extent permitted by law.
coverage until such time as the Enrollee has In such case, GHC shall have no further
been continuously covered under this Agree- obligation to provide the care in question.
ment or any prior GHC Medical Coverage Enrollees who seek other sources of care
PA-754
I0006IWS.6
(01/87)rev.01/88
because of such a disagreement do so with the similar causes, GHC shall make a good faith
full understanding that GHC has no obligation effort to provide such services through its
for the cost, or liability for the outcome, of such then-existing facilities and personnel. In no
care. case shall the Cooperative have any liability or
3. Major Disaster or Epidemic. In the event of a obligation on account of delay or failure to
major disaster or epidemic, GHC Medical provide or arrange such services.
Personnel will provide Covered Services
according to their best judgment, within the Section XII. CLAIMS
limitations of available facilities and personnel. Enrollees must submit claims for reimbursement of
The Cooperative has no liability for delay or Covered Services to GHC within sixty (60) days of the
failure to provide or arrange Covered Services service date, or as soon thereafter as is reasonably
to the extent facilities or personnel are unavail- possible. In no event, except in the absence of legal
able due to a major disaster or epidemic. capacity, shall a claim be accepted later than one (1) year
4. Unusual Circumstances. If the provision of from the service date. This section applies to Covered
Covered Services is delayed or rendered Services received under Section X.I. and X.J., or services
impossible due to unusual circumstances such for which the Enrollee has received a Referral from a
as complete or partial destruction of facilities, GHC physician.
military action, civil disorder, labor disputes, or
PA-754
I0006IWS.7
(01/87)rev.01/88
DUES AND FEES SCHEDULE
For Active Employees and
their Dependents
For attachment to Group Medical Coverage Agreement with CITY OF KENT.
This schedule reflects Group Health Cooperative monthly dues effective January 1, 1988
and guaranteed to January 1, 1989.
COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE HEALTH CARE DUES
Subscriber.. . ... . ... ... .... . ... .. . ... .. ... ... . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . . .$ 78.89 per month
Subscriber and spouse. ... .. . . . .. . .. . . .. .. ... ... .. . . . . . . . . .. . ... ..
176.51 per month
Subscriber and child(ren)... .... . .. . . .. .. ... .. . .. . . ... . . . . . . ... .. 159.10 per month
Subscriber and family. .. . .. . . . . . . ... .. . .. ... ... .. . . . . . . . . . . . ... .. 252.68 per month
Spouseonly. ..... .. ... ... ... . . . . . . .. . .. .. ... . .... . . . . .. . . . .. . ... . 97.62 per month
Child(ren) only.. .. ... . . .. . . .. . ..... . .. .. . .. .. . . . . . . .. . . . . .... 80.21 per month
Spouse and child(ren). ..... . . . . .. . . . . .. . .. .. ..... . . . ... . . . .. ... .. 173.79 per month
MEDICARE HEALTH CARE DUES
HMO High Option
Persons aged 65 and over with parts A & B of Medicare. ... ... .. 61.48 per month
Persons aged 65 and over with part B of Medicare only. . ... .... 137.83 per month
Subscriber and spouse (one with parts A & B of Medicare).. . .. . 159.44 per month
Subscriber and spouse (both with parts A & B of Medicare). . .. . 122.96 per month
Subscriber and child(ren) (Subscriber with parts A & B
of Medicare) . . .. . �
. . . . . . . .. . .. . . ... . 142.03 per month
Subscriber and family (one with parts A & B ofMedicare).. .. . . 235.61 per month
Subscriber and family (two with parts A & B of Medicare) . . .. . . 218.55 per month
Spouse and children (spouse with parts A & B of Medicare) . ... . 156.72 per month
HMO Standard Option
Persons aged 65 and over with parts A & B of Medicare. . . . . .. . . 35.10 per month
Persons age 65 and over with part B of Medicare only. .. . .. ... . 23.50 per month
Subscriber and spouse (one with parts A & B of Medicare).. ... . 133.06 per month
Subscriber and spouse (both with parts A & B of Medicare). ... . 70.20 per month
Subscriber and children) (Subscriber with parts A & B
of Medicare) ......... ... .. ... ..... ........... . .. .. .. . .. .. . . per
r month
Subscriber and family (one with parts A & B of Medicare).. ... . 209.23 per month
Subscriber and family (two with parts A & B of Medicare)..... . 165.79 per month
Spouse and children (spouse with parts A & bo of Medicare. .... 130.34 per month
Not HMO
Persons covered by part A only.. .. . .. ... . .. ... .. . .. . . . . ... ... . 130.34 per month
NOTE: Medicare rates do not apply to TEFRA eligible enrollees.
Page 1 of 3
BILLING INFORMATION
Dues must be remitted on a calendar month basis on or before the 1st 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.
The Group will submit the full amount of said dues to the Cooperative when the effective
date of enrollment for a given Subscriber and Family Dependents is prior to the 16th of
the month. Enrollment effective on or after the 16th of the month will be provided
without charge for a Subscriber and Family Dependents, and these Enrollees will appear on
the subsequent month's billing at the regular charge.
Per average enrollee in 1988, 8.7 percent of the total budgeted revenues from dues,
medical services and copayments is the budgeted cost of pharmaceuticals and prescriptions
dispensed on written orders of Group Health Cooperative Medical Staff.
ALLOWANCES, DEDUCTIBLES, COPAYMENTS, AND FEES
The following Allowances, Deductibles, Copayments and Fees are subject to Pre-existing
Conditions limitations as defined in the Medical Coverage Agreement.
Outpatient Mental Health Care Allowance. .. . . ... . . . Outpatient mental health care services
provided through GHC will be covered
in full up to a maximum of 10 visits
per calendar year. The Enrollee will
pay 50% of the charges for the next 10
visits. After a total of 20 visits,
the Enrollee pays in full for all out-
patient mental health care.
Chemical Dependency Allowance
Benefit Period Allowance. . . . . .. . . ... . . .. . . . . . . $5,000 maximum per Enrollee per any 24
consecutive calendar month period for
outpatient and inpatient services re-
ceived.
Lifetime Maximum Benefit . . ... .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . $10,000 per Enrollee for outpatient
and inpatient services received.
Emergency Copayment/Deductible . .. . . . .. . ... .. . . . . . Emergency care at a GHC or GHC-Desig-
nated Facility is subject to a $25.00
Copayment amount per Emergency,
payable by the Enrollee. Emergency
care at a non-GHC Designated Facility
is subject to a $100.00 Deductible
amount per Emergency, payable by the
Enrollee.
Stop Loss........ ... ... ... .. .. ... ... .. ... .. . ... ... Total out-of-pocket Copayment expenses
for Emergency care at a GHC or GHC
Designated Facility are limited to an
aggreggate maximum of $750 per Enrollee
and $1500 per family per calendar
year.
Page 2 of 3
Ambulance Allowance/Deductible.. .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . An allowance of up to $1,000 per Emer-
gency is allowed for transport to GHC
or non-GHC facilities. Ambulance
charges for transport to a non-GHC
Designated Facility are subject to a
$50.00 Deductible amount per Emerg-
ency, payable by the Enrollee.
"Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound does not discriminate on the basis of physical or
mental handicaps in its employment practices or services."
S07078AT
Page 3 of 3
WHATGOM
wig Beflinom
Mt.Vernon
SKAGIT
SNOHOMISH
Everett
LynmmW
B
Bothell sland `Redmond
5 Settle
................ Bnn
Factorla
Renton
KITSAP a Bunten KING
Vashon
•
`Federal way
MASON Tacoma
PIERCE
THURSTON
teal Specialty Hospitals Designated
Centers Centers Facilities
Group
Heafth
4 Coordination of Benefits
of Puget Sound Contract Attachment MM
For Attachment to Group Medical Coverage Agreement
It is understood and agreed that the following fully C. Allowable Expense:
sets forth the provisions outlined in Section V., "Allowable Expense" means any necessary,
"Coordination of Benefits." reasonable and customary items of expense at
least a portion of which is covered under at least
COORDINATION OF BENEFITS one of the Plans covering the person for whom
the claim is made. When a Plan provides
A. Benefits Subject to This Provision: benefits in the form of services rather than cash
All of the benefits provided under this payments, the reasonable cash value of each
Agreement are subject to this provision. service rendered shall be considered as both an
Allowable Expense and a benefit paid.
B. Plan:
The definition of a "Plan" includes the following D. Claim Determination Period:
sources of benefits or services: "Claim Determination Period" means a period
1. Group or blanket disability insurance beginning with any January 1 and ending with
policies and health care service contractor the next following December 31 except that the
and health maintenance organization group first Claim Determination Period with respect to
agreements, issued by insurers, health care any person shall begin on the effective date of
service contractors and health maintenance coverage under this Agreement with respect to
organizations; such person and end on the following December
2. Labor-management trusteed plans, labor 31. In no event will a Claim Determination
organization plans, employer organization Period for any person extend beyond the last day
plans or employee benefit organization on which such a person is covered under this
plans; Agreement.
3. Governmental programs; and
4. Coverage required or provided by any E. Right to Receive and Release Information:
statute. For the purpose of determining the applicability
The term "Plan" shall be construed separ- of and implementing this provision and any
ately with respect to each policy, agreement provision of similar purpose in any other Plan,
or other arrangement for benefits or services, the Cooperative may, with such consent as may
and separately with respect to the respective be necessary, release to or obtain from any other
portions of any such policy, agreement or insurer, organization or person any information,
other arrangement which do and which do with respect to any person which the insurer
not reserve the right to take the benefits or considers necessary for such purpose. Any
services of other policies, agreements or person claiming benefits under this Agreement
other arrangements into consideration in shall furnish to the Cooperative the information
determining benefits. necessary for such purpose.
PA-868,CA-65
I0046CNT.1,(12/86)
F. Facility of Payment:_ Expenses incurred as to such person during
Whenever coverage which should have been such Claim Determination Period shall be
provided under this Agreement in accordance reduced to the extent necessary so that the
with this provision has been provided or paid for sum of the reasonable cash value of benefits
under any other Plan, the Cooperative shall have and all benefits payable for such Allowable
the right, exercisable alone and in its sole Expenses under all other Plans, except as
discretion, to pay over to any Plan making such provided in subparagraph (3) of this Section,
other payments any amounts it shall determine to shall not exceed the total of such Allowable
be warranted in order to satisfy the intent of this Expenses. Benefits payable under another
provision, and amounts so paid shall be Plan include benefits that would have been
considered to be coverage or benefits paid under payable had a claim been duly made
this Agreement and, to the extent of such therefore.
payments, the Cooperative shall be fully 3. If
discharged from liability under this Agreement. a. another Plan which is involved in
subparagraph (2) of this Section and
G. Right of Recovery: which contains a provision coordinating
Whenever benefits have been provided by the its benefits with those of this Agreement
Cooperative with respect to Allowable Expenses would, according to its rules, determine
in total amount, at any time, in excess of the its benefits after the benefits of this Plan
maximum amount of payment necessary at that have been determined, and
time to satisfy the intent of this provision, the b. the rules set forth in subparagraph (4) of
Cooperative shall have the.right to recover the this Section would require this
reasonable cash value of such benefits, to the Agreement to determine its benefits
extent of such excess, from one or more of the before such other Plan then the benefits
following, as the Cooperative shall determine: of such other Plan will be ignored for
any persons to or for or with respect to whom the purposes of determining the benefits
such benefits were provided, any other insurers, under this Agreement.
any service plans or any other organization or 4. For the purposes of subparagraph (3) of this
other Plans. Section, the rules establishing the order of
benefit determination are:
H. Effect on Benefits: a. The benefits of a Plan which covers the
1. This provision shall apply in determining the person on whose expenses a claim is
benefits for a person covered under this based other than as a dependent shall be
Agreement for a particular Claim determined before the benefits of a Plan
Determination Period if, for the Allowable which covers such person as a
Expenses incurred as to such person during dependent.
such period, the sum of: b. In the case that a dependent is covered
a. The reasonable cash value of the under both parents' medical Plan, the
benefits that would be provided under benefits of the Plan of the parent whose
the Agreement in the absence of this birthday falls earlier in the year are
provision, and determined before those of the Plan of a
b. The benefits that would be payable parent whose birthday falls later in the
under all other Plans in the absence year. This birthdate will refer only to
therein or provisions of similar purpose the month and day, not the year in which
to this provision would exceed such a person was born. If both parents have
Allowable Expenses. the same birthday, the benefits of the
2. As to any Claim Determination Period with Plan which covered the parent longer are
respect to which this provision is applicable, determined before those that covered the
the reasonable cash value of the benefits other parent for a shorter period of time,
provided under this Agreement in the except that in the case of a person for
absence of this provision for the Allowable whom claim is made as a dependent
PA-868,CA-65
I0046CNT.2,(12/86)
child, c. When rules (a) and (b) do not establish
i. when the parents are separated or an order of benefit determination, the
divorced and the parent with custody benefits of a Plan which has covered the
of the child has not remarried, the person on whose expenses claim is based
benefits of a Plan which covers the for the longer period of time shall be
child as a dependent of the parent determined before the benefits of a Plan
with custody of the child will be which has covered such person the
determined before the benefits of a shorter period of time, provided that:
Plan which covers the child as a i. The benefits of a plan covering the
dependent of the parent without person on whose expenses claim is
custody; and based as a laid off or retired
ii. when the parents are divorced and employee, or dependent of such
the parent with custody of the child person shall be determined after the
has remarried, the benefits of a Plan benefits of any other Plan covering
which covers the child as a de- such person as an employee, other
pendent of the parent with custody than a laid off or retired employee,
shall be determined before the or dependent of such person; and
benefits of a Plan which covers that ii. If either plan does not have a
child as a dependent of the step- provision regarding laid off or
parent, and the benefits of a Plan retired employees, which results in
which covers that child as a each Plan determining its benefits
dependent of the stepparent will be after the other, then the provisions
determined before the benefits of a of (i) of this subsection shall not
Plan which covers that child as a apply.
dependent of the parent without S. When this provision operates to reduce
custody. the total amount of benefits otherwise to
Notwithstanding items (i) and (ii) above, be provided to a person covered under
if there is a court decree which would this Agreement during any Claim
otherwise establish financial responsibil- Determination Period, the reasonable
ity for the medical, dental or other cash value of each benefit that would be
health care expenses with respect to the provided in the absence of this provision
child, the benefits of a Plan which shall be reduced proportionately, and
covers the child as a dependent of the such reduced amount shall be charged
parent with such financial responsibility against any applicable benefit limit of
shall be determined before the benefits this Agreement.
of any other Plan which cover the child
as a dependent child.
PA-868,CA-65
I0046CNT.3,(12186)
Group
•, Health •
Coopewative
of Puget Sound
MEDICARE
HIGH OPTION
ENDORSEMENT
Except as defined by Federal Regulations, all endorsement apply only to Enrollees who have both
Enrollees entitled to, or eligible to purchase Parts A and B of Medicare.
Medicare must transfer to the GHC Medicare Plan
upon such entitlement or eligibility. A condition of Section I. DEFINITIONS
coverage under the GHC Medicare Plan requires
that an Enrollee be continuously fully qualified and CUSTODIAL CARE: Care that is primarily for the
enrolled for the hospital (Part A) and medical (Part purpose of meeting personal needs and could be
B) benefits, or Part B only, available from the provided by persons without professional skills
Social Security Administration, and sign any papers or training. Custodial care includes help in
that may be required by GHC or Medicare. walking, bathing, dressing, eating and taking
medicine.
ENROLLEES ON THE GHC MEDICARE PLAN
ARE ENTITLED TO COVERED SERVICES ONLY MEDICALLY NECESSARY: Required for the
AT GHC FACILITIES, UNLESS THE ENROLLEE diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to
HAS BEEN REFERRED BY A GHC PHYSICIAN improve the functioning of a malformed body
OR HAS RECEIVED EMERGENCY OR member as determined by a GHC physician, and
URGENTLY NEEDED SERVICES ACCORDING consistent with professionally recognized
TO SECTION VI.I. OF THIS ENDORSEMENT. standards of health care.
NEITHER GHC NOR MEDICARE WILL PAY FOR
SERVICES PROVIDED AT NON-GHC MEDICARE HANDBOOK (Titled "Your Medicare
FACILITIES UNLESS THESE CONDITIONS ARE Handbook"): A pamphlet published by the U.S.
MET. Department of Health and Human Services,
Social Security Administration, which provides
The provisions of the GHC Group Medical Cov- an easy to read explanation of Medicare
erage Agreement, hereinafter referred to as the benefits.
"Group Agreement," remain in effect except as
modified by this endorsement. Coverage hereunder MENTAL HEALTH CARE: Care for mental or
is integrated with the medical and hospital benefits emotional diseases including neurosis, psy-
established by Title 18 of the Social Security Act as choneurosis, psychopathy or psychosis.
amended, and referred to as "Medicare." For
additional information, the Enrollee should refer to PERMANENT RESIDENCE: The residence or
"Your Medicare Handbook," which is referenced domicile in which the Subscriber resides for
throughout this Agreement. A copy may be more than six (6) consecutive months out of the
obtained from the Social Security Administration. calendar year.
The benefits and exclusions described in this
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SKILLED NURSING FACILITY: (GHC Progres- the Group Agreement remain in effect except as
sive Care Facility) A licensed facility as modified by this endorsement. Following is a
defined by Medicare, primarily engaged in summary of the specific Medicare provisions.
providing skilled nursing care or rehabilitation All Medicare deductibles, co-insurance, and
and related services for which Medicare pays
co-payments are covered by GHC.
benefits.
Section II. TERMINATION Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions. Restric-
tions contained in the Group Agreement on the
A. Termination of Specific Enrollees. In addi- care and treatment of pre-existing conditions
tion to the provisions set forth in the section shall not be applicable, and all waivers in respect
titled "Termination" of the Group Agreement, to such conditions shall be removed, but such
coverage under the GHC Medicare Plan may be
terminated _as to a specific Enrollee if the care and treatment shall be subject to the other
Federal Medicare Program advises GHC that an exclusions and limitations set forth in the Group
Enrollee's entitlement to Medicare coverage no Agreement.
longer exists.
A. HOSPITAL CARE
Section III. NOTICES -- CHANGE OF PER- GHC will supplement the hospital benefits of
MANENT RESIDENCE Medicare by paying deductible(s), co-insurance
and co-payment(s). After Medicare hospital
Notices provided for in this Agreement shall be allowances explained in "Your Medicare
mailed to the Cooperative at its principal address, Handbook" are exhausted, GHC will provide
and to the Subscriber's address as it appears in the further hospital care in accordance with the
records of the Cooperative. The Subscriber shall Group Agreement.
notify the Cooperative in writing of any changes in
Permanent Residence within thirty (30) days of B. MEDICAL AND SURGICAL CARE
such change. The following medical and surgical services are
provided when prescribed by a GHC physician.
Section IV. RECONSIDERATION OF CLAIMS
1. Blood, blood derivatives, and their
If GHC denies a request for payment of a claim, or administration.
declines to provide services which the Enrollee
believes should be provided, the Enrollee may file a 2. Transplants. When allowed by Medicare
request for reconsideration. The request must be and authorized by GHC's Medical Director
filed within sixty (60) days after denial unless an or his/her designee. Donor costs will be
extension is specifically approved. If GHC cannot covered per Medicare guidelines.
overturn the initial denial, it will be referred by
GHC to the Health Care Financing Administration 3. Physician calls (including consultation and
for further review and final determination. second opinion by a GHC Physician) in the
hospital, office, or Skilled Nursing
Section V. EFFECTIVE DATE OF SERVICES Facility. Physician calls in a nursing
AND BENEFITS home or convalescent center are provided
up to Medicare limits as described in
Coverage under the GHC Medicare Plan is effective "Your Medicare Handbook."
on the date specified by GHC and the Social
Security Administration. 4. Speech therapy per Medicare guidelines.
Section VI. SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS -- GHC S. Prosthetic devices approved by Medicare,
HIGH OPTION MEDICARE PLAN including the following: cardiac devices,
artificial joints, intraocular lenses, and
The provisions of the sections titled "Schedule of artificial eyes and limbs. (See "YourMedicare Handbook.")
Benefits" and "Exclusions and Limitations" of
P00001END.2
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6. Chiropractic care limited to spinal G. MENTAL HEALTH CARE
manipulations subject to Medicare-
approved GHC guidelines. Excluded are 1. Outpatient. Coverage is provided ac-
any other diagnostic or therapeutic cording to Medicare guidelines. (See
services, including x-rays, furnished by a "Your Medicare Handbook.") When
chiropractor. (See "Your Medical Medicare guidelines are not met, out-
Handbook.") patient mental health care will be provided
as described in the subsection titled
7. Podiatric care including removal of plantar "Mental Health Care" of the "Schedule of
warts, subject to Medicare guidelines. Benefits" of the Group Agreement.
Excluded is routine foot care such as
hygenic care; treatment of flat feet or 2. Inpatient. Upon referral, GHC will
other misalignments of the feet; and provide hospitalization for mental health
removal of corns, calluses and most warts. according to Medicare guidelines. (See
(See "Your Medical Handbook.") "Your Medicare Handbook.")
C. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT H. SKILLED NURSING FACILITY: GHC will
Alcoholism and drug abuse/addiction treatment provide care in its Progressive Care Facility up
will be provided per Medicare guidelines. to Medicare limits, when Medically Necessary
in the opinion of the GHC physician and
D. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SERV- Medicare guidelines are met. (See "Your
ICES WILL BE PROVIDED AS FOLLOWS: Medicare Handbook.")
1. to improve the functioning of a malformed
body part, or I. GHC HIGH OPTION EMERGENCY
BENEFIT: When emergency services meet
2. to correct a medical condition following an Medicare guidelines, coverage will be provided
injury or incident to surgery. in full. When emergency services do not meet
Medicare guidelines, GHC coverage will be
3. Reconstructive surgery and associated provided according to the guidelines set forth in
procedures following a mastectomy will be the subsection titled "Emergency Care" of the
covered for Enrollees who are medically "Schedule of Benefits" of the Group Agreement.
suitable candidates, as determined by Because a claim may initially be processed by a
GHC's Medical Director or his/her Medicare Intermediary using only Medicare
designee. Breast prostheses required guidelines, any unpaid claim or portions of a
incident to the surgery will be provided. claim should be submitted to GHC. (See
Claims Procedure below.)
E. APPLIANCES which are Medically Necessary,
limited to the following when approved by J. MEDICARE AMBULANCE BENEFIT:
Medicare: ostomy supplies, orthopedic Medically Necessary ambulance transportation
appliances, orthopedic shoes covered ONLY is covered by Medicare only if transportation by
when they are part of leg braces. Dental plates any other vehicle could endanger the patient's
or other dental devices are NOT covered. (See health and the ambulance, equipment, and
"Your Medicare Handbook.") personnel meet Medicare requirements. (See
"Your Medicare Handbook.")
F. RENTAL OR PURCHASE OF DURABLE
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT• Oxygen equipment, When ambulance services meet Medicare
wheelchairs, home dialysis systems, and other guidelines, coverage will be provided in full.
Medically Necessary equipment when approved
by Medicare and prescribed by a GHC physician
for use in your home. (See "Your Medicare K. GHC HIGH OPTION EMERGENCY AMBU-
Handbook.") LANCE BENEFIT: When emergency ambu-
lance services do not meet Medicare guidelines,
P00001END.3
(09/86)
benefits will be provided as set forth in the If a GHC physician determines that an
subsection titled "Ambulance Services" of the unrelated medical condition requires that
"Schedule of Benefits" of the Group Agreement. an Enrollee be hospitalized for a dental
procedure which is normally done in a
L. EMERGENCY CLAIMS PROCEDURE: dentist's office, or if the severity of the
Claims for services or supplies and Explanation dental procedure requires hospitalization,
of Medicare Benefits forms for services or GHC will cover associated hospital and
supplies from providers other than Group anesthesia costs at a GHC or GHC
Health Cooperative should be sent to: Medicare Designated Facility. GHC will not cover
Claims, Group Health Cooperative of Puget the dentist's or oral surgeon's fees.
Sound, P.O. Box C-19165, Seattle, WA 98109.
If you must receive emergency or urgently B. LIMITATIONS
needed care from a non-GHC provider, you
must show your GHC I.D. card and your red, 1. Conditions and Extent of Coverage.
white and blue Medicare card. ALL SERVICES AND BENEFITS UNDER
THIS AGREEMENT MUST BE
1. The Enrollee must submit claims as soon PROVIDED BY GHC MEDICAL PER-
as possible, but in no case later than the SONNEL AT A GHC FACILITY UNLESS:
fifteen (15) month limit set in "Your
Medicare Handbook." a. The Enrollee has received a Referral
from a GHC physician.
2. The Cooperative may secure information
which it deems necessary concerning the b. The Enrollee has received emergency
medical care and hospitalization for which or urgently needed service according
payment is requested. to the subsection titled "Emergency
Care" of the "Schedule of Benefits" of
Section VII. EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS the Group Agreement or Section VI.I.
of this Medicare Endorsement.
A. EXCLUSIONS
2. Duty to Maintain Federal Medicare
1. Corrective shoes, except when orthopedic Status. A condition of coverage under the
shoes are part of leg braces. GHC Medicare Plan requires that an
Enrollee be continuously fully qualified
2. Dental care and service unless the service and enrolled for the hospital (Part A) and
would be covered if provided by a medical (Part B) benefits, or Part B only,
physician. The Cooperative's Medical available from the Social Security
Director, or his/her designee, will Administration, and sign any papers that
determine whether the care or treatment may be required by GHC or Medicare.
required is within the category of dental
care or service.
P00001ENDA
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Group
Health
�� rave
of Puget Sound
MEDICARE
STANDARD OPTION
ENDORSEMENT
Except as defined by Federal Regulations, all Section I. DEFINITIONS
Enrollees entitled to, or eligible to purchase
Medicare must transfer to the GHC Medicare Plan CUSTODIAL CARE: Care that is primarily for the
upon such entitlement or eligibility. A condition of purpose of meeting personal needs and could
coverage under the GHC Medicare Plan requires be provided by persons without professional
that an Enrollee be continuously fully qualified and skills or training. Custodial care includes help
enrolled for the hospital (Part A) and medical (Part in walking, bathing, dressing, eating and
B) benefits, or Part B only, available from the taking medicine.
Social Security Administration, and sign any papers
that clay be required by GHC or Medicare. MEDICALLY NECESSARY: Required for the
diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to
ENROLLEES ON THE GHC MEDICARE PLAN improve the functioning of a malformed body
ARE ENTITLED TO COVERED SERVICES ONLY member as determined by a GHC physician,
AT GHC FACILITIES, UNLESS THE ENROLLEE and consistent with professionally recognized
HAS BEEN REFERRED BY A GHC PHYSICIAN standards of health care.
OR HAS RECEIVED EMERGENCY OR
URGENTLY NEEDED SERVICES ACCORDING MEDICARE HANDBOOK (Titled "Your Medicare
TO SECTION VI.K. OF THIS ENDORSEMENT. Handbook"): A pamphlet published by the
NEITHER GHC NOR MEDICARE WILL PAY FOR U.S. Department of Health and Human
SERVICES PROVIDED AT NON-GHC Services, Social Security Administration,
FACILITIES UNLESS THESE CONDITIONS ARE which provides an easy to read explanation of
MET. Medicare benefits.
The provisions of the GHC Group Medical Cov- MENTAL HEALTH CARE: Care for mental or
erage Agreement, hereinafter referred to as the emotional diseases including neurosis, psy-
"Group Agreement," remain in effect except as choneurosis, psychopathy or psychosis.
modified by this endorsement. The Enrollee should
refer to "Your Medicare Handbook," the provisions PERMANENT RESIDENCE: The residence or
of which apply to this endorsement. A copy may be domicile in which the Subscriber resides for
obtained from the Social Security Administration. more than six (6) consecutive months out of
The benefits and exclusions described in this the calendar year.
endorsement apply only to Enrollees who have both
Parts A and B of Medicare. SKILLED NURSING FACILITY: (GHC Progres-
sive Care Facility) A licensed facility as
defined by Medicare, primarily engaged in
P0002END.1
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providing skilled nursing care or rehabilitation Following is a summary of the major benefits.
and related services for which Medicare pays All Medicare deductibles, co-insurance, and
benefits. co-payments are covered by GHC. Any service
Section II. TERMINATION or benefit not covered by Medicare is excluded.
A. Termination of- Specific Enrollees. In A. HOSPITAL CARE
addition to the provisions set forth in the GHC will supplement the hospital benefits of
section titled "Termination" of the Group Medicare by paying deductible(s), co-
Agreement, coverage under the GHC Medicare insurance and co-payment(s). After Medicare
Plan may be terminated as to a specific hospital allowances explained in "Your
Enrollee if the Federal Medicare Program Medicare Handbook" are exhausted, GHC will
advises GHC that an Enrollee's entitlement to not cover further hospital care.
Medicare coverage no longer exists. Subject to Medicare hospital allowances
Section III. NOTICES .- CHANGE OF PERMA. explained in "Your Medicare Handbook",
NENT RESIDENCE hospital care is provided when approved by a
GHC physician, including the following
Notices provided for in this Agreement shall be services:
mailed to the Cooperative at its principal address, 1. Room and board, and general nursing
and to the Subscriber's address as it appears in the services.
records of the Cooperative. The Subscriber shall
notify the Cooperative in writing of any changes in 2. Hospital services (including use of oper-
Permanent Residence within thirty (30) days of ating room, labor and delivery rooms,
such change. anesthesia, oxygen, x-ray, laboratory, and
Section IV. RECONSIDERATION OF CLAIMS radiotherapy services.)
If GHC denies a request for payment of a claim, or 3. Drugs and medication administered during
declines to provide services which the Enrollee an approved hospital stay.
believes should be provided, the Enrollee may file a Personal comfort items, such as telephone and
request for reconsideration. The request must be television, and special duty nursing are not
filed within sixty (60) days after denial unless an covered.
extension is specifically approved. If GHC cannot
overturn the initial denial, it will be referred by B. MEDICAL AND SURGICAL CARE
GHC to the Health Care Financing Administration The following medical and surgical services
for further review and final determination. are provided when prescribed by a GHC
Section V. EFFECTIVE DATE OF SERVICES physician.
AND BENEFITS 1. Surgical services.
Coverage under the GHC Medicare Plan is effective 2. Diagnostic x-ray, nuclear medicine,
on the date specified by GHC and the Social ultrasound, and laboratory services.
Security Administration.
3. Blood, blood derivatives, and their
Section VI. SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS -- GHC administration.
STANDARD OPTION MEDICARE PLAN
4. Transplants. When allowed by Medicare
The section titled "Schedule of Benefits" of the and authorized by GHC's Medical Director
Group Agreement is deleted in its entirety. or his/her designee. Donor costs will be
Benefits are limited to those covered by covered per Medicare guidelines.
Medicare. (See "Your Medicare Handbook.")
P0002END.2
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5. Physician calls (including consultation and C. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT
second opinion by a GHC Physician) in the Alcoholism and drug abuse/addiction treat-
hospital, office, or Skilled Nursing ment will be provided per Medicare
Facility. Physician calls in a nursing guidelines.
home or convalescent center are provided
up to Medicare limits as described in D. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE
"Your Medicare Handbook." SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED AS
6. Speech therapy per Medicare guidelines. FOLLOWS:
1. to improve the functioning of a malformed
7. Radiation therapy services. body part, or
8. Specified services related to dysfunction 2. to correct a medical condition following an
of the jaw: When referred by a GHC injury or incident to surgery.
physician, evaluation and treatment by 3. Reconstructive surgery and associated
GHC's Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) procedures following a mastectomy will be
Clinic, and occlusal splint therapy. covered for Enrollees who are medically
Treatment of jaw dysfunction, including suitable candidates, as determined by
TMJ dysfunction, will NOT be provided GHC's Medical Director or his/her
when the dysfunction is related to designee. Breast prostheses required
malocclusion. All such services and incident to the surgery will be provided.
related hospitalization, including
orthodontic therapy and orthognathic (jaw) 4. An Enrollee will be covered for all stages
surgery, are excluded. of one reconstructive breast reduction on
the nondiseased breast to make it equiv-
9. The following services are provided by alent in size with the diseased breast after
GHC when performed by a GHC physician definitive reconstruction surgery on the
or GHC oral surgeon: reduction of a diseased breast has been performed.
fracture or dislocation of the jaw or facial
bones; excision of tumors or cysts of the E. APPLIANCES which are Medically Neces-
jaw, cheeks, lips, tongue, gums, roof and sary, limited to the following when approved
floor of the mouth; and incision of salivary by Medicare: ostomy supplies, orthopedic
glands and ducts. appliances, orthopedic shoes covered ONLY
when they are part of leg braces. Dental plates
10. Prosthetic devices approved by Medicare, or other dental devices are NOT covered. (See
including the following: cardiac devices, "Your Medicare Handbook.")
artificial joints, intraocular lenses, and
artificial eyes and limbs. (See "Your F. DRUGS AND MEDICINES will be covered
Medicare Handbook.") while hospitalized during an approved stay in
a hospital or Skilled Nursing Facility. Ex-
11. Chiropractic care limited to spinal ma- cluded are outpatient drugs and medicines.
nipulations subject to Medicare-approved (See "Your Medicare Handbook.")
GHC guidelines. Excluded are any other
diagnostic or therapeutic services, including G. HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES by a
x-rays, furnished by a chiropractor. (See visiting nurse, nurse's aide, physical therapist,
"Your Medicare Handbook.") occupational therapist, speech therapist, or
medical social worker are provided through
12. Podiatric care including removal of plantar the GHC home health agency for Enrollees
warts, subject to Medicare guidelines. who meet the established criteria. Care must
Excluded is routine foot care such as be authorized in advance by a GHC physician.
hygenic care; treatment of flat feet or other Nursing care on a full-time basis in your home
misalignments of the feet; and removal of is excluded. (See "Your Medicare
corns, calluses and most warts. (See "Your Handbook.")
Medicare Handbook.")
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H. RENTAL OR PURCHASE OF DURABLE only when an Enrollee is temporarily
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT: Oxygen absent from the Service Area for no longer
equipment, wheelchairs, home dialysis than one hundred twenty (120) days.
systems, and other Medically Necessary
equipment when approved by Medicare and When emergency or urgently needed care
prescribed by a GHC physician for use in your meets Medicare guidelines, coverage will
home. (See "Your Medicare Handbook.") be provided up to the Medicare Reasonable
Charge. Amounts beyond the Medicare
I. MENTAL HEALTH CARE Reasonable Charge are the responsibility
of the Enrollee.
1. Outpatient. Covered to Medicare mon-
etary limit. (See "Your Medicare 3. Care covered by this subsection shall
Handbook.") include the following:
2. Hospitalization for Mental Health. Upon • physicians' services,
referral, GHC will cover to the extent
allowed by Medicare. (See "Your . Hospital Care, and
Medicare Handbook.")
drugs and medicines only while
J. SKILLED NURSING FACILITY: GHC will patient is hospitalized.
provide care in its Progressive Care Facility
up to Medicare limits, when Medically Neces- L. MEDICARE AMBULANCE BENEFIT:
sary in the opinion of the GHC physician and
Medically Necessary ambulance transportation
Medicare guidelines are met. (See "Your is covered by Medicare only if transportation
Medicare Handbook.") by any other vehicle could endanger the
patient's health and the ambulance, equipment,
K. MEDICARE EMERGENCY BENEFIT and personnel meet Medicare requirements.
Excluded from coverage is ambulance use
1. Emergency Services Emergency Services from your home to a doctor's office. (See
are those required to prevent death or "Your Medicare Handbook.")
serious impairment to the Enrollee's
health, and will be covered anywhere When ambulance services meet Medicare
within the Medicare geographic limits of guidelines, coverage will be provided up to the
the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Medicare Reasonable Charge. Amounts
Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the beyond the Medicare Reasonable Charge are
Northern Mariana Islands. the responsibility of the Enrollee.
Such services are considered emergency M. EMERGENCY CLAIMS PROCEDURE:
services only so long as the transfer of the Claims for services or supplies and Explana-
Enrollee to GHC Facilities (or GHC tion of Medicare Benefits forms for services or
Designated Facilities) is precluded because supplies from providers other than Group
of risk to the Enrollee's health, or the Health Cooperative should be sent to:
distance and nature of illness involved Medicare Claims, Group Health Cooperative
would make the transfer unreasonable. of Puget Sound, P.O. Box C-19165, Seattle,
WA 98109. If you must receive emergency or
2. Urgently Needed Services. Urgently urgently needed care from a non-GHC
Needed Services are those required to provider, you must show your GHC I.D. card
prevent a serious deterioration in the and your red, white and blue Medicare card.
Enrollee's health, and will be covered
within the Service Area ONLY AT GHC 1. The Enrollee must submit claims as soon
FACILITIES OR GHC DESIGNATED as possible, but in no case later than the
FACILITIES. Outside the GHC Service fifteen (15) month limit set in "Your
Area, urgently needed care will be covered Medicare Handbook."
P0002ENDA
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2. The Cooperative may secure information 5. Services covered by employment or
which it deems necessary concerning the government programs:
medical care and hospitalization for which
payment is requested. a. Any federal, state, county, or mu-
nicipal worker's compensation,
Section VII. EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS employer's liability, or laws of similar
purpose; or under any private in-
A. EXCLUSIONS dustrial insurance or self-insured plans
maintained by the employer; or
The subsection titled "Exclusions" of the section b. Any federal, state, county, municipal,
title "Exclusions and Limitations" of the Group or other governmental agency;
Agreement is deleted in its entirety. Benefits including in the case of service-
shall be limited to those covered by Medicare. connected disabilities, the Veterans
(See "Your Medicare Handbook.") Following is Administration.
a summary of the major exclusions.
GHC reserves all rights to reimbursement
1. Eyeglasses, contact lenses including provided by any of the above-described
examinations and fittings (except where laws, private industrial insurance, self-
eyeglasses or contact lenses are required to insured plan, or governmental agencies.
replace the natural lens of the eye);
diabetic supplies including insulin pumps; It is expressly understood that this
hearing aids and examinations in Agreement is NOT intended to serve as
connection therewith; corrective shoes private industrial insurance, or as a
(except when orthopedic shoes are part of self-insured plan maintained by the
leg braces); or any other supplies or employer.
dressings which are not for the specific
treatment of disease or injury. c. Services will be provided under this
Agreement:
2. Cosmetic services, except as provided in
Section VI.D. i. if there is reasonable doubt
whether an Enrollee should receive
3. Dental care and service unless the service benefits under this Agreement or
would be covered if provided by a from another source; and
physician. The Cooperative's Medical ii, if the Enrollee active/
Director, or his/her designee, will y seeks to
determine whether the care or treatment establish his/her rights to benefits
required is within the category of dental from that source.
care or service.
6. Examinations and associated reports
If a GHC physician determines that an required for employment, immigration,
unrelated medical condition requires that license, or insurance purposes.
an Enrollee be hospitalized for a dental
procedure which is normally done in a 7. Investigational procedures, including
dentist's office, or if the severity of the medical and surgical services, drugs, and
dental procedure requires hospitalization, supplies until approved by GHC.
GHC will cover associated hospital and
anesthesia costs at a GHC or GHC 8. Supportive devices for the feet.
Designated Facility. GHC will not cover
the dentist's or oral surgeon's fees. 9. Health evaluations (routine physical and
health screening examinations).
4. Custodial or convalescent care, including
homemaker services. 10. Drugs and medicines and the adminis-
tration thereof (except as a hospital
P0002END.S
(09/86)
inpatient under care of a GHC physician or motorist, homeowner's or other first party
while a hospital inpatient and entitled to coverage, except for individual health
Emergency or Urgently Needed Care). insurance.
11. Special Duty Nursing Care. B. LIMITATIONS
12. Hospital care exceeding Medicare The subsection titled "Limitations" of the
allowance. section title "Exclusions and Limitations"
13. Immunizations and vaccinations, except as of the Group Agreement is modified to
covered by Medicare (See "Your Medicare include the following:
Handbook.")
I. Conditions and Extent of Coverage.
14. Hearing examinations for the prescription ALL SERVICES AND BENEFITS UNDER
of hearing aids. THIS AGREEMENT MUST BE
PROVIDED BY GHC MEDICAL PER-
15. Diagnostic testing and medical treatment SONNEL AT A GHC FACILITY UNLESS:
of sterility, infertility and frigidity.
a. The Enrollee has received a Referral
16. Non-therapeutic sterilization. from a GHC physician.
17. Procedures and services to reverse a b. The Enrollee has received emergency
therapeutic or non-therapeutic sterilization. or urgently needed services according
to Section VIX of this Medicare
18. Procedures, services and supplies related Endorsement.
to sex transformations.
2. Duty to Maintain Federal Medicare
19. Surgery directly related to obesity. Status. A condition of coverage under the
GHC Medicare Plan requires that an
20. Voluntary termination of pregnancy. Enrollee be continuously fully qualified
and enrolled for the hospital (Part A) and
21. Any services for which an Enrollee has a medical (Part B) benefits, or Part B only,
contractual right to recover the cost available from the Social Security
thereof, whether a claim is asserted or not, Administration, and sign any papers that
under automobile, medical, personal injury may be required by GHC or Medicare.
protection, uninsured or underinsured
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Group Continuation Coverage,
• Health Conversion, and Transfer
Cooperative
of Puget Sound Contract Endorsement
For Attachment to Group Medical Coverage Agreement
Section IV. is retitled Continuation Coverage, Conver- and the non-Medicare eligible Family
sion, and Transfer, and is modified to include the Dependent as a result would be ineligible
following as the new subsection A. The current subset- under this Agreement; or
tions A., B., and C. are renumbered B., C., and D. a Dependent child ceases to qualify as a
accordingly. Family Dependent under Section IX.B.2.(b)
A. Continuation Coverage or(c).
3. A Subscriber who is a retiree or the spouse or
This subsection A. only applies to employer Dependent of a retiree may continue coverage
groups who must offer continuation coverage hereunder if the Subscriber would otherwise
under the applicable provisions of the Con- lose coverage hereunder within one year of the
solidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act date a proceeding under Title 11 of the United
of 1986 ("COBRA"), as amended, and only States Code is commenced with respect to the
applies to grant continuation of coverage rights Group. Coverage under this Section IV.A.3.,
to the extent required by federal law. continues only upon payment of applicable
monthly charges to the Group at the time
To the extent required by federal law, if the Subscriber or specified by the Group. The terms and condi-
Family Dependent loses eligibility under this Group tions of this coverage are governed by COBRA.
Agreement, group coverage may be continued under the
circumstances described below. Except as set forth in 4. If an individual enrolled for continuation
Section IV.A.10., below, this provision applies only to coverage experiences a second qualifying event
Subscribers and Family Dependents enrolled under this as set forth in subsection (2.) above, continua-
Agreement prior to the date of eligibility for continuation tion coverage may be extended for up to
coverage who would otherwise lose coverage as a result thirty-six (36) months, beginning from the date
of one of the qualifying events listed below in subset- of the first qualifying event.
tions (1.), (2.), and (3.).
5. In addition to the conditions set forth in Section
1. Subscribers and Family Dependents are eligible III. Termination, continuation coverage may be
for continuation coverage for a maximum terminated prior to the prescribed period set
period of up to eighteen (18) months comment- forth in subsections (1.), (2.), and (3.) above if:
ing at the date that: There is a failure to make timely payment
• The Subscriber's employment is terminated of any monthly dues required under this
(unless terminated for gross misconduct); or Agreement;
• the Subscriber experiences a reduction in the Enrollee becomes covered under any
work hours. other group health plan;
• the Enrollee becomes eligible to enroll
2. Family Dependents are eligible for continuation under Medicare whether he or she enrolls or
coverage for a maximum period of up to
thirty-six (36) months commencing at the date not.
that: 6. Notice
• The Subscriber is divorced or legally The Group is responsible for assuring com-
separated; or pliance with COBRA and that Enrollees are
• the Subscriber dies; or given timely notice of their continuation
• the Subscriber becomes entitled to Medicare coverage option. The Group is also responsible
for notifying GHC in a timely fashion of the
CA-50
I0007IWS
(01/87)Rev.(01/88)
election to continue coverage and the applicable 9. Group Conversion
coverage period (eighteen [181 or thirty-six [361 Within a 180-day period prior to termination of
months). continuation coverage, the Subscriber or Family
Dependent enrolled for continuation coverage is
The Subscriber or Family Dependent must entitled to convert to GHC's Group Conversion
notify the Group, or plan administrator, if any, Plan if his/her coverage under this Agreement is
within sixty (60) days of a divorce, legal terminated for any reason other than non-
separation, or when an enrolled dependent child payment or cause. See Section IV.B.2. GHC
no longer meets the eligibility requirements set Group Conversion Plan - Application.
forth in Section IX.B.2.
10. Open Enrollment and Adding Dependents
7. Application To the extent required under COBRA, a
Written application for continuation coverage qualified beneficiary under COBRA may add
must be made within sixty (60) days of the Family Dependents during the Group's Open
termination date of coverage or the date the Enrollment period and newly eligible persons
Enrollee receives specific notice of his/her right according to the procedures specified in Section
to continuation coverage. No lapse in coverage IX.A.
prior to continuation coverage is permitted. It is further understood and agreed that Section III.B.1. is
The application shall be deemed by GHC to deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
include all Family Dependents eligible for
continuation coverage unless specifically stated 1. Loss of Eligibility. If an Enrollee no longer
otherwise. A physical examination or statement meets the eligibility requirements set forth in
of health is not required. Section IX.B. and is not enrolled for continua-
tion coverage as described in Section IV.A.,
8. Monthly Dues coverage under this Agreement will terminate at
Monthly dues must be paid directly to the the end of the month during which loss of
Group. The Group is responsible for submitting eligibility occurs.
such dues with its regular monthly dues All other provisions of Sections III., IV., and IX.
payment to GHC. shall remain in full force and effect.
CA-SO
I00071WS
(01/87)Rev.(01/88)
Group Emergency Department
• Health Copayment
" Cooperative
of Puget Sound Contract Endorsement
For Attachment to Group Medical Coverage Agreement
It is understood and agreed that Section I. of the Payment of a Copayment does not exclude the
Group Medical Coverage Agreement is modified to possibility of an additional billing if the service
include the following: is determined to be a non-Covered Service.
COPAYMENT• A fee charged by GHC to an Total out-of-pocket Copayment expenses
Enrollee for certain Covered Services under this incurred during the same calendar year shall not
Agreement, as set forth in the Dues and Fees exceed the aggregate maximum amount (Stop
Schedule. Loss) as set forth in the Dues and Fees Schedule.
If Copayments have been billed, any applicable
STOP LOSS: The maximum amount of Copayments billing fees shall not be considered in calculat-
paid during the calendar year for Covered Services ing total out-of-pocket expenses for Copayments
received by the Subscriber and his/her Family made.
Dependents during the same calendar year. The Stop Section III.B.2. is modified to include the following:
Loss amount is set forth in the Dues and Fees
Schedule. 2. For Cause. Coverage of an Enrollee may
be terminated upon written notice for:
Section II.B. is deleted in its entirety and replaced
with the following: Non-payment of charges as set forth in
Section II.B.
B. Subscriber's Liability. The Subscriber is liable
for (1) payment to the Group of his/her contribu- Section X.I.I. is deleted and replaced with the
tion toward the monthly dues, if any; (2) following:
payment to the Cooperative of Copayments for
Covered Services provided to the Subscriber and I. Emergency Care
his/her Family Dependents, as set forth in the 1. At a GHC Facility or GHC Designated
Dues and Fees Schedule; and (3) payment to the
Cooperative of any fees charged for non- Facility. GHC will cover Emergency care
Covered Services provided to the Subscriber and for all Covered Services subject to payment
his/her Family Dependents. of the Copayment set forth in the Dues and
Fees Schedule.
Section II. is further modified to include the If two or more members of the Family Unit
following: require Emergency care as a result of the
D. Copayments. At the time of service, Enrollees same accident, only one Emergency Care
shall be required to pay Copayments as set forth Copayment will apply.
in the Dues and Fees Schedule. Failure to pay All other provisions of the Group Medical
Copayments at the time of service may result in Coverage Agreement shall remain in full force
a billing fee not to exceed five dollars (S5.00). and effect.
ER-CP
CA-7(01/88)
I00221WS
Group
Health Maternity Care
Cooperative
of Puget Sound Contract Endorsement
For Attachment to Group Medical Coverage Agreement
It is understood and agreed that Section X.B.7.
of the Group Medical Coverage Agreement is
deleted in its entirety and replaced with the
following:
The Cooperative shall provide maternity
care, including care for complications of
pregnancy; prenatal and postpartum visits;
and voluntary termination of pregnancy.
It is further understood and agreed that Sec-
tion XI.A.20 is deleted in its entirety.
Voluntary termination of pregnancy shall be
covered.
All other provisions of Sections X.H. and XI.A.
remain in full force and effect.
MT-A, AB-A
CA-66 (01/88)
I0213CNT
Group
•,�• Health Pre-Existing Conditions
Cooperative
of Puget sound Contract Endorsement
For Attachment to Group Medical Coverage Agreement
It is understood and agreed that Section
XI.A.12. of the Group Medical Coverage
Agreement is deleted in its entirety.
Except as provided under Section X.B., 8.
and 16., Pre-existing Conditions shall be
covered in the same manner as any other
illness.
All other provisions of Section XI.A. shall re-
main in full force and effect.
PC-A
CA-18 (01/88)
I0136CNT
a
R.L EVANS I L C E 8 V 16
COMPANY INC. n'
1210 Plaza 600 Bldg. • Seattle,WA 98101 •206/448-7878• FAX 206/448-3589 JUN 2 0 1989
CITY OF KEIVT
June 9, 1989 CITY CLERK
Ms. Carol Katonias-Ray
Group Health Coopertive
521 Wall Street
Seattle, WA 98121
RE: City of Kent
Dear Carol,
In follow up to our discussion last week with regard to the
City of Kent' s premium payments for added and deleted
employees, we wish to continue the arrangement as out lined
last year.
This being that the City is not charged for new enrollees
for the month in which they are added. This includes
employees who enroll with Group Health at open enrollment
each year. We also agreed last year that the City would pay
for the entire month when an employee was deleted from
coverage.
If you should have any questions, please feel free to call
me.
SinFerely,_ -�
Douglas's Evans
Vice President
Employee Benefits
DE:me
cc: Lori Brown, City of Kent
Estate&Business Planning•Group Insurance• Financial&Insurance Planning• 401ktPension/Profit Suring Plans
Securities offered through Integrated Resources Equity Corp..Member NASD&S1PC
Registered Investment Advisory Services offered through Evans Financial Advisory Service
R.L. EVkNS
COMPANY IN(, 1l
1210 Plaza 600 Bldg. •Seattle,WA 98101 • 2061448-7878 • FAX 206/448-3589
May 25, 1989
Ms. Lori Brown
City of Kent
220 Fourth Avenue So.
2,unt, IVA 98032-5895
Dear Lori,
Enclosed please find a copy of the revised eligibility
endorseement from Group Health Cooperative, allowing LEOFF
II employees to be covered under the plan.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
DouglasBEvans
Vice President
Employee Benefits
DE:ceb
Estate&Business Planning•Group Insurance • Financial&Insurance Planning•401k/Pension/Profit Sharing Plans
Securities offered through Integrated Resources Equity Corp.,Member NASD&SIPC
Registered Investment Advisory Services offered through Evans Financial Advisory Service
Section IX. ENROLLMENT AND ELIGIBILITY child enrolled, he/she must notify
SCHEDULE GHC within sixty (60) days of the
date of birth.
A. Enrollment If subsequent to enrollment it
1. Application for Enrollment. Application is discovered that the newborn
for enrollment shall be made on an ap- child is not eligible or if the Group
plication form furnished or approved by does not initiate dues payments on
GHC. No person shall be enrolled or or before sixty (60) days from the
dues accepted until this completed ap- date of birth, GHC shall disenroll
plication has been received by GHC. the child retroactive to the ef-
The Group is responsible for submitting fective date of coverage.
completed application forms to GHC. Children who are born in a
a. Newly Eligible Persons. Newly eli- non-GHC Facility on a non-
gible Subscribers may make written emergency basis will not be auto-
application for enrollment to the matically enrolled. The Subscriber
Group within thirty-one (31) days of must make written application for
eligibility. If the Subscriber wishes enrollment to the Group within
to enroll his/her eligible Depend- sixty (60) days following the date of
ents, application must be made dur- birth.
ing this same thirty-one (31) day All adopted children, including
period. newborns, must be enrolled within
Written application for enroll- sixty (60) days from the day that
ment for a newly dependent person, the child is physically placed with
other than a newborn or adopted the Subscriber for the purpose of
child, must be made to the Group adoption and the Subscriber
within thirty-one (31) days after assumes financial responsibility for
the dependency occurs. the medical expenses of the child.
A Subscriber's newborn child b. If the spouse of a GHC Subscriber
shall be automatically enrolled loses eligibility under a group med-
when born: ical plan provided by his/her em-
i. at a GHC Facility or GHC De- ployer, the spouse and any eligible
signated Facility; or Dependents listed on the spouse's
ii. at a non-GHC Facility due to insurance may be added to the GHC
an Emergency, provided that Subscriber's plan. Enrollment must
all the requirements of Section be continuous between plans and
X.I. of this Agreement are application must be made prior to,
met, including notification of or at the same time as, termination
GHC by way of the GHC Noti- of previous enrollment.
fication Line immediately upon c. Open Enrollment. A person not en-
inpatient admission, or as soon rolled as a Subscriber or Family
thereafter as practicable, but Dependent when newly eligible, as
in no event more than twenty- described above, may make written
four (24) hours following ad- application during the Group's Open
mission. Enrollment period.
GHC shall provide notice of 2. Limitation on Enrollment. This Agree-
such enrollment to the Subscriber ment will be open for application as set
and the Group. It is the Sub- forth in Section IX.A.1. GHC may limit
scriber's responsibility to complete enrollment, establish quotas, or set pri-
and submit a revised application orities for acceptance of new applica-
form to the Group. If the Sub- tions if it determines that its capacity,
scriber does not want the newborn in relation to its total enrollment, is not
CA-133
E0369.1
Rev. 03/89, Eff. 04/89
adequate to provide services to addi- B. Eligibility
tional persons. In order to be accepted for enrollment and
3. Effective Date of Enrollment. continuing coverage under this Agreement,
a. Provided application is made as set individuals must meet all applicable re-
forth in Section IX.A.l.a. (above), quirements set forth below. The Group is
enrollment for a newly eligible Sub- responsible for determining eligibility.
scriber and listed Dependents will 1. Subscribers. Elected officials, bona fide
begin on the date of hire. employees and LEOFF II employees who
Subscribers who return to work are employed on a regularly scheduled
from a leave without pay status basis of not less than eighty (80) hours
within ninety (90) days, shall be eli- in each calendar month shall be eligible
gible for enrollment on the first of for enrollment.
the month following their date of LEOFF I employees will not be
return to work. covered under this plan.
Enrollment for newly depend- 2. Family Dependents. The Subscriber
ent persons, other than newborns may enroll any of the following:
and adopted children, will begin on a. The Subscriber's legal spouse;
the first of the month following ap- b. Unmarried dependent children who
plication. are under the age of twenty-one
Provided newborns are enrolled (21), provided they reside regularly
as specified in Section IX.A.l.a. with the Subscriber or qualify as
(above), enrollment is effective Dependents for Federal Income Tax
from the date of birth. purposes.
A newborn is defined as a child "Children" means the children
who is not older than four (4) of the Subscriber including adopted
weeks. children, stepchildren, foster chil-
For adopted children, enroll- dren, and any other children for
ment is effective from the date whom the Subscriber is the legal
that the adopted child is physically guardian.
placed with the Subscriber for the c. Enrollment may be extended past
purpose of adoption and the Sub- the limiting age for an unmarried
scriber has assumed financial re- person enrolled as a Family Re-
sponsibility for the medical ex- pendent on his/her twenty-first
penses of the child. (21st) birthday if:
b. Persons Hospitalized on Effective i. the Dependent is a full-time
Date. If a person is confined in a registered student at an ac-
hospital on the date enrollment credited secondary school, col-
would otherwise become effective, lege, or university and under
enrollment for the person(s) hospi- the age of twenty-three (23);
talized will not begin until dis- or
charge from the facility. ii. the Dependent is incapable of
4. Effective Date of Services and Benefits. self-support because of a de-
Services provided to Enrollees are sub- velopmental disability or a
ject to all terms and conditions of this physical handicap incurred
Agreement including the requirement prior to attainment of the
that all services must be received at a limiting age, is chiefly depend-
GHC or GHC Designated Facility under ent upon the Subscriber for
the medical management of a GHC support and maintenance, and
physician unless the Enrollee has been qualifies as a Dependent for
referred by a GHC physician or has re- Federal Income Tax purposes.
ceived Emergency services according to Enrollment for such a Depend-
Section X.I.
CA-133
E0369.2
Rev. 03/89, Eff. 04/89
ent may be continued for the pendent's attainment of the
duration of the incapacity, limiting age.
provided enrollment does not d. Dependents of LEOFF I employees
terminate for any other are eligible for coverage under this
reason. Medical proof of in- contract.
capacity and proof of financial Ineligible Persons. GHC reserves the right
dependency must be furnished to refuse enrollment to any person whose
to the Cooperative upon re- coverage under this Agreement or any other
quest, but not more frequently Medical Coverage Agreement issued by
than annually after the two- Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound
year period following the De- has been terminated for cause. (See Section
III. Termination.)
CA-133
E0369.3
Rev. 03/89, Eff. 04/89
Group
•� Health Cooperative
of Puget Sound
ENDORSEMENTS
TO THE
GROUP MEDICAL COVERAGE
AGREEMENT
GROUP HEALTH COOPERATIVE OF PUGET SOUND
Byaw
a�40wo*
Title Vice-President,Health Plan and Insurance Services
GROUP CITY OF KENT
#0369
By
Title
These Endorsements to the Agreement will become effective
_ 01/01/89
and will continue in effect until terminated as herein provided for.
PA-758
100131WS.1
01/87 Rev.01/89
Section IX. ENROLLMENT AND ELIGIBILITY c. Open Enrollment. A person not en-
SCHEDULE rolled as a Subscriber or Family
Dependent when newly eligible, as
A. Enrollment described above, may make written
1. Application for Enrollment. Application application during the Group's Open
for enrollment shall be made on an ap- Enrollment period.
plication form furnished or approved by 2. Limitation on Enrollment. This Agree-
GHC. No person shall be enrolled or ment will be open for application as set
dues accepted until this completed ap- forth in Section IX.A.1. GHC may
plication has been received by GHC. limit enrollment, establish quotas, or
The Group is responsible for submitting set priorities for acceptance of new ap-
completed application forms to GHC. plications if it determines that its capa-
a. Newly Eligible Persons. Newly eli- city, in relation to its total enrollment,
gible Subscribers may make written is not adequate to provide services to
application for enrollment to the additional persons.
Group within thirty-one (31) days of 3. Effective Date of Enrollment.
eligibility. If the Subscriber wishes a. Provided application is made as set
to enroll his/her eligible Depend- forth in Section IX.A.l.a. (above),
ents, application must be made dur- enrollment for a newly eligible Sub-
ing this same thirty-one (31) day scriber and listed Dependents will
period. begin on the date of hire.
Written application for enroll- Subscribers who return to work
ment for a newly acquired Depend- from a leave without pay status
ent other than a newborn or within ninety (90) days, shall be eli-
adopted child must be made to the gible for enrollment on the first of
Group within thirty-one (31) days the month following their date of
after the dependency occurs. return to work.
A Subscriber who, subsequent Enrollment for newly depend-
to his/her enrollment, wishes to en- ent persons, other than newborns
roll a newborn child must make and adopted children, will begin on
written application to the Group the first of the month following ap-
within sixty (60) days of the child's plication.
birthdate. Adopted children must Provided newborns are enrolled
be enrolled within sixty (60) days as specified in Section IX.A.l.a.
from the day that the child is phys- (above), enrollment is effective
ically placed with the Subscriber from the date of birth.
for the purpose of adoption and the A newborn is defined as a child
Subscriber assumes financial re- who is not older than four (4)
sponsibility for the medical ex- weeks.
penses of the child. For adopted children, enroll-
b. If the spouse of a GHC Subscriber ment is effective from the date
loses eligibility under a group med- that the adopted child is physically
ical plan provided by his/her em- placed with the Subscriber for the
ployer, the spouse and any eligible purposes of adoption and the Sub-
Dependents listed on the spouse's scriber has assumed financial re-
insurance may be added to the GHC sponsibility for the medical ex-
Subscriber's plan. Enrollment must penses of the child.
be continuous between plans and b. Persons Hospitalized on Effective
application must be made prior to, Date. If a person is confined in a
or at the same time as, termination hospital on the date enrollment
of previous enrollment. would otherwise become effective,
CA-101
E0369CNT.1
01/88 REV. 1/89
enrollment for the person(s) hospi- the limiting age for an unmarried
talized will not begin until dis- person enrolled as a Family De-
charge from the facility. pendent on his/her twenty-first
4. Effective Date of Services and Benefits. (21st) birthday if:
Services provided to Enrollees are sub- i. The Dependent is a full-time
ject to all terms and conditions of this registered student at an ac-
Agreement including the requirement credited secondary school, col-
that all services must be received at a lege, or university and under
GHC or GHC Designated Facility under the age of twenty-three (23);
the medical management of a GHC or
physician unless the Enrollee has been ii. The Dependent is incapable of
referred by a GHC physician or has re- self-support because of de-
ceived Emergency services according to velopmental disability or phys-
Section X.I. ical handicap incurred prior to
B. Eligibility attainment of the limiting age,
In order to be accepted for enrollment and is chiefly dependent upon the
continuing coverage under this Agreement, Subscriber for support and
individuals must meet all applicable re- maintenance, and qualifies as a
quirements set forth below. The Group is Dependent for Federal Income
responsible for determining eligibility. Tax purposes. Enrollment for
1. Subscribers. Elected officials and bona such a Dependent may be con-
fide employees who are employed on a tinued for the duration of the
regularly scheduled basis of not less incapacity, provided enroll-
than eighty (80) hours in each calendar ment does not terminate for
month shall be eligible for enrollment. any other reason. Medical
Uniformed Personnel will not be proof of incapacity and proof
covered under this plan. of financial dependency must
2. Family Dependents. The Subscriber be furnished to the Coopera-
may enroll any of the following: tive upon request, but not
a. The Subscriber's legal spouse; more frequently than annually
b. unmarried dependent children who after the two-year period fol-
are under the age of twenty-one lowing the Dependent's at-
(21), provided they reside regularly tainment of the limiting age.
with the Subscriber or qualify as d. Dependents of Uniformed Personnel
Dependents for Federal Income Tax are eligible for coverage under this
purposes. contract.
"Children" means the children Ineligible Persons. GHC reserves the right
of the Subscriber including adopted to refuse enrollment to any person whose
children, stepchildren, foster chil- coverage under this Agreement or any other
dren, and any other children for Medical Coverage Agreement issued by
whom the Subscriber is the legal Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound
guardian. has been terminated for cause. (See Section
c. Enrollment may be extended past III.B.2.)
CA-101
E0369CNT.2
01/88 REV. 1/89
ALLOWANCES, DEDUCTIBLES, COP. .AENTS, AND FEES
The following Allowances, Deductibles, Copayments and Fees are subject to Pre-existing
Conditions limitatio-ns as defined in the Medical Coverage Agreement.
Mental Health Care Allowance
Outpatient Allowance.. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outpatient mental health care services
provided through GHC will be covered
in full up to a maximum of 10 visits
per calendar year. The Enrollee will
pay 50% of the charges for the next 10
visits. After a total of 20 visits,
the Enrollee pays in full for all
outpatient mental health care.
Inpatient Allowance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inpatient mental health services are
covered up to 7 days at 80% per
Enrollee per calendar year for
Emergency mental health care at a
state mental health hospital .
Coverage is subject to the $100
Emergency Care Deductible.
Chemical Dependency Allowance
Benefit Period Allowance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,000 maximum per Enrollee per any 24
consecutive calendar month period for
outpatient and inpatient services
received.
Lifetime Maximum Benefit. .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . $10,000 per Enrollee for outpatient
and inpatient services received.
Emergency Copayment/Deductible... . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . Emergency care at a GHC or GHC-
Designated Facility is subject to a
$25.00 Copayment amount per Emergency,
payable by the Enrollee. Copayment is
waived if Enrollee is admitted to the
hospital from the Emergency Room.
Emergency care at a non-GHC Designated
Facility is subject to a $100.00
Deductible amount per Emergency,
payable by the Enrollee.
StopLoss. . ... . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total out-of-pocket Copayment expenses
for Emergency care at a GHC or GHC
Designated Facility are limited to an
aggregate maximum of $750 per Enrollee
and $1500 per family per calendar
year.
Ambulance Allowance/Deductible.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . An allowance of up to $1,000 per
Emergency is allowed for transport to
GHC or non-GHC facilities. Ambulance
charges for transport to a non-GHC
Designated Facility are subject to a
$50.00 Deductible amount per
Emergency, payable by the Enrollee.
ALLOWANCES, DEDUCTIBLES, CO —MENTS, AND FEES, Continued
Rehabilitation Services
Inpatient Allowance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inpatient physical and occupational
therapy, and restorative speech
pathology services combined, plus
associated hospital services, for the
purpose of rehabilitation, will be
covered in full up to a maximum of 60
days per condition per calendar year.
Outpatient Allowance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outpatient physical and occupational
therapy and restorative speech
pathology services combined will be
covered in full up to a maximum of 60
visits per condition per calendar
year.
"Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound does not discriminate on the basis of physical or
mental handicaps in its employment practices or services."
01/89
Section X. SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS covered for Enrollees following cataract surgery
performed by a GHC physician, provided the
Subject to all provisions of this Group Medical Enrollee has been continuously covered by
Coverage Agreement, persons enrolled for GHC since such surgery. Replacement of a
Comprehensive Health Care are entitled to receive the covered contact lens will be provided only
benefits and services that are Medically Necessary as when needed due to change in the Enrollee's
determined by GHC's Medical Director, or his/her medical condition but may be replaced only one
designee, and as described in this Schedule. time within any twelve (12) month period.
4. Family planning counseling services.
A. HOSPITAL CARE 5. Hearing examinations to determine hearing loss.
6. Blood derivatives and the administration of
Hospital care is provided when approved by a GHC blood and blood derivatives. The cost of blood
physician, limited to the following services: is not covered.
1. Room and board, including private room when 7. Maternity care, including care for complications
prescribed, and general nursing services. of pregnancy, and prenatal and postpartum
2. Hospital services (including use of operating visits. Hospitalization and delivery are
room, anesthesia, oxygen, x-ray, laboratory, and provided, subject to payment of the Maternity
radiotherapy services). Care Fee set forth in the Dues and Fees
3. Drugs and medications which are listed as Schedule. The Maternity Care Fee must be paid
covered in the GHC Drug Formulary (approved in equal monthly installments during the
drug list). prenatal period, with the final installment
4. Special duty nursing (when prescribed as payable not later than thirty (30) days prior to
Medically Necessary). expected date of birth.
Personal comfort items, such as telephone and Voluntary (not medically indicated and
television, are not covered. non-therapeutic) termination of pregnancy will
If an Enrollee is hospitalized in a non-GHC Facility, be charged according to the Cooperative's
GHC- reserves the right to require transfer of the Directory of Services.
Enrollee to a GHC Facility, upon consultation.__with a 8. Transplants. When authorized as medically
GHC physician. If the Enrollee refuses to transfer to appropriate by GHC's Medical Director, or
a GHC Facility, all further costs incurred during the his/her designee, and in accordance with criteria
hospitalization are the responsibility of the Enrollee. established by the Cooperative, limited to heart,
kidney, corneal, bone marrow, and liver
B. MEDICAL AND SURGICAL CARE transplants.
Organ acquisition costs, including applicable
Medical and surgical services are provided, limited hospital and medical costs of the donor, are not
to the following, when prescribed by GHC Medical covered, except that the costs of liver harvest-
Personnel: ing and preservation are covered up to a
1. Surgical services. maximum of$25,000.00 per organ.
2. Diagnostic x-ray, nuclear medicine, ultrasound,
and laboratory services. Coverage for heart and liver transplants and/or
3. Routine eye examinations and refractions, any related services, items, and drugs shall be
limited to once every twelve (12) months, excluded until such time as the Enrollee has
except when Medically Necessary. Services for been continuously enrolled under this
routine eye examinations must be received at a Agreement, or any prior GHC Medical
GHC Facility and in accordance with GHC Coverage Agreement for twelve (12)
medical criteria in order to be covered. consecutive months without any lapse in
coverage.
Contact lens fittings and related examinations g physician visits (including consultations and
are not covered except as set forth below. second opinions by a GHC physician) in the
When dispensed through GHC Facilities, one hospital or office.
contact lens per diseased eye in lieu of an 10. Preventive services for health maintenance
intraocular lens, including exam and fitting, is
PA-7 54
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including physical examinations for detection Benefit Period Allowance and Lifetime Maximum
of disease or other conditions, and im- Benefit as described below and as shown in the Dues
munizations and vaccinations which are listed and Fees Schedule.
as covered in the GHC Drug Formulary 1. Chemical Dependency Treatment Services.
(approved drug list). A fee may be charged for a. All alcoholism and/or drug abuse treatment
health education programs. services must be: (1) provided at a facility
11. Radiation therapy services. as described above and must be authorized
12. Services related to dysfunction of the jaw: in advance, except for acute chemical
when referred by a GHC physician, evaluation withdrawal as described in Section
and treatment at a GHC-approved X.C.2.b.; and (2) deemed Medically
temporomandibular joint (TMJ) care provider, Necessary by GHC's ADAPT Director or
and occlusal splint fitting. his/her designee. Chemical dependency
treatment may include the following
All TMJ appliances, including the occlusal services received on an inpatient or out-
splint and night guard, are excluded. Treatment patient basis: diagnostic evaluation and
of jaw dysfunction, including TMJ dysfunction, education, organized individual and group
will NOT be provided when the dysfunction is counseling, detoxification services, and
related to malocclusion or when TMJ services prescription drugs and medicines.
are needed due to dental work performed. All b. Court-ordered treatment shall be provided
such services and related hospitalization, only if determined to be Medically
including orthodontic therapy, and orthognathic Necessary by GHC's ADAPT Director or
(jaw) surgery, are excluded, regardless of origin his/her designee.
or cause. 2. Emergency Care.
13. The following services are covered by GHC a. Coverage for medical Emergencies incident
when performed by a GHC physician or GHC to the abuse of alcohol and/or drugs is
oral surgeon: reduction of a fracture or subject to the Emergency care benefit as set
dislocation of the jaw or facial bones; excision forth in Section X.I.
of tumors or cysts of the jaw, cheeks, lips, b. Coverage for acute chemical withdrawal is
tongue, gums, roof and floor of the mouth; and provided without prior approval. If an
incision of salivary glands and ducts. Enrollee is hospitalized in a non-GHC
14. Nonexperimental implants, limited to the Designated Facility, coverage is subject to
following: cardiac devices, artificial joints, and payment of the Deductible shown in the
intraocular lenses. Artificial or mechanical Dues and Fees Schedule, and notification of
hearts are excluded. GHC by way of the GHC Notification Line
15. When authorized as medically appropriate by immediately upon inpatient admission, or as
GHC's Medical Director, or his/her designee, soon thereafter as practicable, but in no
and in accordance with criteria established by event more than twenty-four (24) hours
the Cooperative, treatment of growth disorders following admission. Furthermore, if an
by growth hormones. Enrollee is hospitalized in a non-GHC
Growth hormone treatment shall be excluded Designated Facility, GHC reserves the right
until such time as the Enrollee has been to require transfer of the Enrollee to a GHC
continuously enrolled under this Agreement or Facility upon consultation with a GHC
any prior GHC Medical Coverage Agreement physician. If the Enrollee refuses transfer
for twelve (12) consecutive months without any to a GHC Facility, all further costs incurred
lapse in coverage. during the hospitalization are the responsi-
16. Respiratory therapy. bility of the Enrollee.
C. CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY TREATMENT The Enrollee, or person taking respon-
sibility for the Enrollee, is responsible for
notifying GHC by way of the GHC
Subject to all terms and conditions of this Agree- Notification Line immediately upon
ment, Gaze is provided as set forth below at a GHC inpatient admission to a GHC Designated
Facility, GHC Designated Facility, or GHC-approved Facility, or as soon thereafter as prac-
treatment facility meeting all requirements of RCW ticable, but in no event more than twenty-
four and RCW 69.54.030, subject to the four (24) hours following admission.
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For the purpose of this section, "acute borne by the Enrollee under the terms of this
chemical withdrawal" means withdrawal of Agreement shall not be applied toward the
alcohol and/or drugs from a person for Benefit Period Allowance or Lifetime
whom consequences of abstinence are so Maximum Benefit.
severe as to require medical/nursing In regard to this section, the Benefit Period(s),
assistance in a hospital setting and which is Benefit Period Allowance(s), and Lifetime
needed immediately to prevent serious Maximum Benefit shall include only alcoholism
impairment to the Enrollee's health. treatment services received on or after January
3. Benefit Period and Benefit Period Allowance. 1, 1987 and alcoholism and/or drug abuse
a. Benefit Period. For the purpose of this services received on or after January 1, 1988.
section, "Benefit Period" shall mean a
twenty-four (24) consecutive calendar D. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SERVICES
month period during which the Enrollee is will be provided:
eligible to receive covered chemical 1. to correct a functional disorder, as determined
dependency treatment services as set forth by a GHC physician, resulting from a
in this section. The first Benefit Period congenital disease or anomaly; or
shall begin on the first day the Enrollee 2 to correct a medical condition following an
receives covered chemical dependency injury or incidental to surgery covered by GHC,
services under this or any other group provided the Enrollee has been continuously
insurance, health care service contractor, covered at GHC since such injury or surgery.
health maintenance organization, 3. Reconstructive surgery and associated
self-insured plan or any combination procedures following a mastectomy will be
thereof, hereinafter referred to as "group covered for Enrollees who are medically
plans," and shall continue for twenty-four suitable candidates, as determined by GHC's
(24) consecutive calendar months, provided Medical Director or his/her designee. Internal
that coverage under this Agreement remains breast prostheses required incident to the
in force. All subsequent Benefit Periods surgery will be provided.
thereafter will begin on the first day 4. An Enrollee will be covered for all stages of
Covered Services are received after one reconstructive breast reduction on the
expiration of the previous twenty-four (24) nondiseased breast to make it equivalent in size
month Benefit Period. with the diseased breast after definitive re-
b. Benefit Period Allowance. The maximum constructive surgery on the diseased breast has
allowance available for any Benefit Period been performed.
- shall be the total of all chemical
dependency benefits provided and payments E. APPLIANCES which are Medically Necessary,
made for chemical dependency treatment limited to the following: ostomy supplies; temporary
under any group plan(s), not to exceed the orthopedic appliances for use during treatment up to
Benefit Period Allowance shown in the a maximum of six (6) months; and on Referral,
Dues and Fees Schedule during the oxygen and oxygen equipment for home use.
Enrollee's Benefit Period.
4. Lifetime Maximum Benefit. F. DRUGS AND MEDICINES FOR OUTPATIENT
Chemical dependency services are not covered USE as prescribed by a GHC physician for
after the Enrollee has reached his/her Lifetime conditions covered by this Agreement. All drugs,
Maximum Benefit amount as shown in the Dues supplies, medicines and devices must be obtained at
and Fees Schedule. All such benefits provided a GHC pharmacy.
or payments made by
a. GHC under any GHC Group Medical Excluded are: dietary supplements (except
Coverage Agreement, plus therapeutic vitamins for use up to thirty [301 days);
b. all amounts paid on an individual's behalf outpatient mental health drugs; contraceptive drugs
under any carrier or plan maintained by the and devices and their fitting; medicines and
Group, including self-insured plans, injections for anticipated illness while traveling; and
shall be applied toward this Lifetime Maximum any other drugs, medicines, and injections not listed
Benefit amount. as covered in the GHC Drug Formulary (approved
Any Deductibles or Copayments which may be drug list).
PA-7 54
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The Enrollee will be charged for mailing or replacing tion period and or treatment. Services for a
lost or stolen drugs, medicines or devices. court-ordered treatment program beyond the
seventy-two (72) hours shall be covered only if
G. HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES, as set forth in determined to be Medically Necessary by the
this section, shall be provided by GHC Home Health director of GHC's Mental Health Service, or
Services or by a GHC-authorized home health agency his/her designee. All care under these statutes,
when Referred in advance by a GHC physician for including any observation/holding period, is
Enrollees who meet the following criteria: chargeable against the maximum benefit.
1. The Enrollee is unable to leave home due to his Coverage for Emergency inpatient mental
or her health problem or illness (unwillingness health services at state mental health hospitals
to travel and/or arrange for transportation does as set forth in this section is subject to payment
not constitute inability to leave the home); of the $100 Emergency Care Deductible and
2. the Enrollee requires intermittent Skilled Home notification of GHC by way of the GHC
Health Care services, as described below; and Notification Line immediately upon inpatient
3. a GHC physician has determined that such admission, or as soon thereafter as practicable,
services are Medically Necessary and are most but in no event more than twenty-four (24)
appropriately rendered in the Enrollee's home. hours following admission. Follow-up care
Covered Services for home health care may include which is a direct result of the Emergency must
the following when prescribed by a GHC physician be obtained at GHC, unless the director of
and when rendered pursuant to an approved home GHC's Mental Health Service, or his/her
health care plan of treatment: nursing care, physical designee, has authorized such follow-up care in
therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, advance.
restorative speech therapy, and medical social worker Payment of bills incurred for non-GHC treat-
and limited home health aide services. Home health ment shall exclude any charges that would
services are provided on an intermittent basis in the otherwise be excluded for hospitalization within
Enrollee's home. "Intermittent" means care that is to a GHC Facility, such as telephone, television,
be rendered because of a medically predictable and personal items.
recurring need for Skilled Home Health Care 2. Outpatient Services.
services. Mental Health Care services, limited to the
Excluded are: custodial care and maintenance care, following, are provided on an outpatient basis
private duty or continuous nursing care in the at GHC. Subject to the limitations set forth in
Enrollee's home, housekeeping or meal services, care this section, and all other provisions of this
in any nursing home or convalescent facility, any Agreement, brief focal psychotherapy, chronic
care provided by or for a member of the patient's intermittent care, and consultation services will
family, and any other services not listed specifically be provided in the following formats: in-
as covered when rendered in the home under this dividual, couple, family, or group.
Agreement. Coverage for each Enrollee is provided accord-
H. MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES ing to the Outpatient Mental Health Care
Allowance set forth in the Dues and Fees
1. Inpatient Services. Schedule.
Usual, Customary, and Reasonable charges for Covered Services are limited to those provided
Mental Health Emergencies resulting in for covered conditions for which, in the opinion
inpatient services shall be covered only for of the director of GHC's Mental Health Service,
Emergency inpatient mental health treatment in or his/her designee, significant improvement
a state mental health hospital meeting the can be expected within a treatment program of
requirements of RCW 72.23.010. Coverage for twenty (20) visits or less.
each Enrollee is limited to the Inpatient Mental 3. Exclusions and Limitations.
Health Care allowance set forth in the Dues and Treatment for inpatient services is limited to
Fees Schedule. Emergency care only at a state mental health
Services provided under involuntary commit- hospital meeting the requirements of RCW72.23.010.
ment statutes shall be covered up to seventy-
two (72) hours for any court-ordered observa- Excluded are: all forms of extensive
PA-754
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psychotherapy including, but not limited to, responsibility of the Enrollee.
ongoing care for chronic mental health condi- Follow-up care which is a direct result of the
tions; custodial care; day treatment; treatment Emergency must be obtained at GHC, unless a
of sexual disorders and/or dysfunctions; GHC physician has authorized such care in
specialty programs for mental health therapy advance.
which are not provided by GHC; court-ordered
treatment which is not specifically described J. AMBULANCE SERVICES are covered as set forth
above; psychological testing, except when below, provided that the service is authorized in
provided during the course of mental health advance by a GHC physician or meets the definition
treatment; classes or courses such as (1) of an Emergency. (See Section I.)
behavior modification programs, (2) "Parent 1. Emergency Transport to a GHC Facility or
Effectiveness Training", and (3) adult develop- GHC Designated Facility. Each Emergency is
ment programs, when obtained at non-GHC covered as set forth in the Dues and Fees
Facilities. Schedule.
I. EMERGENCY CARE 2• Emergency Transport to a Non-GHC
Designated Facility. Each Emergency is
1. At a GHC Facility or GHC Designated covered as set forth in the Dues and Fees
Facility. GHC will cover Emergency care for Schedule.
3. Waiver of Ambulance Services Deductible. If
all Covered Services. two or more members of the Family Unit
The Enrollee, or person taking responsibility require Emergency ambulance transport as a
for the Enrollee, is responsible for notifying result of the same accident, only one
GHC by way of the GHC Notification Line Ambulance Deductible will apply.
immediately upon inpatient admission to a GHC The Ambulance Deductible will not apply when
Designated Facility, or as soon thereafter as ambulance service is authorized in advance by
practicable, but in no event more than twenty- the Cooperative.
four (24) hours following admission. 4. Transfer to a GHC Facility. When authorized
2. At a Non-GHC Designated Facility. Usual, in advance by the Cooperative, an additional
Customary, and Reasonable charges for Ambulance Allowance is provided for transfer
Emergency care for Covered Services are to a GHC Facility.
covered subject to:
a. payment of the Emergency Deductible K. HOSPICE
hown in the Dues and Fees Schedule;
and It is understood and agreed that the following fully
b. notification of GHC by way of the GHC sets forth the eligibility requirements and Covered
Notification Line immediately upon Services for an Enrollee who wishes to elect to
inpatient admission, or as soon thereafter receive services through GHC's Hospice Program.
as practicable, but in no event more than Enrollees who elect to receive GHC Hospice
twenty-four (24) hours following Services do so in lieu of curative treatment for
admission. their terminal illness for the period that they are
If two or more members of a Family Unit in the GHC Hospice Program.
require Emergency care as a result of the same Hospice Program
accident, only one Emergency Deductible will 1. Eligibility. Hospice Services, as set forth
apply• below, shall be provided to Enrollees for as
Outpatient medications prescribed by a long as the following criteria are met:
non-GHC physician are excluded. a. A GHC physician has determined that the
3. Transfer and Follow-up Care. If an Enrollee Enrollee's illness is terminal and life
is hospitalized in a non-GHC Facility, GHC expectancy is six (6) months or less;
reserves the right to require transfer of the b. the Enrollee has chosen a palliative
Enrollee to a GHC Facility, upon consultation treatment focus (emphasizing comfort and
with a GHC physician. If the Enrollee refuses supportive services rather than treatment
to transfer to a GHC Facility, all further costs aimed at curing the Enrollee's terminal
incurred during the hospitalization are the illness);
PA-754
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(01/87)rev.01/89
c. the Enrollee has elected in writing to Necessary and authorized in advance by a
receive hospice care through GHC's GHC physician and GHC's Hospice
Hospice Program; Program. Inpatient Hospice Services shall
d. the Enrollee has available a primary care be provided according to the provisions set
person who will be responsible for the forth in Section X. of this Agreement.
Enrollee's home care; and 4. Hospice Exclusions: All services not spe-
e. a GHC physician and GHC's Hospice cifically listed as covered in this section,
Director determine that the Enrollee's including, but not limited to:
illness can be appropriately managed in the a. Financial or legal counseling services.
home. b. Housekeeping or meals services.
2. Hospice Care shall be defined as a coordinated c. Custodial or maintenance care in the home
program of palliative and supportive care for or on an inpatient basis.
dying persons by an interdisciplinary team of d. Services not specifically listed as covered
professionals and volunteers centering primarily by this Medical Coverage Agreement.
in the Enrollee's home. e. Any services provided by members of the
3. Covered Services. Hospice Services may patient's family.
include the following as prescribed by a GHC f. All other exclusions listed in Section XI.,
physician and rendered pursuant to an approved Exclusions and Limitations, of this Medical
hospice plan of treatment: Coverage Agreement, apply.
a. Home Services
i. Intermittent care by a hospice L. REHABILITATION SERVICES are covered as set
interdisciplinary team which may forth in this section, limited to the following:
include services by a physician, nurse, physical therapy; occupational therapy; and speech
medical social worker, physical pathology to restore function following illness,
therapist, speech pathologist, occupa- injury, or surgery. Services are subject to all terms,
tional ther- apist, respiratory therapist, conditions, and limitations of this Agreement,
and limited services by a Home Health including the following:
Aide under the supervision of a Regis- 1. All services must be provided at GHC or a
tered Nurse. GHC-approved rehabilitation facility and must
ii. One period of continuous care service be prescribed and provided by a GHC-approved
per Enrollee in the Enrollee's home rehabilitation team that may include medical,
when prescribed by a GHC physician, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy
as set forth in this paragraph. A and speech pathology providers.
continuous care period is defined as 2. The Enrollee must be referred for rehabilitation
"skilled nursing care provided in the services in advance by a GHC physician.
home during a period of crisis in order 3. Services are limited to those necessary to
to maintain the terminally ill patient at restore or improve functional abilities when
home." Continuous care may be physical, sensori-perceptual and/or
provided for pain or symptom communication impairment exists due to injury
management by a Registered Nurse, or illness. Such services are provided only
Licensed Practical Nurse, or Home when GHC's Medical Director, or his/her
Health Aide under the supervision of a designee, determines that significant,
Registered Nurse. Continuous care is measurable improvement to the Enrollee's
provided for four (4) or more hours per condition can be expected within a sixty (60)
day for a period not to exceed five (5) day period as a consequence of intervention by
days, or a total of seventy-two (72) covered therapy services described in paragraph
hours, whichever first occurs. one (1) above.
Continuous care is covered only when a 4. Coverage for inpatient and outpatient services
GHC physician determines that the is limited to the allowances set forth in the
Enrollee would otherwise require Dues and Fees Schedule.
hospitalization in an acute care facility.
b. Inpatient Hospice Services shall be Services excluded under this benefit include, but are
provided in a facility designated by GHC's not limited to, the following: specialty rehabilitation
Hospice Program when Medically Programs not provided by GHC; long-term
rehabilitation programs; physical therapy,
PA-754
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occupational therapy, and speech pathology services 6. Convalescent or custodial care, including
when such services are available (whether skilled nursing facility care.
application is made or not) through governmental 7. Durable medical equipment such as hospital
programs including, but not limited to, programs beds, wheelchairs, and walk-aids, except while
offered by public school districts; therapy for in the hospital.
degenerative or static conditions when the expected 8. Services covered by employment or government
outcome is primarily to maintain the Enrollee's level programs:
of functioning; implementation of home maintenance a. Any illness, condition or injury for which
programs; and any other treatment not considered benefits are available, or could be available,
Medically Necessary by GHC. through application for coverage under any
federal or state workers' compensation or
Section XI. EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS industrial insurance law or employer's
liability contract or insurance. It is
A. EXCLUSIONS expressly understood that this Agreement is
NOT to serve as private industrial in-
1. Blood for transfusions. surance, or a self-insured plan maintained
2. Except as provided in Sections X.B.3., X.D, by the employer.
X.E., and X.F., corrective appliances and b. Any federal, state, county, municipal, or
artificial aids, including but not limited to: other governmental agency, including in the
eyeglasses; contact lenses including services case of service-connected disabilities, the
related to their fitting; prosthetic devices; Veterans Administration.
diabetic supplies including insulin pumps; GHC reserves all rights to reimbursement
hearing aids and examinations in connection provided by any of the above-described laws,
therewith; arch supports or corrective shoes; private industrial insurance, self-insured plans,
take-home dressings and supplies following or governmental agencies.
hospitalization; or any other supplies,
dressings, appliances, devices or services which Services will be provided under this Agreement:
are not for the specific treatment of disease or a. if there is reasonable doubt whether an
injury. Enrollee should receive benefits under this
3. Cosmetic services, including treatment for Agreement or from another source; and
complications of cosmetic surgery, except as b. if the Enrollee actively seeks to establish
provided in Section X.D. his/her rights to benefits from that source.
4. Dental care, surgery, services, and appliances, 9. Those parts of an examination and associated
including but not limited to: treatment of reports required for employment, immigration,
accidental injury to natural teeth, reconstructive license, or insurance purposes that are not
surgery to the jaw incident to denture wear, and deemed Medically Necessary by GHC for early
periodontal surgery. The Cooperative's detection of disease.
Medical Director, or his/her designee, will 10. Investigational procedures, including medical
determine whether the care or treatment and surgical services, drugs, and devices until
required is within the category of dental care or formally approved by GHC for medical
service. coverage. Investigational drugs are not covered
If a GHC physician determines that an unrelated until approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
medical condition requires that an Enrollee be Administration for general marketing and by
hospitalized for a dental procedure which is GHC for medical coverage.
normally done in a dentist's office, GHC will 11. Nontherapeutic sterilization; and procedures
cover associated hospital and anesthesia costs at and services to reverse a therapeutic or
a GHC or GHC Designated Facility. GHC will non-therapeutic sterilization.
not cover the dentist's or oral surgeon's fees. 12. Pre-existing Conditions shall be excluded from
5. Certain drugs, medicines, and injections. (See coverage until such time as the Enrollee has
Section X.F.) Any exclusion of drugs, been continuously covered under this
Agreement or any prior GHC Medical Coverage
medicines, and injections, including those not Agreement for twelve (12) consecutive months
listed as covered in the GHC Drug Formulary without any lapse in coverage.
(approved drug list), will also exclude their 13. Mental health care, except as specifically
administration.
PA-754
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(01/87)rev.01/89
provided in Section X.H. treatment to be provided in each individual case
14. Procedures, services, and supplies related to sex and the judgment, made in good faith, will be
transformations. final.
15. Regardless of origin or cause, diagnostic testing Enrollees have the right to participate in
and medical treatment of sterility, infertility, decisions regarding their health care. An
impotency, and frigidity. Enrollee may refuse recommended treatment or
16. Services of practitioners whose licensing diagnostic plan to the extent permitted by law.
category is not represented by GHC Medical In such case, GHC shall have no further
Personnel. obligation to provide the care in question.
17. Services directly related to obesity, except for Enrollees who seek other sources of care
nutritional counseling provided by GHC staff. because of such a disagreement do so with the
18. Any services for which an Enrollee has a full understanding that GHC has no obligation
contractual right to recover the cost thereof, for the cost, or liability for the outcome, of such
whether a claim is asserted or not, under care.
automobile medical, personal injury protection,
uninsured or underinsured motorist, home 3. Major Disaster or Epidemic. In the event of a
owner's or other first party coverage, except for major disaster or epidemic, GHC M dical
individual health insurance. Personnel will provide Covered Services
19. Services or supplies not specifically listed as according to their best judgment, within the
covered in the Schedule of Benefits. limitations of available facilities and personnel.
20. Voluntary (not medically indicated and The Cooperative has no liability for delay or
non-therapeutic) termination of pregnancy. failure to provide or arrange Covered Services
21. The cost of services and supplies resulting from to the extent facilities or personnel are unavail-
an Enrollee's loss of or willful damage to able due to a major disaster or epidemic.
covered appliances, devices, supplies, and 4. Unusual Circumstances. If the provision of
materials provided by GHC for the treatment of Covered Services is delayed or rendered
disease, injury, or illness. impossible due to unusual circumstances such
22. Routine circumcision, including newborn as complete or partial destruction of facilities,
circumcision, which is not considered military action, civil disorder, labor disputes, or
Medically Necessary. similar causes, GHC shall make a good faith
23. Orthoptic (eye training) therapy. effort to provide such services through its
24. Specialty treatment programs that are not then-existing facilities and personnel. In no
provided at GHC. case shall the Cooperative have any liability or
B. LIMITATIONS obligation on account of delay or failure to
provide or arrange such services.
I. Conditions and Extent of Coverage. ALL
SERVICES AND BENEFITS UNDER THIS Section XII. CLAIMS
AGREEMENT MUST BE PROVIDED BY GHC
MEDICAL PERSONNEL AT A GHC Enrollees must submit claims for reimbursement of
FACILITY UNLESS: Covered Services to GHC within sixty (60) days of the
a. The Enrollee has received a Referral from a service date, or as soon thereafter as is reasonably
GHC physician. possible. In no event, except in the absence of legal
b. The Enrollee has received Emergency capacity, shall a claim be accepted later than one (1) year
services according to Section X.I. from the service date. This section applies to Covered
2. Recommended Treatment. The Cooperative's Services received under Section X.I. and X.J., or services
Medical Director or his/her designee will for which the Enrollee has received a Referral from a
determine the necessity, nature, and extent of GHC physician.
PA-754
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Group
k
Health„ Cooperative Coordination of Benefits
1
of Puget Sound Contract Attachment
For Attachment to Group Medical Coverage Agreement
It is understood and agreed that the following fully C. Allowable Expense:
sets forth the provisions outlined in Section V., "Allowable Expense" means any necessary,
"Coordination of Benefits." reasonable and customary items of expense at
least a portion of which is covered under at least
COORDINATION OF BENEFITS one of the Plans covering the person for whom the
claim is made. When a Plan provides benefits in
A. Benefits Subject to This Provision: the form of services rather than cash payments,
All of the benefits provided under this Agreement the reasonable cash value of each service rendered
are subject to this provision. shall be considered as both an Allowable Expense
and a benefit paid.
B. Plan:
The definition of a "Plan" includes the following D. Claim Determination Period:
sources of benefits or services: "Claim Determination Period" means a period
1. Group or blanket disability insurance policies beginning with any January 1 and ending with the
and health care service contractor and health next following December 31 except that the first
maintenance organization group agreements, Claim Determination Period with respect to any
issued by insurers, health care service person shall begin on the effective date of
contractors and health maintenance coverage under this Agreement with respect to
organizations; such person and end on the following December
2. Labor-management trusteed plans, labor 31. In no event will a Claim Determination
organization plans, employer organization Period for any person extend beyond the last day
plans or employee benefit organization plans; on which such a person is covered under this
3. Governmental programs; and Agreement.
4. Coverage required or provided by any statute.
The term "Plan" shall be construed separately E. Right to Receive and Release Information:
with respect to each policy, agreement or For the purpose of determining the applicability
other arrangement for benefits or services, of and implementing this provision and any
and separately with respect to the respective provision of similar purpose in any other Plan, the
portions of any such policy, agreement or Cooperative may, with such consent as may be
other arrangement which do and which do not necessary, release to or obtain from any other
reserve the right to take the benefits or insurer, organization or person any information,
services of other policies, agreements or other with respect to any person which the insurer
arrangements into consideration in considers necessary for such purpose. Any person
determining benefits. claiming benefits under this Agreement shall
furnish to the Cooperative the information
necessary for such purpose.
?A-868,CA-65
100021WS.1 (12/86)
Rev. (01/89)
F. Facility of Payment: reasonable cash value of benefits and all
Whenever coverage which should have been benefits payable for such Allowable Expenses
provided under this Agreement in accordance with under all other Plans, except as provided in
this provision has been provided or paid for under subparagraph (3) of this Section, shall not
any other Plan, the Cooperative shall have the exceed the total of such Allowable Expenses.
right, exercisable alone and in its sole discretion, Benefits payable under another Plan include
to pay over to any Plan making such other benefits that would have been payable had a
payments any amounts it shall determine to be claim been duly made therefor.
warranted in order to satisfy the intent of this 3. If
provision, and amounts so paid shall be a. another Plan which is involved in
considered to be coverage or benefits paid under subparagraph (2) of this Section and
this Agreement and, to the extent of such which contains a provision coordinating
payments, the Cooperative shall be fully its benefits with those of this Agreement
discharged from liability under this Agreement. would, according to its rules, determine
its benefits after the benefits of this Plan
G. Right of Recovery: have been determined; and
Whenever benefits have been provided by the b. the rules set forth in subparagraph (4) of
Cooperative with respect to Allowable Expenses this Section would require this Agreement
in total amount, at any time, in excess of the to determine its benefits before such other
maximum amount of payment necessary at that Plan, then the benefits of such other Plan
time to satisfy the intent of this provision, the will be ignored for the purposes of
Cooperative shall have the right to recover the determining the benefits under this
reasonable cash value of such benefits, to the Agreement.
extent of such excess, from one or more of the 4. For the purposes of subparagraph (3) of this
following, as the Cooperative shall determine: Section, the rules establishing the order of
any persons to or for or with respect to whom benefit determination are:
such benefits were provided, any other insurers, a. The benefits of a Plan which covers the
any service plans or any other organization or person on whose expenses a claim is
other Plans. based other than as a dependent shall be
determined before the benefits of a Plan
H. Effect on Benefits: which covers such person as a dependent.
1. This provision shall apply in determining the b. In the case that a dependent is covered
benefits for a person covered under this under both parents' medical Plan, the
Agreement for a particular Claim benefits of the Plan of the parent whose
Determination Period if, for the Allowable birthday falls earlier in the year are
Expenses incurred as to such person during determined before those of the Plan of a
such period, the sum of: parent whose birthday falls later in the
a. The reasonable cash value of the benefits year. This birthdate will refer only to the
that would be provided under the month and day, not the year in which a
Agreement in the absence of this person was born. If both parents have the
provision, and same birthday, the benefits of the Plan
b. The benefits that would be payable under which covered the parent longer are
all other Plans in the absence therein or determined before those that covered the
provisions of similar purpose to this other parent for a shorter period of time,
provision would exceed such Allowable except that in the case of a person for
Expenses. whom claim is made as a dependent child,
2. As to any Claim Determination Period with i. when the parents are separated or
respect to which this provision is applicable, divorced and the parent with custody
the reasonable cash value of the benefits of the child has not remarried, the
provided under this Agreement in the absence benefits of a Plan which covers the
of this provision for the Allowable Expenses child as a dependent of the parent
incurred as to such person during such Claim with custody of the child will be
Determination Period shall be reduced to the determined before the benefits of a
extent necessary so that the sum of the Plan which covers the child as a
PA-868,CA-65
10002IWS.2 (12/86)
Rev. (01/89)
dependent of the parent without i. The benefits of a plan covering the
custody; and person on whose expenses claim is
ii. when the parents are divorced and the based as a laid off or retired
parent with custody of the child has employee, or dependent of such
remarried, the benefits of a Plan person shall be determined after the
which covers the child as a dependent benefits of any other Plan covering
of the parent with custody shall be such person as an employee, other
determined before the benefits of a than a laid off or retired employee, or
Plan which covers that child as a dependent of such person; and
dependent of the stepparent, and the ii. If either plan does not have a
benefits of a Plan which covers that provision regarding laid off or retired
child as a dependent of the stepparent employees, which results in each Plan
will be determined before the benefits determining its benefits after the
of a Plan which covers that child as a other, then the provisions of (i) of this
dependent of the parent without subsection shall not apply.
custody. d. If none of the above rules determines the
Notwithstanding items (i) and (ii) above, order of benefits, the benefits of the Plan
if there is a court decree which would which covered an employee or Subscriber
otherwise establish financial responsibil- for the longer period of time shall be
ity for the medical, dental or other health determined before those of the Plan which
care expenses with respect to the child, covered that person for the shorter time
the benefits of a Plan which covers the period.
child as a dependent of the parent with 5. When this provision operates to reduce the
such financial responsibility shall be total amount of benefits otherwise to be
determined before the benefits of any provided to a person covered under this
other Plan which cover the child as a Agreement during any Claim Determination
dependent child. Period, the reasonable cash value of each
c. When rules (a) and (b) do not establish an benefit that would be provided in the absence
order of benefit determination, the of this provision shall be reduced
benefits of a Plan which has covered the proportionately, and such reduced amount
person on whose expenses claim is based shall be charged against any applicable
for the longer period of time shall be benefit limit of this Agreement.
determined before the benefits of a Plan
which has covered such person the shorter
period of time, provided that:
PA-868,CA-65
100021WS.3 (12/86)
Rev.(01/89)
Group
Health
cooperative Contract Endorsement
of Puget Sound
Medicare
Endorsement
For Persons Covered by Parts A and B of Medicare
THE PROVISIONS OF THE GROUP MEDI- Section I. DEFINITIONS
CAL COVERAGE AGREEMENT SHALL RE-
MAIN IN EFFECT EXCEPT AS MODIFIED BY CUSTODIAL CARE: Care that is primarily for the
THIS MEDICARE ENDORSEMENT. COVER- purpose of meeting personal needs and could be
AGE UNDER THIS GROUP MEDICAL COVER- provided by persons without professional skills
AGE AGREEMENT IS INTEGRATED WITH or- training. Custodial Care includes help in
THE MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL BENEFITS walking, bathing, dressing, eating, and taking
ESTABLISHED BY TITLE 18 OF THE SOCIAL medicine.
SECURITY ACT AS AMENDED, AND RE-
FERRED TO AS"MEDICARE". THE BENEFITS EMERGENCY SERVICES (Medicare defined):
AND EXCLUSIONS DESCRIBED IN THIS Inpatient or outpatient services that are
ENDORSEMENT APPLY ONLY TO EN- rendered immediately by an appropriate
ROLLEES WHO ARE COVERED UNDER non-GHC provider because of an injury or
BOTH PART A AND PART B OF MEDICARE. sudden illness, and for which the time required
Except as defined by Federal Regulations, all to reach GHC or a GHC Designated Facility
Enrollees entitled to, or eligible to purchase would risk permanent damage to the Enrollee's
Medicare must transfer to the GHC Medicare Plan health.
upon such entitlement or eligibility. A condition of HEALTH CARE FINANCING ADMINISTRATION
enrollment under the GHC Medicare Plan requires (HCFA): The federal agency that administers
that an Enrollee be continuously enrolled for the the Medicare program.
hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) benefits
available from the Social Security Administration, MEDICARE: The federal health insurance pro-
and sign any papers that may be required by GHC gram for the aged and disabled.
or Medicare. For additional information, the
Enrollee may refer to"Your Medicare Handbook" MEDICARE GUIDELINES: Coverage rules and
NEITHER GHC NOR MEDICARE MAY PAY policies established by the Health Care Financ-
FOR SERVICES PROVIDED AT NON-GHC ing Administration (HCFA), a federal agency.
FACILITIES UNLESS THE ENROLLEE HAS
BEEN REFERRED BY GHC INCLUDING MEDICARE HANDBOOK (Titled "Your Medicare
FORMAT. ADVANCE APPROVAL THROUGH Handbook': A pamphlet published by the
GHC'S MEDICARE MEDICAL COVERAGE U.S. Department of Health and Human Ser-
APPROVAL PROCESS OR THE ENROLLEE vices, Social Security Administration, which
HAS RECEIVED EMERGENCY OR URGENTLY provides an easy-to-read explanation of
NEEDED SERVICES ACCORDING TO SEC- Medicare benefits.
TION V.D. OF THIS MEDICARE
ENDORSEMENT.
CA-174
ABNEnd.
MOO 101W S.1
(0vss)
PERMANENT MOVE: An uni' rupted absence of entitlem to Medicare coverage no longer
more than ninety (90) days rrom GHC's Service exists, enrollment under the GHC Medicare
Area. Plan shall terminate the first of the month
as specified by HCFA
REFERRAL: A prior written authorization by a 2. Change of Permanent Residence Out-
GHC physician, formally approved in advance side GHC's Service Area. If an Enrollee
through GHC's Medicare medical coverage makes a Permanent Move as set forth in
approval process, that entitles an Enrollee to Section I. of this Medicare Endorsement,
receive Covered Services from a specified enrollment shall terminate the first day of
non-GHC health care provider. Entitlement to the month following the month in which
such services shall not exceed the limits of the GHC receives notification of such move.
Referral and is subject to all terms and condi- 3. For Cause. Enrollment may be terminated
tions of this Agreement.
upon written notice for:
SERVICE AREA: The geographic area comprised of a. Knowingly providing fraudulent infor-
King, Kitsap, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, mation to obtain coverage. In such
Thurston, and Whatcom Counties, and any other event, GHC may, within two (2) years
areas designated by GHC and approved by the from the date of the application, rescind
Health Care Financing Administration. (See or cancel enrollment upon five (5)
Service Area Map.) working days' written notice.
b. Permitting the use of a GHC identifica-
SKILLED NURSING FACILITY: A Medicare tion card by another person.
certified and licensed facility, as defined in
Medicare regulations, primarily engaged in c. Failure to comply with the rules and
providing skilled nursing care or rehabilitation regulations of GHC including disruptive,
and related services for which Medicare pays unruly, abusive or uncooperative
benefits. conduct. Such termination shall be
subject to review and approval by HCFA
URGENTLY NEEDED SERVICES (Medicare
defined): Services needed in order to prevent a B. Persons Hospitalized on the Date of Ter-
serious deterioration of the Enrollee's health due urination. An Enrollee who is a registered bed
to an unforeseen illness or injury while tempo- patient receiving Covered Services in a GHC
rarily absent from GHC's Service Area, and Facility or GHC Designated Facility on the date
which cannot be delayed until the Enrollee of termination shall continue to receive covered
returns to the Service Area. inpatient services, until discharge from the
facility. This continued coverage will also apply
Section II. TERM1NATION to an Enrollee hospitalized in a Medicare-
Enrollment under the GHC Medicare Plan for a certified non-GHC Designated Facility as a
result of Emergency or Urgently Needed Serv-
specific Enrollee, may be terminated in the cir- ices or Referral as set forth in Section VI.B.1. of
cumstances set forth below. this Medicare Endorsement.
Until such time as an Enrollee's termination of C. Services Provided After Termination. Any
enrollment is effective, neither GHC nor services provided by GHC after the effective date
Medicare shall pay for services provided at of termination (except those services covered
non-GHC Facilities unless the Enrollee has under Section II.B. of this Medicare Endorse-
been Referred by GHC, including formal ment) shall be charged according to the Direc-
advance approval through GHC's Medicare tory of Services. The Subscriber shall be liable
medical coverage approval process, or the for payment of all such charges for services
Enrollee has received Emergency or Urgently provided to the Subscriber and all Family
Needed Services according to Section V.D. of Dependents.
this Medicare Endorsement.
A. Termination of Specific Enrollees.
Section IIL SUBROGATION
1. Loss of Medicare Entitlement. If the 'Injured person" under this section means an
Enrollee covered by this Agreement who sustains
Health Care Financing Administration compensable injury. "GHC's medical expense"
(HCFA) advises GHC that an Enrollee s
CA-174
ABNEnd.
M0010IWS.2
(O V89)
means the expense incurred by ("'C for the care or B. Rec:onsiderat -n of Claims.
treatment of the injury sustained. If GHC denies u request for payment of a claim,
If the injured person was injured by an act or or declines to provide services which the En-
omission of a third party giving rise to a claim of rollee believes should be provided, the Enrollee
legal liability against the third party, GHC shall may file a request for reconsideration with GHC.
have the right to recover its cost of providing The request must be filed in writing within sixty
benefits to the injured person (subrogation) from the (60) days of GHC's written notice of denial
third party as set forth in this Agreement and in unless an extension is specifically approved. If
compliance with Medicare regulations and GHC does not overturn the denial in full, it will
guidelines. GHC shall be subrogated to and may be referred by GHC to the Health Care Financ-
enforce all rights of the injured person to the extent ing Administration for reconsideration.
of its medical expense. Subject to Medicare laws
and regulations mandating recovery by GHC, the Section V. SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS
Cooperative's right of subrogation shall be limited to All benefits and services listed.in this Schedule of
the excess of the amount required to fully compen- Benefits are:
sate the injured person for the loss sustained. Full 1. subject to all provisions of this Agreement
compensation shall be measured on an objective, and Medicare Endorsement;
case-by-case basis, but is subject to a presumption 2 must be approved in advance by GHC except
that a settlement which does not exhaust the third for Emergency and Urgently Needed Serv-
party's reachable assets is full compensation to the ices as set forth in Section V.D. of this
injured person. Medicare Endorsement;and
The injured person, or the injured person's repre- 3. must meet Medicare guidelines and limita-
sentative, must cooperate fully with GHC and tions unless otherwise specified.
GHC's legal counsel in effecting collection from GHC covers all Medicare deductibles and coin-
persons causing the injury. If an injured party surance. The booklet,"Your Medicare Handbook"
settles a claim without protecting GHC's interest,
the injured person's rights to full compensation may provides additional information about Medicare
be lost. benefits.
When reasonable collection costs including legal fees A. Skilled Nursing Facility. Upon Referral,
have been incurred to recover GHC's medical GHC will cover up to one hundred fifty (150)
expense in an action for damages or otherwise, and days care in a Skilled Nursing Facility, when
where there is recovery in GHC's behalf, there shall Medically Necessary, as determined by GHC's
be an equitable apportionment of such collection Medical Director or his/her designee.
costs between GHC and the injured person or
Enrollee, subject to a limit for GHC of one-third of B. Hospice.
the amount recovered by GHC. Notwithstanding Enrollees with Part A and Part B of Medicare
the above, GHC shall not pay for such collection who elect to receive Medicare-covered hospice
costs where GHC retains its own legal counsel or services, may select any Medicare certified
acts on its own behalf to represent its interests. hospice program. Enrollees who elect to receive
This provision does not apply to occupationally services from the GHC Hospice Program are
incurred disease, sickness, and/or injury.
entitled to hospice services as provided under
the Medicare Hospice Program. Enrollees who
Section IV. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
elect to receive hospice services do so in
A. GHC Consumer Relations Program. lieu of curative treatment for their termi-
The Consumer Relations Program is designed to nal illness for the period that they are in
help an Enrollee resolve formal complaints and the hospice program- To receive hospice
concerns about medical and business service. services, the Enrollee is required to sign
GHC will record, research, and respond in a the Hospice Election Form.
timely manner to an Enrollee's concern. A Hospice Program.
concern should be registered initially at the 1. Eligibility. Hospice services, as set forth
Enrollee's area medical center. If not satisfied, below, shall be provided to Enrollees for as
the Enrollee should then contact the regional long as the following criteria are met:
Consumer Relations Department, which will
arrange for review by appropriate medical staff, a. A GHC physician has determined that
management and/or GHC consumers. the Enrollee's illness is terminal and life
CA-174
ABNEnd.
M0010IW S.3
(01/89)
expectancy is six (6)r- iths or less; wr 'd require hospitalization in an
b. the Enrollee has c- sen a palliative at , care facility.
treatment focus (emphasizing comfort b. Inpatient Hospice Services for
and supportive services rather than short-term care shall be provided in a
treatment aimed at curing the Enrollee's facility designated by GHC's Hospice
terminal illness); Program when Medically Necessary and
c. the Enrollee has elected in writing to authorized in advance by a GHC physi-
receive hospice care through GHC's cian and GHC's Hospice Program.
Hospice Program; Respite care is covered for a maximum of
d. the Enrollee has available a primary five (5) consecutive days per occurrence
care person who will be responsible for in order to continue care for the Enrollee
the Enrollee's home care;and in the temporary absence of the En-
e. a GHC physician and GHC's Hospice rollee's primary care-giver(s).
Director determine that the Enrollee's c. Other hospice services may include
illness can be appropriately managed in the followings
the home. i. drugs and biologicals that are used
2. Hospice Care shall be defined as a coordi- primarily for the relief of pain and
nated program of palliative and supportive symptom management;
care for terminally ill persons by an interdis- ii. medical appliances and supplies
ciplinary team of professionals and volun- primarily for the relief of pain and
teers centering primarily in the Enrollee's symptom management;
home. iii. counseling services for the Enrollee
and his/her primary care-giver(s);
3. Covered Services. Hospice services may and
include the following as prescribed by a GHC iv. bereavement counseling services for
physician and rendered pursuant to an the family.
approved hospice plan of treatment:
4. Hospice Exclusions. All services not
a. Home Services specifically listed as covered in this section,
i. Intermittent care by a hospice including, but not limited to the following
interdisciplinary team which may are excluded:
include services by a physician,
nurse, medical social worker, a. financial or legal counseling services.
physical therapist, speech patholo- b. meal services.
gist, occupational therapist, c. custodial or maintenance care in the
respiratory therapist, services by a home or on an inpatient basis, except as
Home Health Aide under the super- Provided above.
vision of a Registered Nurse and d. services not specifically listed as covered
homemaker services. by this Medical Coverage Agreement.
ii. Continuous care services per En- e. any services provided by members of the
rollee in the Enrollee's home when Patient's family.
prescribed by a GHC physician, as f. all other exclusions listed in Section DC,
set forth in this paragraph. Continu- Exclusions and Limitations, of this
ous care is defined as• "skilled Medical Coverage Agreement apply.
nursing care provided in the home
during a period of crisis in order to C. Mental Health Care, Alcoholism and Drug
maintain the terminally ill patient Abuse Treatment Services.
at home." Continuous care may be 1. Outpatient mental health, alcoholism
provided for pain or symptom and substance abuse treatment services
management by a Registered Nurse, are covered in full subject to a combined
Licensed Practical Nurse, or Home aggregate limit of $2,200.00 per Enrollee
Health Aide under the supervision of per calendar year when such services are
a Registered Nurse. Continuous care rendered by a physician. Provided the limit
may be provided up to twenty-four has not been reached, services rendered by a
(24) hours per day during periods of non-physician are covered in full.
crisis. Continuous care is covered 2. Inpatient mental health care services
only when a GHC physician deter- are covered in full up to a 190-day lifetime
mines that the Enrollee otherwise
CA-174
AB/MEnd.
M0010rW S.4
(01/89)
benefit when such services - provided in a Facility, up--) consultation with a GHC
Medicare-certified mental 1. .th facility. physician. 1 ie Enrollee refuses to transfer
Inpatient alcoholism and drug abuse
to a GHC Facility, all further costs incurred treatment services are covered in full during the hospitalization are the respon-
when such services are provided in a sibility of the Enrollee.
hospital-based treatment center. 6. Follow-up Care which is a direct result of
the Emergency or Urgently Needed Services
3. Coverage for Medical Emergencies must be obtained at GHC, unless a GHC
incident to alcoholism and drug abuse or for physician has authorized such care in
acute alcoholism or drug abuse, including advance.
acute detoxification, is provided as set forth
in Section V.D. of this Medicare E. Medicare Ambulance Benefit. Medically
Endorsement. Necessary ambulance transportation to or from
s hospital or Skilled Nursing Facility is covered
D. GHC Emergency/Urgently Needed Services. in full only if transportation by any other vehicle
1. At a GHC Facility. GHC will cover could endanger the patient's health and the
Emergency or Urgently Needed care for all ambulance, equipment, and personnel meet
Covered Services. Medicare requirements.
2. At a GHC Designated Facility. GHC will
c F. GHC Emergency Ambulance Benefit. When
over Emergency or Urgently Needed care
for all Covered Services. The Enrollee is Emergency ambulance services do not meet
Medicare guidelines, GHC will cover ambulance
responsible for notifying GHC by way of the
GHC Notification Line immediately upon services as set forth below, provided that the
inpatient admission, or as soon thereafter as service is authorized in advance by a GHC
practicable. physician or meets the definition of an Emer-
gency or Urgently Needed Services. (See Section
3. At a Non-GHC Designated Facility. I. of the Group Medical Coverage Agreement.)
When an Emergency meets the Medicare
definition for Emergency or Urgently Needed 1. Emergency Transport to a GHC Facility
or GHC Designated Facility. Each
Services as defined in Section I. of this
Medicare Endorsement, services are covered Emergency is covered as set forth in the
in full. When Emergency or Urgently Group Medical Coverage Agreement.
Needed Services do not meet Medicare 2. Emergency Transport to a Non-GHC
Guidelines, GHC will cover Emergency care Designated Facility. Each Emergency is
for Covered Services, subject to: covered as set forth in the Group Medical
a. payment of the Emergency/Urgently Coverage Agreement.
Needed Services Deductible shown S. Waiver of Ambulance Services Deduct-
in the Group Medical Coverage ible. If two or more members of a Family
Agreement;and Unit require Emergency ambulance
b. notification of GHC by way of the transport as a result of the same accident,
GHC Notification Line immediately only one ambulance Deductible will apply.
upon inpatient admission, or as The ambulance Deductible will not apply
soon thereafter as practicable, but when ambulance service is authorized in
in no event more than twenty-four advance by the Cooperative.
(24) hours following admission.
4. Transfer to a GHC Facility. When
If two or more members of a Family Unit authorized in advance by GHC, an addi-
require Emergency/Urgently Needed care as tional ambulance Allowance is provided for
a result of the same accident, only one transfer to a GHC Facility.
Emergency/Urgently Needed Services
Deductible will apply. G. Medical and Surgical Care.
4. Outpatient Medications prescribed by a The following medical and surgical services are
non-GHC physician are excluded. covered when prescribed by GHC Medical
b. Transfer. If an Enrollee is hospitalized in a personnel and Medicare requirements are met:
non-GHC Facility, GHC reserves the right to 1 Eye examinations and treatment for eye
require transfer of the Enrollee to a GHC pathology.
CA-174
AMAEnd.
Moo lorwsl
(OV89)
2. Eyeglasses and cont--t lens, including remove' -f corns and calluses; and routine
examination and fitth. , following cataract foot ca, .uch as hygienic care except in the
surgery, when required to replace the presence of a nonrelated medical condition
natural lens of the eye. Covered eyeglasses affecting the lower limbs. Enrollees who
and contact lenses must be dispensed receive their primary care in portions of the
through GHC Facilities. Replacements will GHC Service Area where GHC designated
be provided only when needed due to licensed practitioners are available must
change in the Enrollee's medical condition. utilize GHC's designated providers in order
3. Blood, blood derivatives, and their to be covered.
administration.
4. Maternity and pregnancy-related services, H. Prosthetic Devices, such as cardiac devices,
including visits before and after birth; intraocular lenses, artificial joints, breast
involuntary termination of pregnancy; and prostheses, and braces, are covered. Excluded
care for any other complication of are: orthopedic shoes unless they are part of leg
pregnancy. braces; dental plates or other dental devices; and
5. Organ transplants. experimental devices.
6. Physician calls (including consultations
and second opinions by a GHC physician) I. Medical/Surgical Supplies, such as casts,
in the hospital, office, home, Skilled splints, post-surgical dressings, and ostomy
Nursing Facility, nursing home, or con- supplies, are covered.
valescent center.
7. Restorative physical; occupational; and J. Rental or Purchase of Durable Medical
speech therapy following illness, injury, or Equipment, such as oxygen and oxygen
surgery. equipment, wheelchairs and other walk-aids,
8. Immunizations and vaccinations that are and hospital beds, are covered.
listed as covered in the GHC drug for-
mulary (approved drug list) or approved by Section VL EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS
Medicare. A. Exclusions.
9. Services related to dysfunction of the jaw.
When Referred by a GHC physician, 1. Dental care, surgery, services, and ap-
evaluation and treatment by a GHC- pliances including, but not limited to:
approved temporomandibular joint (TMJ) treatment of accidental injury to natural
care provider. teeth, reconstructive surgery to the jaw
incident to denture wear, and periodontal
All TMJ appliances, other than the occlusal surgery. GHC's Medical Director, or his/her
splint and its fitting, are excluded. designee, will determine whether the care or
treatment required is within the category of
Treatment of jaw dysfunction, including dental care or service.
TMJ dysfunction, will NOT be provided
when the dysfunction is related to maloc- If a GHC physician determines that an
clusion or when TMJ services are needed unrelated medical condition requires that
due to dental work performed. All such the Enrollee be hospitalized for a dental
services and related hospitalization, procedure which is normally done in a
including orthodontic therapy and or- dentist's office, GHC will cover associated
thognathic (jaw) surgery, are excluded hospital and anesthesia costs at a GHC or
regardless of origin or cause. GHC Designated Facility. GHC will not
10. Chiropractic care limited to spinal cover the dentist's or oral surgeon's fees.
manipulations. Excluded are any other 2. Investigational procedures, including
diagnostic or therapeutic services, includ- medical and surgical services, drugs and
ing x-rays, furnished by a chiropractor. devices until formally approved by Medicare
Enrollees who receive their primary care in unless specifically provided herein.
portions of the GHC Service Area where 3. Supportive devices for the feet.
GHC designated licensed practitioners are 4. Services directly related to obesity except as
available must utilize GHC's designated provided by Medicare.
providers in order to be covered. 5. Services or supplies not specifically listed as
11. Podiatric care. Excluded is treatment of covered by Medicare or GHC.
flat feet or other misalignments of the feet;
CA•174
ABNEnd.
M0010IW S.6
(01/89)
B. Limitations. Seattle, WA 98109. If you must receive Emergency
1. Conditions and ExtL , of Coverage. or Urgently Ne d Services from a non-GHC
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS provider, be sure to show your GHC I.D. card and
V.G.10., AND V.G.11. ALL SERVICES AND your red, white, and blue Medicare card.
BENEFITS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT
MUST BE PROVIDED BY GHC MEDICAL A The Enrollee must file claims for services
PERSONNEL AT A GHC OR GHC DESIG- rendered the first nine (9) months of a calendar
NATED FACILITY UNLESS: year by December 31 of the following calendar
year.
a. the Enrollee has received a Referral from
GHC, including formal advance approval B. The Enrollee must file claims for services
through GHC's Medicare medical rendered in the last three (3) months of a
coverage approval process, or calendar year the same as if the services had
been furnished in the subsequent calendar year.
b. the Enrollee has received Emergency or The time limit on filing claims for --vices
Urgently Needed Services as defined in furnished in the last three (3) months :' the
Section I. and as set forth in Section V.D. calendar year is December 31 of the second
of this Medicare Endorsement. calendar year following the calendar year in
which the services were rendered.
Section VII. CLAIMS PROCEDURE See"Your Medicare Handbook"for additional
Claims for services or supplies and explanation of information regarding filing claims.
Medicare benefits for services or supplies from
providers other than Group Health Cooperative GHC may obtain information which it deems
should be sent to: Medicare Claims, Group Health necessary concerning the medical care and
hospitalization for which payment is requested.
Cooperative of Puget Sound, P.O. Box C-19165,
CA-174
ABN End.
M0010IWS.7
(01/89)
Group
Health
► Cooperative
of Puget Sousa Contract Endorsement
Medicare
Endorsement
For Persons Covered by Parts B only of Medicare
THE PROVISIONS OF THE GROUP MEDI- Section I. DEFINITIONS
CAL COVERAGE AGREEMENT SHAD. RE-
MAIN IN EFFECT EXCEPT AS MODIFIED BY CUSTODIAL CARE: Care that is primarily for the
THIS MEDICARE ENDORSEMENT. COVER- purpose of meeting personal needs and could be
AGE UNDER THIS GROUP MEDICAL COVER- provided by persons without professional skills
AGE AGREEMENT IS INTEGRATED WITH or-training. Custodial Care includes help in
THE MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL BENEFITS walking, bathing, dressing, eating, and taking
ESTABLISHED BY TITLE 18 OF THE SOCIAL medicine.
SECURITY ACT AS AMENDED, AND RE-
FERRED TO AS"MEDICARE". THE BENEFITS EMERGENCY SERVICES (Medicare defined):
AND EXCLUSIONS DESCRIBED IN THIS Inpatient or outpatient services that are
ENDORSEMENT APPLY ONLY TO EN- rendered immediately by an appropriate
ROM S WHO ARE COVERED UNDER PART non-GHC provider because of an injury or
B ONLY OF MEDICARE. sudden illness, and for which the time required
Except as defined by Federal Regulations, all to reach GHC or a GHC Designated Facility
Enrollees entitled to, or eligible to purchase would risk permanent damage to the Enrollee's
Medicare must transfer to the GHC Medicare Plan health.
upon such entitlement or eligibility. A condition of HEALTH CARE FINANCING ADMINISTRATION
enrollment under the GHC Medicare Plan requires (HCFA): The federal agency that administers
that an Enrollee be continuously enrolled for the Medicare program.
medical (Part B) benefits available from the Social
Security Administration, and sign any papers that MEDICARE: The federal health insurance pro-
may be required by GHC or Medicare. For addi- gram for the aged and disabled.
tional information, the Enrollee may refer to 'Your
Medicare Handboole' MEDICARE GUIDELINES: Coverage rules and
NEITHER GHC NOR MEDICARE MAY PAY policies established by the Health Care Financ-
FOR SERVICES PROVIDED AT NON-GHC ing Administration (HCFA), a federal agency.
FACILITIES UNLESS THE ENROLLEE HAS
BEEN REFERRED BY GHC INCLUDING MEDICARE HANDBOOK (Titled "Your Medicare
FORMAL ADVANCE APPROVAL THROUGH Handbook': A pamphlet published by the
GHC'S MEDICARE MEDICAL COVERAGE U.S. Department of Health and Human Ser-
APPROVAL PROCESS OR THE ENROLLEE vices, Social Security Administration, which
HAS RECEIVED EMERGENCY OR URGENTLY provides an easy-to-read explanation of
NEEDED SERVICES ACCORDING TO SEC- Medicare benefits.
TION V.C. OF THIS MEDICARE
ENDORSEMENT.
CA-175
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(O V89)
PERMANENT MOVE: An unin upted absence of Section I f this Medicare Endorsement,
more than ninety (90) days from GHC's Service enrollment shall terminate the first day of
Area. the month following the month in which
GHC receives notification of such move.
REFERRAL: A prior written authorization by a g, For Cause. Enrollment may be terminated
GHC physician, formally approved in advance upon written notice for:
through GHC's Medicare medical coverage
approval process, that entitles an Enrollee to a. Knowingly providing fraudulent infor-
receive Covered Services from a specified mation to obtain coverage. In such
non-GHC health care provider. Entitlement to event, GHC may, within two (2) years
such services shall not exceed the limits of the from the date of the application, rescind
Referral and is subject to all terms and condi- or cancel enrollment upon five (5)
tions of this Agreement. working days'written notice.
b. Permitting the use of a GHC identifica-
SERVICE AREA: The geographic area comprised of tion card by another person.
King, Kitsap, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish,
Thurston, and Whatcom Counties, and any other C. Failure to comply with the rules and
areas designated by GHC and approved by the regulations of GHC including disruptive,
unruly, abusive or uncooperative
Health Care Financing Administration. (See conduct. Such termination shall be
Service Area Map.) subject to review and approval by HCFA
URGENTLY NEEDED SERVICES (Medicare
defined): Services needed in order to prevent a Section IIL SUBROGATION
serious deterioration of the Enrollee's health due "Injured person" under this section means an
to an unforeseen illness or injury while tempo- Enrollee covered by this Agreement who sustains
rarily absent from GHC's Service Area, and compensable injury. "GHC's medical expense"
which cannot be delayed until the Enrollee means the expense incurred by GHC for the care or
returns to the Service Area. treatment of the injury sustained.
Section II. TERMINATION If the injured person was injured by an act or
omission of a third party giving rise to a claim of
Enrollment under the GHC Medicare Plan for a legal liability against the third party, GHC shall
specific Enrollee, may be terminated in the cir- have the right to recover its cost of providing
cumstances set forth below. benefits to the injured person (subrogation) from the
third party as set forth in this Agreement and in
Until such time as an Enrollee's termination of compliance with Medicare regulations and
enrollment is effective, neither GHC nor guidelines. GHC shall be subrogated to and may
Medicare shall pay for services provided at enforce all rights of the injured person to the extent
non-GHC Facilities unless the Enrollee has of its medical expense. Subject to Medicare laws
been Referred by GHC, including formal and regulations mandating recovery by GHC, the
advance approval through GHC's Medicare Cooperative's right of subrogation shall be limited to
medical coverage approval process, or the the excess of the amount required to fully compen-
Enrollee has received Emergency or Urgently sate the injured person for the loss sustained. Full
Needed Services according to Section V.C. of compensation shall be measured on an objective,
this Medicare Endorsement. case-by-case basis, but is subject to a presumption
that a settlement which does not exhaust the third
A. Termination of Specific Enrollees. party's reachable assets is full compensation to the
1. Loss of Medicare Entitlement. If the injured person.
Health Care Financing Administration The injured person, or the injured person's repre-
(HCFA) advises GHC that an Enrollee's sentative, must cooperate fully with GHC and
entitlement to Medicare coverage no longer GHC's legal counsel in effecting collection from
exists, enrollment under the GHC Medicare persons causing the injury. If an injured party
Plan shall terminate the first of the month settles a claim without protecting GHC's interest,
as specified by HCFA_ the injured person's rights to full compensation may
2. Change of Permanent Residence Out- be lost.
side GHC's Service Area. If an Enrollee When reasonable collection costs including legal fees
makes a Permanent Move as set forth in have been incurred to recover GHC's medical
CA-175
B/MEnd.
MOO 11IW S.2
(01/89)
expense in an action for damages otherwise, and A. Hospice.
where there is recovery in GHC's behalf, there shall It is understood and agreed that the following
be an equitable apportionment of such collection fully sets forth the eligibility requirements and
costs between GHC and the injured person or Covered Services for an Enrollee with Part B
Enrollee, subject to a limit for GHC of one-third of Medicare only who wishes to elect to receive
the amount recovered by GHC. Notwithstanding hospice services. Enrollees who elect to
the above, GHC shall not pay for such collection receive hospice services do so in lieu of
costs where GHC retains its own legal counsel or curative treatment for their terminal
acts on its own behalf to represent its interests. illness for the period that they are in the
This provision does not apply to occupationally hospice program. To receive hospice
incurred disease, sickness, and/or injury. services, the Enrollee is required to sign
the Hospice Election Form.
Section IV. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
Hospice Program.
A. GHC Consumer Relations Program.
1. Eligibility. Hospice services, as set forth
The Consumer Relations Program is designed to below, shall be provided to Enrollees for as
help an Enrollee resolve formal complaints and long as the following criteria are met:
concerns about medical and business service. a. A GHC physician has determined that
GHC will record, research, and respond in a the Enrollee's illness is terminal and life
timely manner to an Enrollee's concern. A expectancy is six(6)months or less;
concern should be registered initially at the b the Enrollee has chosen a palliative
Enrollee's area medical center. If not satisfied, treatment focus (emphasizing comfort
the Enrollee should then contact the regional and supportive services rather than
Consumer Relations Department, which will treatment aimed at curing the Enrollee's
arrange for review by appropriate medical staff,
management and/or GHC consumers. terminal illness);
c. the Enrollee has elected in writing to
B. Reconsideration of Claims. receive hospice care through GHC's
Hospice Program;
If GHC denies a request for payment of a claim, d. the Enrollee has available a primary
or declines to provide services which the En- care person who will be responsible for
rollee believes should be provided, the Enrollee the Enrollee's home care; and
may file a request for reconsideration with GHC. e. a GHC physician and GHC's Hospice
The request must be filed in writing within sixty Director determine that the Enrollee's
(60) days of GHC's written notice of denial illness can be appropriately managed in
unless an extension is specifically approved. If the home.
GHC does not overturn the denial in full, it will 2. Hospice Care shall be defined as a coordi-
be referred by GHC to the Health Care F inanc- nated program of palliative and supportive
ing Administration for reconsideration.
care for terminally ill persons by an interdis-
Section V. SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS ciplinary team of professionals and volun-
teers centering primarily in the Enrollee's
All benefits and services listed in this Schedule of home.
Benefits are:
3. Covered Services. Hospice services may
1. subject to all provisions of this Agreement include the following as prescribed by a GHC
and Medicare Endorsement; physician and rendered pursuant to an
2. must be approved in advance by GHC except approved hospice plan of treatment:
for Emergency and Urgently Needed Serv-
ices as set forth in Section V.C. of this a. Home Services
i. Intermittent care by a hospice
Medicare Endorsement; and
interdisciplinary team which may
3. must meet Medicare guidelines and limits-
tions unless otherwise specified. include services by a physician,
nurse, medical social worker,
GHC covers all Medicare deductibles and coin- physical therapist, speech patholo-
surance. The booklet,'Your Medicare Handbook" gist, occupational therapist,
provides additional information about Medicare respiratory therapist, services by a
benefits. Home Health Aide under the super-
vision of a Registered Nurse and
CA-176
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MOO 111W S.3
(01/89)
homemaker sery by th ledical Coverage Agreement.
ii. Continuous care services per En- e. any services provided by members of t:ie
rollee in the Enrollee's home when patient's family.
prescribed by a GHC physician, as f. all other exclusions listed in Section DC,
set forth in this paragraph. Continu- Exclusions and Limitations, of this
ous care is defined as "skilled Medical Coverage Agreement apply.
nursing care provided in the home
during a period of crisis in order to B. Outpatient Mental Health Care, Alcoholism
maintain the terminally ill patient and Drug Abuse Treatment Services are
at home." Continuous care may be covered in full subject to a combined aggregate
provided for pain or symptom limit of $2,200.00 per Enrollee perr calendar
management by a Registered Nurse, year when such services are rendered by a
Licensed Practical Nurse, or Home physician. Provided the limit has not been
Health Aide under the supervision of reached, services rendered by a non-physician
a Registered Nurse. Continuous care are covered in full.
may be provided up to twenty-four
(24) hours per day during periods of C. Outpatient Emergency/Urgently Needed
crisis. Continuous care is covered Services.
only when a GHC physician deter- 1. At a GHC Facility. GHC will cover
mines that the Enrollee otherwise Emergency or Urgently Needed care for all
would require hospitalization in an Covered Services.
acute care facility.
b. Inpatient Hospice Services for 2. At a GHC Designated Facility. GHC will
short-term care shall be provided in a cover Emergency or Urgently Needed care
facility designated by GHC's Hospice for all Covered Services.
Program when Medically Necessary and 3. At a Non-GHC Designated Facility.
authorized in advance by a GHC physi- When an Emergency meets the Medicare
cian and GHC's Hospice Program. definition for Emergency or Urgently Needed
Respite care is covered for a maximum of Services as defined in Section I. of this
five (5) consecutive days per occurrence Medicare Endorsement, services are covered
in order to continue care for the Enrollee in full. When Emergency or Urgently
in the temporary absence of the En- Needed Services do not meet Medicare
rollee's primary care-giver(s). Guidelines, GHC will cover Emergency care
c. Other hospice services may include for Covered Services, subject to:
the following:
i. drugs and biologicals that are used a. payment of the Emergency/Urgently
primarily for the relief of pain and Needed Services Deductible shown
in the Group Medical Coverage
symptom management;
ii. medical appliances and supplies Agreement.
primarily for the relief of pain and If two or more members of a Family Unit
symptom management; require Emergency/Urgently Needed care as
iii. counseling services for the Enrollee a result of the same accident, only one
and his/her primary care-giver(s); Emergency/Urgently Needed Services
and Deductible will apply.
iv. bereavement counseling services for 4. Outpatient Medications prescribed by a
the family. non-GHC physician are excluded.
4. Hospice Exclusions. All services not 5. Follow-up Care which is a direct result of
specifically listed as covered in this section, the Emergency or Urgently Needed Services
including, but not limited to the following must be obtained at GHC, unless a GHC
are excluded:
physician has authorized such care in
a. financial or legal counseling services. advance.
b. meal services.
c. custodial or maintenance care in the D. Medicare Ambulance Benefit. Medically
home or on an inpatient basis, except as Necessary ambulance transportation to or from
provided above. a hospital or Skilled Nursing Facility is covered
d. services not specifically listed as covered in full only if transportation by any other vehicle
CA-175
B/MEnd.
MOO 11IW S.4
(0 V89)
could endanger the patient's -,alth and the 10. Chiropract care limited to spinal
ambulance, equipment, and personnel meet manipulations. Excluded are any other
Medicare requirements. diagnostic or therapeutic services, includ-
ing x-rays, furnished by a chiropractor.
E. Medical and Surgical Care. Enrollees who receive their primary care in
The following medical and surgical services are portions of the GHC Service Area where
covered when prescribed by GHC Medical GHC designated licensed practitioners are
Personnel and Medicare requirements are met: available must utilize GHC's designated
providers in order to be covered.
1. Eye examinations and treatment for eye 11. Podiatric care. Excluded is treatment of
pathology. flat feet or other misalignments of the feet;
2. Eyeglasses and contact lens, including removal of corns and calluses; and routine
examination and fitting, following cataract foot care such as hygienic care except in the
surgery, when required to replace the presence of a nonrelated medical condition
natural lens of the eye. Covered eyeglasses affecting the lower limbs. Enrollees who
and contact lenses must be dispensed receive their primary care in portions of the
through GHC Facilities. Replacements will GHC Service Area where GHC designated
be provided only when needed due to licensed practitioners are available must
change in the Enrollee's medical condition. utilize GHC's designated providers in order
3. Blood, blood derivatives, and their to be covered.
administration.
4. Maternity and pregnancy-related services, F. Prosthetic Devices, such as cardiac devices,
including visits before and after birth; intraocular lenses, artificial joints, breast
involuntary termination of pregnancy; and prostheses, and braces, are covered. Excluded
care for any other complication of are: orthopedic shoes unless they are part of leg
pregnancy. braces; dental plates or other dental devices; and
5. Organ transplants. experimental devices.
6. Physician calls (including consultations
and second opinions by a GHC physician) G. Medical/Surgical Supplies, such as casts,
in the hospital, office, home, Skilled splints, post-surgical dressings, and ostomy
Nursing Facility, nursing home, or con- supplies, are covered.
valescent center.
7. Restorative physical; occupational; and H. Rental or Purchase of Durable Medical
speech therapy following illness, injury, or Equipment, such as oxygen and oxygen
surgery. equipment, wheelchairs and other walk-aids,
8. Immunizations and vaccinations that are and hospital beds, are covered.
listed as covered in the GHC drug for-
mulary (approved drug list) or approved by Section VL EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS
Medicare. A. Exclusions.
9. Services related to dysfunction of the jaw.
When Referred by a GHC physician, 1. Dental care, surgery, services, and ap-
evaluation and treatment by a GHC- pliances including, but not limited to:
approved temporomandibular joint (TMJ) treatment of accidental injury to natural
care provider. teeth, reconstructive surgery to the jaw
incident to denture wear, and periodontal
All TMJ appliances, other than the occlusal surgery. GHC's Medical Director, or his/her
splint and its fitting, are excluded. designee, will determine whether the care or
treatment required is within the category of
Treatment of jaw dysfunction, including dental care or service.
TMJ dysfunction, will NOT be provided If a GHC physician determines that an
when the dysfunction is related to maloc- unrelated medical condition requires that
clusion or when TMJ services are needed the Enrollee be hospitalized for a dental
due to dental work performed. All such procedure which is normally done in a
services and related hospitalization, dentist's office, GHC will cover associated
including orthodontic therapy and or- hospital and anesthesia costs at a GHC or
thognathic (jaw) surgery, are excluded GHC Designated Facility. GHC will not
regardless of origin or cause. cover the dentist's or oral surgeon's fees.
CA-175
B/MEnd.
M00111W S.5
(0 vs9)
2. Investigational proc Yes, including Section VII. C" IRS PROCEDURE
medical and surgical services, drugs and Claims for services or supplies and explanation of
devices until formally approved by Medicare Medicare benefits for services or supplies from
unless specifically provided herein. providers other than Group Health Cooperative
3. Supportive devices for the feet. should be sent to: Medicare Claims, Group Health
4. Services directly related to obesity except as Cooperative of Puget Sound, P.O. Box C-19165,
provided by Medicare. Seattle, WA 98109. If you must receive Emergency
5. Services or supplies not specifically listed as or Urgently Needed Services from a non-GHC
covered by Medicare or GHC. provider, be sure to show your GHC I.D. card and
your red, white, and blue Medicare card.
B. Limitations.
A. The Enrollee must file claims for services
L Conditions and Extent of Coverage. rendered the first nine (9) months of a calendar
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS year by December 31 of the following calendar
V.E.10., AND V.E.11. ALL SERVICES AND year.
BENEFITS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT
MUST BE PROVIDED BY GHC MEDICAL B. The Enrollee 'must file claims for services
PERSONNEL AT A GHC OR GHC DESIG- rendered in the last three (3) months of a
NATED FACILITY UNLESS: calendar year the same as if the services had
been furnished in the subsequent calendar year.
a. the Enrollee has received a Referral from The time limit on filing claims for services
GHC, including formal advance approval furnished in the last three (3) months of the
through GHC's Medicare medical calendar year is December 31 of the second
coverage approval process, or calendar year following the calendar year in
which the services were rendered.
b. the Enrollee has received outpatient
Emergency or Urgently Needed Services See"Your Medicare Handbook"for additional
as defined in Section I. and as set forth information regarding filing claims.
in Section V.C. of this Medicare GHC may obtain information which it deems
Endorsement. necessary concerning the medical care and
hospitalization for which payment is requested.
CA-175
B/MEnd.
MOO 11IW S.6
(ovs9)
Continuation Coverage,
Groin Conversion, and Transfer
• Health
► Cooperative Contract Endorsement
of Puget Sound _
For Attachment to Group Medical Coverage Agreement
Dependent as a result would be ineligible
Section IV. is retitled Continuation Coverage, under this Agreement; or
Conversion, and Transfer, and is modified to include the g
following as the new subsection A. The current a Dependent child ceases to qualify as a
subsections A., B., and C. are renumbered B., C., and D. Family Dependent under Section IX.B.2.(b)
accordingly. or W.
A. Continuation Coverage 3. A Subscriber who is a retiree or the spouse or
Dependent of a retiree may continue coverage
This subsection A. only applies to employer hereunder if the Subscriber would otherwise lose
groups who must offer continuation coverage coverage hereunder within one year of the date a
under the applicable provisions of the proceeding under Title 11 of the United States
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Code is commenced with respect to the Group.
Act of 1985 ("COBRA"), as amended, and only Coverage under this Section IV.A.3., continues
applies to grant continuation of coverage rights only upon payment of applicable monthly
to the extent required by federal law. charges to the Group at the time specified by the
Group. The terms and conditions of this
To the extent required by federal law, if the Subscriber or coverage are governed by COBRA.
Family Dependent loses eligibility under this Group
Agreement, group coverage may be continued under the 4. If an individual enrolled for continuation
circumstances described below. Except as set forth in coverage experiences a second qualifying event
Section IV.A.10., below, this provision applies only to as set forth in subsection (2.) above, continuation
Subscribers and Family Dependents enrolled under this coverage may be extended for up to thirty-six
Agreement prior to the date of eligibility for continuation (36) months, beginning from the date of the first
coverage who would otherwise lose coverage as a result qualifying event.
of one of the qualifying events listed below in
subsections (1.), (2.), and (3.). 5. In addition to the conditions set forth in Section
III. Termination, continuation coverage may be
1. Subscribers and Family Dependents are eligible terminated prior to the prescribed period set forth
for continuation coverage for a maximum period in subsections (1.), (2.), and (3.) above if:
of up to eighteen (18) months commencing at the There is a failure to make timely payment of
date that: any monthly dues required under this
• The Subscriber's employment is terminated Agreement;
(unless terminated for gross misconduct); or the Enrollee becomes covered under any
• the Subscriber experiences a reduction in other group health plan;
work hours. the Enrollee becomes eligible to enroll under
Medicare whether he or she enrolls or not.
2. Family Dependents are eligible for continuation
coverage for a maximum period of up to 6. Notice
thirty-six (36) months commencing at the date The Group is responsible for assuring compliance
that: with COBRA and that Enrollees are given timely
• The Subscriber is divorced or legally notice of their continuation coverage option. The
separated; or Group is also responsible for notifying GHC in a
• the Subscriber dies; or timely fashion of the election to continue
• the Subscriber becomes entitled to Medicare coverage and the applicable coverage period
and the non-Medicare eligible Family (eighteen [181 or thirty-six [361 months).
CA-50
I0007IWS.1
(01/87)Rev. (01/89)
The Subscriber or Family Dependent must notify 8. Monthly Dues
the Group, or plan administrator, if any, within Monthly dues must be paid directly to the Group.
sixty (60) days of a divorce, legal separation, or The Group is responsible for submitting such
when an enrolled dependent child no longer dues with its regular monthly dues payment to
meets the eligibility requirements set forth in GHC.
Section IX.B.2.
9. Group Conversion
7. Application In addition to Group Conversion rights as set
Written application for continuation coverage forth in Section IV.B.2., the Subscriber or
must be made within sixty (60) days of the Family Dependent enrolled for continuation
termination date of coverage, or the date that the coverage is entitled to convert to GHC's Group
Enrollee receives specific notice of his/her right Conversion Plan within a 180-day period prior to
to continuation coverage, whichever is later. termination of continuation coverage, if his/her
Notwithstanding the above, if the Group or coverage under this Agreement is terminated for
Group's Plan Administrator fails to give the any reason other than nonpayment or cause. See
Enrollee timely notice of any required COBRA Section IV.B.2. GHC Group Conversion Plan -
continuation rights, GHC shall be entitled to Application.
charge the Group and the Group shall pay the
greater of: 10. Open Enrollment and Adding Dependents
• charges incurred by the Enrollee prior to To the extent required under COBRA, a qualified
notice to GHC of the Enrollee's exercise of beneficiary under COBRA may add Family
COBRA rights, or Dependents during the Group's Open Enrollment
• the applicable dues amount for retroactive period and newly eligible persons according to
coverage. the procedures specified in Section IX.A.
Upon receipt of the Group's written confirmation It is further understood and agreed that Section III.B.1. is
of late notification, GHC shall provide the deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
Enrollee with continuation coverage under
COBRA as described above. 1. Loss of Eligibility. If an Enrollee no longer
meets the eligibility requirements set forth in
No lapse in coverage prior to continuation Section IX.B. and is not enrolled for continuation
coverage is permitted, except as provided above. coverage as described in Section IV.A., coverage
The application shall be deemed by GHC to under this Agreement will terminate at the end of
include all Family Dependents eligible for the month during which loss of eligibility occurs.
continuation coverage unless specifically stated
otherwise. A physical examination or statement All other provisions of Sections III., IV., and IX.
shall remain in full force and effect.
of health is not required.
CA-50
100071WS.2
(01/87)Rev. (01/89)
Group
Health Cooperative
of Puget Sound
Group Sales Department Marketing Division
221 First Avenue West Seattle, WA 98119 (206)326-7259
PERSONNEL DEPT.
i
December 11 , 1984
DEC 14 1984
Ms. Barbara L. Fives PERSONNEL DEPT.
R. L. Evans Company, Inc,
Plaza 600 Building, Suite 1210
Seattle, Washington 98101
Re: City of Kent
Dear Barbara:
This letter is in followup to our recent conversation regarding
coverage eligibility for Uniformed Personnel . As discussed, our
enrollment and eligibility schedule states the following:
Uniformed Personnel will not be covered under this plan.
The above refers only to LEOFF I personnel ; LEOFF II employees are
eligible for coverage.
Sincerely,
Matthew Damon
Account Executive
Marketing Division
MD:mas
cc: Mr. Mike Webby
City of Kent
Puget Sound: Bothell, Burien, Everett, Federal Way, Lynnwood, Olympia, Port Orchard, Redmond, Renton, Seattle(Capitol Hill,
Madrona, Northgate, Olive Way, and Rainier), Silverdale, Tacoma, Vashon. Spokane: Maple Street, South Hill, and Valley.
RL EMS
1210 Plaza 600 Bldg. • Seattle,WA 98101 2061448-7878• FAX 206/448-3589
088
"' RRWNNCL DEBT
December 13 , 1988
Ms. Lori Brown
City of Kent
220 4th Ave. So.
Kent, WA 98032-5895
RE: City of Kent, employees & Leoff 1 Dependents
Dear Lori:
Enclosed is the new dues schedule for City of Kent employees and
Leoff 1 Dependents. These premiums are guaranteed from January 1,
1989 to January 1, 1990. Changes to the benefits and their
administration are shown on the enclosed chart.
Should you have any questions about this rate or benefit
information, please call me.
Sin rely,
Dougla Evans
Vice President
Employee Benefits
DE:kf
Estate&Business Planning•Group Insurance • Financial&Insurance Planning• 40WPension/Profit Sharing Plans
Securities offered through Integrated Resources Equitv Corp.,Member NASD&S1PC
Registered Investment Advisory Services offered through Evans Financial Advisory Service
CONTRACT REVISIONS
For Groups Renewing 01/01/89 to 04/01/89
CONTRACT LANGUAGE/ EXPLANATION
BENEFIT CHANGE
Rehabilitation Services Benefit change:
Inpatient physical and occupational therapy and
associated hospital services for the purpose of
rehabilitation are covered up to 60 inpatient days per
condition per calendar year. Services for outpatient
physical, occpational, and restorative speech therapy
combined are covered up to 60 visits per condition per
calendar year. All services are limited to those for
which significant improvement is expected within 60
days.
Emergency Inpatient Mental Health Services State-Mandated benefit effective September 1, 1988:
Inpatient mental health services are covered up to 7
days at 80% per Enrollee per calendar year for emer-
gency mental health care at a state mental health care
hospital. Coverage is subject to the emergency
deductible and notification requirements.
Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators Coverage for the AICD is now included under the
(AICD) implants benefit:
Nonexperimental implants, are covered limited to the
following: cardiac devices, automatic implantable
cardioverter defibrillators (AICD), artificial joints,
and intraocular lenses. Artificial or mechanical hearts
are still excluded.
Liver Transplants Coverage for adult liver transplants is now included
under the transplants benefit:
Kidney, corneal, heart, bone marrow and liver
transplants are covered, when authorized by GHC.
Donor costs are not covered. Coverage for heart and
liver transplants will be excluded until the Enrollee has
been covered under a GHC Medical Coverage Agree-
ment for 12 consecutive months.
Emergency Services Copayment Waiver Benefit change:
The Emergency services copayment is waived when
the enrollee is admitted to a GHC or GHC designated
facility directly from the emergency room.
I0046IwS.1
Emergency Notification at a GHC Designated Facility Benefit clarification:
Emergency services received at a GHC designated
facility are covered. The enrollee, or person taking
responsibility for the enrollee, is responsible for
notifying GHC by way of the GHC Notification Line
immediately upon inpatient admission, or as soon
thereafter as practicable, but in no event more than
twenty-four(24)hours following admission.
Continuation Coverage, Conversion and Transfer Clarification of language regarding group conversion
(COBRA) rights.
Coordination of Benefits (COB) Addition of second "tiebreaker" rule.
Investigational Procedures Exclusion clarification:
Investigational procedures, including medical and
surgical services and devices until approved by GHC
for medical coverage. Investigational drugs are not
covered until approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration for general marketing and by GHC for
medical coverage.
Eye Training Therapy Exclusion clarification:
Orthoptic (eye training) therapy is now specifically
excluded.
Services Related to Obesity Exclusion clarification:
Services directly related to obesity (e.g., surgery,
weight reduction programs) are not covered, except for
nutritional counseling provided by GHC staff.
Specialty Treatment Programs Exclusion clarification:
Specialty treatment programs (e.g., rehabilitation,
behavior modification) which are not provided at GHC
are not covered.
I00461WS.2
DUES SCHEDULE 0369
For attachment to Group Medical Coverage Agreement with City of Kent.
This schedule reflects Group Health Cooperative monthly dues effective January 1, 1989
and guaranteed to January 1, 1990.
MONTHLY HEALTH CARE DUES
Subscriber only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 78.89 per month
Subscriber and spouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176.51 per month
Subscriber and child(ren) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159.10 per month
Subscriber and family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252.68 per month
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL HEALTH CARE DUES
HMO High Option
Subscriber with parts A & B of Medicare . . . . . . . . . . . . 66.71 per month
Subscriber with part B of Medicare only . . . . . . . . . . 149.83 per month
Subscriber and spouse (one with parts A & B of Medicare) . . . . 149.48 per month
Subscriber and spouse (both with parts A & B of Medicare) . . . 133.42 per month
Subscriber and child(ren) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132.07 per month
(subscriber with parts A & B of Medicare)
Subscriber and family (one with parts A & B of Medicare) . . . . 225.65 per month
Subscriber and family (two with parts A & B of Medicare) . . . . 198.61 per month
HMO Standard Option
Subscriber with parts A & B of Medicare . . . . . . . . . . . . 32.25 per month
Subscriber with part B of Medicare only . . . . . . . . . . 20.25 per month
Subscriber and spouse (one with parts A & B of Medicare) . . . . 115.02 per month
Subscriber and spouse (both with parts A & B of Medicare) . . . 64.50 per month
Subscriber and child(ren) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97.61 per month
(subscriber with parts A & B of Medicare)
Subscriber and family (one with parts A & B of Medicare) . . . . 191.19 per month
Subscriber and family (two with parts A & B of Medicare) . . . . 129.69 per month
Not HMO
Persons covered by Part A only. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140.83 per month
NOTE: Medicare rates do not apply to TEFRA eligible enrollees.
COPAYMENT PROVISION
The following copayments apply to this plan. See Group Medical Coverage Agreement for
benefit details.
$ 25.00 Emergency Room
BILLING INFORMATION
Dues must be remitted on a calendar month basis on or before the 1st 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.
The Group will submit the full amount of said dues to the Cooperative when the effective
date of coverage for a given Subscriber and Family Dependents is prior to the 16th of the
month. Coverage effective on or after the 16th of the month will be provided without
charge for a Subscriber and Family Dependents, and these Enrollees will appear on the
subsequent month' s billing at the regular charge.
Conversely, when a Subscriber' s date of employment termination is prior to the 16th of the
month, the Group will not submit dues for that month. When a Subscriber' s date of
employment termination is on or after the 16th of the month, the Group will submit the
full amount of said dues to the Cooperative.
Per average enrollee in 1988, 8.7 percent of the total budgeted revenues from dues,
medical services, and copayments is the budgeted cost of pharmaceuticals and prescriptions
dispensed on written orders of Group Health practitioners.
Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound does not discriminate on the basis of physical or
mental handicaps in its employment practices or services.
DUES SCHEDULE 0369
For attachment to Group Medical Agreement with City of Kent - LEOFF 1
Dependents.
This schedule reflects Group Health Cooperative monthly dues effective January
1, 1989 and guaranteed to January 1, 1990.
MONTHLY HEALTH CARE DUES
Spouse only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 97.62 per month
Chi 1 d(ren) only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80.21 per month
Spouse and child(ren) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173.79 per month
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL HEALTH CARE DUES
HMO High Option
Spouse and child(ren) - Spouse with parts A & B
of Medicare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $146.76 per month
HMO Standard Option
Spouse and child(ren) - Spouse with parts A & B
of Medicare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $112.30 per month
COPAYMENT PROVISION
The following copayment applies to this plan. See Group Medical Coverage
Agreement for benefit details.
$25.00 Emergency Room
BILLING INFORMATION
Dues must be remitted on a calendar month basis on or before the 1st 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.
The Group will submit the full amount of said dues to the Cooperative when the
effective date of coverage for a given Subscriber and Family Dependents is
prior to the 16th of the month. Coverage effective on or after the 16th of
the month will be provided without charge for a Subscriber and Family
Dependents, and these Enrollees will appear on the subsequent month' s billing
at the regular charge.
Conversely, when a Subscriber' s date of employment termination is prior to the
16th of the month, the Group will not submit dues for that month. When a
Subscriber' s date of employment termination is on or after the 16th of the
month, the Group will submit the full amount of said dues to the Cooperative.
Per average enrollee in 1988, 8.7 percent of the total budgeted revenues from
dues, medical services, and copayments is the budgeted cost of pharmaceuticals
and prescriptions dispensed on written orders of Group Health practitioners.
Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound does not discriminate on the basis of
physical or mental handicaps in its employment practices or services.
r R. L. EVANS CO., INC.
401K-Pension Profit Sharing Plans!Financial&Insurance Planning
RECEIVED
December 3 , 1987
PERSONNEL DEPT.
Mike Webby
Assistant City Administrator
City of Kent
220 4th Ave. S.
Kent, WA 98032
RE: City of Kent & LEOFF 1 Dependents
Dear Mike:
Enclosed is the new dues schedule for City of Kent and LEOFF 1
_ Dependents. These premiums are guaranteed from January 1, 1988 to
January 1, 1989 . Following are the contract changes that will be
effective on the renewal date.
The State of Washington has mandated coverage for chemical
dependency. Our current alcoholism benefit has been
expanded to include drug abuse treatment to meet this
requirement.
Treatment of growth disorders by growth hormones will
be covered when authorized as medically appropriate by
Group Health's Medical Director and in accordance with
criteria established by Group Health. To be eligible
for this treatment, an enrollee must be continuously
covered under our plan for twelve months.
If you have questions, or if I can be of further assistance, please
call.
Sincerely,
Do g s L. Evans
Vice President
Employee Benefits
DLE/pb
enclosure
1210 PLAZA 600 BLDG. SEATTLE,WA 98101 (206)448-7878
RECEIVED
Ott; 8 W1
DUES SCHEDULE PERSONNEL DEP&369
For attachment to Group Medical Coverage Agreement with City of Kent.
This schedule reflects Group Health Cooperative monthly dues effective January
1, 1988 and guaranteed to January 1, i989.
MONTHLY HEALTH CARE DUES
Subscriber only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 78.89 per month
Subscriber and spouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176.51 per month
Subscriber and child(ren) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159.10 per month
Subscriber and family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252.68 per month
COPAYMENT PROVISION
The following copayment applies to this plan. See Group Medical Coverage
Agreement for benefit details.
$25.00 Emergency Room
BILLING INFORMATION
Dues must be remitted on a calendar month basis on or before the 1st 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.
Per average enrollee in 1987, 8.4 percent of the total budgeted revenues from
dues, medical services, and copayments is the budgeted cost of pharmaceuticals
and prescriptions dispensed on written orders of Group Health practitioners.
Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound does not discriminate on the basis of
physical or mental handicaps in its employment practices or services.
RECEIVED
DEC 8 1987
PERSONNEL DEPI".
DUES SCHEDULE
For attachment to Group Medical Coverage Agreement with City of Kent - LEOFF 1
Dependents..
This schedule reflects Group Health Cooperative monthly dues effective January
1, 1988 and guaranteed to January 1, 1989.
MONTHLY HEALTH CARE DUES
Spouse only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 97.62 per month
Child(ren) only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80.21 per month
Spouse and child(ren) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173.79 per month
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTAL HEALTH CARE DUES
HMO High Option
Spouse and child(ren) - Spouse with parts A & B
of Medicare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156.72 per month
HMO Standard Option
Spouse and child(ren) - Spouse with parts A & B
of Medicare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130.34 per month
COPAYMENT PROVISION
The following copayment applies to this plan. See Group Medical Coverage
Agreement for benefit details.
$ 25.00 Emergency Room
BILLING INFORMATION
Dues must be remitted on a calendar month basis on or before the 1st 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.
Per average enrollee in 1987, 8.4 percent of the total budgeted revenues from
dues, medical services, and copayments is the budgeted cost of pharmaceuticals
and prescriptions dispensed on written orders of Group Health practitioners.
Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound does not discriminate on the basis of
physical or mental handicaps in its employment practices or services.
t R. L. EVANS CO., INC.
401K-Pension Profit Sharing Plans I Financial&Insurance Planning
April 6, 1987 C E E D
f98t
Mr. Mike Webby
City of Kent �ERSONNE! pFp;
P.O. Box 310
Kent, WA 98031
Dear Mike:
Enclosed please find a set of contract documents that describe
changes to the basic Group Health Medical Coverage Agreement for
the City of Kent for the 1987 contract year.
As you review these benefit changes, you may want to pay special
attention to changes in the following areas:
Contact lenses for Reconstructive Willful damage
cataract patients breast surgery Circumcision
Organ transplants Home health care COBRA
TMJ Mental health care Coordination of
Implants Hospice benefits
Alcoholism treatment Worker' s compensation Stop/Loss
If you should have any questions regarding this information,
please feel free to give me a call .
_Sincetely,
Ml—
Doi gla Evans
Vice President
Employee Benefits
DE:kf
Enclosures
1210 PLAZA 600 BLDG. SEATTLE.WA 98101 (206)448-7878
ALLOWANCES, DEDUCTIBLES, COPAYMENTS, AND FEES
The following Allowances, Deductibles, Copayments and Fees are subject to Pre-existing
Conditions limitations as defined in the Medical Coverage Agreement.
Outpatient Mental Health Care Allowance... ... .. . . . Outpatient mental health care services
provided through GHC will be covered
in full up to a maximum of 10 visits
per calendar year. The Enrollee will
pay 50% of the charges for the next 10
visits. After a total of 20 visits,
the Enrollee pays in full for all out-
patient mental health care.
Alcoholism Allowance
Benefit Period Allowance. .. . . . .. . ... ... ... ... . $5,000 maximum per Enrollee per any 24
consecutive calendar month period.
Lifetime Maximum Benefit. .. . . . . . . .. .. . .... .... $10,000 per Enrollee.
Emergency Copayment/Deductible . . . . .. . .. ... ... ... Emergency care at a GHC or GHC-
Designated Facility is subject to a
$25.00 Copayment amount per Emergency,
payable by the Enrollee. Emergency
care at a non-GHC Designated Facility
is subject to a $100.00 Deductible
amount per Emergency, payable by the
Enrollee.
Stop Loss... ...... ...... .... . . .. .. . . .. .. ... ... ... . Total out-of-pocket Copayment expenses
for Emergency care at a GHC or GHC
Designated Facility are limited to an
aggreggate maximum of $750 per Enrollee
and $1500 per family per calendar
year.
Ambulance Allowance/Deductible.. . . .. . . . . ... . .. ... . An allowance of up to $1,000 per Emer-
gency is allowed for transport to GHC
or non-GHC facilities. Ambulance
charges for transport to a non-GHC
Designated Facility are subject to a
$50.00 Deductible amount per
Emergency, payable by the Enrollee.
"Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound does not discriminate on the basis of physical or
mental handicaps in its employment practices or services."
MASTERRENI
Group CMP
• Health
Cooperative
of Puget Sound Contract Endorsement
For Attachment to Group Medical Coverage Agreement
It is understood and agreed that the definitions of Sections X. and XI. are deleted in their entirety and
"Emergency" and "Service Area" set forth in Section I. of replaced with the following:
the Group Medical Coverage Agreement are deleted in
their entirety and replaced with the following: Section X. SCHEDULE OF BENEFITS
EMERGENCY: The sudden, unexpected onset of a Subject to all provisions of this Group Medical
medical condition that, in the reasonable opinion of Coverage Agreement, persons enrolled for Com-
the Enrollee or person assuming responsibility for prebensive Health Care are entitled to receive the
transporting the Enrollee, is of such a nature that services and benefits described in this Schedule.
failure to render immediate care by a licensed
medical provider would place the Enrollee's life in A. HOSPITAL CARE
danger, or cause serious impairment to the Enrollee's Hospital Care is provided when approved by a GHC
health. physician, including the following services:
SERVICE AREA: King, Kitsap, Pierce, Snohomish, 1. Room and board, including private room when
Thurston, and Whatcom Counties, and any other prescribed, and general nursing services.
areas designated by GHC. 2. Hospital services (including use of operating
room, anesthesia, oxygen, x-ray, laboratory, and
Section I. is further modified to include the following: radiotherapy services).
3. Drugs and medication.
ALLOWANCE: The maximum amount payable by GHC 4. Special duty nursing (when prescribed as
for certain Covered Services under this Agreement, Medically Necessary).
as set forth in the Dues and Fees Schedule. Personal comfort items, such as telephone and
DEDUCTIBLE: A specific maximum amount paid by television, are not covered.
an Enrollee for certain Covered Services before If an Enrollee is hospitalized in a non-GHC Facility,
benefits are payable under this Agreement. The GHC reserves the right to require transfer of the
applicable Deductible amounts are set forth in the Enrollee to a GHC Facility, upon consultation with a
Dues and Fees Schedule. GHC physician. If the Enrollee refuses to transfer to
a GHC Facility, all further costs incurred during the
SKILLED HOME HEALTH CARE: Reasonable and hospitalization are the responsibility of the Enrollee.
necessary care for the treatment of an illness or
injury which requires the skill of a nurse or therapist, B. MEDICAL AND SURGICAL CARE
based on the complexity of the service and the The following medical and surgical services are
condition of the patient, and which is performed provided when prescribed by GHC Medical
directly by an appropriately licensed professional Personnel:
provider. 1. Surgical services.
USUAL, CUSTOMARY, AND REASONABLE: A 2. Diagnostic x-ray, nuclear medicine, ultrasound,
term used to define the level of benefits which are and laboratory services.
payable by GHC when expenses are incurred from a 3• Eye examinations and refractions (except
non-GHC physician or provider. Expenses are cosmetic contact lens examinations and fit-
tings). When dispensed through GHC
considered Usual, Customary, and Reasonable if (1) Facilities, one contact lens per diseased eye,
the charges are consistent with those normally including exam and fitting, is covered for
charged by the provider or organization for the same Enrollees following cataract surgery performed
services or supplies; and (2) the charges are within by a GHC physician, provided the Enrollee has
the general range of charges made by other providers been continuously covered by GHC since such
in the same geographical area for the same services surgery and is not medically suited for an
or supplies.
I0127CNT.1
(04/87)
intraocular lens as determined by a GHC 12. Radiation therapy services.
physician. Replacement of a covered contact 13. Services related to dysfunction of th,� jaw:
lens will be provided only when needed due to when referred by a GHC physician, evaluation
change in the Enrollee's medical condition but and treatment at a GHC-approved temporoman-
may be replaced only one time within any dibular joint (TMJ) care provider, and occlusal
twelve (12) month period. splint fitting.
4. Family planning counseling services. All TMJ appliances, including the occlusal
5. Hearing examinations to determine hearing loss. splint and night guard, are excluded. Treatment
6. Blood derivatives and the administration of of jaw dysfunction, including TMJ dysfunction,
blood and blood derivatives. The cost of blood will NOT be provided when the dysfunction is
is not covered. related to malocclusion or when TMJ services
7. Maternity care, including care for complications are needed due to dental work performed. All
of pregnancy, and pre- and post-natal visits. such services and related hospitalization,
Hospitalization and delivery are provided, including orthodontic therapy, and orthognathic
subject to payment of the Maternity Care Fee (jaw) surgery, are excluded, regardless of origin
set forth in the Dues and Fees Schedule. The
Maternity Care Fee must be paid in equal or cause.
14. The following services are covered by GHC
monthly installments during the pre-natal
when performed by a GHC physician or GHC
period, with the final installment payable not
later than thirty (30) days prior to expected date oral surgeon: reduction of a fracture or disloca-
of birth. tion of the jaw or facial bones; excision of
tumors or cysts of the jaw, cheeks, lips, tongue,
Voluntary (not medically indicated and non- gums, roof and floor of the mouth; and incision
therapeutic) termination of pregnancy will be of salivary glands and ducts.
charged according to the Cooperative's Direc- 15. Non-experimental implants, limited to the
tory of Services. following: cardiac devices, artificial joints, and
8. Transplants. When authorized as medically intraocular lenses. Artificial or mechanical
appropriate by GHC's Medical Director or hearts are excluded.
his/her designee and in accordance with criteria
established by the Cooperative, limited to heart, C. ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT
kidney, corneal. bone marrow, and liver Subject to all terms and conditions of this Agree-
transplants for children under the age of ment, care is provided as set forth below at a GHC
thirteen (13) with congenital biliary atresia. Facility, GHC Designated Facility, or GHC-approved
Organ acquisition costs including applicable treatment facility meeting all requirements of RCW
hospital and medical costs of the donor are not 70.96A.010, et. seq., subject to the Benefit Period
covered. Allowance and Lifetime Maximum Benefit as
described below and as shown in the Dues and Fees
Coverage for heart and liver transplants and/or Schedule.
any related services, items, and drugs shall be 1. Alcoholism Treatment Services.
excluded until such time as the Enrollee has a. All alcoholism treatment services must be
been continuously enrolled under this Agree- provided at a facility as described above
ment, or under this Agreement in combination and must be authorized in advance, except
with any prior GHC Medical Coverage Agree- for acute alcohol withdrawal as described in
ment for twelve (12) consecutive months Section X.C.2.b., and deemed Medically
without any lapse in coverage. Necessary by GHC's ADAPT Director or
9. Physician visits (including consultations and his/her designee. Alcoholism treatment
second opinions by a GHC physician) in the may include the following services received
hospital or office. on an inpatient or outpatient basis: diag-
10. Physical therapy; occupational therapy; nostic evaluation and education, organized
respiratory therapy; and speech therapy to individual and group counseling, detoxifica-
restore speech following severe illness, injury, tion services, and prescription drugs and
or surgery. medicines.
11. Preventive services for health maintenance b. Court-ordered treatment shall be provided
including physical examinations for detection only if determined to be Medically
of disease or other conditions, and im- Necessary by GHC's ADAPT Director or
munizations and vaccinations which are listed his/her designee.
as covered in the GHC Drug Formulary. A fee 2. Emergency Care.
may be charged for health education programs. a. Coverage for medical emergencies incident
I0127CNT.2
(04/87)
to the abuse of alcohol is subject to the exceed the Benefit Period Allowance shown
Emergency care benefit as set forth in in the Dues and Fees Schedule during the
Section X.J. Enrollee's Benefit Period.
b. Coverage for acute alcohol withdrawal is Any Deductibles or Copayments which may
provided without prior approval. If an be borne by the Enrollee under the terms of
Enrollee is hospitalized in a non-GHC this Agreement shall not be applied toward
Designated Facility, coverage is subject to the Benefit Period Allowance.
payment of the Deductible shown in the 4. Lifetime Maximum Benefit.
Dues and Fees Schedule, and notification of Alcoholism services are not covered after the
GHC by way of the GHC Notification Line Enrollee has reached his/her Lifetime Maximum
immediately upon inpatient admission, or as Benefit amount as shown in the Dues and Fees
soon thereafter as practicable, but in no Schedule. All alcoholism benefits provided or
event more than twenty-four (24) hours payments made by
following admission. Furthermore, if an a. GHC under any GHC Group Medical
Enrollee is hospitalized in a non-GHC Coverage Agreement, plus
Designated Facility, GHC reserves the right b. all amounts paid on an individual's behalf
to require transfer of the Enrollee to a GHC under any carrier or plan maintained by the
Facility upon consultation with a GHC group, including self-insured plans,
physician. If the Enrollee refuses transfer shall be applied toward this Lifetime Maximum
to a GHC Facility, all further costs incurred Benefit amount.
during the hospitalization are the responsi-
bility of the Enrollee. In regard to this section, the Benefit Period(s),
For the purpose of this section, "acute Benefit Period Allowance(s), and Lifetime Maximum
alcohol withdrawal" means withdrawal of Benefit shall include only services received on or
alcohol from a person for whom con- after January 1, 1987.
sequences of abstinence are so severe as to
require medical/nursing assistance in a D. DRUG ABUSE/ADDICTION
hospital setting and which are needed 1. Outpatient services at a GHC Facility include
immediately to prevent serious impairment diagnostic evaluation, education, and counsel-
to the Enrollee's health. ing. Inpatient drug treatment programs and
3. Benefit Period and Benefit Period Allowance. services related to detoxification are excluded.
a. Benefit Period. For the purpose of this 2. Medical treatment (inpatient or outpatient) is
section, "Benefit Period" shall mean a provided at GHC for conditions which are a
twenty-four (24) consecutive calendar direct result of drug abuse/addiction.
month period during which the Enrollee is 3. Emergency care is provided according to the
eligible to receive covered alcoholism provisions of Section X.J.
treatment services as set forth in this
section. The first Benefit Period shall E. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SERVICES
begin on the first day the Enrollee receives will be provided:
covered alcoholism services under this or 1. to correct a functional disorder, as determined
any other group insurance, health care by a GHC physician, resulting from a congeni-
service contractor, health maintenance tal disease or anomaly; or
organization, self-insured plan or any 2. to correct a medical condition following an
combination thereof, hereinafter referred to injury or incidental to surgery covered by GHC,
as "group plans," and shall continue for provided the Enrollee has been continuously
twenty-four (24) consecutive calendar covered at GHC since such injury or surgery.
months provided that coverage under this 3. Reconstructive surgery and associated proce-
Agreement remains in force. All sub- dures following a mastectomy will be covered
sequent Benefit Periods thereafter will for Enrollees who are medically suitable
begin on the first day Covered Services are candidates, as determined by GHC's Medical
received after expiration of the previous Director or his/her designee. Internal breast
twenty-four(24) month Benefit Period. prostheses required incident to the surgery will
b. Benefit Period Allowance. The maximum be provided.
allowance available for any Benefit Period 4. An Enrollee will be covered for all stages of
shall be the total of all alcoholism benefits one reconstructive breast reduction on the
provided and payments made for alcoholism nondiseased breast to make it equivalent in size
treatment under any group plan(s), not to with the diseased breast after definitive re-
10127CNT.3
(04/87)
constructive surgery on the diseased breast has care provided by or for a member of the patient's
been performed, family, and any other services not listed specifically
as covered when rendered in the home under this
F. APPLIANCES which are Medically Necessary, Agreement.
limited to the following: ostomy supplies; temporary
orthopedic appliances for use during treatment up to I. MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES, limited to
a maximum of six (6) months; and on Referral, the following, are provided on an outpatient basis at
oxygen and oxygen equipment for home use. GHC when determined to be Medically Necessary by
GHC's Mental Health Service. Crisis intervention
G. DRUGS AND MEDICINES FOR OUTPATIENT and brief focal psychotherapy will be provided in the
USE as prescribed by a GHC physician for condi- following areas: individual and group therapy,
tions covered by this Agreement. All drugs, sup- couple therapy, child and family counseling, chronic
plies, medicines and devices must be obtained at a intermittent care, and consultation services.
GHC pharmacy. Coverage for each Enrollee is provided according to
Excluded are: dietary supplements (except
the Outpatient Mental Health Care Allowance shown therapeutic vitamins for use up to thirty [301 days); in the Dues and Fees Schedule.
outpatient mental health drugs; contraceptive drugs Excluded are: psychoanalysis; extensive
and devices and their fitting; medicines and injec- psychotherapy; treatment of sexual disorders and/or
tions for anticipated illness while traveling; and any dysfunctions; psychological testing unless prescribed
other drugs, medicines, and injections not listed as by GHC's Mental Health Service; day treatment;
covered in the GHC Drug Formulary (approved drug specialty programs for mental health therapy which
list). are not provided by GHC; court-ordered treatment
The Enrollee will be charged for mailing or replacing not specifically described above; and hospitalization
and related inpatient or custodial care for the
lost or stolen drugs, medicines or devices. diagnosis or treatment of mental illness.
H. HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES, as set forth in J. EMERGENCY CARE
this section, shall be provided by GHC Home Health 1. At a GHC Facility or GHC Designated
Services or by a GHC-authorized home health agency Facility. GHC will cover Emergency care for
when Referred in advance by a GHC physician for all Covered Services.
Enrollees who meet the following criteria: 2. At a Non-GHC Designated Facility. Usual,
1. The Enrollee is unable to leave home due to his Customary, and Reasonable charges for Emer-
or her health problem or illness (unwillingness gency care for Covered Services are covered
to travel and/or arrange for transportation does subject to:
not constitute inability to leave the home); a. payment of the Emergency Deductible
2. the Enrollee requires intermittent Skilled Home
Health Care services, as described below; and shown in the Dues and Fees Schedule;
3. a GHC physician has determined that such and
services are Medically Necessary and are most b. notification of GHC by way of the GHC
appropriately rendered in the Enrollee's home. Notification Line immediately upon
Covered Services for home health care may include inpatient admission, or as soon thereafter
the following when prescribed by a GHC physician as practicable, but in no event more than
and when rendered pursuant to an approved home twenty-four (24) hours following
health care plan of treatment: nursing care, physical admission.
therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy,
restorative speech therapy, and medical social worker If two or more members of a Family Unit
and limited home health aide services. Home health require Emergency care as a result of the same
services are provided on an intermittent basis in the accident, only one Emergency Deductible will
Enrollee's home. "Intermittent" means care that is to apply.
be rendered because of a medically predictable Outpatient medications prescribed by a non-
recurring need for Skilled Home Health Care services. GHC physician are excluded.
3. Transfer and Follow-up Care. If an Enrollee
Excluded are: custodial care and maintenance care, is hospitalized in a non-GHC Facility, GHC
private duty or continuous nursing care in the reserves the right to require transfer of the
Enrollee's home, housekeeping or meal services, care Enrollee to a GHC Facility, upon consultation
in any nursing home or convalescent facility, any with a GHC physician. If the Enrollee refuses
I0127CNT.4
(04/87)
to transfer to a GHC Facility, all further costs c. the Enrollee has elected in writing to
incurred during the hospitalization are the receive hospice care through GHC's
responsibility of the Enrollee. Hospice Program;
Follow-up care which is a direct result of the d. the Enrollee has available a primary care
Emergency must be obtained at GHC, unless a person who will be responsible for the
GHC physician has authorized such care in Enrollee's home care; and
advance. e. a GHC physician and GHC's Hospice
Director determine that the Enrollee's
K. AMBULANCE SERVICES are covered as set forth illness can be appropriately managed in the
below, provided that the service is authorized in home.
advance by a GHC physician or meets the definition 2. Hospice Care shall be defined as a coordinated
of an Emergency. (See Section I.) program of palliative and supportive care for
1. Emergency Transport to a GHC Facility or dying persons by an interdisciplinary team of
GHC Designated Facility. Each Emergency is professionals and volunteers centering primarily
in the Enrollees home.
covered as set forth in the Dues and Fees 3. Covered Services. Hospice Services may
Schedule. include the following as prescribed by a GHC
2. Emergency Transport to a Non-GHC Desig- physician and rendered pursuant to an approved
nated Facility. Each Emergency is covered as hospice plan of treatment:
set forth in the Dues and Fees Schedule. a. Home Services
3. Waiver of Ambulance Services Deductible. If i. Intermittent care by a hospice inter-
two or more members of the Family Unit disciplinary team which may include
require Emergency ambulance transport as a services by a physician, nurse, medical
result of the same accident, only one Am- social worker, physical therapist,
bulance Deductible will apply. speech pathologist, occupational
The Ambulance Deductible will not apply when therapist, respiratory therapist, and
ambulance service is authorized in advance by limited services by a Home Health Aide
the Cooperative. under the supervision of a Registered
4. Transfer to a GHC Facility. When authorized Nurse.
in advance by the Cooperative, an additional ii. One period of continuous care service
Ambulance Allowance is provided for transfer per Enrollee in the Enrollee's home
to a GHC Facility. when prescribed by a GHC physician,
as set forth in this paragraph. A
L. HOSPICE continuous care period is defined as
It is understood and agreed that the following fully "skilled nursing care provided in the
sets forth the eligibility requirements and Covered home during a period of crisis in order
Services for an Enrollee who wishes to elect to to maintain the terminally ill patient at
receive services through GHC's Hospice Program. home." Continuous care may be
Enrollees who elect to receive GHC Hospice provided for pain or symptom manage-
Services do so in lieu of curative treatment for ment by a Registered Nurse, Licensed
Practical Nurse, or Home Health Aide
their terminal illness for the period that they are under the supervision of a Registered
in the GHC Hospice Program. Nurse. Continuous care is provided for
four (4) or more hours per day for a
Hospice Program period not to exceed five (5) days, or a
1. Eligibility. Hospice Services, as set forth total of seventy-two (72) hours,
below, shall be provided to Enrollees for as whichever first occurs. Continuous
long as the following criteria are met: care is covered only when a GHC
physician determines that the Enrollee
a. A GHC physician has determined that the would otherwise require hospitalization
Enrollee's illness is terminal and life in an acute care facility.
expectancy is six (6) months or less; b. Inpatient Hospice Services shall be
b. the Enrollee has chosen a palliative treat- provided in a facility designated by GHC's
ment focus (emphasizing comfort and Hospice Program when Medically
supportive services rather than treatment Necessary and authorized in advance by a
aimed at curing the Enrollee's terminal GHC physician and GHC's Hospice
illness); Program. Inpatient Hospice Services shall
I0127CNT.S
(04l87)
be provided according to the provisions set 7. Durable medical equipment such as hospital
forth in Section X. of this Agreement. beds, wheelchairs, and walk-aids, except while
4. Hospice Exclusions: All services not spe- in the hospital.
cifically listed as covered in this section, 8. Inpatient drug treatment programs; services
including, but not limited to: related to detoxification; and outpatient drug
a. Financial or legal counseling services. addiction, except as specifically stated in
b. Housekeeping or meals services. Section X.D.
c. Custodial or maintenance care in the home 9. Services covered by employment or government
or on an inpatient basis. programs:
d. Services not specifically listed as covered a. Any illness, condition or injury for which
by this Medical Coverage Agreement. benefits are available, or could be available,
e. Any services provided by members of the through application for coverage under any
patient's family. federal or state workers' compensation or
f. All other exclusions listed in Section XI., industrial insurance law or employer's
Exclusions and Limitations, of this Medical liability contract or insurance. It is ex-
Coverage Agreement, apply. pressly understood that this Agreement is
NOT to serve as private industrial in-
Section XI. EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS surance, or a self-insured plan maintained
by the employer.
A. Exclusions b. Any federal, state, county, municipal, or
1. Blood for transfusions. other governmental agency, including in the
2. Except as provided in Sections X.E., X.F., and case of service-connected disabifities, the
X.G., corrective appliances and artificial aids, Veterans Administration.
including but not limited to: eyeglasses;
cosmetic contact lenses including examinations GHC reserves all rights to reimbursement
and fittings; prosthetic devices; diabetic provided by any of the above-described laws,
supplies including insulin pumps; hearing aids private industrial insurance, self-insured plans,
and examinations in connection therewith; arch or governmental agencies.
supports or corrective shoes; take-home
dressings and supplies following hospi- Services will be provided under this Agreement:
talization; or any other supplies, dressings, a. if there is reasonable doubt whether an
appliances, devices or services which are not Enrollee should receive benefits under this
for the specific treatment of disease or injury. Agreement or from another source; and
3. Cosmetic services, including treatment for b. if the Enrollee actively seeks to establish
complications of cosmetic surgery, except as his/her rights to benefits from that source.
provided in Section X.E. 10. Those parts of an examination and associated
4. Dental care, surgery, services, and appliances, reports required for employment, immigration,
including but not limited to: treatment of license, or insurance purposes that are not
accidental injury to natural teeth, reconstructive deemed Medically Necessary by GHC for early
surgery to the jaw incident to denture wear, and detection of disease.
periodental surgery. The Cooperative's 11. Investigational procedures, including medical
Medical Director, or his/her designee, will and surgical services, drugs, and devices until
determine whether the care or treatment approved by GHC.
required is within the category of dental care or 12. Non-therapeutic sterilization; and procedures
service. and services to reverse a therapeutic or non-
If a GHC physician determines that an unrelated therapeutic sterilization.
medical condition requires that an Enrollee be 0. Pre-existing Conditions shall be excluded from
hospitalized for a dental procedure which is coverage until such time as the Enrollee has
normally done in a dentist's office, GHC will been continuously covered under this Agree-
cover associated hospital and anesthesia costs at ment or a prior GHC Individual and Family,
a GHC or GHC Designated facility. GHC will Group, or Group Conversion Agreement for
not cover the dentist's or oral surgeon's fees. twelve (12) months.
5. Certain drugs and medicines. (See Section 14. Mental health care, except as specifically
X.G.) Any exclusion of drugs and medicines provided in Section X.I.
will also exclude their administration. 15. Procedures, services, and supplies related to sex
6. Convalescent or custodial care, including transformations.
skilled nursing facility care.
10127CNT.6
(04/87)
16. Regardless of origin or cause, diagnostic testing diagnostic plan to the extent permitted by law.
and medical treatment of sterility, infertility, In such case, GHC shall have no further
impotency, and frigidity. obligation to provide the care in question.
17. Services of practitioners whose licensing Enrollees who seek other sources of care
category is not represented by GHC Medical because of such a disagreement do so with the
Personnel. full understanding that GHC has no obligation
18. Surgery directly related to obesity. for the cost, or liability for the outcome, of such
19. Any services for which an Enrollee has a care.
contractual right to recover the cost thereof, 3. Major Disaster or Epidemic. In the event of a
whether a claim is asserted or not, under major disaster or epidemic, GHC Medical
automobile medical, personal injury protection, Personnel will provide Covered Services
uninsured or underinsured motorist, home according to their best judgment, within the
owner's or other first party coverage, except for limitations of available facilities and personnel.
individual health insurance. The Cooperative has no liability for delay or
20. Services or supplies not specifically listed as failure to provide or arrange Covered Services
covered in the Schedule of Benefits. to the extent facilities or personnel are unavail-
21. Voluntary (not medically indicated and non- able due to a major disaster or epidemic.
therapeutic) termination of pregnancy. 4. Unusual Circumstances. If the provision of
22. The cost of services and supplies resulting from Covered Services is delayed or rendered
an Enrollee's loss of or willful damage to impossible due to unusual circumstances such
covered appliances, devices, supplies, and as complete or partial destruction of facilities,
materials provided by GHC for the treatment of military action, civil disorder, labor disputes, or
disease, injury, or illness. similar causes, GHC shall make a good faith
23. Routine circumcision, including newborn effort to provide such services through its
circumcision, which is not considered Medi- then-existing facilities and personnel. In no
cally Necessary. case shall the Cooperative have any liability or
obligation on account of delay or failure to
B. Limitations provide or arrange such services.
1. Conditions and Extent of Coverage. ALL
SERVICES AND BENEFITS UNDER THIS It is further understood and agreed that Section XII. is
AGREEMENT MUST BE PROVIDED BY GHC deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
MEDICAL PERSONNEL AT A GHC
FACILITY UNLESS: Section XII. CLAIMS
a. The Enrollee has received a Referral from a
GHC physician. Enrollees must submit claims for reimbursement of
b. The Enrollee has received Emergency Covered Services to GHC within sixty (60) days of the
services according to Section X.J. service date, or as soon thereafter as is reasonably
2. Recommended Treatment. The Cooperative's possible. In no event, except in the absence of legal
Medical Director or his/her designee will capacity, shall a claim be accepted later than one (1) year
determine the necessity, nature, and extent of from the service date. This section applies to Covered
treatment to be provided in each individual case Services received under Section X.J. and X.K., or
and the judgment, made in good faith, will be services for which the Enrollee has received a Referral
final. from a GHC physician.
Enrollees have the right to participate in All other provisions of the Group Medical Coverage
decisions regarding their health care. An Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
Enrollee may refuse recommended treatment or
I0127CNT.7
(04/87)
Group Continuation Coverage,
° Health Conversion, and Transfer
0
Cooperative
of Puget Sound Contract Endorsement
For Attachment to Group Medical Coverage Agreement
Section IV. is retitled Continuation Coverage, Conver- if an unmarried dependent child ceases to
sion, and Transfer, and is modified to include the qualify as a Family Dependent under
following as the new subsection A. The current subsec- Section IX.B.2.(b) or (c).
tions A., B., and C. are renumbered B., C., and D.
accordingly. 3. If an individual enrolled for continuation
coverage experiences a second qualifying event
A. Continuation Coverage as set forth in subsection (2.) above, continua-
tion coverage may be extended for up to
Subsection A. only applies to employer groups thirty-six (36) months, beginning from the date
who must offer continuation coverage under the of the first qualifying event.
applicable provisions of the Consolidated
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986, as 4. In addition to the conditions set forth in Section
amended, and only applies to the extent re- III. Termination, continuation coverage may be
quired by Federal law. terminated prior to the prescribed period set
forth in subsections (1.) and (2.) above if:
To the extent required by Federal law, if the Subscriber There is a failure to make timely payment
or Family Dependent loses eligibility under this Group of any monthly dues required under this
Agreement, group coverage may be continued under the
circumstances described below. Except for enrollment of Agreement;
newborns as set forth in Section IX.A.l., this provision ° the Enrollee becomes covered under any
applies only to Subscribers and Family Dependents other group health plan;
enrolled under this Agreement prior to the date of the Enrollee becomes eligible to enroll
eligibility for continuation coverage, as described below under Medicare whether he or she enrolls or
in subsections 1. and 2. not.
1. Subscribers and Family Dependents are eligible 5. Notice
for continuation coverage for a period of up to The Group is responsible for assuring that
eighteen (18) months if: Enrollees are given timely notice of their
o The Subscriber's employment is terminated continuation coverage option. The Group is
(unless terminated for gross misconduct); or also responsible for notifying GHC of the
o the Subscriber loses eligibility as the result election to continue coverage and the applicable
of a reduction in work hours. coverage period (eighteen [18] or thirty-six [361
months).
2. Family Dependents are eligible for continuation The Subscriber or Family Dependent must
coverage for a period of up to thirty-six (36)
months under the circumstances described notify the Group, or plan administrator, if any,
below: within sixty (60) days of a divorce, legal
separation, or when an enrolled dependent child
Following the Subscriber's divorce or legal no longer meets the eligibility requirements set
separation; or forth in Section IX.B.2.
o following the Subscriber's death; or
if the Subscriber becomes entitled to 6. Application
Medicare and the non-Medicare eligible Written application for continuation coverage
Family Dependent as a result would be must be made within sixty (60) days of the
ineligible under this Agreement; or termination date of coverage or the date the
CA-50
I0169CNT
(01/87) V
Enrollee receives specific notice of his/her right Plan if his/her coverage under this Agreement is
to continuation coverage. No lapse in coverage terminated for any reason other than non-
prior to continuation coverage is permitted. payment or cause. See Section IV.B.2. GHC
The applicaton shall be deemed by GHC to Group Conversion Plan - Application.
include all Family Dependents eligible for
continuation coverage unless specifically stated It is further understood and agreed that Section
otherwise. A physical examination or statement III.B.1. is deleted in its entirety and replaced with
of health is not required. the following:
7. Monthly Dues 1. Loss of Eligibility. If an Enrollee no longer
Monthly dues must be paid directly to the meets the eligibility requirements set forth in
Group. The Group is responsible for submitting Section IX.B. and is not enrolled for continua-
such dues with its regular monthly dues tion coverage as described in Section IV.A.,
payment to GHC. coverage under this Agreement will terminate at
the end of the month during which loss of
8. Group Conversion eligibility occurs.
Within a 180-day period prior to termination of
continuation coverage, the Subscriber or Family All other provisions of Sections III., IV., and IX.
Dependent enrolled for continuation coverage is shall remain in full force and effect.
entitled to convert to GHC's Group Conversion
CA-50
I0169CNT
(01/87)
Group
Health .
�� Coordination of Benefits
of Puget Sound Contract Attachment
For Attachment to Group Medical Coverage Agreement
It is understood and agreed that the following fully C. Allowable Expense:
sets forth the provisions outlined in Section V., "Allowable Expense" means any necessary,
"Coordination of Benefits." reasonable and customary items of expense at
least a portion of which is covered under at least
COORDINATION OF BENEFITS one of the Plans covering the person for whom
the claim is made. When a Plan provides
A. Benefits Subject to This Provision: benefits in the form of services rather than cash
All of the benefits provided under this payments, the reasonable cash value of each
Agreement are subject to this provision. service rendered shall be considered as both an
Allowable Expense and a benefit paid.
B. Plan:
The definition of a "Plan" includes the following D. Claim Determination Period:
sources of benefits or services: "Claim Determination Period" means a period
1. Group or blanket disability insurance beginning with any January 1 and ending with
policies and health care service contractor the next following December 31 except that the
and health maintenance organization group first Claim Determination Period with respect to
agreements, issued by insurers, health care any person shall begin on the effective date of
service contractors and health maintenance coverage under this Agreement with respect to
organizations; such person and end on the following December
2. Labor-management trusteed plans, labor 31. In no event will a Claim Determination
organization plans, employer organization Period for any person extend beyond the last day
plans or employee benefit organization on which such a person is covered under this
plans; Agreement.
3. Governmental programs; and
4. Coverage required or provided by any E. Right to Receive and Release Information:
statute. For the purpose of determining the applicability
The term "Plan" shall be construed separ- of and implementing this provision and any
ately with respect to each policy, agreement provision of similar purpose in any other Plan,
or other arrangement for benefits or services, the Cooperative may, with such consent as may
and separately with respect to the respective be necessary, release to or obtain from any other
portions of any such policy, agreement or insurer, organization or person any information,
other arrangement which do and which do with respect to any person which the insurer
not reserve the right to take the benefits or considers necessary for such purpose. Any
services of other policies, agreements or person claiming benefits under this Agreement
other arrangements into consideration in shall furnish to the Cooperative the information
determining benefits. necessary for such purpose.
PA-868,CA-65
I0046CNT.1,(12J86)
F. Facility of Payment: Expenses incurred as to such person during
Whenever coverage which should have been such Claim Determination Period shall.be
provided under this Agreement in accordance reduced to the extent necessary so that the
with this provision has been provided or paid for sum of the reasonable cash value of benefits
under any other Plan, the Cooperative shall have and all benefits payable for such Allowable
the right, exercisable alone and in its sole Expenses under all other Plans, except as
discretion, to pay over to any Plan making such provided in subparagraph (3) of this Section,
other payments any amounts it shall determine to shall not exceed the total of such Allowable
be warranted in order to satisfy the intent of this Expenses. Benefits payable under another
provision, and amounts so paid shall be Plan include benefits that would have been
considered to be coverage or benefits paid under payable had a claim been duly made
this Agreement and, to the extent of such therefore.
payments, the Cooperative shall be fully 3. If
discharged from liability under this Agreement. a. another Plan which is involved in
subparagraph (2) of this Section and
G. Right of Recovery: which contains a provision coordinating
Whenever benefits have been provided by the its benefits with those of this Agreement
Cooperative with respect to Allowable Expenses would, according to its rules, determine
in total amount, at any time, in excess of the its benefits after the benefits of this Plan
maximum amount of payment necessary at that have been determined, and
time to satisfy the intent of this provision, the b. the rules set forth in subparagraph (4) of
Cooperative shall have the right to recover the this Section would require this
reasonable cash value of such benefits, to the Agreement to determine its benefits
extent of such excess, from one or more of the before such other Plan then the benefits
following, as the Cooperative shall determine: of such other Plan will be ignored for
any persons to or for or with respect to whom the purposes of determining the benefits
such benefits were provided, any other insurers, under this Agreement.
any service plans or any other organization or 4. For the purposes of subparagraph (3) of this
other Plans. Section, the rules establishing the order of
benefit determination are:
H. Effect on Benefits: a. The benefits of a Plan which covers the
1. This provision shall apply in determining the person on whose expenses a claim is
benefits for a person covered under this based other than as a dependent shall be
Agreement for a particular Claim determined before the benefits of a Plan
Determination Period if, for the Allowable which covers such person as a
Expenses incurred as to such person during dependent.
such period, the sum of: b. In the case that a dependent is covered
a. The reasonable cash value of the under both parents' medical Plan, the
benefits that would be provided under benefits of the Plan of the parent whose
the Agreement in the absence of this birthday falls earlier in the year are
provision, and determined before those of the Plan of a
b. The benefits that would be payable parent whose birthday falls later in the
under all other Plans in the absence year. This birthdate will refer only to
therein or provisions of similar purpose the month and day, not the year in which
to this provision would exceed such a person was born. If both parents have
Allowable Expenses. the same birthday, the benefits of the
2. As to any Claim Determination Period with Plan which covered the parent longer are
respect to which this provision is applicable, determined before those that covered the
the reasonable cash value of the benefits other parent for a shorter period of time,
provided under this Agreement in the except that in the case of a person for
absence of this provision for the Allowable whom claim is made as a dependent
PA-868,CA-65
I0046CNT.2, (12/86)
child,
i. when the parents are separated or C. When rules (a) and (b) do not establish
an order of benefit determination, the
divorced and the parent with custody benefits of a Plan which has covered the
of the child has not remarried, the person on whose expenses claim is based
benefits of a Plan which covers the for the longer period of time shall be
child as a dependent of the parent determined before the benefits of a Plan
with custody of the child will be which has covered such person the
determined before the benefits of a
shorter period of time, provided that:
Plan which covers the child as a
i. The benefits of a plan covering the
dependent of the parent without
custody; and person on whose expenses claim is
ii. when the parents are divorced and based as a laid off or retired
the parent with custody of the child employee, or dependent of such
has remarried, the benefits of a Plan person shall be determined after the
benefits of any other Plan covering
which covers the child as a de-
such person as an employee, other
pendent of the parent with custody than a laid off or retired employee,
shall be determined before the
benefits of a Plan which covers that or dependent of such person; and
ii. If either plan does not have a
child as a dependent of the step- provision regarding laid off or
parent, and the benefits of a Plan retired employees, which results in
which covers t child as a that
dependent of the ha each Plan determining its benefits
pparent will be after the other, then the provisions
determined before the benefits of a
Plan which covers that child as a apply.
(i) of this subsection shall not
dependent of the parent without apply.
custody. 5• When this provision operates to reduce
Notwithstanding y. items the total amount of benefits otherwise to
(i) and (ii) above, be provided to a person covered under
if there is a court decree which would
otherwise establish financial responsibil- this Agreement during any Claim
Determination Period, the reasonable
ity for the medical, dental or other
cash value of each benefit that would be
health care expenses with respect to the
Provided in the absence of this provision
child, the benefits of a Plan which
covers the child as a dependent of the shall be reduced proportionately, and
such reduced amount shall be charged
parent with such financial responsibility against any applicable benefit limit of
shall be determined before the benefits
of any other Plan which cover the child this Agreement.
as a dependent child.
PA-868,CA-65
10046CNT.3, (12/86)
. Group
• Health Emergency Department
" Cooperative Copayment
14
of Puget Sound Contract Endorsement
For Attachment to Group Medical Coverage Agreement
It is understood and agreed that Section I. of the Total out-of-pocket Copayment expenses
Group Medical Coverage Agreement is modified to incurred during the same calendar year shall not
include the following: exceed the aggregate maximum amount as set
forth in the Dues and Fees Schedule.
COPAYMENT: A fee charged by GHC to an
Enrollee for certain Covered Services under this If Copayments have been billed, any applicable
Agreement, as set forth in the Dues and Fees billing fees shall not be considered in calculat-
Schedule. ing total out-of-pocket expenses for Copayments
made.
Section II.B. is deleted in its entirety and replaced
with the following: Section III.B.2. is modified to include the following:
B. Subscriber's Liability. The Subscriber is liable 2. For Cause. Coverage of an Enrollee may
for (1) payment to the Group of his/her contribu- be terminated upon written notice for:
tion toward the monthly dues, if any; (2)
payment to the Cooperative of Copayments for Non-payment of charges as set forth in
Covered Services provided to the Subscriber and Section II.B.
his/her Family Dependents, as set forth in the
Dues and Fees Schedule; and (3) payment to the Section X.J.1. is deleted and replaced with the
Cooperative of any fees charged for non- following:
Covered Services provided to the Subscriber and
his/her Family Dependents. J. Emergency Care
Section II. is further modified to include the 1. At a GHC Facility or GHC Designated
following: Facility. GHC will cover Emergency care
D. Copayments. At the time of service, Enrollees for all Covered Services subject to payment
shall be required to pay Copayments as set forth of the Copayment set forth in the Dues and
in the Dues and Fees Schedule. Failure to pay Fees Schedule.
Copayments at the time of service may result in If two or more members of the Family Unit
a billing fee.
require Emergency care as a result of the
Payment of a Copayment does not exclude the same accident, only one Emergency Care
possibility of an additional billing if the service Copayment will apply.
is determined to be a non-Covered Service. All other provisions of the Group Medical
Coverage Agreement shall remain in full force
and effect.
ER-CP
CA-7 (04/87)
I0086CNT
Group
Health Maternity Care
Cooperative
of Puget Sound Contract Endorsement
For Attachment to Group Medical Coverage Agreement
It is understood and agreed that Section X.B.7.
of the Group Medical Coverage Agreement is
deleted in its entirety and replaced with the
following:
The Cooperative shall provide maternity
care, including care for complications of
pregnancy; pre- and post-natal visits; and
voluntary termination of pregnancy.
It is further understood and agreed that Sec-
tion XI.A.21 is deleted in its entirety.
Voluntary termination of pregnancy shall be
covered.
All other provisions of Sections X.B. and XI.A.
remain in full force and effect.
MT-A, AB-A
CA-66 (01/87)
I0213CNT
C�
i
Group
Health Pre-Existing Conditions
Cooperative
of Puget Sound Contract Endorsement
For Attachment to Group Medical Coverage Agreement
It is understood and agreed that Section
XI.A.13. of the Group Medical Coverage
Agreement is deleted in its entirety.
Except as provided under Section X.B.8.,
Pre-existing Conditions shall be covered in
the same manner as any other illness.
All other provisions of Section XI.A. shall re-
main in full force and effect.
PC-A
CA-18 (01/87)
I0136CNT