Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Includes:
Preferred Drug List and
Specialty Drug Guide
Guidelines to Good Health
Certificate of Coverage
Member Handbook
A guide for all Blue Cross Complete members
Contact us
Customer Service
Customer Service is available whenever you have a question or concern about benefits or servic-
es. Customer Service can answer your questions, help you understand your benefits and give you
information about our policies. If you need care after hours, we can help you find urgent or emer-
gency care.
Healthy Michigan Plan members: Learn about more phone numbers for you in
Part 5: Healthy Michigan Plan, including Dental Customer Service.
The Healthy Michigan Plan is a health care program from the Michigan Department of Community Health.
Blue Cross Complete administers Healthy Michigan Plan benefits to eligible members.
Special needs
Please call Customer Service if you need free help in another language or format. If youd like to speak in another
language, or need help reading or understanding a document, we can help. We can even help you in another
language when youre at your doctors office. Written materials may be available in other formats.
Special needs
Please call Customer Service if you need free help in another language or
Necesidades especiales
format.alIf Cliente
Por favor, llame a Servicio youd like to speakayuda
si necesita in another language,
en otro idioma oorformato.
need help reading
Si desea or en otro idioma,
hablar
understanding a document, we can help. We can even help you in another
o necesita ayuda para leer o entender un documento, le podemos ayudar. Incluso le podemos ayudar en otro
language when youre at your doctors office. Written materials may be available
idioma cuando est en el consultorio de su mdico. Los materiales impresos pueden estar disponibles en otros
in other formats.
formatos.
.
. .
.
Welcome to Blue Cross Complete
Blue Cross Complete is one of many plans affiliated with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. You now
carry the most widely recognized health care symbols the Blue Cross and the Blue Shield.
Thank you for choosing us to be part of your health care team. We partner with you and your doctor to
make sure you get the health care you need, when you need it.
This handbook explains your health plan benefits. It includes your member materials:
Blue Cross Complete Member Handbook: This explains your covered benefits and
medicines, picking a doctor, getting preventive care, living with chronic conditions and more.
Preferred Drug List and Specialty Drug Guide: These are the medicines we cover.
Getting started
Choose a doctor to be your primary care physician. You must have a primary care doctor
to use your benefits.
If your current doctor is in our network, tell us his or her name.
Make an appointment with your primary care doctor for a well visit.
Read through this handbook. It explains how your plan works. Youll read about your benefits,
getting and staying healthy, our policies and other information about our health plan.
Healthy Michigan Plan members: Learn more about your plan in Part 5: Healthy Michigan
Plan. After joining Blue Cross Complete and picking a primary care doctor, you should:
Call for an appointment with your primary care doctor within 60 days, or at about two
months.
See the doctor for this appointment within 150 days, or at about five months. During this
visit, youll complete a Health Risk Assessment form.
If you have any questions, please contact us. We look forward to serving you.
Please note:
Blue Cross Complete is not contracting as the agent of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
No person, entity or organization other than Blue Cross Complete will be held accountable or
liable to you for any of Blue Cross Completes obligations created under the contract.
Blue Cross Complete is solely responsible for its own debts and other obligations.
1
Table of contents
Part 1: Your Blue Cross Complete Part 6: Update your personal
health plan......................................... 3 records............................................. 45
How to choose a doctor, make an appointment What to do when your family size changes and
and get care. how to tell us your wishes for medical care, such
as life support.
Getting primary and speciality care.................... 4
After hours, hospital and follow-up care............ 5 If your family changes....................................... 45
2
MiBlueC ros s C omplete.com
3
Getting primary and specialty care
Primary care
To use your Blue Cross Complete benefits, you choose a primary care
physician who will be your health care partner. A primary care physician is
your personal doctor. This is your health care partner who will manage all of
your health care needs. Your personal doctor cares about you, and you can
talk to him or her about your health.
Build a relationship with your personal doctor. He or she is the first doctor
you see when you have health concerns. He or she will help you when you
are sick and help you get healthy and stay well. Call your primary care doctor
first for all your health care needs. These include routine check-ups, illness or
an injury that needs prompt attention.
Your doctors work with each other to make sure your care is safe and effective.
Your doctor may need information from your other doctors to make sure you
are getting the care you need.
Its OK to ask your doctor if he or she knows about your recent care and if he
or she has recent updates from your other providers.
You can see a Blue Cross Complete obstetrician or gynecologist for routine
care, such as office visits and Pap tests, without a referral. You can do this
even if your obstetrician or gynecologist isnt your primary care doctor.
Customer Service can help you schedule a prenatal appointment. They can
also give you more information about extra services that may be available for
parents and baby. Getting the care you need helps you and your baby stay
healthy.
Pediatrics
Children: Your child can see a Blue Cross Complete pediatrician without a
referral. Your child can do this even if your childs pediatrician isnt his or her
primary care doctor.
4
Specialty care
You may need medical care that your primary care doctor cant provide. He
or she may ask you to see a specialist. A specialist is a doctor with training in
a specific area of medicine, such as a cardiologist a doctor who checks the
heart.
You can get specialty care from a Blue Cross Complete provider without a
referral.
Sometimes a specialist may be your primary care doctor. If you, your Blue
Cross Complete doctor and your specialist think a specialist should be your
primary care doctor, call Customer Service. You can also choose a nurse
practitioner as your primary care doctor.
These places can treat illnesses that should be cared for within 48 hours,
such as the flu, high fevers or a sore throat. They can also treat ear infections,
eye irritations and low back pain. If you fell and have a sprain or pain, it can
be treated at an urgent care center.
If you arent sure if you need urgent care, call your doctor. He or she may be
able to treat you in his or her office.
5
Hospital care Emergencies and nonemergencies
Emergency care
You are covered anywhere in the world for emergency services. You dont
need a referral or prior authorization to get emergency care.
Any organ or part of your body may not work properly again.
Problems breathing
Puncture wounds
Nonstop bleeding
Broken bones
Once you are in stable condition after an emergency, you may need more
care to get better or to fix your condition. This is called poststabilization.
6
Nonemergency care
You may go to the hospital for other services that arent an emergency, such
as surgeries, to have a baby or for some tests. Some inpatient and outpatient
nonemergency services must be provided at a Blue Cross Complete network
hospital. You may need prior authorization.
To help you decide the best place to get care, see the chart below. It shows
examples of urgent and emergency care. You can also call your doctor or our
24-hour Nurse Help Line.
Follow-up care
Follow-up care helps you get the care you need after a trip to the urgent
care or ER. Follow up with your primary care doctor so he or she can make
sure you get the right follow-up care and services.
After urgent or emergency medical care, follow up with your primary care Did
doctor within 24 hours. If you were in the hospital for mental health care, you
know?
follow up with your mental health or primary care doctor within seven days.
Your provider will help you get any extra care you may need. You can see a network OB-GYN
without a referral.
7
Choosing a doctor
We have providers for all your health care needs, and our network gives you
access to some of Michigans top doctors and facilities. You may choose and
see any of the primary care doctors or specialists in our network.
Finding a provider
If the doctor you have now is in our network, he or she can be your Blue
Cross Complete doctor. If your current doctor isnt in the Blue Cross
Complete network, you must choose a Blue Cross Complete doctor. For help
choosing your doctor, call Customer Service.
The best place to start looking for a doctor is on our website. Our online
provider search includes our network doctors, specialists and facilities. For
our primary care doctors, the search also includes any foreign languages the
doctor speaks and if he or she is accepting new patients.
You can also call Customer Service to get this information or to have it
mailed to you. Customer Service can also help you choose or change your
primary care doctor or find a different provider.
If its after hours or you cant get in to see your doctor, go to an urgent care
center. In a life-threatening emergency, go to the nearest ER or call 911.
If you are pregnant or have a terminal illness, you may be able to continue Customer Service
treatment with your doctor for a short period of time, even after he or she 1-800-228-8554
leaves our network. This is called continuity of care. 24 hours a day,
seven days a week
If you would like us to consider continuity of care for you, please call
Customer Service.
Your request will be reviewed. The decision will be based on your condition.
You can also call Customer Service for help finding a new doctor.
8
Out-of-network services
Out-of-network service means care provided by doctors who arent in our
network. When you are outside of the service area, including out of the state
or out of the country, Blue Cross Complete does not pay for routine care.
Prior authorization
Sometimes, Blue Cross Complete needs to give permission for you to get
some services. This is called prior authorization. Call Customer Service to
make sure you have the authorization you need.
You can see any doctor in our network without prior authorization. You must
have prior authorization to see a provider who is not in our network, even if
he or she is in our service area.
Appointments
To see your doctor, youll need an appointment.
Making an appointment
To make an appointment, call your doctors office. Have your Blue Cross
Complete ID card ready. Tell the staff if you are a new or existing patient
as well as the kind of appointment you need. You may be making an
appointment for a well visit or because youre sick. This helps the doctors
staff make the right kind of appointment for you.
If youre a new patient, also tell them youre a Blue Cross Complete member
and confirm that the doctor is a network provider. Make sure the doctor is
seeing new patients, and confirm the office location and hours. Ask how to
get in touch with the doctor in an emergency.
The office staff will find a date and time for your appointment. Take your
Blues ID card with you. If you need help getting to your doctors office, call Learn more about
our ride service at 1-888-803-4947, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. transportation in Part 2: Your
health care benefits.
Changing or canceling an appointment
Call your doctor as soon as possible if you need to change or cancel your
appointment. Most offices prefer that, when possible, you cancel at least
24 hours before your appointment time.
9
Getting care and appointments
When and where you get care matters. Thats because your doctors office,
urgent care centers and emergency rooms have different resources for
specific kinds of care. Dont forget that regular visits with your doctor help
you get the best care.
These charts show how soon you should be able to get an appointment for
certain kinds of care. Unless its an emergency, make appointments with your
primary care doctor.
Learn more about urgent and
Medical health services emergency care in After hours
and follow-up care in this
Type of visit For Standard
section.
scheduling
times
Routine care Conditions that are not sudden or not life 10 calendar
threatening, or symptoms that keep coming days
back, such as rashes and joint or muscle
pain. Or, conditions that need ongoing care.
Urgent care Conditions that are not life threatening, but Within 48
face-to-face contact is needed quickly, such hours
as anxiety or panic attacks.
10
Copays and reimbursements
Copayments
Most Blue Cross Complete members do not pay copays for covered services.
You shouldnt have to pay when getting services covered by Blue Cross
Complete.
Other services from the state of Michigan, such as those listed in Part 2: Your
health care benefits, may have a small copay. Please call your Department of
Human Services case worker for information.
Blue Cross Complete members shouldnt get any bills for covered services
from providers. They will bill Blue Cross Complete for the covered medical
services you receive. If you get a bill from a provider, you can send the bill to
Blue Cross Complete to review.
To be reimbursed, you must send us a form, your bills and payment receipts.
Customer Service can send you the forms and give you information.
Pharmacy costs: To ask us to reimburse prescription costs you paid, fill out
and complete a Prescription Drug Reimbursement form. Pharmacy Customer
Service can mail you this form.
When you get your form, please follow the instructions and complete the
form. Return the form to us with the information requested. If Blue Cross
Complete does not pay the claim, we will tell you why.
If your claim is denied, you have rights to appeal the decision. Learn more
about appeals in Part 8: If you have a concern.
Call Customer Service if you have questions about your care, covered
services, how to use your benefits or how we pay doctors.
11
Our commitments to you
Blue Cross Complete and other members of your health care team want
you to get the right care at the right time. This means you get the care and
services you need to stay healthy, when you need them.
We take action to make sure the care you get meets your needs and national
care standards. We also want to make sure you can get information about
how were doing and how well our programs are working to meet these
standards.
Were proud that our health management programs and other practices help
you and other members get healthier and stay that way. These programs and
practices also support our mission to provide you efficient and appropriate
care in a timely manner the right care at the right time.
12
Part 2: Your health
care benefits
Youre a Blue Cross Complete member. Most of your health care is covered
by Blue Cross Complete, but you may get some care and services from the
state of Michigan. This section will help you understand what services are
covered and how to get them.
Medicines
We also have many free programs to help you and your family live healthy.
Maybe you need extra help when you are sick or living with a chronic
condition such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease. Or maybe youre a
soon-to-be or new mom. We have programs for you and your kids, too. Learn about benefits from the
state of Michigan in Whats
This section provides an overview of your benefits. Any rules about your covered by the state of
benefits, such as how often you can get some services, and details about all Michigan in this section.
covered services are in the Certificate of Coverage.
Always check your certificate or call Customer Service if you have questions
about any of your benefits. Understanding your certificate helps you make
the most of your benefits. It can also help you make decisions about care
that may not be covered.
Healthy Michigan Plan members: You have all the benefits of Blue Learn more about all your
Cross Complete. You also have additional benefits and responsibilities. benefits in the Certificate of
Learn more in Part 5: Healthy Michigan Plan. Coverage at the back of this
book.
Preventive and medical care
We want you to get and stay well. To help you do that, we cover many
preventive and routine medical services, and offer health education
programs. We cover:
Doctor and specialist visits, including visits to chiropractors, podiatrists
and nurse practitioners
Vaccines
13
HIV/AIDS testing and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases
Hospice care
Special note: Hospice care must be approved and arranged by your
primary care doctor and Blue Cross Complete. Care must take place
in the Blue Cross Complete service area.
Did
you
know?
Talk to a nurse anytime. We
have a free 24-hour Nurse
Help Line.
14
Durable medical equipment
Some medical conditions need special equipment. Durable medical
equipment we cover includes:
Equipment such as nebulizers, catheters, crutches, wheelchairs and
other devices
A pair of glasses
The services must be from a network vision center. For a list of network eye
doctors and vision centers, call Customer Service or use our online provider
search. Visit us online:
MiBlueCrossComplete.com
Hearing: How well you hear affects your quality of life. We help you hear the
best you can by covering:
Hearing exams for all members
Hearing aids for members under age 21 and Healthy Michigan Plan
members
Healthy Michigan Plan members: Learn more about your hearing aid
benefits in Part 5: Healthy Michigan Plan.
To find a network hearing provider, call Customer Service or use our online
provider search.
15
Dental care: Your oral health says a lot about your overall health. Any
member under age 21 or his or her parent or guardian can call Customer
Service to find a dentist. If you are age 21 or over, see Whats covered by
the state of Michigan in this section. Blue Cross Complete may cover oral
surgery in some situations.
Customer Service can help you find a network mental health provider or you
can use our online search. Or, you can call a network provider directly. You
do not need a referral.
Transportation
Since we know how important your health care is, we want it to be easy for
you to get to your appointments and pick up your medicines. Use our free
ride service to get to nonemergency covered services such as:
Ongoing or regular doctors visits or sick visits and other medical care
Your doctor or care provider will arrange for other covered transportation,
such as:
Transfers between hospitals
16
Care for women
Women have special health needs. To make sure you get the care you need
to be at your best for you and your family, we also cover:
Family planning
Pregnancy testing
Midwife services
Delivery care
Pap tests
Family planning may include counseling about when to start a family or what
size of family is best for you. It may also include education about birth con-
trol and other services. Family planning clinics can also write prescriptions for
birth control.
You can get family planning services from any doctor, clinic or health
department. You dont need a referral. Customer Service can help you find a
family planning clinic.
17
Extra help and health programs
To help you get and stay in your best health, we offer many free programs
to give you the education and support you need. We have programs for
children, adults and new or soon-to-be moms.
Our Outreach Team can help you learn more about these programs. They
can answer your questions or help you join these free programs.
Outreach Team
We have a team of nurses, social workers and other staff to support your Outreach Team
health needs. Our Outreach Team can give you health information, help you 1-888-288-1722
with a chronic condition, help you get medical supplies and more. 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
24-hour Nurse Help Line
Our free 24-hour Nurse Help Line can help you get answers to your health
questions right away. It is a confidential service just for you. The nurse line
can help you make informed health care choices when your doctor is not
available.
EPSDT
To make sure children and young adults who qualify get the medical care
they need, Medicaid created the Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and 24-hour Nurse Help Line
Treatment program. 1-888-288-1724
24 hours a day,
EPSDT is Medicaids health coverage for children and teens. Blue Cross seven days a week
Complete of Michigan provides EPSDT services. For members under age 21,
an annual exam may include several of these services:
Physical and developmental exams, including autism screening
Vaccines
Lead screening
Your doctor may also talk to you about your or your childs health, nutrition
and other health topics. He or she may also refer you to other services and
resources.
CSHCS provides extra support for children and some adults who have
special health care needs. This is in addition to the medical care and care
coordination from Blue Cross Complete. Did
you
There is no cost for this program. It doesnt change your childs Blue Cross know?
Complete benefits, service or doctors. CSHCS provides services and
Get where youre going. Our
resources through the following agencies.
free ride service can help you
get to your covered services.
18
MDCH Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care
Needs: This center provides a parent support network and training programs.
It may also provide financial help for conferences about special needs and
more. If you have questions about this program, call the CSHCS Family
Phone Line at 1-800-359-3722 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
County health departments: Your county health department can help you
find local resources. These may include parent support groups, adult
transition help, childcare, vaccines and more. Reach your local county health
department at:
Livingston County Department of Public Health: 1-517-546-9850
Washtenaw County Public Health Department: 1-734-544-6700
Wayne County Department of Public Health: 1-734-727-7000
Childrens Special Needs Fund: The Childrens Special Needs Fund helps
families get items not covered by Medicaid or CSHCS. These items promote
the health, mobility and development of your child. They may include
wheelchair ramps, van lifts and mobility equipment. To see if you quality for
help from this fund call 1-517-241-7420.
Customer Service can answer your questions about EPSDT and CSHCS.
Care management
If you are seriously ill or injured, we can give you the extra help and support
you need through care management. This program has the information,
tools and help you need to make good health care choices and make the
most of your benefits if you are very sick.
Your nurse works with you and your doctor to coordinate your health care.
Your nurse is a great resource when you have questions about your care. All
the information we discuss with you or your doctor is confidential.
Bright Start will help you learn about pregnancy and prepare for delivery.
Members who are in the program can also reach out to or work with a case
manager when they have questions.
19
Tobacco cessation
If you use tobacco, we can help you whether you are thinking about quitting,
are ready to quit or just want more information. We have several options to
help you quit using tobacco. You and your provider can decide what
therapies or combination or therapies are best for you.
Together, you and your nurse health coach will create an action plan to
gradually stop using tobacco and set a quit date when youre ready. For
more information or to enroll, call Quit the Nic.
You may get any over-the-counter nicotine patches, inhalers, nasal sprays, Learn more about your
and gums or lozenges. You need a doctors prescription for the prescription benefits in
over-the-counter medicines to be covered. Part 3: Prescription benefits.
We may review the services you need and use. Sometimes, you can use
health services better, or use different services, to manage your health. When
we see this opportunity, we teach you how to get these services and use
them.
To help you manage your health services, we may enroll you in this program.
We may do this if the services you use arent needed for your health
condition. This could include:
Going to the emergency room when its not an emergency
Seeing too many different doctors instead of your primary care doctor
New technology
Experts advise Blue Cross Complete on changes in medical practice and
technology. This helps Blue Cross Complete decide which new services to
cover. This is how Blue Cross Complete maintains benefits coverage. Please
see your Certificate of Coverage for more information.
Dental care
Any member under age 21 or his or her parent or guardian can call
Customer Service to find a dentist. For members age 21 and older, the
state of Michigans Medicaid program may cover routine exams, preventive
services and some other care. The state may also cover emergency services,
including treatment for pain or infection.
Developmental disabilities
The Michigan Community Mental Health Program helps people with
developmental disabilities. If you or anyone in your family may need these
services and is eligible for Medicaid, call Customer Service. Did
you
know?
Follow up with your doctor
within 24 hours after an urgent
care or emergency room visit.
21
Drug and alcohol treatment
You may wonder if you or someone in your family has a problem with drugs
or alcohol. Drug and alcohol abuse have some classic signs, according to the
National Institutes of Health.
Use drugs even if drugs have a poor impact on health, work or family
Be violent sometimes
Need to use drugs or drink regularly, such as every day, to feel normal
Wayne County
Southeast Michigan Community Alliance
1-800-686-6543
City of Detroit
Institute of Population Health
1-800-467-2452
22
Women, Infants and Children program
WIC is a program that provides healthy foods and education about eating
right. WIC is for:
Pregnant women
Women who have just had a baby and are breast feeding
Children up to age 5
Call your county health department for information on how to get services
through WIC, or talk to your DHS case worker.
Some of the services include rides to your doctors office and classes about
childbirth and parenting. The program also helps you access other community
resources. The services are free and you dont need a referral. For
information or to find an MIHP provider, please call Customer Service.
Transportation
These state programs may provide transportation service. If you live in
Wayne County and need a ride for dental, substance abuse and some
mental health services, call Logisticare. They can be reached at
1-866-569-1902 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Additional services
These services are not covered by Blue Cross Complete but may be
available to you:
Services provided by a school district
For more information on how to access these services, call your DHS case
worker or Blue Cross Complete Customer Service. There may be small
copays for services provided by the state of Michigan.
Did
you
know?
If you cant keep your
appointment, try to reschedule
24 hours in advance.
23
An overview of your Blue Cross Complete
coverage and benefits
Here is an overview of your benefits. Your benefits include, but are not
limited to, these. Always refer to your Certificate of Coverage for the most
detailed information.
Blood lead testing for members under Out-of-network and out-of-state services
age 21 when authorized by Blue Cross Complete
Breast cancer services services to treat Parenting and birthing classes
breast cancer as required by federal Physical exams routine or annual
and state womens health and cancer physical exams
protection acts, including diagnostic,
outpatient treatment and rehabilitative Podiatric (foot specialist) services when
services medically necessary
Child and Adolescent Health Centers Practitioner services such as those
provided by physicians and specialists
Chiropractic services
Pregnancy care including prenatal and
Diagnostic laboratory, X-ray and other postpartum care (before and after birth)
imaging services
Prescriptions and pharmacy services
Doctor office visits
Prosthetics and orthotics
Emergent and urgent care services
Rehabilitative or restorative services
Family planning services intermittent or short term, in a nursing
Federally Qualified Health Centers facility for up to 45 days
Health education disease management Rehabilitative or restorative services in
programs a place of service other than a nursing
Hearing exams for all members and facility
hearing aids for members under age 21 Renal disease services end stage
Home health services and skilled nursing Sexually transmitted disease treatment
home services, when medically Smoking and tobacco cessation treatment,
necessary (You can use these after you including drugs and behavioral support
leave the hospital or instead of going to (Quit the Nic program)
the hospital. Your doctor will help you
arrange these services.) Specialist visits
Hospice services (if you request) Surgical services not requiring an
overnight hospital stay
Hospital services requiring an overnight
stay, including: Therapy physical, speech and
Cost of a semi-private room (sharing language, occupational
a room with one other person) Transplant services
Intensive care nursing services
Transportation by ambulance and other
Doctor services
emergency medical transport
Surgical services
Anesthesia (medication to relax or Transportation to nonemergency
put you to sleep before surgery) covered medical services
X-rays Vaccinations (Covered vaccinations do
Laboratory services not require prior authorization if
Medical equipment and supplies, provided by local health departments.)
durable Vision routine services
Mental health services short term, up Weight-reduction services if medically
to 20 outpatient visits per year necessary
Midwife services when provided by a Well-baby and well-child care Early
certified nurse midwife Periodic Screening Diagnosis and
Nurse practitioner services when provided Treatment Program for persons under
by a certified pediatric or family nurse age 21
If you have questions about your Blue Cross Complete benefits, please call
Customer Service.
24
Part 3: Prescription
benefits
Medicines covered by Blue Cross Complete
Your drug benefit covers most generic medicines. Your benefit also covers
some over-the-counter medicines when you have a prescription. These
include pain relievers, laxatives, iron tablets, family planning drugs or
supplies, and others.
Our online drug search includes all the medicines we cover. The drug search
lists our guidelines for these drugs, such as any quantity limits, if prior
authorization is needed, if the medicine is a generic or brand drug, and more. Visit us online:
If you have questions about your pharmacy benefit or if you dont have MiBlueCrossComplete.com
Internet access, contact Pharmacy Customer Service. You can ask us for
copies of this information.
Generic drugs are nearly the same as brand-name drugs. Theyre approved
by the FDA. To be approved, they must have the same active ingredient,
strength and form, and act the same in your body as the brand medicine.
Generic medicines have to be made to the same strict standards as the
brand medicine.
They may have a different color and shape, but these are the only differences.
You might notice that some generics of the same drug also look different
from each other. This is because they may be made by different companies.
But the ingredients are still the same. Generics also are much less expensive.
If your doctor feels the brand-name version is medically necessary and cant Pharmacy Customer Service
be substituted with the generic version, he or she must ask Blue Cross 1-888-288-3231
Complete to authorize the brand-name version. 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Filling a prescription
We may cover up to a 34-day supply of most medicines. If you have
questions, call Pharmacy Customer Service.
At a retail pharmacy: You may fill most prescriptions at any pharmacy in our
network.
To find a network pharmacy, you can call Pharmacy Customer Service or use
the Find a Blue Cross Complete pharmacy search on our website.
25
For specialty drugs: Specialty drugs are medicines for complex or rare
conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and others. You
may fill these prescriptions by mail.
If you need information about or help getting your specialty drugs, call
Pharmacy Customer Service. They will help connect you with the specialty
pharmacy.
Prior authorization
Your doctor will work with Blue Cross Complete to make sure youre covered. Learn more about which
Sometimes your doctor may need to ask us to cover a medicine before its medicines Blue Cross Complete
prescribed. When your doctor does this, he or she asks Blue Cross Complete covers in the Preferred Drug List
for prior authorization. and the Specialty Drug Guide in
this section.
Members must sometimes meet certain conditions, try other medicines, have
certain medical conditions or be a certain age before we can cover some
medicines. Sometimes, these requirements are set by the state of Michigan.
Another reason your doctor may ask for prior authorization is if he or she
would like to prescribe a medicine for a reason other than the drugs original
purpose.
If your doctor would like to prescribe a medicine that isnt covered, he or she
will ask Blue Cross Complete for prior authorization. You or your doctor can
ask Blue Cross Complete to add a medicine to our list of covered drugs. To
do this, write to us at:
Blue Cross Complete Pharmacy Management
Mail Code 1508
600 E. Lafayette Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48226
Blue Cross Complete will review the drug and determine if it will be added
to the list of covered drugs.
Learn more about medicines that may not be covered in Part 2: Your health
care benefits and your Certificate of Coverage. If you have any questions
about prescriptions or your prescription benefit, call Pharmacy Customer
Service.
26
Preferred Drug List (Effective April 2015)
Antihistamines and Cardiovascular ACE Cardiovascular Gastrointestinal Agents
Decongestants Inhibitor Miscellaneous Preferred
Preferred Preferred Preferred Cimetidine - Tagamet (g)
Azelastine - Astelin Nasal Spray (g) Benazepril, HCTZ - Lotensin, HCT (g) Amiodarone - Cordarone (g) Famotidine - Pepcid (g)
Cetirizine - Zyrtec (OTC) (g) Captopril - Capoten (g) Cilostazol - Pletal (g) Metoclopramide - Reglan (g)
Cyproheptadine - Periactin (g) Captopril/HCTZ - Capozide (g) Clonidine - Catapres (g) Misoprostol - Cytotec (g)
Diphenhydramine - Benadryl (g) Enalapril - Vasotec (g) Clopidogrel - Plavix (g) Nexium OTC
Fexophenadine - Allegra (OTC) (g) Enalapril/HCTZ - Vaseretic (g) Digoxin (g) Nizatidine - Axid (g)
Hydroxyzine - Atarax; Vistaril (g) Fosinopril - Monopril, HCT (g) Dipyridamole - Persantine (g) Omeprazole - Prilosec (g); Prilosec OTC (g)
Loratadine - Claritin (OTC) (g) Lisinopril - Prinivil; Zestril (g) Enoxaparin - Lovenox (g) Pantoprazole - Protonix (g)
P-ephed/Cetirizine - Zyrtec-D (OTC) (g) Lisinopril/HCTZ - Prinzide; Prevacid OTC
P-ephed/Fexophenadine -Allegra D Isosorbide Dinitrate - Isordil (g)
Zestoretic (g) Ranitidine - Zantac (g)
(OTC) (g) Moexipril - Univasc (g) Isosorbide Mononitrate - Ismo;
Pephed/Loratadine - ClaritinD (OTC) (g) Moexipril/HCTZ - Uniretic (g) Monoket; Imdur (g) Sucralfate - Carafate tablets (g)
Promethazine - Phenergan (g) Quinapril, HCTZ - Accupril, Nitroglycerin (g) Prior Authorization Required
Accuretic (g) Pradaxa Aciphex; Prevacid (g); Zegerid (g)
AntiInfectives Ramipril (capsules) - Altace (g) Ticlopidine - Ticlid (g)
Trandolapril - Mavik (g) Warfarin Sodium - Coumadin (g) Hormones Contraceptive
Preferred
Amox Tri/Potassium Clavulanate - Xarelto Preferred
Cardiovascular Angiotensin Prior Authorization Required
Augmentin, ES, XR (g) DesogestrelEE - Cyclessa, Desogen,
Amoxicillin - Amoxil (g) Receptor Blocker Tekturna, HCT OrthoCept (g)
Azithromycin - Zithromax (g) Preferred Desogestrel EE - Mircette (g)
Cefaclor - Ceclor, CD (g) Central Nervous System Estrostep FE (g)
Losartan - Cozaar (g)
Cefdinir - Omnicef (g)
Losartan/HCTZ - Hyzaar (g)
Miscellaneous Ethynodiol DEE - Demulen (g)
Cefpodoxime - Vantin (g) LevonorgestrelEE - Alesse, Levlite (g)
Cefprozil - Cefzil (g) Step Therapy Required Preferred
Namenda LevonorgestrelEE - Nordette; Levlen (g)
Cefuroxime - Ceftin (g) Atacand, HCT; Avalide; Avapro; Azor LevonorgestrelEE - Seasonale (g);
Cephalexin Monohydrate - Keflex (g) Benicar, HCT; Diovan, HCT; Exforge; Razadyne, ER (g)
Seasonique (g); Loseasonique (g)
Ciprofloxacin - Cipro, XR (g) Micardis, HCT; Teveten, HCT
Clarithromycin - Biaxin, XL (g) Cholesterol Lowering LevonorgestrelEE - Triphasil;
Clindamycin - Cleocin (g) Cardiovascular Beta Tri-Levlen (g)
Preferred Medroxyprogesterone Acet -
Dicloxacillin (g) Blocker Atorvastatin - Lipitor (g)
Doxycycline Hyclate - Vibramycin (g) DepoProvera (150mg) (g)
Preferred Cholestyramine - Questran, Light (g) NorethAEE/FE fumarate -
Doxycycline Monohydrate - Monodox (g)
Erythromycin/Sulfisoxazole - Acebutolol - Sectral (g) Colestipol - Colestid (g) Loestrin, FE (g)
Pediazole (g) Atenolol - Tenormin (g) Fenofibrate -Lofibra (g) Norethindrone Acetate - Aygestin (g)
Erythromycin (g) Atenolol/Chlorthalidone - Tenoretic (g) Fluvastatin - Lescol (g) Norethindrone -
Levaquin Bisoprolol Fumarate - Zebeta (g) Gemfibrozil - Lopid (g) Ortho Micronor; NorQD (g)
Minocycline - Minocin; Dynacin (g) Bisoprolol Fumarate/HCTZ - Ziac (g) Lovastatin - Mevacor (g) NorethindroneEE -
Ofloxacin - Floxin (g) Carvedilol - Coreg (g) Simvastatin - Zocor (g) Modicon (g)
Penicillin V (g) Labetalol - Normodyne (g) Prior Authorization Required Norinyl, OrthoNovum (g)
Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim - Metoprolol, HCTZ - Lopressor, HCT (g) Ovcon35 (g)
Advicor; Altoprev; Caduet; Crestor;
Bactrim; Septra (g) Metoprolol - Toprol XL (g) TriNorinyl (g)
Nadolol - Corgard (g) Lescol, XL; Simcor
Tetracycline - Sumycin (g) Norethindrone-EE/FE - Femcon FE (g)
Pindolol - Visken (g) Step Therapy Required
Prior Authorization Required Propranolol - Inderal, LA (g) Vytorin NorgestimateEE - Ortho Cyclen (g)
Avelox; Cedax; Erythromycin Filmtab; Propranolol/HCTZ - Inderide (g) NorgestimateEE - Ortho Tri-Cyclen (g)
Factive; Ketek; Maxaquin; Noroxin; Sotalol - Betapace, AF (g) Diabetes NorgestrelEE - Lo/Ovral (g); Ovral (g)
PCE; Proquin XR; Suprax; ZMax Timolol Maleate - Blocadren (g) Nuvaring
Preferred
Ortho Evra
Antivirals Herpes Cardiovascular Calcium Acarbose - Precose (g) Drospirenone-EE - Yasmin (g); Yaz (g)
Preferred Channel Blocker Glimepiride - Amaryl (g)
Glipizide - Glucotrol, XL (g) Prior Authorization Required
Acyclovir - Zovirax (g) Preferred Amethia/LO; Beyaz; Camrese/LO;
Glipizide/Metformin - Metaglip (g) Genress FE; Gianvi; Lo Loestrin;
Famciclovir - Famvir (g) Amlodipine - Norvasc (g)
Valcyclovir - Valtrex (g) Glyburide - Diabeta; Micronase (g) Loestrin 24 FE; Loryna; Minastrin 24 FE;
Amlodipine/Benazepril - Lotrel (g) Glyburide micronized - Glynase (g) Ortho TriCyclen Lo; Vestura; Zenchant
Diltiazem - Cardizem CD, SR; Dilacor Glyburide/Metformin - Glucovance (g) FE, Zeosa
XR; Tiazac (g) Humalog, Mix (vials, pen & cartridges)
Felodipine - Plendil (g) Humulin, Mix (vials, pen & cartridges)
Isradipine - Dynacirc (g) Lantus
Nifedipine - Adalat CC; Procardia, XL (g)
Nicardipine - Cardene (g) Metformin - Glucophage, XR (g)
Verapamil - Calan, SR; Novolin, Mix (vials, pen & cartridges)
Isoptin, SR; Verelan, PM (g) Novolog, Mix (vials, pen & cartridges)
Supplies (strips, lancets, syringes)
Prior Authorization Required
Azor; Dynacirc CR; Lotrel 10/40, 5/40; Prior Authorization Required
Tarka; Exforge Actos; Avandia; Actoplus Met;
Avandamet; Avandaryl; Byetta; Duetact;
Glumetza; Glyset; Janumet, XR; Januvia;
Prandin; Starlix (g); Symlin, Victoza
(g) - Blue Cross Complete provides coverage for the generic equivalent
(g) - Blue Cross Complete provides coverage for the generic equivalent
28
Specialty Drug Guide (Effective April 2015)
Specialty drugs are medicines for complex or rare conditions, such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis and others. You may fillthese
prescriptions by mail.
If you need information about or help getting your specialty drugs, call Pharmacy Customer Service at 18882883231 from
8:30p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. They will help connect you with the specialty pharmacy.
(g) Blue Cross Complete provides coverage for the generic equivalent
*These drugs are not available at a retail pharmacy and must be administered at a physicians office.
This team centers around you. You are the most important member of
your health care team. You get the best care when youre directly involved
in making health care choices for yourself.
The healthy choices you make impact your health. When you make healthy
choices, you can prevent or manage chronic illnesses such as heart disease
and diabetes.
Free booklets and health education. To learn about any health topic,
such as eating right, heart health and more, call our Outreach Team.
Team members can help you get the information you need.
Use the guidelines to make sure that you and your family are up-to-date on
the health services you need to be healthy. We cover all the services in the Learn more about the
guidelines. guidelines for adults and
children in this section.
30
Take the guidelines to your next doctors visit. Review them with your
doctor to see if you need any tests or shots. If you have health risks or a
chronic condition, talk to your doctor. He or she will work with you to make
sure you get the care thats best for you.
Have a well visit once a year. See your doctor each year for a checkup.
Your doctor will make sure you get the tests, screenings and vaccines
that are right for you. Examples are mammograms for women, prostate
exams for men or even flu shots. If problems are found early, theyre
easier to treat.
Cholesterol level. Keeping the right levels of the cholesterol and other
fats in your cells can reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke and other
conditions. The results of this blood test can help you and your doctor
understand your risks.
Blood sugar (glucose) level. A blood sugar test measures the average
amount of glucose, or sugar, in your blood. Its used to determine if you
have diabetes or if your diabetes is well controlled.
Another important part of your overall health is your stress level. Stress can
undermine your health. If stress is causing you to eat poorly, drink too much,
smoke or neglect your health, you need to take time to be good to yourself.
31
Pay attention to your health. Make healthy living a part of your life.
If you need help managing stress, you can call a network mental health
professional without a referral. For help finding one near you, call Customer
Service. For help with other health questions, call our Outreach Team or our
24-hour Nurse Help Line.
Customer Service
1-800-228-8554
Health checks for adults 24 hours a day,
seven days a week
Use this quick check list to track your overall health.
Talk to your doctor about whats best for you.
Weight _______lbs.
Body mass index (BMI) _________
Blood pressure: ________ / ________mm/Hg
Total cholesterol
Cholesterol ________mg/dL
LDL ________mg/dL
HDL ________mg/dL
24-hour Nurse Help Line
Triglycerides ________mg/dL 1-888-288-1724
A1C: _________% 24 hours a day,
seven days a week
Flu shot date: _________
Pneumonia shot date: _________
If youre pregnant, its important to get medical care right away. Blue Cross
Complete covers care for women who are pregnant, thinking about
becoming pregnant or who have just had a baby.
32
Before you get pregnant
Your doctor is your partner in care. Tell your doctor if you are planning to
become pregnant. This discussion is very important for you and your future
baby. We also cover family planning.
You and your doctor can talk about health issues that might increase your risk
of problems during pregnancy. These issues may include diabetes, risks in
your surroundings, smoking, substance use and other health concerns. Your
doctor can help you be healthy before, during and after your pregnancy.
You can also get help for you and your baby from Michigans Maternal Infant
Health Program. Learn more in Part 2: Your health care benefits.
33
The doctor may check your blood pressure and your weight. He or she may
talk to you about birth control, breast feeding and provide other postpartum
counseling. You can also talk to your doctor about any new feelings you may
have.
Planning a pregnancy?
Practice good habits before you become
pregnant:
q Eat a well-balanced diet
q Strive for a healthy weight
q Kick bad habits, such as smoking
q Dont use drugs or alcohol
Prenatal visits
q 6 8 weeks date:________________
q 14 16 weeks date:________________
q 24 28 weeks date:________________
q 32 weeks date:________________
q 36 weeks date:________________
q 38 weeks date:________________
q 40 weeks
(once a week until
baby is born) date:________________
Postpartum visit
q 21 56 days
after delivery date:_______________
34
The standard childhood vaccines protect against:
Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough)
Polio
Chickenpox
Rotavirus
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis A
Pneumococcal disease
Both Hib and pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia, meningitis and
other serious illnesses in young children.
Teens may also need boosters and some vaccines, such as a meningitis
booster or the human papillomavirus vaccine. Please refer to the Guidelines
to Good Health and talk to your childs doctor.
35
Guidelines to Good Health foradults
These guidelines can help you prevent illness or find conditions early. Your doctor may suggest a different
schedule based on your needs.
36
Guidelines to Good Health
forchildren and teens
Regular well-child visits and scheduled immunizations for childhood disease can help keep your child on track.
Talk to your childs doctor about what schedule is right for him or her.
These guidelines are based on recommendations from national medical organizations and the most current
medical and scientific research.
37
Part 5: Healthy
Michigan Plan
About the Healthy Michigan Plan
The Healthy Michigan Plan is a health care program from the Michigan
Department of Community Health. You have chosen to get your Healthy
Michigan Plan care and services from Blue Cross Complete.
This handbook explains how to get the benefits, care and services covered
by the Healthy Michigan Plan. It also describes the additional rights and
responsibilities you have under the Healthy Michigan Plan.
These benefits are in addition to the ones you have as a Blue Cross
Complete member. You can read about all your benefits and responsibilities Customer Service
in this handbook. 1-800-228-8554
24 hours a day,
seven days a week
Your Blue Cross Complete member ID card
You will need to show your Blue Cross Complete ID card each time you visit
your doctor or a hospital. You will also need it to fill prescriptions. Its
different than your mihealth card. Always keep both cards with you. If you
lose your Blue Cross Complete card, call Customer Service right away.
Well send you your Blue Cross Complete ID card. You may also use this card
to get dental care.
Your ID card
1 Enrollee Name:
Your name
2 Enrollee ID: 1
Identifies your
2
record in our files
5
3 Beneficiary ID:
3 4
Number assigned
to you by the state 6
4 Group Number:
Shows the group in which youre enrolled
38
Your card image may
look slightly different.
Members who also have the Healthy Michigan Plan have additional benefits
and responsibilities. This section explains these.
Dental Customer Service
Dental services 1-844-320-8465
The Healthy Michigan Plan covers some dental care, including dental exams, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
cleanings and extractions. Monday through Thursday
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday
You will get dental care from Blue Cross Completes network dental
providers. To find a dentist or to see if your dentist is in our network, call
Dental Customer Service.
Habilitative services
The Healthy Michigan Plan covers habilitative services ordered by your
doctor. Habilitative services help a person keep, learn or improve skills and
functioning for everyday life.
Preventive care
Blue Cross Complete covers many preventive care services. The Healthy
Michigan Plan covers additional preventive care. These services are
recommended by national organizations such as the United States Preventive
Services Task Force.
39
How the Healthy Michigan Plan works
Good health care involves a health care team to coordinate your care and
help you make health care choices. Your doctors are part of this team and so
is Blue Cross Complete.
You are the most important member of this team. When youre directly
involved in your health care, you get better care. We support your healthy
choices, and the Healthy Michigan Plan has some tools to help.
Your healthy choices may also save you money. When you make healthy
changes, your cost-sharing amounts may be reduced.
You will need to make an appointment to see your primary care doctor within
60 days, about two months, after you enroll in Blue Cross Complete. See the
doctor for your appointment within five months, or about 150 days.
During this appointment, you and your doctor will complete a health risk
assessment.
Flu vaccines
Did
you
know?
You can see a network OB-GYN
without a referral.
40
Get rewarded for making healthy choices
You may qualify for rewards by completing a Health Risk Assessment form
with your doctor and committing to make healthy choices. These choices
may include quitting smoking, losing weight, lowering your blood pressure
or cholesterol, or getting a flu shot.
2. Fill out Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Health Risk Assessment form, includ-
ing your name and address.
Fill out this form when you join Blue Cross Complete. It should be filled out
once a year. If you need a form, please call Customer Service.
As part of the Healthy Michigan Plan, wed like you to fill out an advance
directive. We will provide you with a form to do this. Please complete the
form and follow the return instructions.
Learn more about advance
If you have questions, you can call our Outreach Team.
directives in Part 6: Update your
personal records.
Paying your cost sharing
Cost sharing refers to two different kinds of payments you may make for your
Healthy Michigan Plan benefits. One kind of payment is your contribution.
The other is your copay. Your cost-sharing amount may change if you adopt
healthy behaviors.
Your contribution
Your contribution is an amount you may pay to share the cost of your Healthy
Michigan Plan benefits. This helps offset the total cost of your care.
Your copays
A copay is a small amount of money you pay each time you get health care.
The Healthy Michigan Plan has copays for most services. Members who have
the Healthy Michigan Plan will pay most copays to Blue Cross Complete, not
to the providers.
41
The services that require a copay and the amount are:
42
Supplemental Certificate of Coverage for
Healthy Michigan Plan members
You have all the benefits of Blue Cross Complete of Michigan, as listed in the
Blue Cross Complete Member Handbook and Certificate of Coverage.
Contributions
The Healthy Michigan Plan requires people with annual incomes between
100% and 133% percent of the Federal Poverty Level to contribute 2% of
annual income as a contribution.
Copays
Some covered services have a copay. A copay is a small amount of money
you pay each time you get health care. Copays are paid to Blue Cross
Complete. Only members age 21 and older pay copays.
43
There are no copays for:
Family planning products or services
Dental services
Diagnostic, preventive, restorative, prosthetic and medically/clinically
necessary oral surgery services, including extractions, are covered. The
Department of Community Health website contains the list of covered
services.
Habilitative services
Habilitative services are services that help a person keep, learn or improve
skills and functioning for daily living. These services may include physical and
occupational therapy, speech language pathology and other services.
Hearing care
Hearing exams and hearing aid evaluations are available from a network
provider. We cover the purchase and fitting of hearing aids, including
batteries.
One single hearing aid unit (or one per ear if medically necessary)
including earphone (receiver or oscillator), ear mold, necessary cords,
tubing, and connections. The hearing aid unit must be a conventional
amplification device. It must also be an in-the-ear, behind-the ear or
on-the-body type, and identified as basic to the Members amplification
requirements;
Fitting of the hearing aid including one follow-up visit to evaluate the
performance of the hearing aid and determine its conformance to
prescription; and
For all members, batteries, maintenance, and repair for hearing aids are
covered.
Payment: The amount that would be paid by Blue Cross Complete for a
conventional hearing aid unit may be applied toward an upgraded aid, if
desired by the Member.
Did
Exclusions you
know?
Medicare and other federal or state government programs
If you obtain Medicare coverage you will be disenrolled from the Healthy Get where youre going. Our
free ride service can help you
Michigan Plan.
get to your covered services.
44
Part 6: Update your
personal records
If your family changes
Changes in your family may affect your benefits. These may include when you:
Have a baby
Get married
Durable power of attorney for health care: The state of Michigan only
recognizes an advance directive called a durable power of attorney for
health care. To create one, you will need to choose a patient advocate.
This person carries out your wishes and makes decisions for you when you
cannot. Its important to pick a person you know and trust to be your
advocate. If you dont choose someone, your doctor, a court, a legal
guardian or a family member will be your advocate.
Living will: A living will is another type of advance directive. Living wills are Visit us online:
not enforceable under Michigan law. MiBlueCrossComplete.com
More information and the forms you need to write an advance directive are
available by calling Customer Service or going to our website.
Talk to your family and primary care physician about your choices. File a copy
of your advance directive with your other important papers. Give a copy
to the person you designate as your patient advocate. Ask to have a copy
placed in your medical record.
If your primary care doctor cannot agree to your choices in your advance
directive, you may want to change your primary care doctor.
Call Customer Service for more information and the forms you need to
write an advance directive. Or visit michigan.gov and search for advance
directives.
45
If your wishes arent followed
If you have a complaint about how your provider follows your advance
directive, you may write:
Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs
BHCS/Enforcement Division
P.O. Box 30670
Lansing, MI 48909-8170
Call: 517-373-9196
If you have complaints about how Blue Cross Complete follows your wishes,
you may call the state of Michigans Department of Insurance and Financial
Services. Call toll-free at 1-877-999-6442 or go to michigan.gov/difs.
Did
you
know?
Follow up with your doctor
within 24 hours after an urgent
care or emergency room visit.
46
Part 7: Your rights and
responsibilities
As a member of Blue Cross Complete, you have rights and responsibilities.
Understanding these rights and responsibilities helps you get the most of
your health care benefits.
Member rights
Member rights will be honored by all Blue Cross Complete staff and affiliated
providers. You have the right to:
Understand information about your health care
Review your medical records and ask that they be corrected or amended
The names of hospitals where your physicians are able to treat you
47
Member responsibilities
You have the responsibility to:
Know your Blue Cross Complete certificate
Seek services for all nonemergency care through your primary care
physician
Tell Blue Cross Complete of address changes, any changes for your
dependent coverage and any other health coverage
Contact the Blue Cross Complete Anti-fraud Unit if you suspect fraud
To use your rights without changing the way you are treated by us, your
health care providers or the state of Michigan
48
You also have the responsibility to tell your doctor and Blue Cross Complete
about your health and health history. Telling us helps us give you the care
and treatment thats right for you.
Healthy Michigan Plan members: You have all the rights and
responsibilities of Blue Cross Complete. You also have additional
responsibilities. Learn more in Part 5: Healthy Michigan Plan.
The type and date of service are the same type and date of service you
received
The diagnosis on your paperwork is the same as what your doctor told
you
Being involved in fraud, waste or abuse can put your benefits at risk or make
other legal problems. Help minimize fraud, waste and abuse. If you suspect
fraud, you can report it anonymously by calling our 24/7 anti-fraud hotline.
49
If you notice any problems or want to report fraud or abuse, write:
Blue Cross Complete Anti-fraud Unit
Mail Code 1825
600 E. Lafayette Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48226
You may also report or get more information about health care fraud by
writing:
Office of Health Services Inspector General
P.O. Box 30479
Lansing, MI 48909
Or visit: michigan.gov/fraud
Did
you
know?
In the U.S., 70 percent of all
prescriptions are filled with
generic medicine.
50
Part 8: If you have
a concern
Grievances and appeals
Blue Cross Complete and your doctor want you to be satisfied with the
services you receive.
If you have a problem relating to your care, please talk to your doctor. Your
doctor can often fix the problem. You can always call Customer Service with
any questions or problems you may have.
If your concern or complaint cannot be fixed by your doctor or Customer Customer Service
Service, you may file a grievance. 1-800-228-8554
24 hours a day,
Grievances seven days a week
If you arent happy with us or your doctor, you can file a complaint. We will
keep your complaint private. You can file a complaint by writing or calling us:
Blue Cross Complete Customer Service
Mail Code 1508 1-800-228-8554
600 E. Lafayette Blvd. 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Detroit, MI 48226 TTY: 1-888-987-5832
If you send a written complaint, we will let you know that we received it. We
will let you know within 30 days that your grievance has been addressed.
You can also ask to present your grievance in person. If you would like to
present your grievance in person, we will set up a meeting date and time.
We also can help you get a ride to this meeting.
Appeals
You may disagree with a decision we make about paying for a medical
treatment, service, equipment or medicine. We will send you a written notice
called a denial notice. You have the right to appeal our decision.
An appeal means you ask us to review our decision. If you have questions or
need help with the appeal process, please call Customer Service. TTY users
should call 1-888-987-5832.
51
To ask for an appeal review in person: You can also ask to appeal in
person. If you would like to present your appeal in person, we will set up a
meeting date and time. We also can provide you with a ride to this meeting.
To have someone else ask for an appeal review for you: You can ask for a
review yourself. Or, your doctor or someone else you choose can make this
request for you. If you want another person to represent you, you must give
that person written permission to do so.
State and federal rules require that this permission be made after you get
our denial notice. It also must be specific to the service in question.
To give another person permission, fill out an Authorization of a Member Customer Service
Representative form. Complete and sign your form, and return it to the 1-800-228-8554
address on the form. Customer Service can send you this form. 24 hours a day,
seven days a week
Types of review standard and expedited
Standard review (30 days): You can ask for a standard review by writing or
calling us. If you need help writing a letter, please call Customer Service.
You can also send us any paperwork, medical records or other items that
support your appeal. We will send you a letter when we receive your request
for review. Well respond to your request within 30 days. We may need an
extra 10 days if were waiting for records from your provider. Write, call or fax:
Appeals Coordinator Customer Service
Blue Cross Complete 1-800-228-8554
Mail Code 1508 24 hours a day, seven days a week
600 E. Lafayette TTY: 1-888-987-5832
Detroit, MI 48226-2998
Fax: 1-866-900-4482
Healthy Michigan Plan members: For dental appeals, write, call or fax:
Dental Appeals Coordinator Dental Customer Service
Blue Cross Complete 1-844-320-8465
P.O. Box 2819 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday
Detroit, MI 48202-3231 through Thursday
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday
Fax: 313-875-2401 TTY: 711
Expedited (urgent) review (72 hours): You or your doctor can ask for an
urgent review if waiting the standard review time of 30 days would hurt your
health or life.
To ask for an urgent review, call Customer Service. You can also fax the
request to us at 1-866-900-4482. You can also ask for an expedited appeal
from the state of Michigans Department of Insurance and Financial Services.
52
External review
Our decision on your appeal is final. If you do not agree with our final
decision, you can ask for an external, or outside, review from the state of
Michigan. The state will conduct this review.
Public Act 251 (Patients Right to Independent Review Act) describes this
process. There is a time limit. The state needs your request within 60 days of
our denial letter.
Fax: 517-241-4168
You may keep getting benefits while you appeal. However, if your appeal is
not approved, you may have to pay for the benefits you received while your
appeal was reviewed.
You must make your request within 90 days of this letter. Send your request to:
Michigan Administrative Hearing System
Department of Community Health
P.O. Box 30763
Lansing, MI 48909
Or call: 1-877-833-0870
53
Part 9: Your privacy
Our commitment to your privacy
We care about your privacy. This section explains how we get and use your
information.
We get personal and medical information about you when you enroll in a
health plan. It includes your date of birth, gender and other information. We
also get bills, data about your health care and reports from your doctor.
Learn more about our privacy
This information helps us give you health care coverage. It also helps us
practices by reading our
pay provider claims for your care. We will always treat your information as
Notice of Privacy Practices in
private. Your information will only be collected and used as explained in our this section.
Notice of Privacy Practices.
This information, along with the forms you need to control who can see your
information, is on our website. You can also ask Customer Service for copies
of this information.
Customer Service
1-800-228-8554
24 hours a day,
seven days a week
54
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Blue Care Network of Michigan
Blue Care of Michigan Inc.
NOTICE OF PRIVACY
PRACTICES
In this notice, we explain how we protect the privacy of your PHI, and how we will allow it to
be used and given out (disclosed). We must follow the privacy practices described in this
notice while it is in effect. This notice takes effect September 23, 2013, and will remain in
effect until we replace or modify it.
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We reserve the right to change our privacy practices and the terms of this notice at any time,
provided that applicable law permits such changes. These revised practices will apply to
your PHI regardless of when it was created or received. Before we make a material change
to our privacy practices, we will provide a revised notice to our subscribers.
Where multiple state or federal laws protect the privacy of your PHI, we will follow
the requirements that provide greatest privacy protection. For example, when you
authorize disclosure to a third party, state laws require BCBSM to condition the
disclosure on the recipients promise to obtain your written permission to disclose
your PHI to someone else.
To you and your personal representative: We may disclose your PHI to you or to your
personal representative (someone who has the legal right to act for you).
For treatment: We may use and disclose your PHI to health care providers (doctors,
dentists, pharmacies, hospitals and other caregivers) who request it in connection with your
treatment. For example, we may disclose your PHI to health care providers in connection
with disease and case management programs.
For payment: We may use and disclose your PHI for our payment-related activities
and those of health care providers and other health plans, including:
For health care operations: We may use and disclose your PHI for our health care
operations, including for example:
56
We may also disclose your PHI to other providers and health plans who have a relationship
with you for certain health care operations. For example, we may disclose your PHI for their
quality assessment and improvement activities or for health care fraud and abuse detection.
When required by law: We will use and disclose your PHI if we are required to do so by
law. For example, we will use and disclose your PHI in responding to court and
administrative orders and subpoenas, and to comply with workers compensation laws. We
will disclose your PHI when required by the Secretary of the Department of Health and
Human Services and state regulatory authorities.
For matters in the public interest: We may use or disclose your PHI without your written
permission for matters in the public interest, including for example:
Public health and safety activities, including disease and vital statistic reporting,
child abuse reporting, and Food and Drug Administration oversight
Reporting adult abuse, neglect or domestic violence
Reporting to organ procurement and tissue donation organizations
Averting a serious threat to the health or safety of others
For research: We may use and disclose your PHI to perform select research activities,
provided that certain established measures to protect your privacy are in place.
To communicate with you about health-related products and services: We may use
your PHI to communicate with you about health-related products and services that we
provide or are included in your benefits plan. We may use your PHI to communicate with
you about treatment alternatives that may be of interest to you.
These communications may include information about the health care providers in our
networks, about replacement of or enhancements to your health plan, and about health-
related products or services that are available only to our enrollees and add value to your
benefits plan.
To our business associates: From time to time, we engage third parties to provide various
services for us. Whenever an arrangement with such a third party involves the use or
disclosure of your PHI, we will have a written contract with that third party designed to
protect the privacy of your PHI. For example, we may share your information with business
associates who process claims or conduct disease management programs on our behalf.
57
To group health plans and plan sponsors: We participate in an organized health care
arrangement with our underwritten group health plans. These plans, and the employers or
other entities that sponsor them, receive PHI from us in the form of enrollment information
(although we are prohibited from using or disclosing any genetic information for
underwriting purposes). Certain plans and their sponsors may receive additional PHI from
BCBSM and BCN. Whenever we disclose PHI to plans or their sponsors, they must follow
applicable laws governing use and disclosure of your PHI including amending the plan
documents for your group health plan to establish the limited uses and disclosures it may
make of your PHI.
You may give us written authorization to use your PHI or to disclose it to anyone for any
purpose. If you give us an authorization, you may revoke it in writing at any time. Your
revocation will not affect any use or disclosure permitted by your authorization while it was
in effect. Some uses and disclosures of your PHI require a signed authorization:
For marketing communications: Uses and disclosures of your PHI for marketing
communications will not be made without a signed authorization except where permitted
by law.
Sale of PHI: We will not sell your PHI without a signed authorization except where
permitted by law.
Psychotherapy notes: To the extent (if any) that we maintain or receive psychotherapy
notes about you, disclosure of these notes will not be made without a signed authorization
except where permitted by law.
Any other use or disclosure of your protected health information, except as described in
this Notice of Privacy Practices, will not be made without your signed authorization.
Individual
rights
You have the following rights. To exercise these rights, you must make a written
request on our standard forms. To obtain the forms, call the customer service number
on the back of your membership ID card or call 1-313-225-9000. These forms are also
available online at www.bcbsm.com.
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You may instruct us, and give your written authorization, to disclose your PHI to another
party for any purpose. We require your authorization to be on our standard form. To obtain
the form, call the customer service number on the back of your membership card or call 1-
313- 225-9000.
Individual
rights
You have the following rights. To exercise these rights, you must make a written
request on our standard forms. To obtain the forms, call the customer service number
on the back of your membership ID card or call 1-313-225-9000. These forms are also
available online at www.bcbsm.com.
Access: With certain exceptions, you have the right to look at or receive a copy of your
PHI contained in the group of records that are used by or for us to make decisions about
you, including our enrollment, payment, claims adjudication, and case or medical
management notes. We reserve the right to charge a reasonable cost-based fee for copying
and postage. You may request that these materials be provided to you in written form or,
in certain circumstances, electronic form. If you request an alternative format, such as a
summary, we may charge a cost-based fee for preparing the summary. If we deny your
request for access, we will tell you the basis for our decision and whether you have a right
to further review.
Disclosure accounting: You have the right to an accounting of certain disclosures of your
PHI, such as disclosures required by law, except that we are not obligated to account for a
disclosure that occurred more than six years before the date of your request. If you request
this accounting more than once in a 12-month period, we may charge you a fee covering
the cost of responding to these additional requests.
Restriction requests: You have the right to request that we place restrictions on the way
we use or disclose your PHI for treatment, payment or health care operations. We are not
required to agree to these additional restrictions; but if we do, we will abide by them
(except as needed for emergency treatment or as required by law) unless we notify you
that we are terminating our agreement.
Amendment: You have the right to request that we amend your PHI in the set of records
we described above under Access. If we deny your request, we will provide you with a
written explanation. If you disagree, you may have a statement of your disagreement
placed in our records. If we accept your request to amend the information, we will make
reasonable efforts to inform others, including individuals you name, of the amendment.
Breach notification: In the event of a breach of your unsecured PHI, we will provide you
with notification of such a breach as required by law or where we otherwise deem
appropriate.
Questions and
59 complaints
Breach notification: In the event of a breach of your unsecured PHI, we will provide you
with notification of such a breach as required by law or where we otherwise deem
appropriate.
For your convenience, you may also obtain an electronic (downloadable) copy of this
notice online at www.bcbsm.com.
If you are concerned that we may have violated your privacy rights, or you believe that we
have inappropriately used or disclosed your PHI, call us at 1-800- 552-8278. You also may
complete our Privacy Complaint form online at www.bcbsm.com.
You also may submit a written complaint to the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services. We will provide you with their address to file your complaint upon request. We
support your right to protect the privacy of your PHI. We will not retaliate in any way if you
file a complaint with us or with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is a nonprofit corporation and independent licensee of the Blue
Cross and Blue Shield Association. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is responsible for privacy and
security for Blue Cross Complete members.
60
Certificate
of Coverage
1. General conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
2. Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
3. Eligibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
4. Enrollment requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
5. Disenrollment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
6. Effective date of coverage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
7. Blue Cross Complete member rights and responsibilities. . . . . 47
8. Members role in policy making. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
9. Payment for coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
10. Claim provisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
11. Coordination of benefits and subrogation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
12. Out-of-area coverage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
13. Term and termination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
14. Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
61
Appendix
Part 1: Schedule of benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
A-1. Professional services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
A-2. Hospital services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
A-3. Emergency services and related services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
A-4. Diagnostic and therapeutic services and tests . . . . . . . . . . 59
A-5. Home health services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
A-6. Equipment to support home care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
A-7. Physical, occupational and speech services . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
A-8. Cardiac rehabilitation services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
A-9. Patient counseling and education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
A-10. Skilled nursing facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
A-11. Hospice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
A-12. Hearing examinations and hearing aids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
A-13. Durable medical equipment, prosthetics and orthotics . . 62
A-14. Disposable medical items and other medical supplies. . . 62
A-15. Special provisions applicable to organ and
tissue transplants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
A-16. Health services by nonplan providers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
A-17. Mental health services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
A-18. Oral surgical services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
A-19. Oral health screening and fluoride varnish. . . . . . . . . . . . 64
A-20. Chiropractic services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
A-21. Vision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
A-22. Podiatry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
A-23. Prescription drugs and medicine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Part 2: Schedule of limitations and exclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
A-24. Limited and excluded services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
62
1. General conditions
1.01 This Certificate of Coverage is issued to persons who have enrolled in Blue Cross
Complete through the Michigan Department of Community Health. By enrolling and
accepting this Certificate, the Member agrees to abide by the rules of Blue Cross
Complete as outlined in the Certificate.
1.02 Blue Cross Complete of Michigan is owned by Blue Care Network. Blue Care Network is
an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The Association
permits Blue Cross Complete of Michigan to use the Blue Cross Blue Shield service
mark in Michigan. Blue Cross Complete of Michigan is a state-approved Medicaid health
maintenance organization (HMO). Blue Cross Complete of Michigan is not contracting
as the agent of the Association. No person, entity or organization other than Blue Cross
Complete will be held accountable or liable to Blue Cross Complete members for any of
Blue Cross Completes obligations created under this contract. Blue Cross Complete is
solely responsible for its own debts and other obligations.
1.03 This Certificate of Coverage states the terms of enrollment, membership, and coverage
under which a Medicaid-eligible recipient may secure Blue Cross Complete health
benefits. Appendix A lists the benefits to which these Members are entitled, and specifies
limitations and exclusions.
1.04 GOVERNING LAWS: This Certificate is made and shall be interpreted under the laws of
the state of Michigan.
1.05 WAIVER BY AGENTS: No agent or person, except an authorized officer of Blue Cross
Complete, has authority to waive any conditions or restrictions of this Certificate, or
to bind Blue Cross Complete by making a promise or representation, or by giving or
receiving any information. No change in this Certificate shall be valid unless evidenced by
an endorsement or amendment to it, signed by an authorized officer.
1.06 POLICY AND PROCEDURES: Blue Cross Complete may adopt reasonable policies,
procedures, rules, and interpretations to promote the orderly and efficient administration
of this Certificate.
1.07 ASSIGNMENT: All rights of a Member to receive benefits and services are personal,
granted only to the Member, and may not be assigned to a third party.
1.08 HEADINGS: The headings and captions in this Certificate are not to be considered as part
of the Certificate and are inserted only for convenience.
1.09 NOTICE: Any notice required or permitted to be given by Blue Cross Complete in this
Certificate shall be given in writing and either personally delivered or deposited in the
United States Mail with postage prepaid and addressed to the Member at the address of
record on file at Blue Cross Completes administrative offices.
1.10 LEGAL ACTIONS: No action at law or in equity shall be brought to recover on this
policy prior to the expiration of 60 days after written proof of loss has been furnished in
accordance with the requirements of this policy. No such action shall be brought after the
expiration of three years after the time written proof of loss is required to be furnished.
2. Definitions
2.01 AMBULATORY SURGERY means surgery performed in an operating room at a hospital or
freestanding surgical center without overnight admission. Procedures routinely performed
in the office of physicians are not considered ambulatory surgery.
2.02 APPROVED FACILITY means a facility that provides medical or other services to Blue Cross
Complete Members and has entered into an agreement with Blue Cross Complete to
doso.
63
2.03 ATTENDING PHYSICIAN means any physician who, upon appropriate referral by a primary
care physician or authorization by Blue Cross Complete, is responsible for the care of Blue
Cross Complete Members in inpatient hospital or ambulatory surgery facilities.
2.04 AUTHORIZED SERVICE means any health care service which is a benefit under the
Certificate and which has been provided or arranged by a primary care physician or his
or her designee and/or authorized by the Blue Cross Complete Medical Director to be
provided by another provider. An authorized service may be referred to in this document
as a covered service.
2.05 BENEFITS are the health care services described in this Certificate of Coverage and
required under Michigan law or by MDCH.
2.06 BLUE CROSS COMPLETE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT is the department that
provides, arranges, or authorizes provision of covered mental health services to Members.
2.07 CERTIFICATE OF COVERAGE (or Certificate) is the statement of covered benefits,
including the terms of enrollment and covered services. Certificate of Coverage may also
be referred to as the Certificate.
2.08 CONTRACT consists of the Blue Cross Complete Health Plan Certificate of Coverage
including General Conditions, Definitions, Limitations and Exclusions, the issued member
ID cards, forms and questionnaires completed by the Member, and any duly authorized
amendments, riders, or endorsements.
2.09 CONTRACT YEAR means the 12-month period beginning with the effective date of the
contract between MDCH and Blue Cross Complete.
2.10 CONTRACTED HOSPITAL means a hospital which has signed a contract with Blue Cross
Complete or on whose behalf a contract has been signed to provide covered services
to Blue Cross Complete Members in accordance with the terms and conditions of the
contract. A contracted hospital also may be referred to as a participating hospital or a
network hospital.
2.11 CONTRACTED PHYSICIAN means a physician who has signed a contract with Blue
Cross Complete or on whose behalf a contract has been signed or who is employed by a
contracted hospital or who is a participant in a physician group or PHO which has signed a
contract to provide covered services to Blue Cross Complete Members in accordance with
the terms and conditions of the contract. A contracted physician also may be referred to as
a participating physician or a network physician.
2.12 CONTRACTED PROVIDER means a provider who has signed a contract with Blue Cross
Complete or on whose behalf a contract has been signed to provide covered services
to Blue Cross Complete Members in accordance with the terms and conditions of the
contract. A contracted provider also may be referred to as a participating provider.
2.13 COVERED SERVICE(S) means the comprehensive health care services delivered under the
terms and conditions for their delivery described in the Certificate of Coverage.
2.14 CUSTODIAL CARE is provided by persons without professional health care skills or
training, primarily for the purpose of meeting personal needs such as bathing, walking,
dressing, and eating.
2.15 DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT is equipment that is able to withstand repeated use, is
customarily used to serve a medical purpose, and is not useful to a person in the absence
of illness or injury. Examples include canes, crutches, and bed rails.
2.16 EFFECTIVE DATE is the date the Member is entitled to receive covered services pursuant
to this Contract as determined by MDCH.
2.17 EMERGENCY SERVICES means medically necessary services provided to a Member for the
sudden onset of a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient
severity, including severe pain, such that the absence of immediate medical attention
could reasonably be expected to result in:
64
Serious jeopardy to the health of the individual or in the case of a pregnant woman, the
health of the woman or her unborn child,
Serious impairment to bodily functions, or
Serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part.
Further, emergency services means covered inpatient and outpatient services that are as
follows:
Furnished by a provider that is qualified to furnish these services under this title.
Needed to evaluate or stabilize an emergency medical condition.
Poststabilization care services means covered services, related to an emergency medical
condition that are provided after a Member is stabilized in order to maintain the stabilized
condition, or, to improve or resolve the enrollees condition.
2.18 ENROLLEE is an individual determined by MDCH to be entitled to receive health care
services under this Certificate of Coverage.
2.19 EXPERIMENTAL, INVESTIGATIONAL OR RESEARCH MEDICAL, SURGICAL CARE DRUG,
DEVICE, TREATMENT, OR PROCEDURE
This means a drug, device, treatment, or procedure meeting one or more of the following
criteria:
It cannot be lawfully marketed, without the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration and such approval has not been granted at the time of its use or
proposed use; or
It is the subject of a current investigational new drug or new device application on file
with the FDA; or
It is being provided pursuant to a Phase I or Phase II clinical trial or as the experimental
or research arm of a Phase III clinical trial; or
It is being provided pursuant to a written protocol which describes among its objectives
the determination of safety, efficacy or efficiency in comparison to conventional
alternatives; or
It is described as experimental, investigational or research by informed consent or
patient information documents; or
It is being delivered or should be delivered subject to the approval and supervision
of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) as required and defined by federal regulations,
particularly those of the FDA or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
successor agencies, or of a human subjects (or comparable) committee; or
The predominant opinion among experts as expressed in the published authoritative
medical investigational or research settings; or
The predominant opinion among experts as expressed in the published authoritative
medical or scientific literature is that further experiment, investigation or research is
necessary in order to define safety, toxicity, effectiveness or efficiency compared with
conventional alternatives.
(Antineoplastic drug therapy shall be provided in accordance with Michigan law.)
2.20 FEE SCHEDULE means the schedule of fees that Blue Cross Complete pays to contracted
providers for services and benefits under this Certificate.
2.21 HEARING AID is an electronic device worn for the purpose of amplifying sound and
assisting the physiological process of hearing.
2.22 HOMEBOUND means a medical condition that prevents the patient from leaving home.
2.23 HOME HEALTH AGENCY is an organization licensed or certified pursuant to the laws of
the state of Michigan as a home health agency and which has entered into an agreement
with Blue Cross Complete to provide covered services to Members.
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2.24 HOME HEALTH CARE means part-time skilled health care provided for homebound
Members in the home for the treatment of an illness or injury, for medical conditions which
are not long-term or chronic in nature.
2.25 HOSPICE CARE means services that are primarily used to provide pain relief, symptom
management, and supportive services to the terminally ill and their families.
2.26 Blue Cross Complete of Michigan, a subsidiary corporation of Blue Care Network, is a
nonprofit corporation authorized by the state of Michigan to arrange for the provision of
health care services as a health maintenance organization (HMO).
2.27 Blue Cross Complete of Michigan is the name of the health care plan described in this
Certificate of Coverage. Blue Cross Complete of Michigan may be referred to in this
document as Blue Cross Complete, Plan, Health Plan or as the Medicaid Plan.
2.28 MEDICAID FAIR HEARING PROCESS means a process that exists at the Michigan
Department of Community Health that a Member may use to raise any concerns about any
Blue Cross Complete decision under this Certificate. The Medicaid Fair Hearing Process is
described in the Member Handbook.
2.29 MEDICAL DIRECTOR is a Michigan licensed physician designated by Blue Cross Complete
to provide medical management and related services on behalf of Blue Cross Complete.
As used in the Certificate, the term shall include any individual designated by the Medical
Director to act on his or her behalf.
2.30 MEDICALLY NECESSARY means services and supplies furnished to a Member when and
to the extent the Blue Cross Complete Medical Director or his or her designee determines
that they satisfy all of the following criteria:
They are medically required and medically appropriate for the diagnosis and treatment
of the Members illness or injury;
They are consistent with professionally-recognized standards of health care;
They do not involve costs that are excessive in comparison with alternative services that
would be effective for the diagnosis and treatment of the Members illness orinjury.
The fact that a physician may have prescribed, ordered, recommended, or approved the
provision of certain services to the Member does not necessarily mean that such services
satisfy the above criteria.
2.31 MEMBER means an individual entitled to receive benefits under this Certificate.
2.32 MEMBER APPEALS PROGRAM (MAP) means the process under which a Member
may obtain a response to a concern about Blue Cross Complete, the Plan, and/or any
physicians, health professionals, or other affiliated providers who have provided service to
the Blue Cross Complete Member. The MAP provides for a response in accordance with
established procedures described in the Member Handbook.
2.33 NONAUTHORIZED SERVICE means any health care service, whether or not a benefit
under this Certificate, which has not been provided or arranged by the primary care
physician or his or her designee, or has not been authorized by Blue Cross Complete to be
provided by another provider.
2.34 NONCOVERED SERVICE means any health care service excluded as a benefit under this
Certificate.
2.35 NONPLAN PROVIDER means any health care professional or provider who is not party to a
contract with Blue Cross Complete to provide services to Medicaid members.
2.36 ORTHOTIC DEVICE is an external device which is designed to correct or assist in the
prevention of a bodily defect either of form or function.
2.37 PLAN means the Blue Cross Complete Medicaid Plan.
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2.38 PRESCRIPTION means any physician or licensed practitioner order for a medicinal
substance which under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act is required to bear on
the packaging label the following legend: Caution: Federal Law prohibits dispensing
without a prescription.
2.39 PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN (PCP) means the contracted physician who is primarily
responsible for providing or coordinating the provision of health services to a Member
through referrals to other health care professionals, facilities, or entities. A primary care
physicians specialty is Family Practice, General Practice, Internal Medicine, OB-GYN, or
Pediatrics. A specialist may act as a PCP when the Enrollees medical condition warrants
management by a physician specialist when approved by Blue Cross Complete.
2.40 PROSTHETIC DEVICE is a device which aids body functioning or replaces a limb or body
part.
2.41 RESTORATIVE HEALTH SERVICES means intermittent or short-term rehabilitative nursing
care that may be provided in or out of a health care facility.
2.42 SERVICE AGREEMENT is the contract between Blue Cross Complete of Michigan and the
Michigan Department of Management and Budget, Acquisition Services, which establishes
the scope of benefits being purchased, the criteria for eligibility, as well as the underwriting
and administrative agreements between the parties.
2.43 SERVICE AREA means the geographical area in which Blue Cross Complete has been
authorized by state authorities to provide or arrange for the provision of health services to
Members by network providers.
2.44 SKILLED CARE is service, furnished on physician orders, that requires the skills of qualified
technical or professional health personnel. Some of these are defined as: registered
nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists. The care
must be provided directly by, or under the general supervision of, these skilled nursing
or skilled rehabilitation personnel to assure the safety of the Member, and to achieve the
medically desired result.
2.45 SKILLED NURSING FACILITY is an institution which has been licensed by the state of
Michigan and certified by Medicaid to provide skilled care nursing services.
2.46 SPECIALIST is a physician to whom a Blue Cross Complete Member has been referred by
the Blue Cross Complete primary care physician or his or her designee and/or Blue Cross
Complete for special consultation or treatment.
3. Eligibility
3.01 MEMBERS To be eligible to enroll, a person must:
Be eligible for Medicaid as determined by MDCH,
Have a Medicaid status that is permitted by MDCH to enroll in an HMO, and
Reside within the service area.
3.02 In all cases, final determination of Blue Cross Complete eligibility is made by MDCH.
4. Enrollment requirements
4.01 The categories of Medicaid-eligible persons who may enroll in HMOs are determined by
MDCH.
4.02 Newborns of Medicaid-eligible women are automatically enrolled in Blue Cross Complete
effective with date of birth if the mother is a Blue Cross Complete Member at the time
ofdelivery.
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5. Disenrollment
5.01 If a Member wishes to disenroll, he/she must follow the procedures set forth by MDCH.
Disenrollment information is available upon request from the Customer Service department.
5.02 All rights to benefits cease as of the effective date of disenrollment, without prejudice to
claims for services rendered prior to the effective date of disenrollment. However, ifthe
Member is an inpatient of an acute care facility at the time of disenrollment, Blue Cross
Complete will cover the stay until the day of discharge. The disenrollment date will be
determined by MDCH.
5.03 Blue Cross Complete may request special disenrollment of a Member from the Michigan
Department of Community Health if a Members actions are inconsistent with Blue
Cross Complete membership. Disenrollment for an approved request will be effective
immediately. Special disenrollment requests may be made in cases of:
Violent/life-threatening situations involving physical acts of violence; physical or verbal
threats of violence made against Blue Cross Complete-affiliated providers, Blue Cross
Complete staff or the public at Blue Cross Complete locations; or where stalking
situations exist; or
Fraud/misrepresentation to the plan, including alteration or theft of prescriptions or
misrepresentation of Blue Cross Complete membership allowing another person to
receive health care services or allowing another person use of members ID card; or
Other noncompliance situations including repeated use of non-Blue Cross Complete-
affiliated providers; discharge from the practices of multiple Blue Cross Complete
network providers; repeated emergency room use; and those who impede care.
5.04 Special disenrollments will occur only to the extent consistent with the rules and
regulations of MDCH.
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ongoing course of treatment with that physician may be eligible to receive treatment from
that physician as follows:
For as many as ninety (90) days after the Member receives notice that the contracted
physician is leaving Blue Cross Completes network.
If the Member is in her second or third trimester of pregnancy at the time of her
obstetricians termination from the Blue Cross Complete network, she may continue with
the terminated physician through post-partum care (i.e., the regular post-partum visit)
directly related to that pregnancy.
If the Member is determined to have a terminal illness prior to a physicians termination
or knowledge of the termination and the physician was treating the terminal illness
before the date of termination or knowledge of termination, for the remainder of the
Members life for care directly related to the treatment of the terminal illness. All other
care must be provided by contracted providers.
Except as otherwise stated in this Certificate, continuity of care applies only if the requested
continuation is prior authorized by Blue Cross Complete and the departing physician agrees to
all of the following: (i) to continue to accept as payment in full reimbursement from Blue Cross
Complete at the rates applicable before the termination; (ii) to follow Blue Cross Completes
standards for maintaining quality health care and to provide to Blue Cross Complete medical
information related to the care; and (iii) to otherwise comply with Blue Cross Completes
policies and procedures including, but not limited to, those concerning utilization review,
referrals, prior authorization, and treatment plans.
7.03 REFUSAL TO ACCEPT TREATMENT/NONCOMPLIANCE WITH TREATMENT PLAN
A Member enrolls in Blue Cross Complete with the understanding that providers are
responsible for determining treatment appropriate to the Members care. A Member may
refuse procedures recommended by a physician. If refusal of recommended procedure
is related to lack of agreement between the physician and patient and creates a barrier
to the delivery of proper health care, the health plan may assist the member in changing
the primary care physician. If the Member refuses to accept recommended treatment or
procedures and no alternatives exist, the Member shall be so advised.
7.04 MEMBER APPEALS PROGRAM
Blue Cross Complete has set up a mechanism for receiving, processing, and resolving
Member appeals and grievances relating to the benefits or the operation of Blue Cross
Complete. This is fully described in the Blue Cross Complete Medicaid Plan Member
Handbook, Part 8: If you have a concern. Members will receive a copy of the Member
Handbook describing the Member Appeals Program when they enroll with Blue Cross
Complete, and may receive additional copies at any time by telephone request to
Customer Service at the number listed below.
There is a time limit on filing an appeal. You must file within 90 days of the problem or
denial. Contact us for a form to do this. If you have questions please call Customer Service at
1-800-228-8554 (TTY: 1-800-649-3777). You may also make an appointment to come into
Blue Cross Completes office.
7.05 MEMBER IDENTIFICATION CARDS
Mere possession of the Blue Cross Complete Member Identification Card confers no right
for benefits under this Certificate. To be entitled to such benefits, the holder of the card
must meet and maintain all MDCH requirements.
If a member permits the use of his or her Member Identification Card by any other person,
the card may be reclaimed by Blue Cross Complete and/or its providers, and all rights of
such Member and other members of his or her family can be terminated immediately (see
Section 13.02). A Member shall report loss or theft of the Member Identification Card to
Blue Cross Complete immediately upon discovery of loss or theft.
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7.06 FORMS AND QUESTIONNAIRES
Members shall complete and submit to Blue Cross Complete such forms and medical
questionnaires as requested. Members warrant that all information completed by them is
true, correct, and complete to the best of their knowledge.
7.07 BENEFITS, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES
The Member is responsible for becoming familiar with and following Blue Cross Complete
Medicaid Plan benefits, policies, and procedures.
7.08 HEALTH MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Enrolling in Blue Cross Complete entitles the Member to participate in Blue Cross
Completes Health Management Program which includes health promotion activities, health
education activities, disease management programs, and case management programs.
7.09 MEMBERSHIP RECORDS
Blue Cross Complete will keep membership records. Blue Cross Complete is not liable
for any obligation dependent upon information to be supplied by the Member prior to
receipt in satisfactory form. Incorrect information furnished may be corrected if Blue Cross
Complete has not acted to its prejudice by relying on it.
7.10 AUTHORIZATION TO RECEIVE INFORMATION
Blue Cross Complete is entitled to receive from any provider of services to Members
information reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Certificate
but subject to applicable confidentiality requirements. By acceptance of coverage under
this Certificate, the Member authorizes providers rendering services hereunder to report
to and disclose information concerning the care, treatment and physical condition of the
Member to Blue Cross Complete upon request and to permit copying of records by Blue
Cross Complete.
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In the event a suit instituted by Blue Cross Complete on behalf of the Member results in
monetary damages awarded in excess of the cash value of actual benefits provided by
Blue Cross Complete, Blue Cross Complete shall have the right to recover costs of suit and
attorney fees out of the excess, to the extent of the cost of such fees.
11.04 RIGHT OF PAYMENT AND RECOVERY
Whenever benefits have been provided by Blue Cross Complete under the contract and
the responsibility for payment is with another plan, Blue Cross Complete shall have the
right to deny payment or recover from the other plan the reasonable cash value of each
service provided by Blue Cross Complete in a total amount necessary to satisfy the intent
of this section.
11.05 RIGHT TO RECEIVE AND RELEASE NECESSARY INFORMATION
For the purpose of determining the applicability of and implementing the terms of this
section, Blue Cross Complete will be required from time to time to release or to obtain
information with respect to a Member, which it deems to be necessary for such purposes.
A Member who is claiming benefits under the contract shall furnish to Blue Cross
Complete such information as may be necessary to implement this section. This would
include notifying Blue Cross Complete if there is any change in other insurance coverage.
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13.03 LOSS OF ELIGIBILITY
Blue Cross Complete will request disenrollment of Member from MDCH if the Member is
no longer eligible for coverage under the contract as specified in Section 3, Eligibility.
13.04 CESSATION OF OPERATIONS
In the event of cessation of operations or dissolution of Blue Cross Complete, this
Certificate may be terminated immediately by order of proper authority. Blue Cross
Complete may be obligated for services as prescribed by law or proper order.
14. Benefits
14.01 Members are entitled to receive the services described herein in accordance with all
terms and conditions of this Certificate. Blue Cross Complete primary care physicians are
responsible for providing or arranging for care to Blue Cross Complete Members, except
as otherwise stated in this Certificate.
When necessary, the Members primary care physician will refer a Member for care to a
specialist. Usually, the specialist will also participate with Blue Cross Complete. Blue Cross
Complete shall have no liability or obligation for any benefits received by Members from
any other physician, hospital or organization unless requested in advance by the primary
care physician or prior authorized by Blue Cross Complete, except as otherwise stated in
this Certificate.
Certain exceptions apply (e.g., emergency services, routine obstetrical and gynecological
services). If you have not chosen a Blue Cross Complete pediatrician to be your childs PCP
and want to take your child to a Blue Cross Complete pediatrician for general pediatric
services, you can do so without a referral. Blue Cross Complete may re-assign that
pediatrician to be your childs PCP.
You dont pay for services covered by Blue Cross Complete, as long as they are medically
necessary and arranged by your PCP. The following is a list of those services, which are
also listed in the Handbook:
Blood lead testing for members under age 21
Breast cancer services services to treat breast cancer as required by federal and state
womens health and cancer protection acts, including diagnostic, outpatient treatment
and rehabilitative services
Chiropractic services
Diagnostic laboratory, X-ray and other imaging services
Doctor office visits
Emergent and urgent care services
Family-planning services
Health education disease management programs
Hearing examinations for all members and hearing aids for members under age 21
Home health services and skilled nursing home services, when medically necessary
(You can use these after you leave the hospital or instead of going to the hospital. Your
primary care physician will help you arrange these services.)
Hospice services (if you request)
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Hospital services requiring an overnight stay
These include:
Cost of a semi-private room (sharing a room with one other person)
Intensive care nursing services
Doctor services
Surgical services
Anesthesia (medication to relax or put you to sleep before surgery)
X-rays
Laboratory services
Medical equipment and supplies, durable
Mental health services short term, up to 20 outpatient visits per year
Midwife services when provided by a certified nurse midwife
Nurse practitioner services when provided by a certified pediatric or family nurse
Out-of-network services when authorized by Blue Cross Complete, except as otherwise
stated in this Certificate
Parenting and birthing classes
Physical exams routine or annual physical exams
Podiatric (foot specialist) services, when medically necessary
Practitioner services such as those provided by physicians and specialists
Pregnancy care including prenatal and postpartum care (before and after birth)
Prescriptions and pharmacy services
Prosthetics and orthotics
Rehabilitative or restorative services intermittent or short term, in a nursing facility for
up to 45 days
Rehabilitative or restorative services in a place of service other than a nursing facility
Renal disease services end stage
Sexually transmitted disease treatment
Smoking and tobacco cessation treatment, including drugs and behavioral support (Quit
the Nic program)
Specialist visits
Surgical services not requiring an overnight hospital stay
Therapy physical, speech and language, occupational
Transplant services
Transportation by ambulance and other emergency medical transport
Transportation to nonemergency covered medical services
Vaccinations (Covered vaccinations do not require prior authorization if provided by local
health departments.)
Vision routine services
Weight-reduction services if medically necessary
Well-baby and well-child care Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment
Program for persons under age 21
Your primary care physician can help you get the Blue Cross Complete services you need. Customer
Service can also answer questions about your benefits.
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Appendix A
Part 1: Schedule of Benefits
Coverage under this Certificate is available for only those services and benefits provided
or arranged by the primary care physician and authorized as necessary by Blue Cross
Complete. Certain exceptions apply (e.g., emergency services and routine obstetrical and
gynecological services). Only services that are medically necessary according to generally
accepted standards of practice as determined by the Blue Cross Complete Medical
Director or his or her designee are considered benefits under this Certificate. Blue Cross
Complete will only pay for covered services.
76
If you have not chosen a Blue Cross Complete pediatrician to be your childs PCP and want
to take your child to a Blue Cross Complete pediatrician for general pediatric services,
including well-child care, you can do so without a referral. Blue Cross Complete may
re-assign that pediatrician to be your childs PCP.
A-1.05 Pediatric and adult immunizations in accordance with accepted medical practice.
A-1.06 Surgery during inpatient hospital admission or ambulatory surgery as provided or arranged
for by the primary care physician or specialist.
A-1.07 Hospital visits as part of the continued supervision of covered care.
A-1.08 Physician or health professional services including those of anesthesiologists, pathologists,
radiologists, and other medical specialists as may be required.
A-1.09 Services for diagnostic evaluation and assessment of infertility are covered, but limited
to techniques and procedures approved by Blue Cross Complete. In-vitro fertilization,
artificial insemination, intrauterine insemination, reversal of voluntary sterilization, and
treatment for infertility are excluded.
A-1.10 Family planning services such as contraception counseling and associated physical exams
and procedures are covered. Contraceptive devices/drugs are covered. Condoms may be
obtained 12 at a time (36 per month maximum) from a family planning services provider or
contracted pharmacy. Members may self-refer to family planning clinics for family planning
services.
A-1.11 Adult sterilization procedures when performed by a Blue Cross Complete participating
provider. Primary care physician referral is required. Sterilization reversals are excluded.
A-1.12 Abortion is covered if medically necessary to save the life of the mother. Elective abortions
are not covered unless the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, and requires referral
by the primary care physician. Treatment for medical complications occurring as a result
of an elective abortion is covered. Treatment for spontaneous, incomplete or threatened
abortions and for ectopic pregnancies is covered.
A-1.13 Physician services for prenatal and postpartum care are covered. Members may self-refer
to a Blue Cross Complete-contracted obstetrical provider or obstetrician/gynecologist
(OB-GYN) for routine obstetrical services. Routine obstetrical services include prenatal care
and related obstetric services for uncomplicated (low-risk) pregnancies. During pregnancy,
travel restrictions may apply to coverage of deliveries at the discretion of the physician or
approved Plan obstetrician/gynecologist.
A-1.14 Statement of Rights Under the Newborns and Mothers Health Protection Act
Under federal law, health insurance issuers such as Blue Cross Complete generally may
not restrict benefits for any hospital length of stay in connection with childbirth for the
mother or newborn child to less than 48 hours following a vaginal delivery, or less than 96
hours following a delivery by cesarean section. However, Blue Cross Complete may pay
for a shorter stay if the attending provider (e.g., your physician, nurse midwife, or physician
assistant), after consultation with the mother, discharges the mother or newborn earlier.
In addition, under federal law, issuers may not set the level of benefits or out-of-pocket
costs so that any later portion of the 48-hour (or 96-hour) stay is treated in a manner less
favorable to the mother or newborn than any earlier portion of the stay.
In addition, an issuer may not, under federal law, require that a physician or other health
care provider obtain authorization for prescribing a length of stay of up to 48 hours (or
96 hours). However, to use certain providers or facilities, or to reduce your out-of-pocket
costs, you may be required to obtain precertification. For information on precertification,
contact Blue Cross Complete.
A-1.15 RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY/PROCEDURES
Reconstructive surgery is performed on the body in order to improve/restore
bodily function or correct deformities resulting from disease, trauma, congenital or
77
developmental anomalies or previous therapeutic processes. Any such procedures must be
recommended by the Members primary care physician and prior authorized by Blue Cross
Complete in order to be covered benefits, except as otherwise stated in this Certificate.
Blue Cross Complete provides coverage for established, medical necessary diagnostic,
outpatient treatment and rehabilitative services to diagnose and treat breast cancer, as
well as the below listed services following a medically necessary mastectomy:
Reconstruction of the breast;
Surgery on the other breast to achieve the appearance of symmetry;
Prostheses; and
Treatment of physical complications during any stage of the mastectomy, including
lymphedemas.
A-2. Hospital services
Inpatient hospital services and ambulatory surgery are covered services when:
Admission is ordered by the primary care physician and authorized by Blue Cross
Complete; and
Admission occurs on or after the effective date of this Certificate.
A-2.01 Room and board in a semi-private room.
A-2.02 Private room accommodations only when deemed medically necessary by the Members
attending physician.
A-2.03 All covered services deemed medically necessary by the attending physician.
A-2.04 Delivery and postpartum care.
A-2.05 Use of special care units, including specialized intensive and coronary care units, when
deemed medically necessary; and operating or other surgical treatment rooms.
A-2.06 Anesthesia, laboratory, and pathology services.
A-2.07 Chemotherapy, antineoplastic drug therapy as required by Michigan law, and
hemodialysis.
A-2.08 Diagnostic tests performed in the hospital in conjunction with the Members ambulatory
surgery or admission to the hospital.
A-2.09 Oxygen and gas therapy, drugs and biological solutions, medical and surgical supplies and
equipment, and radioisotopes while in the hospital.
A-2.10 Special diets; radiation therapy, physiotherapy, respiratory therapy, physical, occupational,
speech therapy, and other forms of professional therapies while in the hospital.
A-2.11 Whole blood and blood products, including their administration. Fees incurred for
voluntary blood giving in autologous transfusion programs are covered.
A-2.12 In-hospital professional care covered services of health professionals, including any
medical specialist whose services are covered and deemed medically necessary and
ordered by the Members primary care physician and/or attending physician.
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Serious impairment to bodily functions, or
Serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part.
Further, emergency services means covered inpatient and outpatient services that are as
follows:
Furnished by a provider that is qualified to furnish these services under this title.
Needed to evaluate or stabilize an emergency medical condition.
Poststabilization care services means covered services, related to an emergency medical
condition that are provided after a Member is stabilized in order to maintain the stabilized
condition, or, to improve or resolve the enrollees condition.
Examples of emergency conditions might include but are not necessarily limited to:
unusual chest pain or problem breathing; puncture wound or nonstop bleeding; suspected
fracture or broken bone; severe bites, burns or blows to the head; and sudden loss of
strength or sensation in arms or legs.
Referrals or prior authorization are not required for emergency care. Members may go to
any emergency facility.
A-3.02 Procedure: If the Member considers his or her condition to be so serious or life threatening
that delay in seeking treatment might cause death, severe injury or serious impairment, the
Member should call 911 or seek help from the nearest medical facility as soon as possible.
If possible, it is also recommended that the Member attempt to contact his or her primary
care physician for medical advice. A Member who is unable to reach his or her primary
care physician may contact the Blue Cross Complete after hours call line for assistance at
1-800-228-8554, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Blue Cross Complete strongly recommends that the Member contact his or her primary
care physician within 24 hours after seeking emergency services (or as soon as possible if
circumstances make 24 hours impossible) to arrange for additional follow-up medicalcare.
All follow-up care after an emergency must be provided or arranged by the Members
primary care physician. Follow-up care as a result of an emergency is considered routine
scheduled care that must be coordinated with the Members primary care physician.
A-3.03 Ambulance/Emergency Transportation: When necessitated by a need for emergency
services as defined above, appropriate ambulance transportation to the nearest hospital
where emergency care and treatment or other necessary services can be provided is a
covered benefit.
A-3.04 Transportation: When medically necessary nonemergent transportation is provided
to members to obtain covered services according to Michigan Department of Human
Services guidelines.
A-3.05 Transfers: Ambulance transportation between hospitals when authorized by Blue
Cross Complete shall be covered. When a Member receives medical care from a
nonparticipating hospital or facility, Blue Cross Complete may require a Member to be
transferred from the nonparticipating hospital or facility to a participating hospital when
the Members medical condition permits.
A-4. Diagnostic and therapeutic services and tests
A-4.01 Diagnostic and therapeutic laboratory, pathology and radiology services and other
procedures for the diagnosis or treatment of disease, injury, or medical condition are
covered when ordered by the Members physician and/or arranged by Blue Cross
Complete.
Limited psychological testing shall be covered under this section for purposes of assessing
developmental status and/or as an outcome measure related to rehabilitation.
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A-4.02 Certain genetic assessment services are covered but limited to techniques and procedures
approved by Blue Cross Complete.
A-4.03 Allergy tests, treatment, and injections are covered.
A-5. Home health services
A-5.01 Home health services will be provided to Members who are homebound as a result of
illness or injury. Services must be provided or arranged by the Members primary care
physician or designee, prior authorized by Blue Cross Complete and be provided by a
Blue Cross Complete contracted provider. Treatment must be intermittent.
Covered home health care services include: Home care nursing services by a registered
professional or licensed practical nurse; skilled care by a registered professional nurse or a
licensed practical nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist. Home
health aides are covered in conjunction with other skilled home care needs. Personal care
or home help services are not covered. Drugs and biological solutions, surgical dressings
and related medical supplies used during home health care visits considered medically
necessary for the proper care and treatment of the Members condition will be covered.
A-6. Equipment to support home care
A-6.01 Equipment to support home care treatment as an alternative to hospital care may be
covered when medically necessary as defined in this Certificate. Equipment included
under this section must be hospital equipment (e.g., ventilators, dialysis equipment,
infusion pumps), monitors, and other items that are used in the home as an alternative
to hospital care and must require daily technical or professional supervision. Equipment
or items under this section must be obtained through a Blue Cross Complete approved
provider and ordered by the Members primary care physician or his or her designee and
authorized by Blue Cross Complete.
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A-10. Skilled nursing facility
A-10.01 Short-term restorative health services up to 45 days within a 12-month rolling period from
initial admission of skilled care provided in a nursing home setting are covered benefits
if medically necessary and arranged and authorized by Blue Cross Complete. Long-term
custodial care is not covered. Individuals receiving long term custodial care, as determined
by MDCH, will be disenrolled.
Skilled nursing home visits by physicians as part of the continued supervision of care are
covered. The Member must require skilled care on a daily basis and, as a practical matter,
considering economy and efficiency, the daily skilled care services can be provided only in a
skilled nursing facility. Custodial care is not a covered benefit under this section.
Ambulance transportation between skilled nursing facility and hospital when authorized by
Blue Cross Complete is covered.
A-11. Hospice
A-11.01 Hospice care services shall be a covered benefit when requested by the Member and
arranged and authorized by Blue Cross Complete. Included in this coverage is the room
and board component of the hospice benefit when provided in a nursing home or
hospital. Members who have elected the hospice benefit will not be disenrolled after 45
days in a nursing home as otherwise permitted by MDCH.
A-11.02 Members under 21 years of age may receive hospice care concurrently with curative
treatment of the Members terminal illness. This allows the Member or Members
representative to elect the hospice benefit without forgoing any curative service to which
the Member is entitled under Blue Cross Complete for treatment of the terminal condition.
The need for hospice care must be certified by a physician and the hospice medical
director. Blue Cross Complete will reimburse for the curative care separately from the
hospice services. Blue Cross Complete will not reimburse for these types of treatments
when they are used palliatively. As such they are the responsibility of the hospice and must
be included in the per diem cost.
A-12. Hearing examination and hearing aids
A-12.01 Hearing examinations to determine whether a hearing problem exists are a covered
benefit for members. Services provided under this section are covered when medically
necessary and in accordance with Medicaid requirements. Services must be ordered by the
Members primary care physician and provided by a participating audiologist.
A-12.02 Hearing aids are covered for members under age 21. When a hearing aid is recommended
following a hearing examination conducted while a Member of Blue Cross Complete, the
following is covered for each Member once each fifth benefit year:
Hearing aid examination to evaluate the Member for the specific type or brand of
hearing aid needed;
For members under age 21, one single hearing aid unit (or one per ear if medically
necessary) including earphone (receiver or oscillator), ear mold, necessary cords, tubing,
and connections. The hearing aid unit must be a conventional amplification device. It
must also be an in-the-ear, behind-the-ear or on-the-body type, and identified as basic
to the Members amplification requirements;
Fitting of the hearing aid including one follow-up visit to evaluate the performance of
the hearing aid and determine its conformance to prescription; and
For all members, batteries, maintenance, and repair for hearing aids are covered.
A-12.03 Payment: The amount that would be paid by Blue Cross Complete for a conventional
hearing aid unit may be applied toward an upgraded aid, if desired by the Member.
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A-13. Durable medical equipment, prosthetics and orthotics
A-13.01 Services provided under this section are covered when medically necessary and in
accordance with Medicaid requirements. Equipment or devices under this section must:
Meet established Blue Cross Complete medical necessity screening criteria, and be
appropriate for use in the home,
Be ordered by a Blue Cross Complete-contracted physician,
Be authorized by Blue Cross Complete, and
Be obtained through a Blue Cross Complete-contracted DME provider.
A-13.02 Prosthetic devices which aid body functioning or replace a limb or body part, including
breast prostheses after mastectomy, and their fitting are covered benefits. Replacement
prostheses needed because of growth or normal wear are also a covered benefit. Wigs,
prosthetic hair, or hair transplants are not covered benefits. Orthotic devices used to
correct a defect of body form or function are covered benefits. Orthotics, used for
stabilization due to medical reasons having the potential to functionally benefit members,
are covered benefits. Over-the-counter or custom-fitted braces are not covered benefits.
Prosthetic and orthotic (P&O) equipment or devices under these sections must:
Meet established Blue Cross Complete medical necessity screening criteria,
Be ordered by a Blue Cross Complete contracted physician,
Be authorized by Blue Cross Complete, and
Be obtained through a Blue Cross Complete contracted P&O provider.
A-13.03 Blue Cross Complete reserves the right to require use of the least costly medically effective
DME and prosthetic or orthotic devices.
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These types of transplants include: kidney transplants, small bowel transplants, heart
transplants, heart-lung transplants, lung transplants, pancreas transplants, cornea
transplants, liver transplants, and bone marrow transplants. Organ and tissue transplant
procedures, which are considered experimental by Blue Cross Complete, are excluded.
Blue Cross Complete will pay for the hospital, surgical, laboratory, and X-ray services
incurred by a nonmember donor for an authorized transplant to a member unless the
donor has coverage for such expenses. Blue Cross Complete will not cover donor
expenses for a nonmember recipient.
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A-20. Chiropractic services
A-20.01 When considered medically necessary and provided by a contracted provider, chiropractic
coverage is limited to:
Manual spinal manipulation and
Radiological (X-ray) services provided by a chiropractor, limited to no more than one set
of X-rays of the spine per year.
The maximum number of visits covered by Blue Cross Complete is 18 visits per year.
Additional visits require prior authorization.
A-21. Vision
A-21.01 Routine eye examinations by a Blue Cross Complete-affiliated vision care provider
to determine the need for vision correction are covered. One exam is covered every
twoyears.
A-21.02 One pair of clear corrective lenses of any focal type, and eyeglass frames are covered
at Blue Cross Complete affiliated vision providers every two years. Sunglasses are
notcovered.
A-21.03 Replacements for eyeglasses that are lost, broken, or stolen are covered twice per year for
members under age 21, and once per year for members age 21 and over.
A-21.04 Contact lenses are covered if the member has a vision problem that cannot be adequately
corrected by eyeglasses.
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Part 2: Schedule of limitations and exclusions
Excluded are services not covered by this Certificate of Coverage as described
below, even when recommended by a primary care physician. Services obtained by a
Member that are not approved by the primary care physician and/or authorized by Blue
Cross Complete, and/or not provided by participating providers or facilities, are not
covered benefits. (Certain exceptions apply; e.g., Emergency Services, Section A-3.)
All nonmedically necessary related expenses in connection with excluded services and
benefits are not covered.
Blue Cross Complete excludes services, technology, or drugs which are experimental
or which are being used for experimental purposes, including, but not limited to, those
approved by the FDA for testing or study on humans. Any service, technology, or drug
may not be covered by Blue Cross Complete if it is not recognized as safe and effective
for its intended use, based on generally accepted medical standards. Antineoplastic drug
therapy is a covered benefit in accordance with Michigan law. Formore information, call
Customer Service.
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A-24.09 OTHER NONSTANDARD MEDICAL PROCEDURES
Procedures and treatments which are not considered standard practice by Blue Cross
Complete or which are primarily educational in nature are not covered, e.g.,biofeedback,
acupuncture, hypnosis, PMS, dyslexia, caregiver training programs; extended behavior
modification programs for chronic mental illness; exercise programs, etc.
A-24.10 PERSONAL AND CONVENIENCE ITEMS
Personal and convenience items are excluded.
A-24.11 OTHER COVERAGES
Treatment is excluded for any injury or sickness on which and to the extent any benefit
settlements, benefit payments, awards, or damages are received or payable under
Workers Compensation, any insurance plan, or state or federal legislation, Community
Mental Health Agencies or other third party payer.
A-24.12 MENTAL HEALTH
Coverage of treatment for chronic mental health is excluded, in the absence of an acute
episode. Long-term psychotherapy is not a benefit. Partial hospitalization in a day-or-night
care program is not covered. Inpatient psychiatric care is not covered. Court ordered
examinations to determine competence and expenses of expert witness testimony as to
the mental condition of a Member are excluded.
A-24.13 SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES
Substance abuse services (including substance abuse treatment drugs) are not covered
benefits for Members through Blue Cross Complete. Substance abuse services are
available to Members through their local substance abuse coordinating agencies. If you
need assistance in contacting your local substance abuse coordinating agency, please
contact Customer Service.
A-24.14 REPRODUCTIVE SERVICES
Reversal of voluntary sterilization, including tubal reanastamosis, is not a benefit. Services
for treatment of infertility are not covered.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) including, but not limited to: artificial
insemination, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, gamete intrafallopian transfer
(GIFT), zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), donor egg/donor sperm programs, cryology,
micromanipulation, and any related diagnostic and therapeutic services unique to these
technologies are excluded from coverage.
A-24.15 TRANSSEXUAL SURGERY
Sex-transformation surgery and all expenses in connection with such surgery are not
covered benefits.
A-24.16 AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS
Benefits are not provided for services for treatment of any automobile related injury for
which the Members health care expenses are covered under an automobile insurance
policy (see Section 11).
A-24.17 WEIGHT REDUCTION
Commercial or medical programs solely for weight reduction and control are not covered.
Limited coverage is available when treatment of obesity is for the purpose of controlling
life-endangering complications such as hypertension and diabetes. If conservative weight
control measures have failed, other weight reduction efforts may be approved. The
Members physician is required to obtain prior authorization from Blue Cross Complete.
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A-24.18 FORMS
Physician and professional staff time required for the completion of forms unrelated to
medical care provided is excluded.
A-24.19 CHARGES FOR MISSED OR NO-SHOW APPOINTMENTS
Fees imposed by a health care facility for a missed or no-show appointment are not
covered by Blue Cross Complete and are the financial responsibility of the patient.
A-24.20 ROUTINE FOOT CARE
Podiatry services that are not medically necessary.
A-24.21 VISION SERVICES
Not covered except as indicated in A-21.
A-24.22 SPECIAL FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Food and food supplements are not covered, except for enteral feedings when they are
the sole means of nutrition or when used as part of the Maternal Infant Health Program
(MIHP).
A-24.23 DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, PROSTHETICS, AND ORTHOTICS
Excluded from coverage are: replacement and/or repair of any covered item due to
misuse, loss or abuse; experimental items; comfort and convenience items such as, but
not limited to, over-bed tables, electric heat pads, exercise equipment, adjusta-beds,
air conditioners or purifiers, whirlpools, and elevators. Also excluded under this section
are any durable medical equipment, prosthetics and orthotics excluded from coverage
by MDCH.
A-24.24 SECOND OPINIONS
Members may obtain a second opinion about treatment or procedures recommended
by a Blue Cross Complete participating physician. Second opinions about treatment
or procedures recommended will be considered on a case-by-case basis, requires
authorization by the Blue Cross Complete Medical Director, and must be provided by
aphysician approved by Blue Cross Complete.
A-24.25 PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS REQUIRED FOR SCHOOL, CAMP, OR MARRIAGE LICENSE
APPLICATIONS
Physical examinations for school, for camp registration, or in connection with a marriage
license application are excluded.
A-24.26 ELECTIVE ABORTIONS
Elective abortions are not covered unless the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest,
and requires referral by the primary care physician. Treatment for medical complications
occurring as a result of an elective abortion is covered.
A-24.27 SELECT PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Blue Cross Complete does not provide coverage for certain types of medications and
medical supplies. The following drugs are not provided through Blue Cross Complete:
Drugs that require prior authorization, but are not prior authorized by Blue Cross
Complete
Drugs used to promote smoking cessation that are not on the Michigan Pharmaceutical
Product List (MPPL)
Over-the-counter drugs that are not on the MPPL
Vitamins and mineral combinations unless prescribed for end stage renal disease,
pediatric fluoride supplementation or prenatal care
87
Drugs used for the symptomatic relief of cough and colds
Cosmetic drugs or drugs used for cosmetic purposes
Drugs used for infertility
Drugs used for sexual dysfunction
Drugs used to treat gender identity conditions, such as hormone replacement
Drugs used for the treatment of substance abuse
Drugs used for anorexia or weight loss (unless authorized)
Food supplements and standard infant formulas
Drugs that are not approved by the FDA
Drugs used for experimental or investigational purposes
Drugs prescribed specifically for medical studies
Prescriptions filled after you are no longer a Blue Cross Complete member
Prescriptions that provide more than a 34-day supply beyond your termination date
Drugs included as a health care benefit, such as vaccines and other injectable drugs that
are normally administered in a physicians office
Drugs covered by another plan, including Medicare Part D
New drugs not yet added to the formulary
Drugs recalled by the labelers, and drugs discontinued past one year ago
Drugs acquired without cost to the providers or included in the cost of other services or
supplies
Drugs used for HIV or AIDS (coverage is provided by the state of Michigan)
Drugs used for certain types of mental illness (coverage is provided by the state
ofMichigan)
Compounded products that contain bulk powders (unless authorized)
Prescriptions that have been adulterated or are fraudulent
Some drugs provided by the state of Michigan are not covered by Blue Cross Complete.
Members may refer to michigan.fhsc.com for more information about these drugs.
Drugs used for HIV or AIDS
Drugs used for seizure disorders
Drugs used for sleep disorders
Drugs used for mental health
A-24.28 LAW ENFORCEMENT CUSTODY
Care rendered while the Member is in the custody of law enforcement officials, except for
off-site inpatient hospitalization consistent with MDCH policy, are excluded.
A-24.29 ILLEGAL SERVICES
Services that are illegal are excluded.
A-24.30 COURT RELATED SERVICES
Pretrial or court testimony and the preparation of court related reports are excluded.
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Lapeer St. Clair
Shiawassee Genesee
Customer Service:
1-800-228-8554 TTY: 1-888-987-5832
MiBlueCrossComplete.com
Ingham Livingston
Oakland Macomb
Service Area
Return Mail Processing Center
PO Box 018
Essington, PA 19029-0018
Blue Cross Complete of Michigan is a nonprofit corporation and independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.