Federal notices
Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998
As required by the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, Benefits under the Policy are provided for mastectomy, including reconstruction and surgery to achieve symmetry between the breasts, prostheses, and complications resulting from a mastectomy (including lymphedema).
If you are receiving Benefits in connection with a mastectomy, Benefits are also provided for the following Covered Health Care Services, as you determine appropriate with your attending Physician:
- All stages of reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy was performed
- Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance
- Prostheses and treatment of physical complications of the mastectomy, including lymphedema
The amount you must pay for such Covered Health Care Services (including Co-payments, Co-insurance and any deductible) are the same as are required for any other Covered Health Care Service. Limitations on Benefits are the same as for any other Covered Health Care Service.
Statement of Rights under the Newborns’ and Mothers’ Health Protection Act
Under Federal law, group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group health insurance coverage generally may not 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 delivery by cesarean section. However, the plan or issuer may pay for a shorter stay if the attending provider (e.g. your Physician, nurse midwife, or physician assistant), after consultation with the mother, discharges the mother or newborn earlier.
Also, under Federal law, plans and issuers may not set the level of Benefits or out-of-pocket costs so that any later portion of the 48-hour (or 96-hour) stay is treated in a manner less favorable to the mother or newborn than any earlier portion of the stay.
In addition, a plan or issuer may not, under Federal law, require that a Physician or other health care provider obtain authorization for prescribing a length of stay of up to 48 hours (or 96 hours). However, to use certain providers or facilities, or to reduce your out-of- pocket costs, you may be required to obtain prior authorization. For information on prior authorization, contact your issuer.