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August 28, 2008
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2003 DirectBlue Basic

Overview

DirectBlue Basic is an open access program that offers two levels of benefits. If you receive services from a provider who is in the DirectBlue network, you will receive the higher level of benefits for covered services. If you receive services from a provider who is not in the DirectBlue network, you will receive the lower level of benefits for covered services. There is no requirement to select a Primary Care Physician; however, we request that you choose a Primary Care Physician to assure you get consistent, quality care. Below are specific benefit levels.

DirectBlue also includes these important features for maximum member convenience:

  • Prescription drugs are covered when received at any pharmacy in the Premier Pharmacy Network.
  • The Blues on CallSM health decision support line is available to members 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Members can call this toll-free phone number to speak with a registered nurse for answers to health care questions and help making informed health care decisions.

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Benefits at a Glance

Wish to have a printable version of this benefit grid? A simple click will open a pdf version...DirectBlue Basic

Benefits "In-Network" Care "Out-of-Network"
Deductible
Individual None $500
Family None $1,000
Out-of-Pocket Maximums
(Excludes deductible, copayments, Prescription Drug Expenses, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Expenses, and amounts over UCR) Not Applicable $3,000 Individual
$6,000 Family
Coinsurance
  100% 80%
Policy Maximum
  Unlimited $1,000,000
Prescription Drugs
  Generic: $10 copayment
Brand: $20 copayment
Closed Formulary
Mandatory Generic1
34 day or 100 unit supply whichever is greater
Covered only at Premier Pharmacy Network
Physician Office Visits
  100% after $20 copayment
Includes self-referrals
80% after deductible
Preventive Care
Adult
Routine physical exams 100% after $20 copayment 80% after deductible
Routine gynecological exams, including PAP tests 100% after $20 copayment 80% (deductible does not apply)
Mammograms, as required 100% 80% after deductible
Pediatric
Pediatric immunizations 100% 80% (deductible does not apply)
Routine physical exams 100% after $20 copayment 80% after deductible
Emergency Room Services
  100%
$50 copayment/visit
Waived if admitted
Maternity
  100% after $250 per admission 80% after deductible
Hospital Expenses
Inpatient 100% after $250 per admission 80% after deductible
Outpatient 100% 80% after deductible
Diagnostic Services
Lab, X-ray and other tests 100% 80% after deductible
Physical Therapy
  100% after $20 copayment 80% after deductible
Speech and Occupational Therapy
  100% after $20 copayment 80% after deductible
Medical/Surgical Expenses
(Except office visits) 100% 80% after deductible
Spinal Manipulations
  100% after $20 copayment 80% after deductible
  Combined Limit: 20 visits/year
Skilled Nursing Facility Care
  100% 80% after deductible
Home Health Care3
  100% 80% after deductible
Durable Medical Equipment
  100% 80% after deductible
Private Duty Nursing
  100% 80% after deductible
Hospice
  100% 80% after deductible
Ambulance Services
  100% 80% after deductible
Mental Health4,5
Inpatient
  100%
Limit: 30 days per calendar year
80% after deductible
Limit: 10 days per calendar year
  Combined Maximum: 30 days per calendar year
Outpatient
  100% after $20 copayment
Limit: 20 visits per calendar year
50% after deductible
Limit: 10 visits per calendar year
  Combined Maximum: 20 visits per calendar year
Substance Abuse
Inpatient
Detoxification 100% 80% after deductible
  Combined Maximum: 7 days/admission; 4 admissions/lifetime
Rehabilitation 100% 80% after deductible
  Combined Maximum: 30 days/year; 90 days/lifetime
Outpatient
  100% 80% after deductible
  Combined Maximum: 60 visits/year; 120 visits/lifetime
Precertification Requirements
  Performed by Network Medical Management Required for inpatient admission to non-participating hospital ($300 penalty for non-compliance)6
Claim Form Required
  No Yes

1 Prescriptions are covered as long as they are listed on the prescription drug formulary applicable to your plan. Under the mandatory generic provision, the member is responsible for the payment differential when a generic drug is available and the doctor or patient specifies a brand name drug. The member payment is the price difference between the brand and generic in addition to the copayment or coinsurance amounts, which may apply.

2 Treatment includes coverage for the correction of a physical or medical problem associated with infertility. Infertility drug therapy may or may not be covered depending on your group's prescription drug benefits.

3 The Maternity Home Health Care Visit on In-Network Care is not subject to the program copayment, coinsurance or deductible amounts, if applicable.

4 To obtain mental health and substance abuse services at the maximum benefits level, you must contact Highmark's Mental Health and Substance Abuse Unit before seeking treatment.

5 State mandated benefits (30 inpatient days and 60 outpatient visits annually) may apply for serious diagnosis. Serious diagnosis includes: schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, delusional disorder.

6 If Blue Cross Blue Shield is not contacted prior to an inpatient admission and it is later determined that all or part of the inpatient stay was not medically necessary or appropriate, the patient will be responsible for payment of any costs not covered along with a $300 precertification penalty.

The benefit summary outlines the principal features of the program. It should not be considered the contract of benefits and provisions. Please refer to your member handbook for a complete description of benefits or contact us for a further explanation.

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Provider Network

To locate a participating provider, please click on the link below.

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Rates

To determine premium rates, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield uses a demographic rating method based on the following factors: business location, the number of eligible employees enrolling, the average age of all covered employees, and industry classification. Please contact the Council's Employee Benefits Group to determine your specific rates.

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Highmark Disclaimer


Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield® is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association serving businesses and residents in western Pennsylvania.

Highmark® is a registered service mark of Highmark Inc.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield® and the cross and shield symbols are registered service marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an Association of Independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.

Blues on CallSM is a service mark of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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This information is not intended for use without professional advice. While we have attempted to make this site as accurate as possible, it is only a summary. For more information, see our disclaimer.


Last updated on:  Thursday, November 04, 2004  Page: 

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