Evidence of Coverage
Please see also the Evidence of Coverage for your VIVA Medicare Plus plan.
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View Evidence of Coverage for your VIVA Medicare Plus plan
The Evidence of Coverage provides detailed information on the plan's service area, benefits, and cost-sharing, coverage determinations, grievance and appeals, the potential for contract termination, member and plan rights and responsibilities now and upon disenrollment, how to obtain an aggregate number of the plan's grievances, appeals and exceptions, and out-of-network coverage.
Please see the table of contents in the front of the Evidence of Coverage to find the page number for the subject on which you need information.
*By clicking the links above you may be directed away from www.vivamedicaremember.com.
Monthly Premium2
In 2012, the VIVA Medicare Plus Rx plan has a $0.00 monthly plan premium (members continue to pay the Part B premium to Medicare). The VIVA Medicare Plus Rx Premier plan has a $99 monthly plan premium.
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2The VIVA Medicare Plus Rx Extra Value Plan has $0 monthly plan premium because your Extra Help pays your Part D premium for you. Members must have Medicare and Medicaid to join this plan.
Members who enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit after their initial eligibility period may have to pay a late enrollment penalty imposed by Medicare.
Low-Income Subsidy
Extra Help for Members with Low Incomes.
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Review government programs that can help pay for health care
Programs that can help pay for prescriptions
Some people with Medicare can get extra help with prescription drug costs and their monthly plan premiums. If eligible, your monthly plan premium will generally be lower once you receive extra help from Medicare. Persons eligible for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or a Medicare Savings Program qualify for the extra help automatically and do not need to apply. All others may apply with the Social Security Administration by mail, by telephone (1-800-772-1213), or on the internet at:
http://www.socialsecurity.gov.
Applications may also be filed at a local Medicaid office. Medicare Part D will provide a full subsidy with low co-payments to Medicare beneficiaries with incomes up to 135% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and limited resources. Medicare Part D will provide a partial subsidy of premium, deductible and co-insurance to Medicare beneficiaries with incomes up to 150% of the FPL and limited resources.
In some instances CMS systems may show that you are not eligible for the low income subsidy (LIS) or extra help even though you are. VIVA Medicare
Plus is required to accept evidence that you present despite it contradicting the information received from CMS. Click the following link to see the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services webpage about the evidence you may submit to show your eligibility for the low-income subsidy (also known as Best Available Evidence)
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PrescriptionDrugCovContra/17_Best_Available_Evidence_Policy.asp
The table below shows what your monthly premium will be for VIVA Medicare
Plus Plans if you are currently on LIS. The premiums listed do not include any Part B premium that you may have to pay. The premiums listed in the table are for both medical services and prescription drug benefits.
LIS VIVA Medicare Plus Rx,
VIVA Medicare Plus Extra Value
Monthly Premium |
| |
2011 |
2012 |
| 100% |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
| 75% |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
| 50% |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
| 25% |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
LIS VIVA Medicare Plus Rx Monthly Premium (2011) |
| 100% | $0 |
| 75% | $0 |
| 50% | $0 |
| 25% | $0 |
LIS VIVA Medicare Plus Rx Premier Monthly Premium |
| | 2011 | 2012 |
| 100% | $63.30 | $67.30 |
| 75% | $71.70 | $75.20 |
| 50% | $80.10 | $83.10 |
| 25% | $88.60 | $91.10 |
*By clicking the links above you may be directed away from www.vivamedicaremember.com.
HIV Screenings
As part of our contract with CMS, VIVA Medicare Plus covers all Original Medicare Benefits including new services covered under national coverage decisions (NCDs). In a decision memorandum dated December 8, 2009, CMS added benefits under “additional preventive services” for HIV screenings, provided certain requirements are met.
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Effective January 1, 2010, VIVA Medicare
Plus covers standard and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved HIV screening tests for:
-
Annual Voluntary HIV screening of Medicare beneficiaries at increased risk for HIV infection per United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines. To view the guidelines, please visit http://www.cms.gov/mcd/viewdecisionmemo.asp?from2=viewdecisionmemo.asp&id=229&.
-
Voluntary HIV screening of pregnant Medicare beneficiaries when the diagnosis of pregnancy is known, during the third trimester, and at labor.
No matter which VIVA Medicare
Plus plan you are on, 100% of the cost of the HIV screening will be covered. You must use a VIVA Medicare
Plus contracted provider in your provider system to administer the screening.
For more information concerning this memo, please click
HERE.
Pharmacy Network
The VIVA Medicare Plus Pharmacy network effective January 1st, 2012 includes 68,290 pharmacies including local pharmacies and national chains.
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Pharmacy Directory
This network equals or exceeds requirements of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for pharmacy access. Please review the information in the front of the pharmacy directory to learn more about how to fill prescriptions and when you can use an out-of-network pharmacy. For your convenience, VIVA Medicare Plus has provided links to both the printed pharmacy directory and the online pharmacy directory search.
*By clicking the links above you may be directed away from www.vivamedicaremember.com.
Formulary
Please review the information in the Formulary Introduction to learn more about your VIVA Medicare Plus drug benefit including how to ask for an exception if your drug is not on the formulary, has a quantity limit, or is covered as a non-preferred drug.
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2012 Formulary
Summary of 2012 Formulary Changes
Formulary Changes. Each October, all current members are mailed a copy of the formulary for the next calendar year. To see changes made to the formulary since the time of the last annual mailing, click the link above.
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Drugs Requiring Prior Authorization
We require you to get prior authorization for certain drugs that are on our formulary.
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Prior Authorization Form
These drugs have a "PA" next to them in the formulary. This means that you will need to get approval from us before you fill these prescriptions or we may not cover the drug. Ask your doctor to complete the form above and submit it for approval before you go to the pharmacy if you need a drug that requires prior authorization.
Click here for the VIVA MEDICARE Plus prior authorization criteria. The formulary may change during the year. Members can find information regarding any mid-year non-maintenance formulary changes to the printed formulary by clicking here, calling Member Services, or reviewing your monthly Part D Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to see which of the drugs you are currently taking are coming off the VIVA MEDICARE Plus formulary.
*By clicking the links above you may be directed away from www.vivamedicaremember.com.
Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Progam
A Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Program is a free service we offer members who meet certain criteria. To be considered for the MTM program, you must have three of the conditions listed below. Although not considered a benefit, you may be invited to participate in a program designed for your specific health and pharmacy needs. You may decide not to participate, but it is recommended that you take full advantage of this covered service if you are selected. Contact our Member Services Department if you have any questions.
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| Bone Disease-Arthritis-Osteoporosis | Respiratory Disease-Asthma |
| Bone Disease-Arthritis-Osteoarthritis | Respiratory Disease-COPD |
| Bone Disease-Arthritis-Rheumatoid Arthritis | Respiratory Disease-Chronic Lung Disorders |
| Chronic Heart Failure | Mental Health-Depression |
| Diabetes mellitus | Mental Health-Schizophrenia |
| Dyslipidemia | Mental Health-Bipolar Disorder |
| Hypertension | Mental Health-Chronic and disabling |
| Alzheimers disease | End-stage liver disease |
| Anemia | End-stage renal disease requiring dialysis |
| Anticoagulation | GI/Reflux/Ulcer conditions |
| Autoimmune disorders | Hepatitis C |
| BPH | HIV/AIDS |
| Cancer | Multiple Sclerosis |
| Cardiovascular disorders (includes hypertension and dyslipidemia) | Parkinson's disease |
| Cerebrovascular disease | Severe hematologic disorders |
| Chronic alcohol and other drug dependence | Neurologic disorders |
| Chronic pain | Stroke |
| Dementia | |
The MTM program offers an interactive, person-to-person telephonic consultation. Members who meet the eligibility requirements will be invited to participate in a comprehensive medication review through an invitation letter. Those members that do not respond to the invitation letter will also receive a phone invitation to participate. Members will be asked for their medical history, all medications (prescription and non-prescription) that they may be taking and any lab data they may have. A specially trained clinical pharmacist will review all of the information and a comprehensive medication review will be scheduled with the member. After the consultation, the member will be provided with a comprehensive list of all of their current medications, including non-prescription medications such as OTCs or herbal products, and a written summary of the consultation, including any recommended action items. Follow-up consultations will be scheduled as needed, and the member can call the pharmacist with questions at any time.
Transition Policy
Members in our plan may be taking drugs that are not on our formulary, or that are subject to certain restrictions, such as prior authorization.
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Members should talk to their doctors to decide if they should switch to an appropriate drug that we cover or request a formulary exception (which is a type of coverage determination) in order to get coverage for the drug.
While these new members might talk to their doctors to determine the right course of action, we may cover the non-formulary drug in certain cases during the first 90 days of new membership.
For each of the drugs that is not on our formulary or that have coverage restrictions or limits, we will cover a temporary 31-day supply (unless the prescription is written for fewer days) when the new member goes to a network pharmacy (and the drug is otherwise a "Part D drug").
After the first 31-day supply, we will not pay for these drugs, even if the new member has been a member of the plan less than 90 days. If the new member is a resident of a long-term care facility, we will cover a temporary 31-day transition supply (unless you have a prescription written for fewer days).
For new members residing in a long term care facility, we will cover more than one refill of these drugs for the first 90-days for a new member of our plan. If a new member in a long term care facility needs a drug that is not on our formulary or is subject to other restrictions, such as step therapy or dosage limits, but the new member is past the first 90-days of new membership in our plan, we will cover a 31-day emergency supply of that drug (unless the prescription is for fewer days) while the new member pursues a formulary exception.
If your drug is not on the Drug List or is restricted, here are the things you can do:
- You may be able to get a temporary supply of the drug (only members in certain situations can get a temporary supply). This will give you and your doctor time to change to another drug or to file an exception.
- You can change to another drug.
- You can request an exception and ask the plan to cover the drug or remove restrictions from the drug.
Refer to Section 5.2 in chapter 5 of your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for more information on the following:
- How to receive a temporary supply
- Changing to another drug
- Request an exception and ask the plan to cover the drug or remove restrictions
Complaint Processes
A complete description of the grievance and appeals processes for your prescription drug benefit is found in your Evidence of Coverage.
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If you have complaints about your Part D prescription drug benefits, we encourage you to let us know right away.
Our Member Services staff is here to help if you have questions, concerns, or problems related to your prescription drug coverage. Please call Member Services at 205-918-2067 in Birmingham or 1-800-633-1542 toll free. TTY users, please call the Alabama Relay Service at 1-800-548-2546. Regular office hours are from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Extended office hours (Oct. 15 - Feb. 14) are from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday through Sunday. A complaint will be handled as a grievance, coverage determination, or an appeal, depending on the subject of the complaint. You can also contact the numbers above for process or status questions.
Appointing a Representative
You can name (appoint) someone to file a complaint for you. This person you name would be your representative.
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VIVA MEDICARE Plus Appointment of Representative Form for Grievances
VIVA MEDICARE Plus Appointment of Representative Form for Appeals
CMS Appointment of Representation Form (Form CMS-1696)
You can name a relative, friend, advocate, doctor, or someone else to act for you if they are not already authorized under state law to act for you.
If you want someone to act for you, then you and that person must sign and date a statement that gives that person legal permission to act as your representative. This statement must be sent to us at 1222 14th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35205. If you wish to appoint someone else to file a complaint for you, you may use VIVA Health's Appointment of Representative form or the form developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Both forms are located above.
*By clicking the links above you may be directed away from www.vivamedicaremember.com.
Grievances
A grievance is any complaint other than one that involves a coverage determination. You would file a grievance if you have any type of problem with VIVA MEDICARE Plus or one of our network providers or pharmacies that does not relate to coverage or payment for a service or prescription drug.
For the 2011 Evidences of Coverage, you can find information regarding the grievance, coverage determiniation (including exceptions), and appeals process in the following sections: VIVA MEDICARE Plus Select: Chapter 7 and All other VIVA MEDICARE Plus plans: Chapter 9.
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VIVA MEDICARE Plus Premier Evidence of Coverage
VIVA MEDICARE Plus Rx Evidence of Coverage
VIVA MEDICARE Plus Select Evidence of Coverage
VIVA MEDICARE Plus Rx Extra Value Evidence of Coverage
For example, you would file a grievance if you have a problem with things such as waiting times when you fill a prescription, the way your network pharmacist or others behave, being able to reach someone by phone or get the information you need, or the cleanliness or condition of a network pharmacy.
You can start the grievance process by calling Member Services at 205-918-2067 in Birmingham or 1-800-633-1542 toll free. TTY users, please call the Alabama Relay Service at 1-800-548-2546. Regular office hours are from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Extended office hours (Oct. 15 - Feb. 14) are from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday through Sunday. You can also contact the numbers above for process or status questions.
You can also write to VIVA Medicare Plus, Attention: Medicare Member Appeals and Grievances, 1222 14th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205 or you can fax your complaint to us at 205-558-7414.
Coverage Determinations
Whenever you ask for a Part D prescription drug benefit, the first step is called requesting a coverage determination.
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VIVA MEDICARE Plus Determination and Exception Form
Medicare Exceptions Form for use by providers
CMS Medicare Part D Coverage Determination
Request Form for use by providers
CMS Medicare Exceptions Form
for use by people with Medicare
CMS Request for Medicare Prescription Drug Determination
Request Form for use by enrollees
If your doctor or pharmacist tells you that a certain prescription drug is not covered, you must contact Member Services if you want to request a coverage determination. When we make a coverage determination, we are making a decision whether or not to provide or pay for a Part D drug and what your share of the cost is for the drug. You have the right to ask us for an "exception," which is a type of coverage determination, if you believe you need a drug that is not on our list of covered drugs (formulary) or believe you should get a non-preferred drug at the lower preferred drug copayment. If you request an exception, your physician must provide a statement to support your request.
VIVA Medicare Plus' coverage determination and exception request form is included above. Links are also provided for Medicare's (CMS) versions of this form (one for members, one for providers). If we deny your request, we will send you a written decision explaining the reason why your request was denied. We may decide completely or only partly against you. For example, if we deny your request for payment for a Part D drug that you have already received, we may say that we will pay nothing or only part of the amount you requested. If a coverage determination does not give you all that you requested, you have the right to appeal the decision.
You can also request a coverage determination by writing to VIVA Medicare Plus, Attention: Medicare Member Appeals and Grievances, 1222 14th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205 or you can fax your request to us at 205-558-7414.
You can request an expedited coverage determination by calling Member Services at 205-918-2067 in Birmingham or 1-800-633-1542 toll free. TTY users, please call the Alabama Relay Service at 1-800-548-2546. Regular office hours are from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Extended office hours (Oct. 15 - Feb. 14) are from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday through Sunday. You can also contact the numbers above for process or status questions.
*By clicking the links above you may be directed away from www.vivamedicaremember.com.
Appeals / Redetermination
An appeal is any of the procedures that deal with the review of an unfavorable coverage determination. You cannot request an appeal if we have not issued a coverage determination.
For the 2011 Evidences of Coverage, you can find information regarding the grievance, coverage determiniation (including exceptions), and appeals process in the following sections: VIVA MEDICARE Plus Select: Chapter 7 and All other VIVA MEDICARE Plus plans: Chapter 9.
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Redetermination Medicare Prescription Drug Denial
VIVA MEDICARE Plus Premier Evidence of Coverage
VIVA MEDICARE Plus Rx Evidence of Coverage
VIVA MEDICARE Plus Select Evidence of Coverage
VIVA MEDICARE Plus Rx Extra Value Evidence of Coverage
If we issue an unfavorable coverage determination, you may file an appeal called a "redetermination" if you want us to reconsider and change our decision. The letter notifying you of the unfavorable coverage determination will explain how to file an appeal. If our redetermination decision on your appeal is unfavorable, you have additional appeal rights.
You can file your written appeal to VIVA Medicare Plus, Attention: Medicare Member Appeals and Grievances, 1222 14th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205 or you can fax your appeal to us at 205-558-7414.
You can submit an oral request for an expedited appeal by calling Member Services at 205-918-2067 in Birmingham or 1-800-633-1542 toll free. TTY users, please call the Alabama Relay Service at 1-800-548-2546. Regular office hours are from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Extended office hours (Oct. 15 - Feb. 14) are from 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, Monday through Sunday. You can also contact the numbers above for process or status questions.