USHealthCare Systems

US Healthcare Systems™

Benefit FAQ's

Pre- Sales Service 1 866.9.PARKLAND

VISION FAQ

Q. What is the vision benefit? Does it include eye exams? Does it include contact lenses?
A. The vision benefit offers 10% to 60% discounts on eyewear and eye care at more than 12,000 optical locations throughout the United States. Providers include national optical chains such as LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, EyeMasters, JCPenney, and Sears as well as regional chains and thousands of independent practitioners. Often many participating locations offer discounts of 10% on eye exams for both eye glasses and contact lenses. Additionally, the ophthalmology portion of the network offers 10% to 30% discounts on eye exams and surgical procedures, including the popular laser surgeries in select markets.

On average, members receive a 20% discount on replacement contact lenses (excluding disposable lenses) at retail locations. Members may elect to use the mail order service to purchase replacement contact lenses (including disposables) at a 10% to 40% discount.

Q. Is Coast To Coast (CTC) discount insurance?
A. No. While an insured plan is available, CTC is a discount eyewear and eye care program. There is no paperwork. The participating retail optical locations will give the discount at the time of the purchase.

Q. Can members use CTC if they already have vision insurance?
A. Yes. In most cases CTC can be utilized to eliminate or reduce the deductible. Once the insurance benefit has been exhausted, members may use their discount to buy additional pairs of glasses or contacts.

Q. Is there a limit on the number of times the benefit can be used?
A. There is no limit on the number of times the member or family member can take advantage of the savings provided by CTC.

Q. Does the CTC discount include family members?
A. It includes the member, their spouse and all legal dependents.

Q. What is included with CTC membership?
A. Prescription glasses and contact lenses are discounted 20% to 60% in most cases. Eye exams and surgery are discounted 10% to 30% where available.

Q. Why does the discount vary from 10% to 60%?
A. Many variables go into the calculation of the discount such as market demographics, location, hours of operation, one-hour service capability and level of retail mark-up.
Example - a chain provider in a major metropolitan mall, open seven days a week, 10 hours a day with an on-site lab, will more than likely have a different mark-up than an independent practitioner in a rural community. However, members will pay almost exactly the same price for the exact same materials regardless of where the purchase is made. Only the percentage of discount off retail may vary.

Q. Can members receive the discount at any optical location?
A. No. Members must go to an optical location that is contracted with Coast to Coast Vision to receive a discount. Our providers include national, regional and local chains as well as thousands of independent professionals.

Q. What is a dispensing fee?
A. The dispensing fee is the amount of money that is added to the provider's wholesale acquisition cost of materials. It is generally the only profit made by the provider on your purchase.

Q. Is the eye exam discounted?
A. Yes, at approximately 4,000 of our 12,000 locations nationwide. Our member service representatives can tell you which locations discount eye exams in your area.

Q. What do I do when I get to the location to get my discount?
A. All you need to do to receive your discount is show the provider your membership card and tell them you are with Coast to Coast Vision. It is very important that you mention Coast to Coast Vision Plan to ensure a discount at the time of purchase.

Q. Do I get the discount if the store is running a sale?
A. The location will not combine our contracted discount with the sale price. However, in most cases, the Coast to Coast price will be better than the sale price.

Q. Do the retail locations mark up the merchandise to give me the discount?
A. No, you receive the discount because CTC brings the buying power of over 10 million members to the optical retailers participating with us.

Q. How do I get my eye doctor or optician on the Coast To Coast network?
A. If you wish to refer your doctor to the Coast to Coast network, just give us their name, address and phone number and we will contact them about becoming a provider. If your practitioner does not wish to join the plan, you can still use him/her for your eye exam. Simply take your prescription to one of our participating providers to receive your discount on glasses or contact lenses.

Q. How can I be guaranteed the greatest savings on contact lenses for me and for my husband?
A. Although members receive a 10% to 20% discount when purchasing replacement contact lenses at participating optical centers, the greatest savings and selection for contact lenses is often offered through the mail order program. Replacement contact lenses are discounted at 10% to 40% below retail.

Q. Can I purchase disposable contact lenses at a discount through a participating optical center?
A. No. Disposable lenses are generally priced as "loss leaders" at the retail stores. However, members can use the mail order contact lens program to receive discounts when ordering disposable lenses.

Q. What if my contact lenses are destroyed while I'm on vacation?
A. Simply call the toll-free number on the back of your membership card. The patient registration keeps your prescription on file until it expires and we can send your replacements overnight to you almost anywhere in the world.

ROADSIDE ASSIST FAQs

Q. How does this benefit work?
A. Just by calling the toll-free number on the membership card, a service vehicle is dispatched to the member's location. Emergency Roadside Assistance is available throughout the United States and Canada, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Members only pay for any costs in excess of the $80.00 per occurrence limit plus any non-covered costs.
Q. Can the vehicle be left unattended where it became disabled and still be serviced?
A. Service providers are not allowed to service an unattended vehicle so it is important that the vehicle remains attended after the call for assistance has been placed.
Q. Can members still be reimbursed if they pay out of pocket at the time of service?
A. Members must contact Emergency Roadside Assistance's 24-hour, toll-free number to have an authorized network service provider dispatched to their assistance. Assistance obtained through any source other than the Emergency Roadside Assistance provider is not covered and is not reimbursable. In the event that service is not obtainable through the Emergency Roadside Assistance provider, the member will receive an authorization number from the Emergency Roadside Assistance provider and will receive a refund of payments made according to the program benefit and coverage limits for services secured independently.
Q. What exactly is considered a 'covered emergency?'
A. The following are covered emergencies, subject to the $80.00 per occurrence limitation:
Towing Assistance - When towing is necessary, the covered vehicle will be towed to the closest qualified service facility or to any location requested
Battery Service - If a battery failure occurs, a jump-start will be applied to start the covered vehicle
Flat Tire Assistance - Service consists of the removal of the flat tire and its replacement with the spare tire
Fuel, Oil, Fluid, and Water Delivery Service - An emergency supply of fuel, oil, fluid, and water will be delivered if you are in immediate need. You must pay for the fuel or other fluid when it is delivered
Lock-out Assistance - If your keys are locked inside of the vehicle, we will provide assistance in gaining entry to the vehicle.

VITAMINS FAQS

Q. What is the Vitamins benefit?
A. The Vitamins program provides members with vitamins and nutritional supplements at 10% off every product. Most major brands of vitamins and nutritional supplements are available through VIP Health. Members can call a toll-free number and request a catalog.
Q. Can members use this benefit in any retail location?
A. No. The vitamin portion of the program is strictly a mail order process.
Q. What are the advantages of using this program as opposed to shopping for vitamins at a local retailer?
A. In addition to receiving 10% off the initial order, members will have the convenience of toll-free ordering and the purchase will be quickly delivered to any location.
Q. Do members need to call each month to request a catalog?
A. No. Once the member has placed a health supplement order, their name will be kept on the mailing list to receive new catalogs periodically for the next two years.
Q. Aside from vitamins, what other products are discounted?
A. In addition to vitamins, members can take advantage of discounts on herbs, minerals, weight loss products, digestive aids and much more.

TAX HELP LINE FAQ

Q. What does the Tax Help Line do?
A. Tax Help Line offers members access to unlimited tax advice, prior year tax return reviews, and free tax return preparation for forms 1040 A, 1040 EZ and the standard 1040. In addition, Tax Help Line provides members with access to discounts on numerous tax return schedules and forms. By using a toll-free number during normal business hours, members will be able to effectively plan in advance so the year-end tax preparation is free and painless.
Q. Who is behind the Tax Help Line?
A. All tax and financial assistance is provided by tax attorneys, financial analysts, CPAs, former auditors and/or Enrolled Agents certified by the IRS. This team of professionals is ready to answer tax questions in a confidential and secure environment.
Q. What guarantee do members have that the tax returns will be accurate?
A. All tax and financial advice is backed by a $1 million liability policy.
Q. Why would a member who uses tax preparation software to file taxes need the Tax Help Line?
A. With today's tax software programs, users need more than help screens. Offering live, one-on-one direct answers to members' tax questions over the phone, the Tax Help Line steps in with tax advice tailored specifically to a member's unique situation.
Q. How would the Tax Help Line assist members in the event of an audit?
A. Tax Help Line will review any notice or letter issued by the IRS and provide professional advice n how to understand and solve the matter. Tax Help Line experts assist and advise members who get audited by reviewing the IRS audit notification and helping sort out the facts.
Q. What sort of questions do members ask?
A. Members may ask questions covering any aspect of U.S. tax law, such as:
Should I open a ROTH IRA?
How does the capital gain tax work?
Is the money I inherited taxable?
Which tax form do I file?
Is my Social Security or retirement taxable?
Do I get a break for child care expenses?
Should I itemize deductions?
Which deductions can I take if I have a home-based business?

PET CARE FAQs

Q. What is the Pet Care Savings Program?
A. The Pet Care Savings Program is designed to save members money on everything for their special family member - their pet! All pets in the household can take advantage of this program. With the Pet Care Savings Program there is a 25% discount at our network veterinarians on most procedures, plus savings up to 30% on pet products and services at participating merchants. The Pet Care Savings Program also includes a free pet ID tag and enrollment in its Nationwide Lost Pet Location and Recovery. This service reunites hundreds of lost pets with their owners 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Q. How do members locate a network provider?
A. Members may call the toll-free number located on the membership card for participating providers in their area. A website with up to date information is also available 24/7 to assist in provider location.
Q. How do members receive their discount?
A. Participating veterinary practices provide members a 25% savings on most medical services while participating merchants and service providers provide 10% to 30% savings on many products and/or services. When calling to make an appointment, the member must confirm that the provider participates in the program prior to purchasing products and/or services. Once at the provider's location the member must simply present their membership card at the time of service to have the bill immediately adjusted.
Please Note: A veterinary practice may reduce or eliminate the discount on (i) time-limited specials such as coupons or special sales, (ii) food and flea products (iii) routine boarding and grooming (iv) services by professionals that are not part of the regular practice staff and (v) low-margin pharmaceuticals.
Q. Can members refer their veterinarians or service providers to the network?
A. Yes. Please ask the provider to call us toll-free for information on joining the network.
Q. What if a member loses his or her pet ID tag?
A. Please call us immediately. We will send you a replacement within one business day.
Q. Can a member add an additional pet after signing up for the Pet Care Savings program?
A. Yes. A website is available to update both pet information and the member's personal information. The member may also call toll-free to speak with a member service representative who will be able to update his or her information.

LEGAL CARE DIRECT FAQ's

Q. Can members change attorneys, for whatever reason?
A. Yes, at any time, for whatever reason and as often as needed. Members are not restricted in any way. Simply call the toll-free number on the back of the membership card for a new referral to a participating attorney anytime.
Q. What happens if a member moves to another part of the country?
A. The member should call the toll-free number on the back of the membership card and he/she will be assigned to another network attorney. With a network of 20,000 attorneys in all 50 States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, members will always have their legal needs taken care of.
Q. What is excluded or not eligible under the plan?
A. Nothing. Since the plan is not an insurance policy, there are no pre-existing conditions, exclusions, waiting periods or usage limitations. All areas of law are eligible for the discounts; including but not limited to, simple traffic offenses to more complicated custody, criminal and civil suits.
Q. What are some of the benefits?
A. As a plan member, the attorney will provide:
Eight free services, such as the preparation of a simple will (along with annual updates), unlimited consultation per new legal matter, review of important legal documents per new legal matter (six page max.) and many others.
Eight deeply discounted services, such as $275 for a simple divorce, $750 for filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, $250for a real estate closing, to name just a few.
An extended service and in-court representation is available for $125.00 per hour, or when appropriate, a 40% discount off the usual and customary hourly rate. This is a tremendous savings over the national average of $210 per hour.
Contingency fees (if any) are at a 10% reduction of the state's maximum rate, or the attorney's usual rate, whichever is lower.
Q. Are family members eligible to receive these services?
A. Yes. This benefit may be used by members, their spouse and all legal dependants residing in the member's household up to the age of 25.
Q. Why are legal services needed?
A. Attorneys are needed in various cases, including:
If the member is married and/or has children but does not have a will
When buying a home
When contemplating divorce
When dealing with child custody issues
When confronted with overwhelming debt
To review any lease or rental agreement

HEARING FAQ's

Q. What is the hearing aids benefit?
A. Members call the toll-free number to speak with a representative who will answer questions about hearing loss, hearing aids, pricing/payment options, and arrange a hearing test appointment at the closest hearing provider. Through participating providers, members receive a 15% to 58% discount and a free hearing test at over 2,050 locations throughout the US. In addition, members have access to a mail order program that offers discounts of 40% to 60% off average National Retail Pricing on over 100 models of name brand hearing instruments.
Q. May family members utilize this benefit?
A. Yes. This plan may be used by the member, their spouse, and legal dependents.
Q. Is there a selection of hearing aids from which to choose?
A. Yes, most locations offer 15 different brands and over 70 models.
Q. What states do not allow hearing aids to be bought through the mail?
A. This benefit is available in all 50 states.
Q. What services are included in the program?
A. Significant discounts on the purchase of hearing instruments.
An excellent customer service call center to handle all questions and scheduling.
Two-year warranty on all included products with an option to purchase an extended warranty.
45-day trial period with a money-back guarantee.
Free hearing screening plus three (3) free visits to the hearing professional.
Patient financing options.
Large and rapidly expanding network of participating providers.
The preferred prices* are as follows:
$995 for one Basic (100% digital, 2 channels, 2 memories) the MSRP = $1595, a saving of 37%
$1495 for one Medallion (100% digital, 7 channels, 3 memories, voice processing, feedback detection) the MSRP = $3595, a saving of 58%
$1995 for one Ultra (100% digital, 14 channels, 3 memories, feedback detection 6 compression areas, noise reduction, speech preservation etc.) the MSRP = $4755, a saving of 58%
*All preferred prices are considered "payment in full" when included services are rendered by a participating provider.
Q. Do prices vary by style within a particular hearing model or class?
A. The prices do not vary for a different size or model of hearing aids within the class (Basic, Medallion or Ultra). For example, within the Medallion class, the Medallion is priced the same for a Completely-In-the-Canal model, as opposed to any larger size such as a Behind-the-Ear hearing instrument.

Q. Who is eligible for the program?
A. Eligible persons include the member, the member's spouse and the member's legal dependents, as well as the member's parents and grandparents.
Q. What does the warranty include?
A. During year 1, the warranty includes any loss or damage with full replacement. During year 2, the warranty includes repairs only. During year 3, the member may purchase an extended warranty. The current average cost is $150 per year.
Q. What type of providers are in the network?
A. The network is comprised of only the best in hearing professionals. These include Doctors of Audiology, Audiologists, and Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialists. All must have current state licenses.
Q. What constitutes a complimentary hearing screening under the program?
A. A screening from a hearing professional is simply a pass/fail test. Hearing aids will not be prescribed on just a screening alone. If an individual fails a hearing screening, a full diagnostic test will be administered. Full diagnostic testing can be charged to the patient from an audiologist. In most cases only a co-pay is expected from the patient. If a Hearing Instrument Specialist is performing the testing, the full diagnostic testing will always be free of charge to the patient.
Q. How do Members access the program?
A. Members begin by calling the toll-free Customer Call Center to schedule their complimentary examination. The member will then be guided through the process from beginning to end.

NURSE HOTLINE FAQ's

Q. How does this benefit work?
A. Nurse Hotline offers toll-free access to experienced registered nurses, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. The nurses are an immediate, reliable, and caring source of health and medical information, education, and support.
Q. Are members charged every time they utilize the benefit?
A. No. Members may use the Nurse Hotline as much as they need without worry of being charged over and above the membership fee.
Q. What issues would prompt a call to Nurse Hotline?
A. There may be a time when a member or family member is sick and in need of some expert medical advice without having to see a physician. Nurse Hotline can provide valuable medical information on over-the-counter drugs that may be helpful.
Q. Can members receive general health information through the Nurse Hotline benefit?
A. Yes. Members can call and utilize a Health Library with over 400 topics that have fax-on-demand capabilities. These topics cover such areas as cancer, heart disease, depression, etc.

FINANCIAL HELPLINE FAQ's

Q. How may the Financial Helpline help members?
A. Periodically people need financial guidance and feel they have nowhere to turn; Financial Helpline is here to provide that guidance at no charge whenever the need arises. Financial Helpline helps members:
Save money - getting specific guidance makes a smarter financial consumer which saves members hundreds, even thousands of dollars.
Save time - a two minute call often saves hours of time.
Save effort - access to infinite information leaves most people overwhelmed; using our counselors is the easiest way to find that golden nugget.
Q. What questions may members ask?
A. Members may ask questions covering almost any financial planning topic, everything from household debt and budgeting to retirement planning and saving for children's college education. Here are some questions that members frequently ask:
"Should I consider an education IRA or a Section 529 plan for college savings?"
"I'm overwhelmed with debt. What can I do?"
"We just started a family. How do I figure out how much insurance I need now?"
"Is it time to refinance my mortgage?"
"My mother just turned 65. What federal income tax benefits are available to her?"
"I want to buy a new car. Can you help me understand the financing details?"
"How does a reverse mortgage work?"
"We're buying our first house. What type of mortgage should I look for?"
"Does it make sense to borrow from my 401(k) account to pay off my debts?"
We also have a variety of planning tools members can use for quick calculations, such as a retirement planner, a Roth IRA planner, a college savings calculator, a 401(k) loan analyzer and many others. All are easy to use and easy to understand.
Q. Is there a limit on the number of questions asked?
A. No, members may ask as many questions, as often as they want.

DENTAL FAQ's

Q. How does the dental plan work?
A. Participating dental providers are listed in the membership fulfillment kit; members may also call the toll-free number located on the back of the membership card Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. When calling to schedule an appointment the member should identify him/herself as a member of the Aetna Dental Access program. To receive the discount the member must present the membership card and pay the total bill at the time of service.
Q. Is there a limit to the number of times the card may be used?
A. No. Members and their families may take advantage of the savings any time throughout the year. Members may also change dentists within the network whenever they choose.
Q. May this discount be combined with dental insurance?
A. In many cases, members may use both. Simply visit a participating dental provider, pay the bill and submit it to the insurance company. The net out-of-pocket cost will be lower because the insurance company should reimburse the member their plan allotted percentage of the reduced bill.
Q. Is there someone that can answer questions about the card and services offered?
A. Yes. Simply call the toll-free number located on the back of the membership card Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central and Saturday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Central. A member services representative is standing by to answer any questions.
Q. What if a member's dentist is not a participating provider?
A. Simply call the toll-free number on the membership card and give the member services representative the doctor's name, address, phone number and specialty. We then contact the doctor about becoming a provider.

Consult A Doctor™ FAQ's

Q. What is the Consult A DoctorTM Service?
A. Consult A DoctorTM offers 24/7 access to its nationwide cross-coverage network of U.S. licensed physicians for telephone and secure e-mail medical consultations. Physicians discuss symptoms, recommend treatment options, diagnose many common conditions, and prescribe medication when appropriate.
Q. What conditions can be treated by a telephone consultation with a physician?
A. Consult A Doctor provides access to physicians for the treatment of non-emergency, acute, short-term conditions involving routine primary care. Specific examples include cold and flu, upper respiratory infections, upset stomach, sinusitis, and many other every day ailments.
Q. How do I request a consultation?
A. After enrolling, you can access our physicians either by visiting the website and logging into your account or simply by calling the toll-free number.
Q. What are the different types of consultation services offered?
A. There are two different types of service: Informational Consultations (by telephone or e-mail) and Diagnostic Consultations (only by telephone).
Informational Consultations: (On Call and E-Consult) Convenient, 24/7 telephone or e-mail access to physicians for general advice and recommendations regarding routine medical conditions.
Diagnostic Consultations: (Priority and By Appointment) Comprehensive telephone medical consultation, often resulting in diagnosis and specific treatment recommendations. Medication may be prescribed if appropriate. Priority consultations occur within 3 hours.
Q. Is there a minimum age requirement?
A. Yes. Excluding dependants, the primary member/account holder must be 18 years of age or older. A parent or guardian may conduct a consultation on behalf of an underage dependant as long as they are listed on the account.
Q. Can I get the consultation information to my doctor?
A. Consult A Doctor provides its members with a FREE Personal Health Record (PHR). You can access your record by accessing the personal health manager on the website or by contacting member services.
Here are some reasons individuals utilize Consult A Doctor's service:
24/7 access to physicians
After-hours or on weekends and holidays, when your primary care physician is unavailable
Require medical advice and care, without the inconvenience of time off work
Need prescription medication for a common malady or a refill
While traveling or on-the-go

ALTERNATIVE HEALTH & WELLNESS FAQ's

Q. What is Alternative Medicine?
A. Alternative Medicine includes any of the various systems of healing or treating disease (such as acupuncture, homeopathy, or herbal medicine) not included in the traditional medical curricula taught in the U.S.
Q. Why is Alternative Medicine needed?
A. More and more patients are finding that alternative medicine has a great deal to offer, especially for treating chronic conditions with which Western Medicine has little success. The vast majority of patients, however, do not see conventional and unconventional therapies as an either/or proposition. Rather, they seek to make informed, personal choices about how to integrate both.
Q. What kind of problems does Alternative Medicine deal with?
A. Alternative Medicine has been used to treat a vast array of both physical and emotional ailments, from back problems, anxiety, headaches, and chronic pain to cancer or tumors.
Q. How much can I save with this benefit?
A. The exact amount a member will save depends upon the provider selected. Network providers offer discounts from 10% to 30%. After a provider is selected, it is recommended that the member call the provider's office to learn what level of discount is offered.
Q. Is there a limited number of times the Alternative Medicine benefit may be used?
A. No. Members and their legal dependents may use this benefit as frequently as they wish.
Q. Can members go to any Alternative Medicine Provider to receive a discount?
A. To receive a discount on services, members must go to a participating provider. To locate a participating provider, the member should call the toll-free number located on the membership card and speak with a member services representative.
Q. Is there someone who can answer questions about the Alternative Medicine discount benefit?
A. Yes. Simply call the toll-free number on the back of your membership card. Member Services Representatives are standing by to answer any questions?

Disclosures:

Discount Medical Plan Organization:
New Benefits, Ltd.
Attn: Compliance Department
PO Box 671309
Dallas, TX 75367-1309
800-800-7616
This plan is NOT insurance. This plan does not make payments directly to the providers of medical services. The plan member is obligated to pay for all healthcare services but will receive a discount from those healthcare providers who have contracted with the discount plan organization. This plan provides discounts at certain healthcare providers for medical services.
This discount card program contains a 30 day cancellation period. FL, LA, ND, OK, SC, SD and TX residents: Member shall receive a full refund of membership fees, excluding registration fee, if membership is cancelled within the first 30 days after the effective date. AR and TN residents: A refund of all fees will be issued if membership is cancelled within the first 30 days. MD Residents: The membership fee and one-time registration fee (minus $5.00) will be refunded if cancelled within the first 30 days and upon return of the discount card. The range of discounts for medical or ancillary services provided under the plan will vary depending on the type of provider and medical or ancillary service received. The discount medical card program makes available, before purchase and upon request, a list of program providers, including the name, city, state, and specialty of each program provider located in the cardholder's service area.
WA residents: If a member cancels his or her membership in the discount plan organization within the first thirty days after the date of receipt of the written documents for the discount plan, the member must receive a reimbursement of all periodic charges upon return of the discount plan card to the discount plan organization.
(A) Cancellation occurs when notice of cancellation is given to the discount plan organization.
(B) Notice of cancellation is given when delivered by hand or deposited in a mailbox, properly addressed and postage prepaid to the mailing address of the discount plan organization, or e-mailed to the e-mail address of the discount plan organization. (A) discount plan organization shall return in full any periodic charge charged or collected after the member has given the discount plan organization notice of cancellation.
(B) If the discount plan organization cancels a membership for any reason other than nonpayment of charges by the member, the discount plan organization shall make a pro rata reimbursement of all periodic charges to the member.
If the member remains dissatisfied after completing the organization's complaint system, the plan member may contact the office of the insurance commissioner. Internet website address to obtain participating providers is home.locateproviders.com .