Required Annual Notices

Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 Notification

 In 1998, the U.S. Congress passed the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 that provides coverage for reconstructive surgery and related services following a mastectomy in conjunction with a diagnosis of breast cancer.

This act affects group and individual plans that provide medical/surgical coverage for a mastectomy.Your benefit plan’s current guidelines already closely mirror this federal mandate.  What this means for you is:

• Coverage will be provided for the reconstructive surgery of the breast on which a mastectomy has been performed.
• Coverage will be provided for surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance.
• Coverage will be provided for prostheses and physical complications through all stages of a mastectomy, including swelling associated with the removal of lymph nodes.
• This coverage will be determined in consultation with the attending physician and patient.

Newborns’ and Mothers’ Health Protection Act of 1996

Group health plans and health insurance issuers generally, may not, under Federal law, 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 cesarean section.  However, Federal law generally does not prohibit the mother’s or newborn’s attending provider, after consulting with the mother, from discharging the mother or her newborn earlier than 48 hours (or 96 hours if applicable).  In any case, plans and issuers may not, under Federal law, require that a provider obtain authorization from the plan or issuer for prescribing a length of stay not in excess of 48 hours (or 96 hours).

Notice of Creditable Coverage -This notice applies to the myChoice, myOptions and myRetiree Health Programs for 2013

Notice of Non-Creditable Coverage - This notice applies to the myRetiree Health Program No Drug Coverage for 2013