C and O Employees' Hospital Association

Plan Name 6

Employer Identification and Plan Numbers 6

Administrator of Plan 6

Type of Plan 6

Plan Year 6

Contributions and Funding 6

Agent for Service of Legal Process 7

Plan Eligibility 7

Plan Purpose 7

Medicare Members 10

Plan Seven 12

Plan Ten 12

COEHA Health Care Prepayment Plan for Medicare

Members 12

Membership Identification Cards 17

Time Limit for Filing All Claims 17

How to File Medicare Supplemental Claims 18

How to File COEHA HCPP Claims 18

Ambulance 18

Chiropractic Services 19

Durable Medical Equipment 19

Prosthetic Devices 19

Orthotic Devices 20

Emergency Room Services 20

Hospitalization 20

Skilled Nursing Facility Care 21

Outpatient Office Visits, Consultations &

Diagnostic Testing 21

Kidney Dialysis 22

Podiatry 22

Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy 22

Chemo/Radiation Therapy 22

Organ Transplants 22

Ophthalmology 23

Reconstructive Surgery Following Mastectomy 23

Gastric Bypass/Stomach Stapling/Lap Belt 23

Removal of Excess Skin After Gastric Bypass/

Extreme weight loss/Tummy tuck 24

Mental Health 24

Diabetic Supplies & Home Blood Glucose Monitors 24

Prescription Drugs 24

Exceptional Cases 25

Outline of Appeal Procedure for COEHA Medicare HCPP
Enrollees 35

Appeal Rights and Procedures for COEHA Medicare

HCPP Enrollees 38

Outline of Appeal Procedure for Supplemental Medicare

Coverage 43

Claims and Appeals Procedure for Supplemental Medicare

Coverage 44

Be considerate and respectful to all COEHA staff and participating providers

Read all COEHA document materials and ask questions if you do not understand

Know your benefits

Provide complete health status information as needed to receive appropriate care

Respond to our letters promptly

Always utilize your membership identification card when seeking healthcare services

Forward to COEHA any bills you receive more than once for the same services

Maintain your health and participate in decisions concerning your treatment

 

C and O Employees’ Hospital Association (COEHA)

Employer Identification Number is 23-7082348

Plan Number is 501

The Plan is administered by the C and O Employees’ Hospital Association, 511 Main Street, 2^nd Floor, Clifton Forge, Virginia 24422-1166

COEHA is a Medicare Supplemental Plan

January 1 through December 31

The Plan is funded by membership contributions through a monthly dues assessment.

Jack N. Pate

President and Administrator

C and O Employees Hospital Association

511 Main Street

Clifton Forge, Virginia 24422-1166

Former employees on the former C and O Railway territory and other individuals, which the Board of Directors may from time to time decide to admit to the C and O Employees’ Hospital Association, are eligible for membership.

Any member of the C and O Employees’ Hospital Association who fails to submit current membership premiums shall be notified of the delinquency and given thirty (30) days to bring membership status up to date. Failure to comply with this notice will result in forfeiture of membership.

As a cost containment measure, COEHA has instituted an automatic dues deduction program for monthly membership premiums from your checking account. You will be required to participate in the automatic dues deduction program or you may remit your dues directly to COEHA either quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. If you choose to participate in the automatic dues deduction program, your premiums will be deducted on the fifth (5^th) day of each month.

The C and O Employees’ Hospital Association was established in 1897 as a joint effort between the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company and its employees to provide certain healthcare benefits for the employees and retirees of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company.

Healthcare benefits will be furnished in accordance with such rules and regulations as may from time to time be approved by the Board of Directors of the C and O Employees’ Hospital Association, provided, that at all times the C and O Employees’ Hospital Association shall conduct itself strictly as a non-profit organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as same may be amended, or the comparable section of any future Revenue Act.

All benefits are subject to the limitations and exclusions in this Medicare Supplemental Handbook and are payable when determined by the Plan to be medically necessary. No oral statement of any person shall modify or otherwise affect the benefits, limitations, and exclusions of this Medicare Supplemental Handbook, convey or void any coverage, increase or reduce any benefits under this Plan, or be used in the prosecution or defense of a claim under this Plan.

Your C and O Employees’ Hospital Association, hereafter referred to in this Medicare Supplemental Handbook as "COEHA," is governed by a Board of Directors. The current members of the Board of Directors are:

Director Union Affiliation

Jack N. Pate Local Chairman

President; Administrator, COEHA United Transportation

422 Sullivan Road Union

Glen Morgan, WV 25847

(304) 252-5227

Norman V. Smith Brother of Locomotive

Vice President, COEHA Engineers

1707 Jones Street

Flatwoods, KY 41139

(606) 834-1766

Kenneth Farley Local Chairman, E Craft

Secretary-Treasurer, COEHA United Transportation Union

271 Township Road 1167

Proctorville, Ohio 45669

(304) 638-2343

Jim Bowling, Jr. Local Chairman

Director, COEHA United Transportation Union

815 Park Street

Flatwoods, KY 41139

(606) 836-5413

Glenn W. Hazelwood General Chairman

Director, COEHA Yardmasters United Transportation

2423 Old Geneva Road Union

Henderson, KY 42420

(270) 826-3740

Phil D. Henry Local Chairman

Director, COEHA Brotherhood of Locomotive

308 11^th Avenue, W. Engineers

Huntington, WV 25701

(304) 697-7611

Donnie Moates General Chairman

Director, COEHA Brotherhood of Locomotive

274 Highway 310 Engineers

Etowah, TN 37331

(423) 263-0909

Jim Townsend General Chairman

Director, COEHA United Transportation Union

1319 Chestnut Street

Kenova, WV 25530

(304) 453-1102

Charles E. Whitmer At Large Director

P. O. Box 443

Clifton Forge, VA 24422

(540) 863-5681

Please refer to the COEHA Plan Section of this Medicare Supplemental Handbook for a summary of your benefits. The Benefits Section provides coverage information regarding specific healthcare services.

Active employees age 65 or older and eligible for Medicare coverage will still be covered by COEHA as their primary insurer and coverage for active employees is outlined in the COEHA Rules and Regulations.

When a pensioned member becomes eligible for Medicare by virtue of attaining age (65), or by meeting the disability requirements established by the Railroad Retirement Board/Social Security Administration, COEHA membership may be converted to one of our Medicare Supplemental Plans, at which time you will pay the appropriate premium for a Medicare member. The Original Medicare Plan consists of Part A, which pays for hospital services, and Part B, which pays for physician and other medical services. As a Medicare member of COEHA, you are required to carry the Original Medicare Plan, both Parts A & B. (You are covered under COEHA’s Plans Seven or Ten.)

Anyone who wishes to participate in one of the Medicare Supplemental Plans must submit an application on COEHA’s Medicare Supplemental Enrollment Form. By signing the Medicare Supplemental Enrollment Form, all applicants authorize the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS") to provide COEHA with information concerning their entitlement to Medicare and their Part B claims history.

If you are a Medicare member and your spouse is employed and has you covered for healthcare benefits under your spouse’s employer’s plan, COEHA would be tertiary coverage to your spouse’s employer’s plan and Medicare Parts A and B coverage. Your spouse’s employer’s plan would be the primary insurer. In no instance will COEHA provide a duplication of benefits. If you become a Medicare member, it is your responsibility to notify COEHA if you are automatically covered by your spouse’s employer’s plan.

Retired non-contract employees, with Medicare Parts A and B coverage, are eligible for membership in COEHA if approved by the Finance Committee. In these cases, Medicare is the primary insurer, Aetna is secondary, and COEHA is tertiary insurer.

Plan benefits are highlighted below. For specific benefits, please refer to the Benefits Section.

Supplements your Medicare coverage and covers most services paid by Medicare

Full payment of the Medicare deductibles and/or coinsurance amounts for covered services rendered by providers participating with Medicare

Effective January 1, 2006, we have a contract with the Federal Government to provide our members with an enhanced Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan

 

Supplements your Medicare coverage and covers most services paid by Medicare

Full payment of the Medicare deductibles and/or coinsurance amounts for covered services rendered by providers participating with Medicare

COEHA is contracted as a Health Care Prepayment Plan ("HCPP") with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS"), the Federal Agency that administers Medicare. This contract authorizes COEHA to pay your Medicare Part B claims to participating providers for office visits and related office services, consultations, hospital visits, xrays and surgical procedures. When COEHA HCPP receives a participating provider’s claim for your services, payments for Medicare Part B benefits and your COEHA Medicare Supplemental Plan benefits are made in one check directly to the provider, which eliminates billing Medicare and you. As a COEHA Medicare Supplemental Plan member, you are automatically enrolled in the COEHA Medicare Health Care Prepayment Plan.

The COEHA HCPP contract with CMS renews annually on January 1. Either CMS or COEHA may terminate the contract by providing advance notice to each other and to you. If the contract ends, your COEHA Supplemental Plan benefits will continue in force. COEHA Medicare members do not change or temporarily lose their access to Medicare Parts A and B. COEHA HCPP members continue to access Medicare Parts A and B whether or not the provider is participating with COEHA. COEHA HCPP does not change Medicare Part B benefits—congressional law creates and defines those benefits. The COEHA Board of Directors determines only the premium amounts and the benefits that are paid as a supplement to your Medicare coverage under the COEHA Medicare Supplemental Plan.

You may choose to go out-of-network anywhere and at anytime using your Medicare benefits. COEHA HCPP cannot pay the Medicare Part B payments for these nonparticipating providers. Medicare processes these out-of-network claims. However, your COEHA Medicare Supplemental Plan will pay the deductible and/or coinsurance for these providers.

We do not have an open enrollment period. You may enroll in Plan Seven or Plan Ten at any time.

Disenrollment from the COEHA Medicare Supplement and Medicare HCPP Plans means ending your membership.

Voluntary Disenrollment: You may choose to end your membership in the COEHA Medicare Supplemental and HCPP Plans at any time and for any reason.

Involuntary Disenrollment: Disenrollment from the COEHA Medicare Supplemental and HCPP Plans does not affect your enrollment in original Medicare Part A and B. Following are the only reasons that members may be voluntarily disenrolled by COEHA:

Failure to abide by the regulations of the COEHA Medicare Supplemental and HCPP Plans.

Failure to make the required COEHA dues payments. After making a reasonable effort to collect your COEHA dues, we will notify you of the effective date of disenrollment.

Entitlement and enrollment in Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B ends.

Provision of fraudulent information or misrepresentation on the membership application form that materially affects your eligibility to enroll in the COEHA. CMS considers this to be abuse and COEHA is required to refer the information to the Inspector General, and that may result in criminal prosecution.

Disruptive, unruly, abusive or uncooperative behavior to the extent that COEHA’s ability to administer your health plan is impaired.

Knowingly permitting abuse or misuse of your Medicare Card and/or your COEHA Health Insurance Card. CMS considers this to be abusive and COEGA is required to refer the information to the Inspector General, and that may result in criminal prosecution.

Disenrollment from the COEHA Medicare Supplemental and HCPP plans will be effective on the first day of the month following the month COEHA receives the disenrollment form (unless a later date of disenrollment is requested).

If you wish to discontinue your membership in the C and O Employees’ Hospital Association, please COMPLETE AND RETURN this form to:

C and O Employees’ Hospital Association

511 Main Street, 2^nd Floor

Clifton Forge, Virginia 24422

ATTN: MEMBERSHIP DUES DEPT.

I, ____________________________________________________,

(name of member)

wish to discontinue my membership in the C and O Employees’ Hospital Association, effective the first day of

___________________________________________________,

(month)

_____________________________________________________.

(year)

I understand that by discontinuing my membership in the C and O Employees’ Hospital Association, I am also disenrolling from your COEHA Health Care Prepayment Plan (HCPP).

_____________________________________________________

(Social Security Number) (HPIN)

_____________________________________________________

(Signature) (Date)

This form is for disenrollment in the C and O Employees Hospital Association. Your Medicare coverage is intact. If you would like assistance in obtaining other health care insurance, you may contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, State Insurance Department and State Medical Assistance Office.

To give you the highest quality medical care available, we have created an extensive network of healthcare providers. We have an open network, which means you can use the services of providers who belong to our network without first getting a referral from another physician. All of our providers are participating with Medicare, which means the provider has agreed to accept Medicare’s approved charge and they cannot bill the patient for the amount not approved by Medicare.

The existence of an open network does not mean that every service and specialty will automatically be covered. The Benefits Section provides coverage information regarding specific healthcare services.

You may also seek treatment out-of-network with a provider of your choice, and we will be responsible for the deductible and/or coinsurance/copayment not covered by Medicare. If the provider does not participate with Medicare, COEHA will be responsible for only the deductible and/or coinsurance/copayment, and not the amount which Medicare does not approve. In most instances, the nonparticipating provider is allowed to bill the patient for 15% over Medicare’s approved charge—this is called the "limiting charge." Always ask your provider whether they accept assignment with Medicare because it could save you money.

Your COEHA identification card identifies you as a member of COEHA. It contains a unique member identification number which helps COEHA protect you against possible identity theft. You must present this card when you receive medical services. You should make sure the provider copies the front and back of the card. Please have this number available when you call COEHA. Also, please list this number on any correspondence or premium payments sent to COEHA.

Your COEHA membership card does not guarantee coverage of all services or current eligibility. You or your provider can verify your eligibility by contacting COEHA. Should your membership card become lost, stolen or damaged, you can call COEHA with a replacement request at 1-800-679-9135 or locally 1-540-862-5728.

You should also present your red, white and blue Medicare Card when you receive medical services.

All claims for services provided our members must be received within one year from the date the services were rendered to be eligible for payment by COEHA. Also, all corrected rebills should be received within one year from the original denial date to be eligible for payment by COEHA.

Providers should file all claims on a UB92 or HCFA 1500 Form, with the appropriate Medicare Explanation of Benefits and/or other insurance payment record attached, to the following address:

C and O Employees’ Hospital Association

511 Main Street, 2^nd Floor

Clifton Forge, VA 24422

Providers may file claims on a HCFA 1500 Form by mail to the following address:

C and O Employees’ Hospital Association

511 Main Street, 2^nd Floor

Clifton Forge, VA 24422

Claims may also be filed electronically. COEHA is contracted with WebMD to accept medical claims through WebMD Transaction Division/ENVOY as a Blanket No-Card Payer.
The Payer ID for COEHA is 23708. If you have any questions regarding this process, please call WebMD Transaction Division/ENVOY Customer Solutions at 1-800-845-6592.

Your COEHA benefits supplement your basic Medicare benefits. COEHA covers full payment of the Medicare deductible and/or coinsurance amounts for covered services. Services denied by Medicare are not covered by COEHA.

COEHA will provide medically necessary ambulance service to the nearest treatment facility under emergency circumstances when other transportation would endanger your health. In the event necessary specialty service is not available at this facility, COEHA will provide medically necessary ambulance service to the nearest facility where specialty service is available.

Effective January 1, 2008, we will now cover the deductible and/or coinsurance after Medicare for covered chiropractic services.

This is equipment needed for medical reasons, which is sturdy enough to be used many times without wearing out. COEHA covers certain durable equipment items such as oxygen, oxygen equipment, wheelchairs, hospital beds, etc. COEHA does not cover maintenance, repair, or replacement of such items.
Only one of each article is covered.

Not all durable medical equipment is covered. This benefit is administered on a case by case basis.

This includes artificial substitutes that replace missing body parts. COEHA covers certain prosthetic devices such as artificial limbs, eyes, etc. COEHA does not cover maintenance, repair, or replacement of such items. Only one of each article is covered. Breast prosthetics are excluded from the "Only one of each article" regulation.

Prosthetic devices also include items used to replace an internal body part or function such as ostomy supplies and parenteral/enteral nutrition therapy. (We do cover the balance after Medicare on ostomy supplies; however, parenteral/enteral nutrition therapy is not covered.)

Not all prosthetic devices are covered. This benefit is administered on a case by case basis.

These are items serving to protect, restore or improve function. COEHA covers certain orthotic devices such as braces and supports. Repair, replacement or maintenance of such item is not covered. Only one of each article is covered.

Not all orthotic devices are covered. This benefit is administered on a case by case basis.

Payment for services rendered in hospital emergency rooms is limited to treatment of emergency problems only.
A medical emergency is when you believe that your health is in serious danger—when every second counts. Treatment of non-emergency problems that can be handled in a physician’s office will be denied.

A benefit period begins on the first day you go into the hospital and ends when you have not received any hospital care for 60 consecutive days. If you go to the hospital after one benefit period has ended, a new benefit period begins. There is no limit to the number of benefits periods you can have.

For periods of hospitalization up to 60 days, COEHA will cover the deductible. For the 61^st through the 90^th day, COEHA will cover the coinsurance not covered by Medicare. For the 91^st through the 150^th day, (which are your 60 lifetime reserve days), COEHA will pay the balance of covered charges which Medicare does not cover. Services in excess of 150 days (your lifetime reserve days) are not covered by Medicare or COEHA.

Private rooms are covered when it has been determined by the attending physician that it is medically necessary.

COEHA will cover the cost of the first three pints of blood, if used and not replaced, which is your blood deductible.

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) care is health care given when you need skilled nursing or rehabilitation staff to manage, observe and evaluate your care. These skilled care services are needed daily on a short term basis (up to 100 days).

COEHA will cover the balance after Medicare for SNF. COEHA will not cover skilled care if you do not meet Medicare’s requirements. COEHA will not cover skilled care once your Medicare coverage is exhausted.

Effective January 1, 2008, COEHA will cover the deductible and/or coinsurance after Medicare for certain medical services provided a member while a resident in a long-term facility, such as physician visits and physical therapy.

Covered services.

Covered services.

COEHA will cover services by a Podiatrist when such services cannot be provided by an orthopedic specialist.

General foot care is not covered because Medicare does not participate in the cost of this expense.

Arch supports and foot orthotics, such as inserts, are not covered.

Covered services.

Covered services.

There is a one-time limit of $100,000 per lifetime for human kidney, cornea, bone marrow, liver or heart transplants. Transplant services must be preauthorized by COEHA. COEHA does not cover transplant cases which are considered experimental. The $100,000 limit includes the actual hospital stay for the organ transplant and all services incident to the hospital stay, including charge for procurement of the organ from a living donor.

Bone marrow harvesting which may be done as an outpatient prior to the hospital stay for the actual transplant of the marrow, will also count towards the $100,000 limit.

Immunosuppressive drugs (anti-rejection drugs) are covered. However, they are not available through your prescription drug program because Medicare will pay for these drugs. They should be purchased through a provider who will file the expense with Medicare and file the deductible and/or coinsurance with COEHA.

Routine eye examinations and refractions for the purpose of prescribing glasses or other visual aids which may be required are not covered by COEHA.

Coverage for services other than routine eye examination and refractions is provided. Refractions are not covered under any circumstances, since Medicare does not participate in the cost of this expense.

COEHA provides coverage, in the case of a member who is receiving benefits in connection with a mastectomy and who elects breast reconstruction in connection with such mastectomy, (i) all stages of reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy has been performed; (ii) surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance; and (iii) prostheses and physical complications of mastectomy, including lymphedemas in a manner determined in consultation with the attending physician and the patient. Such coverage is subject to annual deductibles and coinsurance provisions as may be deemed appropriate and as are consistent with those established for other benefits under the Plan.

There is a one time limit of $25,000 per lifetime. COEHA will cover the deductible and/or coinsurance after Medicare for this procedure. Surgery must be due to a medical necessity and preauthorization by COEHA is required.

There is a one time limit of $7500 per lifetime. COEHA will cover the deductible and/or coinsurance after Medicare for this procedure. Surgery must be due to a medical necessity and preauthorization by COEHA is required.

COEHA will cover the deductible and/or coinsurance for services associated with the treatment of mental health only to limit of Medicare coverage, subject to Medicare guidelines.

You are only eligible for diabetic supplies (test strips, lancets, lancing devices and control solution) through our diabetic supply program, CCS Medical. CCS Medical is a nationally licensed diabetes pharmacy. These supplies may be ordered by telephone and for your convenience, they will be shipped directly to your home. CCS Medical will file the expense for these supplies with Medicare and bill COEHA for deductibles and/or coinsurance. Your medication and injectables, such as Insulin, will still be covered through your prescription drug program.

You may contact CCS Medical at 1-800-360-5273.

Diabetic shoes are not covered.

We are contracted with the Federal Government to provide our members with an enhanced Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. Please refer to our Handbook entitled, Evidence of Coverage for COEHA Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan.

Cases may arise involving medical care that is not specified in this Medicare Supplemental Handbook. In these cases, contact COEHA for instructions.

You can decide in advance what medical treatment you want to receive if you become physically or mentally unable to communicate your wishes. You can do this by preparing an Advance Directive.

An Advance Directive is a written document which states your choice about medical treatment. It can also designate someone else to make medical decisions for you, if you are unable to make these choices yourself. This document is called an Advance Directive because it is signed in advance to let your doctor know your wishes concerning medical treatment. You do not have to have an Advance Directive if you do not want one.

The laws for Advance Directives differ from state to state. There are different types of advance directives and different names for them depending on your state or local area. For example, documents called "living will" and "power of attorney for health care" are examples of advance directives. If you are interested in obtaining Advance Directive information for the state in which you reside, please contact us. We will send you the appropriate information.

It is your choice whether you want to fill out an advance directive. The law forbids any discrimination against you in your medical care based on whether you have an advance directive or not.

The following services are not covered by C and O Employees’ Hospital Association—this does not mean that Medicare does not cover all of these services.

Appliances used in birth control

Dental services

Fertility drugs

Fertility procedures and tests

Prescribed drugs and/or items which can be purchased over-the-counter (with the exception of Prilosec OTC and Claritin OTC)

Retin-A

Preventative healthcare services, such as routine physicals

Home Health nursing visits

Custodial or long-term care except as defined in the Skilled Nursing Facility Care Section of this Handbook

Half-way house

Glasses or other visual aids

Physician visits to the home

Eye refractions

Hearing aids; batteries

Arch supports and foot orthotics

Special lift chairs, or separate chair lift for patient owned furniture, geriatric chairs

Water beds

Membership to YMCA or other fitness organization

Special shoes, unless they are attached to braces

Cosmetic/Reconstructive surgery, except for repair or alleviation of damage to the member caused solely by bodily injury while the member is covered and except for breast reconstruction following a mastectomy covered by the Plan.

A dependent child’s pregnancy or the resulting childbirth, abortion or miscarriage

Acupuncture

Treatment rendered by a family member (spouse, mother, father, children, sister, brother, in-laws, grandparents, grandchildren, etc.)

In vitro fertilization, embryo transfer procedures, artificial insemination, immunotherapy for treatment of infertility

Sex change surgery

Reversal of sterilization

Vaccines (except for tetanus when medically necessary)

Work hardening

Experimental procedures

Food supplements

Supplemental feeding (parenteral/enteral nutrition therapy)

Personal convenience items (television, radios, telephone calls, guest trays, private room differential, etc.)

Hospital admissions for diagnostic testing only

Charge for completion of insurance papers, reports, etc.

Evaluation and studies performed in connection with litigation

Instructional booklets or videos

General foot care

Marriage counseling

Sales tax; shipping and handling for medical supplies

Medical services or testing provided a member incident to treatment of a spouse and/or dependent

On-duty injuries that occur while working and receiving compensation for a person, firm, company, or organization other than the CSXT and/or subsidiaries and affiliated companies

Outpatient self-administered drugs

Pharmacy Consultations

Physician certification and re-certification for home health services

Radial Keratotomy/Lasik Surgery

Services that are not reasonable and customary under the Original Medicare program standards

By accepting or continuing membership, the member or the member’s legal representative agrees that payment by COEHA for treatment, hospitalization, or any other benefit to or on behalf of the member because of injuries for which some other person, firm, corporation, association, company or government is liable to the member shall entitle COEHA to full rights of subrogation with respect to any claim, suit or cause of action that the member has against such third party, and that any such payment by COEHA is advanced to the member subject to and conditional upon COEHA’s subrogation right. This subrogation right applies to any form of payment to the member by such third party who is liable to the member, whether the payment be received through an insurance policy or contract, or by settlement, judgment or otherwise, and regardless of whether the payment is classified as payment for medical expenses. COEHA has the right to recover from any such third party the full amount of all medical, hospital, drug or other services or benefits paid for or furnished by COEHA to or for the benefit of the member and the member hereby assigns to COEHA such portion of his claim as may be necessary to fully protect the subrogation rights of COEHA. Furthermore, any member who settles with or collects from such third party has an affirmative duty to notify COEHA immediately of the settlement or collection, and of the identity of any person or entity with custody of any portion of the settlement or collection, and has the duty to segregate out and pay to COEHA its full subrogation claim. COEHA is entitled to 100 percent of its subrogation claim, regardless of whether the member obtains full or partial recovery and regardless of any legal fees or other expenses incurred in obtaining the recovery. Any member who settles with or collects from any such third party without protecting the subrogation rights of COEHA and without paying over to COEHA the full amount of such subrogation claim, shall be directly liable to COEHA for the full amount of such subrogation claim, and all such payments shall be made to COEHA, in Clifton Forge, Virginia. If COEHA deems it necessary, the member must execute and deliver to COEHA any written authority or assignment that COEHA may require to assist COEHA in its recovery, but no such written authority or assignment is essential to the full and vested subrogation rights of COEHA nor to the liability of the third party or the member with respect thereto. This subrogation right is automatic, and does not require that COEHA give any notice to the member or the third party in order to protect or preserve its subrogation right. Furthermore, the member is obligated to advise COEHA immediately anytime the member has a claim in which there may be third party liability for the member’s injuries. If COEHA is deprived of its subrogation rights by any act, default, acceptance of payment or release of claims by the member, or by the failure of the member to advise COEHA of the existence of such third party claim, then COEHA may, at its sole option, recover its subrogation claims from the member by suit, or may withhold any further benefits, whether for the injury in question or any other illness or injury that the member would otherwise be entitled to receive, until such member makes good the subrogation claim of COEHA by full payment thereof, including COEHA’s expenses and legal fees if any. This subrogation right shall not apply against any sum received by the member under any policy of hospital or surgical insurance carried by the member. For purposes of this Section, the term "member" includes any person entitled to benefits under COEHA.

Even though some other person, firm, corporation, company, association or government may be at fault, causing injury to the member, payments made by COEHA will still be limited to the member’s available benefits, since this is a limited benefit plan. When COEHA makes recovery of its benefits and expenses paid out, pursuant to its subrogation rights herein set forth, the member’s benefits will be restored to the extent allowed by the net subrogation recovery made by COEHA. It is the express duty and responsibility of the injured member to advise the COEHA in writing at the outset of any injury the member receives under circumstances whereby a third party may be responsible to the member because of the injury and to cooperate fully with COEHA to effect it’s subrogation recovery. When the member settles a third party claim, the settlement with the third party shall automatically terminate and release any claims of the member to further or future benefits under COEHA until the subrogation right of COEHA is satisfied in full. The member must take this fact into consideration in making any settlement with any third party. For purposes of this Section, a final judgment shall be regarded, also, as a settlement of the member’s claim.

COEHA maintains an internal grievance process through which members may seek resolution of grievances other than claims denials or adverse organization determinations. Grievances involving other than claims denials or adverse organization determinations may be resolved only through COEHA’s internal grievance process. Examples of such grievances include:

complaints about waiting times, physician demeanor and behavior, or adequacy of health care facilities

 

quality of care issues

 

involuntary disenrollment issues

 

If you have a complaint, we encourage you to first call our Customer Service Department at 1-800-679-9135. We will try to resolve any complaint that you might have over the phone. If we cannot resolve your complaint over the phone, we have a formal procedure to review your complaints listed below under "Procedures".

Filing of Grievances

If you have a complaint involving other than a claims denial or an adverse organization determination, you may file a written grievance with the Administrator of COEHA within 60 days of the event underlying the complaint. The written grievance must include your name, address and a full explanation of your complaint, including specific dates, persons, places and events relevant to your complaint. Please include supporting documentation, if any, when filing your written grievance.

 

Internal Committee Review

 

After your written grievance is received, the Administrator will review your grievance for completeness. If the Administrator does not think the grievance is complete, he can request additional information from you. Once the Administrator deems your grievance complete, he will refer your grievance to an Internal Committee of three (3) to five (5) COEHA administrative staff members appointed by the Administrator. The Internal Committee will include among its members at least one COEHA administrative staff member from the department relevant to your complaint. For example, if your grievance involves an involuntary disenrollment issue, at least one of the Internal Committee members shall be from COEHA’s Retired Dues Department. If your grievance involves a complaint about physician demeanor or behavior, at least one of the Internal Committee members shall be from COEHA’s Credentialing Department.

 

The Internal Committee will review your complaint and make a decision within 30 days of the Administrator’s referral of your written grievance, unless special circumstances (such as the need to schedule a meeting with you and/or other involved parties) require an extension. If such an extension is necessary, you will be notified and will receive a decision from the Internal Committee no later than 90 days after the Administrator’s referral of your written grievance. The decision will set forth in writing the Internal Committee’s findings and resolution of the complaint.

 

Finance Committee Review

 

If you do not agree with the Internal Committee’s decision, you may request that it be reviewed by the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors. To do so, you must submit a written request for Finance Committee review to the Administrator within 10 days of receiving the Internal Committee’s decision. The Administrator will then forward your grievance file to the Finance Committee for review. The Finance Committee will review the grievance file and make a decision within 30 days of receiving the grievance file, unless special circumstances (such as the need to schedule a meeting with you and/or other involved parties) require an extension. If such an extension is necessary, you will be notified and will receive a decision from the Finance Committee no later than 90 days after the Committee receives your grievance file. The written decision will state whether the Finance Committee approves or disapproves (in whole or in part) the Internal Committee’s decision, and, if appropriate, will set forth the Finance Committee’s findings and resolution of the complaint.

 

Decisions of the Finance Committee are final.

 

There are two types of appeal procedures for our Medicare members. The first appeal procedure listed under the heading, "Appeal Rights and Procedures for COEHA Medicare HCPP Enrollees," deals with your appeal procedure for the amount Medicare denied when services were rendered by COEHA network physicians and COEHA processed this Medicare Part B claim. In this instance, you would utilize the first appeal procedure. A copy of this appeal procedure will be attached to your written notice of denial.

The second appeal procedure listed under the heading, "Claims and Appeals Procedure for Supplemental Medicare Coverage," deals with your appeal procedure for the coinsurance and/or deductible amounts. For example, Medicare covers physician services provided in a nursing home; however, COEHA does not unless you are receiving skilled nursing facility care as defined in this Handbook. If you wish to appeal COEHA’s denial of the coinsurance and/or deductible amounts, you would utilize the second appeal procedure. A copy of this appeal procedure will be attached to your written notice of denial.

For your convenience, we are listing below step by step directions on how to file a reconsideration request for service or payment of the Medicare Part B portion of your claim for HCPP members. There are six possible steps for requesting care or payment for care you can take to request the care or payment you want from COEHA. At each step, your request is considered and a decision is made. If you are unhappy with the decision, there may be another step you can take if you want to continue requesting the care or payment. These six steps are summarized below. These same six steps are covered in more detail under "Appeal Rights and Procedures for COEHA Medicare HCPP Enrollees".

In Steps 1 and 2, you make your request directly to COEHA. We review it and give you our decision.

In Steps 3 through 6, people in organizations that are not connected to COEHA make the decisions about your request. To keep the review independent and impartial, those who conduct the review and make the decision in Steps 3 through 6 are part of (or in some way connected to) the Medicare program, the Social Security Administration, or the federal court system.

The six possible steps are summarized below:

The starting point is when COEHA makes an "initial decision" (also called an "organizational decision") about your medical care or about paying for care you have already received. When we make an "initial decision," we are giving our interpretation of how the benefits and services that are covered for members of COEHA apply to your specific situation.

If you disagree with the decision we make in Step 1, you may ask us to reconsider our decision. This is called an "appeal" or a "request for reconsideration." After reviewing your appeal, we will decide whether to stay with our original decision, or change this decision and give you some or all of the care or payment you want.

If we turn down part or all of your request in Step 2, we are required to send your request to an independent review organization that has a contract with the federal government and is not part of COEHA. This organization will review your request and make a decision about whether we must give you the care or payment you want.

If you are unhappy with the decision made by the organization that reviews your case in Step 3, you may ask for an Administrative Law Judge to consider your case and make a decision. The Administrative Law Judge works for the federal government. The dollar value of your medical care must be at least $100 to be considered in Step 4.

If you or COEHA are unhappy with the decision made in step 4, you or COEHA may ask for a Departmental Appeals Board to review your case. This Board is part of the federal department that runs Medicare.

If you or COEHA are unhappy with the decision made by the Department Appeals Board in Step 5, either you or COEHA may be able to take your case to a Federal Court. The dollar value of your medical care must be at least $1,000 to go to a Federal Court.

COEHA HCPP is responsible for your appeal if we paid your original Medicare Part B claim for benefits. COEHA HCPP appeals involve your Medicare Part B claims for services that you have already received and you are disputing the payment amount or denial of payment. Remember, we only pay Medicare Part B claims for COEHA participating physician office visits and office services, consultations, hospital visits, xrays and surgical procedures if the claim is sent to us.

You, your representative, or a participating physician may appeal the payment amount or denial of payment made by COEHA HCPP within 60 days of the time the original claim was processed. The appeal must be made in writing. We recommend that any additional information that may help your appeal be submitted to us at the time of the written request. COEHA will never perform this type of appeal for Medicare Part A services, or nonparticipating provider (out-of-network) services because COEHA HCPP would not have processed the original Medicare claim.

You can appeal if you do not agree with COEHA HCPP decisions about payment of your Medicare Part B claims that were originally paid by us. You have a right to appeal if you think that COEHA HCPP has not paid a bill or has not paid a bill in full. Your appeal will apply to payment of claims for services that have already been received by you.

If you want to file an appeal request that will be processed within 60 days, do the following:

File your request within 60 days of the date of the notice of our initial decision.

Mail or deliver your written appeal request to the following address:

COEHA
511 Main Street, 2^nd Floor
Clifton Forge, VA 24422

Or you may send your written appeal to your local Railroad Retirement Board office or your local Social Security Administration office if you are a Social Security retiree

FAX your written request to COEHA HCPP at (540) 862-3552.

Read the following topics below for additional information: Support for your appeal, Who may file an appeal, and Help with your appeal.

If you file your appeal request with the Railroad Retirement Board office or Social Security office, they will transfer it to COEHA HCPP. This could cause some delay for you because we are responsible for processing your appeal request within 60 days from the date we receive it from them.

If we do not rule fully in your favor, and you could have any financial responsibility on the claim(s) that were appealed, we will forward your appeal to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services contractor CHDR (Center for Health Dispute and Resolution) for a decision.

If you are unhappy with the decision made by the organization that reviews your case, you may ask for an Administrative Law Judge to consider your case and make a decision. The Administrative Law Judge works for the federal government. The dollar value of your medical care must be at least $100 to be considered.

If you or we are unhappy with the decision made by the Administrative Law Judge, either of us may be able to ask a Departmental Appeals Board to review your case. The Departmental Appeals Board is part of the federal department that runs the Medicare program.

If you or we are unhappy with the decision made by the Departmental Appeals Board, either of us may be able to take your case to a Federal Court. The dollar value of your contested medical care must be at least $1,000 to go to a Federal Court.

You are not required to submit additional information to support your appeal. However, if you include additional information to clarify or support your position it may help your appeal. You may want to include supportive information such as medical records or physician opinions. To obtain medical records, send a written request to your physician. If you have seen other specialist physicians, you may need to make a separate written request for your medical records to each of the specialist physicians who provided medical services for you.

You, the UPREHS participating physician who provided your services, a court appointed guardian or an agent under a health care proxy (to the extent provided under state law) can file an appeal request.

If you appoint a representative to file the appeal request for you, include your signed and dated statement with the following information with the request:

Give us your name, your Medicare number, and a statement that appoints an individual as your representative. Note: You may appoint any provider.

Your representative must also sign and date the statement.

If you decide to appeal and want help with your appeal request, you may have your physician, a friend, attorney, or someone else help you. There are several groups that can help you. You may want to contact the Medicare Helpline at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). You may also refer to your Medicare & You Book under the heading Other Important Contacts for other local and national telephone help centers.

This type of appeal applies only if the service has not yet been provided, and not to services that have already been provided or claims that have been processed. If the services have already been performed, one of the previously described appeals processes applies.

COEHA HCPP pre-service organization determinations only affect approval of original Medicare Part B payment for services we normally process. If the claim is not sent to the COEHA HCPP for processing after approval is given, the claim could be denied.

COEHA HCPP approval does not guarantee Medicare payment from Railroad Medicare (Palmetto GBA) or Medicare Part A intermediaries, or that the service is a covered benefit under the COEHA Medicare Secondary Plan.

If a COEHA participating physician denies a service to you and you believe it is a medically necessary covered benefit under original Medicare Part B, COEHA HCPP will make a standard
30-day pre-service organization determination. Certain stipulations must be met in order to qualify for a COEHA HCPP standard pre-service 30-day organization determination. The service must be:

Denied or discontinued by a COEHA participating physician.

A service that would be processed by COEHA HCPP if we were to receive the Medicare claim (such as participating physician office and hospital visits, and surgical services).

A service the member believes is medically necessary and a covered benefit under original Medicare Part B.

COEHA does not perform pre-service organization determinations for those services that would not be processed by COEHA HCPP.

In rare instances it is possible that all of the above situations apply to a service that could be time-sensitive. A time-sensitive situation could exist if COEHA HCPP determines that waiting for a standard 30-day decision could seriously jeopardize your life or health, or your ability to regain maximum function.

If COEHA decides that it is a time-sensitive situation, or if any physician states that it is one, we will make a decision on your request for a service on a fast (expedited) 72-hour basis.

Fast decisions only apply to a service that has been denied to you by a COEHA participating physician or a participating physician wants to discontinue a service that you are receiving and you believe that it is medically necessary and a covered benefit under original Medicare Part B.

We may extend this timeframe by up to 14 calendar days if you request the extension or if we need additional information, and the extension of time benefits you; for example, if we need additional medical records from medical providers that could change a denial decision. Again, we must make a decision as expeditiously as your health requires, but no later than the end of any extension period.

If we do not rule fully in your favor, we will forward your appeal to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services contractor CHDR (Center for Health Dispute and Resolution) for a decision.

To request a COEHA HCPP standard or expedited pre-service appeal, you or your authorized representative may call, write, fax, email, or visit COEHA. If you want an expedited determination, you must specifically state this at the time of your request.

Mail or deliver your pre-service appeal request to the following address:

COEHA
511 Main Street, 2^nd Floor
Clifton Forge, VA 24422

FAX your written pre-service appeal request to COEHA HCPP at (540) 862-3552.

Telephone your pre-service appeal request to COEHA Customer Service at 1-800-679-9135 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EST).

For your convenience, we are listing below step by step directions on how to file an appeal for the coinsurance and/or deductible portion of your claim. For more detail, please refer to the procedure listed under Number Two.

Submit a written appeal to the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors of COEHA within 180 days from the receipt of a denial.

 

The Finance committee will notify the member of the Plan’s benefit determination upon review of a denied claim within:

 

for an urgent claim, within 72 hours;

 

for pre-service claims, within a reasonable period of time appropriate to the medical circumstances. The notification shall be provided no later than 30 days after the Plan’s receipt of the member’s request of a review of an adverse benefit determination;

 

for a post-service claim, within a reasonable period of time. The notification shall be provided no later than 60 days after the Plan’s receipt of the member’s request of a review of an adverse benefit determination.

 

 

You will receive a written decision from the Chairman of the Finance Committee.

 

Decisions of the Finance Committee are final.

 

CLAIMS AND APPEALS PROCEDURE FOR SUPPLEMENTAL MEDICARE COVERAGE

 

The claims procedures described below are effective January 1, 2003 and supercede any conflicting language in these Rules and Regulations.

If a member’s claim under the Plan is wholly or partially denied, he or she will be notified of the decision, after the Plan’s receipt of the claim, within:

(i) 72 hours for an urgent care claim,

(ii) 15 days for a pre-service claim,

(iii) 30 days for a post-service claim, or

(iv) 45 days for a disability claim, as applicable.

A determination regarding a request for the Plan to approve an
on-going course of treatment will be made in sufficient advance of the proposed reduction or termination of treatment to allow the member to appeal before the benefit is reduced or terminated.

Under special circumstances, the notice period may be extended for an additional:

(i) 48 hours for urgent care claims,

(ii) 24 hours for concurrent care decisions,

(iii) 15 days for pre-service claims,

(iv) 15 days for post-service claims, or

(v) 30 days for disability claims.

If an extension is required, the member will be notified of the special circumstances involved and the date by which the Plan Administrator expects to render a final decision.

If the member’s claim is denied, the Plan Administrator will provide the member with a written or electronic notification of an adverse benefit determination. The notice will:

(i) provide the specific reason(s) for the denial,

(ii) refer the member to the pertinent Rules and Regulations provisions on which the denial is based,

(iii) describe any additional information necessary for the member to perfect his or her claim and explain why such information is necessary,

(iv) describe the Plan’s review procedure and time limits applicable to the member’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA section 502(a) following an adverse benefit determination on review,

(v) (A) in the case of an adverse benefit determination, refer the member to the criteria that was relied upon in making the adverse determination, or a statement that certain criteria was relied upon and that a copy of such rule(s) will be provided to the member free of charge upon request, or (B) if the adverse determination is based on a medical necessity, experimental treatment or similar exclusion or limit, provide either an explanation of the clinical judgment for the determination or a statement that such an explanation will be provided free of charge, upon request, and

(vi) in the case of an adverse determination for urgent care, describe the expedited review process applicable to such claims.

In the case of an adverse benefit determination involving a claim for urgent care, the information described above may be provided to the member orally within the permitted time frame provided that written or electronic notification is furnished to the member no later than three days after such oral notification.

Appeal of Denied Claims. If the member’s claim is denied, the member will be provided:

(i) a full and fair review with at least 180 days to appeal an adverse benefit determination,

(ii) a review that does not defer to the initial adverse benefit determination, and is conducted by an appropriate named fiduciary who is not involved with the adverse appeal,

(iii) a determination which is based on a medical judgment and for which the named fiduciary has consulted with a health care professional with suitable expertise related to the area of medicine required, and

(iv) the identity of the experts whose advice was solicited on behalf of the Plan, without regard to whether the advice was relied upon in making the benefit determination.

Further, the review must provide that the consulted health care provider was not consulted upon for the adverse determination which is subject to the appeal (nor his or her subordinate) and provide, in the case of an urgent care claim, an expedited review process, to which the member’s request may be submitted orally or in writing. All necessary information may be transmitted between the Plan and the member by telephone, facsimile, or other available method.

The Plan Administrator will notify the member of the Plan’s benefit determination upon review of a denied claim within:

(i) for an urgent care claim, within 72 hours;

(ii) for pre-service claims, within a reasonable period of time appropriate to the medical circumstances. The notification shall be provided no later than 30 days after the Plan’s receipt of the member’s request of a review of an adverse benefit determination;

(iii) for post-service claims, within a reasonable period of time. The notification shall be provided no later than 60 days after the Plan’s receipt of the member’s request of a review of an adverse benefit determination.

The Plan’s decision on review may be either a written or electronic notification. The notification will set forth for the member:

(i) the specific reason for the adverse determination,

(ii) reference the specific Plan provisions on which the benefit determination is based,

(iii) a statement that you are entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claim for benefits,

(iv) a statement describing any voluntary appeal procedures offered by the Plan and the member’s right to obtain the information about such procedures, and a statement regarding the member’s right to bring an action under ERISA section 502(a); and

(v) if an internal rule or protocol was relied upon in making the adverse determination, a copy of such rule or protocol shall be provided free of charge to the member upon request,

(vi) if the adverse determination is based on a medical necessity or experimental treatment or similar exclusion or limit, either an explanation of the scientific or clinical judgment for the determination, applying the terms of the Plan to the member’s medical circumstances, or a statement that such explanation will be provided free of charge upon request; and the following statement: "You and your plan may have other voluntary alternative dispute resolution options, such as mediation. One way to find out what may be available is to contact your local U.S. Dept. of Labor Office and your State insurance regulatory agency."

 

When we make decisions about employment of staff, we do not discriminate based on a person’s race, disability, religion, sex, sexual orientation, health, ethnicity, creed, age, or national origin. All organizations that provide Medicare Managed Care Plans, and Health Care Prepayment Plans, like COEHA, must obey federal laws against discrimination, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act, all other laws that apply to organizations that receive federal funding, and any other laws and rules that apply for any other reason.

As a COEHA member, you are entitled to certain rights and protections under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). ERISA provides that all plan participants shall be entitled to:

Examine, without charge, at the Plan Administrator's office and at other specified locations, such as worksites and union halls, all documents governing the Plan, including insurance contracts and collective bargaining agreements, and a copy of the latest annual report (Form 5500 Series) filed by the plan with the U.S. Department of Labor and available at the Public Disclosure Room of the Pension and Welfare Benefit Administration.

Obtain, upon written request to the Plan Administrator, copies of documents governing the operation of the Plan, including insurance contracts and collective bargaining agreements, and copies of the latest annual report (Form 5500 Series) and updated summary plan description. The administrator may make a reasonable charge for the copies.

Receive a summary of the Plan's annual financial report. The Plan Administrator is required by law to furnish each participant with a copy of this summary annual report.

Continue health care coverage for yourself, spouse or dependents if there is a loss of coverage under the Plan as a result of a qualifying event. You or your dependents may have to pay for such coverage. Review this summary plan description and the documents governing the Plan on the rules governing your COBRA continuation coverage rights.

Reduction or elimination of exclusionary periods of coverage for preexisting conditions under your group health plan, if you have creditable coverage from another plan. You should be provided a certificate of creditable coverage, free of charge, from your group health plan or health insurance issuer when you lose coverage under the plan, when you become entitled to elect COBRA continuation coverage, when your COBRA continuation coverage ceases, if you request it before losing coverage, or if you request it up to 24 months after losing coverage. Without evidence of creditable coverage, you may be subject to a preexisting condition exclusion for 12 months (18 months for late enrollees) after your enrollment date in your coverage.

In addition to creating rights for Plan participants ERISA imposes duties upon the people who are responsible for the operation of the employee benefit plan. The people who operate your plan, called "fiduciaries" of the Plan, have a duty to do so prudently and in the interest of you and other Plan participants and beneficiaries. No one, including your employer, your union, or any other person, may fire you or otherwise discriminate against you in any way to prevent you from obtaining a (pension, welfare) benefit or exercising your rights under ERISA.

If your claim for a (pension, welfare) benefit is denied or ignored, in whole or in part, you have a right to know why this was done, to obtain copies of documents relating to the decision without charge, and to appeal any denial, all within certain time schedules.

Under ERISA, there are steps you can take to enforce the above rights. For instance, if you request a copy of Plan documents or the latest annual report from the Plan and do not receive them within 30 days, you may file suit in a Federal court. In such a case, the court may require the plan administrator to provide the materials and pay you up to $110 a day until you receive the materials, unless the materials were not sent because of reasons beyond the control of the administrator. If you have a claim for benefits which is denied or ignored, in whole or in part, you may file suit in a state or Federal court. In addition, if you disagree with the Plan's decision or lack thereof concerning the qualified status of a domestic relations order or a medical child support order, you may file suit in Federal court. If it should happen that Plan fiduciaries misuse the Plan's money, or if you are discriminated against for asserting your rights, you may seek assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor, or you may file suit in a Federal court. The court will decide who should pay court costs and legal fees. If you are successful the court may order the person you have sued to pay these costs and fees. If you lose, the court may order you to pay these costs and fees, for example, if it finds your claim is frivolous.

If you have any questions about your Plan, you should contact the Plan Administrator. If you have any questions about this statement or about your rights under ERISA, or if you need assistance in obtaining documents from the Plan Administrator, you should contact the nearest office of the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, listed in your telephone directory or the Division of Technical Assistance and Inquiries, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. You may also obtain certain publications about your rights and responsibilities under ERISA by calling the publications hotline of the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration.