
The Service Benefit Plan offers two types of coverage: Standard Option and Basic Option. Standard Option gives you the freedom to receive covered services from both Preferred and Non-preferred providers. Basic Option is limited to care performed by Preferred providers, except in certain situations like emergency care. Standard Option also has a calendar year deductible and Basic Option does not. Most care under Basic Option is subject to a copayment amount.
This is a summary of the features for the year 2010 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan. Before making a final decision, please read the plan's federal brochure (RI 71-005) [PDF 1.05 MB]. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations and exclusions set forth in the 2010 federal brochure.
2010 Standard Option |
2010 Basic Option |
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Non-Postal Premium |
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Non-Postal Premium |
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Postal Premium |
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Non-Postal rates apply to most non-Postal employees. If you are in a special enrollment category, refer to the Guide to Federal Benefits for that category or contact the agency that maintains your health benefits enrollment. Career non-law enforcement employees may also refer to the Guide to Federal Benefits for United States Postal Service Employees, RI 70-2, to determine their rates.
Different rates apply and a special Guide is published for Postal Service Inspectors and Office of Inspector General (OIG) employees (see RI 70-21N). For additional assistance, Postal Service employees can call the Human Resources Shared Service Center
The following chart offers a comparison of Standard and Basic Option benefits when you use Preferred providers.
Benefit |
2010 Standard Option |
2010 Basic Option |
|---|---|---|
PREVENTIVE CARE |
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Preventive Screenings and related office visit charge, routine physical exams. |
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Outpatient consultations, home and office visits, and outpatient second surgical opinions. *** |
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Inpatient services, including surgery, medical care and outpatient surgery. |
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HOSPITAL / FACILITY CARE *** |
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Hospital Inpatient: Precertification required. |
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Outpatient Facility Care, except outpatient surgery and physical, occupational and speech therapy |
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Outpatient Surgery |
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ACCIDENTAL INJURY / EMERGENCY CARE |
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Accidental Injury Care: Physician and facility care. |
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Medical Emergency Care: Facility care |
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Medical Emergency Care: Physician care |
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PRESCRIPTION DRUGS |
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Mail Service Pharmacy |
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Retail Pharmacy **** |
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DENTAL CARE |
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Routine Dental Care |
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CHIROPRACTIC CARE |
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Spinal Manipulations |
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OTHER BENEFITS |
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Catastrophic Benefits |
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* When you use Non-preferred facilities and professionals, your out-of-pocket expenses are greater. Please see the 2010 brochure for details.
** Basic Option does not generally provide benefits for services rendered by Non-preferred providers.
*** Prior approval is required for all MHSA outpatient services in order to receive benefits.
**** Members receive 4 free generic re-fills when they switch from a brand listed in the brochure to an eligible corresponding generic. See section 5(f) of the brochure or go to www.caremark.com/fep for details.