The April 24, 2012, chat with GEHA President Richard Miles has concluded. The transcript is available below.

St. Louis, Missouri (GEHA High Option): Can I use the HearPO discount to buy hearing aids and still get my GEHA hearing aid benefit?

Richard Miles: Yes. A GEHA member pays the HearPO discounted price at the time he or she receives purchased hearing aids, and then HearPO automatically sends you a receipt to provide GEHA for any benefit you may have.

Washington, DC (GEHA Standard Option): Can my husband use the HearPO benefit, even though I have a Self Only plan and he is not insured by GEHA?

Richard Miles: Yes. The Connection Hearing program is open to any GEHA member and any of their extended family members. Even your close friends can use the HearPO benefit.

Jackson, Mississippi (GEHA Standard Option): How do I nominate a health provider?

Richard Miles: Great question. GEHA is always working to expand our network of doctors and hospitals. You may nominate a provider using our medical provider nomination form, or you can call our Customer Service department with the provider’s information at 1-800-821-6136. Once we have the information, GEHA will follow up with the provider.

Longmont, Colorado (GEHA Standard Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) Standard): I am 52 and due for a colonoscopy. Is this covered under my plan?

Richard Miles: Yes, a colonoscopy is a covered procedure. When provided by an in-network provider, this would fall under the preventive benefit with coverage at 100% of the plan allowance.

Gaithersburg, Maryland (GEHA High Option): As a federal retiree, what are the pros and cons of Medicare Part B?

Richard Miles: Thank you for your question. Enrollment in Medicare is ultimately your choice, however most members do find it beneficial to have both Medicare A & B and GEHA. If you have Medicare Parts A and B primary, GEHA pays 100% of covered hospital and doctor expenses after Medicare. You pay no deductible or copays for surgical and medical benefits with GEHA Standard Option or High Option.

For more information, click on our Medicare overview webpage.

Sacramento, California (GEHA Standard Option): I’m trying to find out how to do the Quest Diagnostics lab process?

Richard Miles: Under our Standard and High health plan options, when you use a Lab Card provider, covered labs are paid at 100% of the plan allowance. You can take your requisition from your doctor to the lab, or your provider can contact them at (800) 646-7788 to request a courier pick up. To locate a lab near you, use the online collection site finder.

Yuma, Arizona (GEHA High Option): Are quit-smoking patches covered under my plan?

Richard Miles: The plan will cover over-the-counter (with a physician’s prescription) and prescription smoking cessation drugs approved by the FDA (including the nicotine patch).

The quantity of drugs reimbursed will be subject to your recommended course of treatment. You may obtain smoking cessation drugs with your Medco prescription card, through Medco Pharmacy (mail order) or a non-Network Retail pharmacy. Services for smoking cessation are covered at 100% of the plan allowance.

For more information, click on smoking cessation benefits

West Palm Beach, Florida (GEHA Standard Option): How long can my children be covered under my health insurance?

Richard Miles: Dependent children are eligible for until their 26th birthday under your Self + Family health plan enrollment.

Please note that the rules concerning coverage for dependent children are different between the FEHB and FEDVIP programs. The Affordable Care Act did not address the FEDVIP program, so its cut-off for dependent coverage remains at age 22.

Eden, North Carolina (GEHA High Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) Standard): Moving overseas. Are there GEHA medical providers within Europe?

Richard Miles: Although we do not contract with providers outside of the United States, covered providers performing covered services outside the United States will be paid at the PPO level of benefits.

Odessa, Texas (GEHA Standard Option): Is the immunization for shingles covered?

Richard Miles: The shingles vaccination is a covered vaccination for members ages 60 and older. When rendered by an in-network provider or an in-network pharmacy, this is covered at 100%.

West Haven, Connecticut (GEHA High Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): I am currently a member. I would like to know how to change my primary care physician.

Richard Miles: We do not require you to list a primary care provider with us. You may change primary care providers at any time and may call the provider directly to make your appointment.

Morgantown, West Virginia (Connection Dental Plus): How do I get more choices for dental care providers?

Richard Miles: We continually strive to expand the network. If there is a provider you would like to nominate, please complete our dental provider nomination form. We will then contact the provider to see if they are interested in joining the network.

Bethesda, Maryland (GEHA High Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): Is eye surgery to remove cataracts covered under GEHA High Option?

Richard Miles: Medically necessary cataract surgery is covered under the plan subject to plan benefits.

Fairfax, Virginia (GEHA High Option): My husband is the federal employee, but I handle all of the insurance and am the one who regularly calls GEHA with our questions. Sometimes I can’t get everything I need because I am told it is protected information. Is there any way I can get around this?

Richard Miles: Yes. You can complete an authorization form , have your husband complete and sign the form, and send it to GEHA. This allows you as his wife access to ask questions and receive information about his protected health information.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (or HIPAA) was created to enhance privacy standards. GEHA wants to make sure that we are only releasing the patient’s private information to an approved person. The purpose:

• Protect the privacy of patient information.
• Limit the use and release of individually identifiable health information.
• Give patients the right to access their medical records.
• Restrict most disclosure of health information to the minimum needed for the intended purpose.
• Establish safeguards and restrictions on access to records for certain public responsibilities (public health, research and law enforcement).

Houston, Texas (GEHA High Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): I will turn 65 this year and will be enrolled in Medicare A & B primary. Will this LIFE CHANGING EVENT allow me to change my health insurance coverage from High Option to Standard Option, prior to Open Season?

Richard Miles: Yes, enrollment in Medicare generally is considered a Qualifying event for changing plans outside of Open Season. Please contact your agency’s personnel office to make the change.

Water Valley, Mississippi (GEHA High Option): We have Medicare and GEHA High Option. What does GEHA pay for hearing aids?

Richard Miles: Under our High Option, the plan will cover up to $500 per ear, once every five years. Under our Standard Option, the plan will cover up to $250 per ear, once every five years.

We encourage you to also consider using Connection Hearing by HearPO when selecting a provider to help maximize your hearing aid dollars.

In addition to the savings HearPO offers on testing and hearing aids, they guarantee the lowest price on over 1000 models, they offer 3 year-extended warranties as well as loss and damage coverage, a 60 day trial with no restocking fee and 1 year free follow-up care. Also check out their FREE battery program. For every hearing aid purchased, you get 80 FREE battery cells (a $75 value). A hearing aid’s batteries need changed every 7-14 days so you are getting almost 2 years worth of FREE batteries.

Inyokern, California (GEHA Standard Option): When I die, does my health insurance stay with my wife?

Richard Miles: In most cases, a survivor annuitant can continue the coverage. Final determination for eligibility would be determined by your Personnel Office. If you are retired, please contact the Office of Personnel Management retiree services at 1-888-767-6738 or www.servicesonline.opm.gov for additional information.

New York, New York (Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): I get emails from GEHA that suggest that I may also get vision/eye exams discounted as well. I get the impression that this comes with the dental plan that I have with you. Is this true?

Richard Miles: Yes, all GEHA members receive access to the Connection Vision^® powered by EyeMed program at no additional cost. When you use an EyeMed provider, you pay just a $5 copay for the routine eye exam as well as receive discounts on frames, lenses and surgical procedures such as LASIK. To locate a participating EyeMed provider in your area, go to www.eyemedvisioncare.com and select the Insight network from the list in the "Locate a Provider" box. Or call (866) 804-0982.

Las Vegas, Nevada (GEHA Standard Option): Is there a pre-existing condition clause?

Richard Miles: There is no pre-existing condition limitation under the GEHA health plans. We will not refuse to cover the treatment of a condition you had before you enrolled in the plan solely because you had the condition before you enrolled. And that is true for all the health plans that compete in the FEHB program.

Chicago, Illinois (GEHA Standard Option): Is it too late to sign up for a dental plan?

Richard Miles: If you want to sign up for a FEDVIP plan, you’ll have to wait until Open Season (unless there is a qualified life event that allows otherwise).

However, GEHA offers enrollment in our CONNECTION Dental Plus supplemental dental plan all year long. Enrollment is open to all current and former FEHB eligible federal employees -- including those who do not join a GEHA health plan.

It’s also worth noting that CONNECTION Dental Plus lets you continue coverage for dependent children up to age 25.

For more details, click CONNECTION Dental Plus.

Washington, DC (GEHA High Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): When I retire, I will be under both Medicare and GEHA. I understand that Medicare will be the first payer. My internist (my main doctor) does not take Medicare patients or Medicare assignments. How does GEHA work in that situation? Is there any special way to submit a claim from my doctor?

Richard Miles: If your physician cannot file claims to Medicare because he has chosen to Opt Out of the Medicare program you would just submit your claim directly to GEHA. You would then pay the difference between the "limiting charge" or the physician’s charge (whichever is less) and our payment combined with Medicare’s payment. A physician who does not accept Medicare may not bill you for more than 115% of the amount Medicare bases it’s payment on, called the "limiting charge".

Fresno, California (GEHA High Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): Are dental implants now covered through GEHA?

Richard Miles: As of January 1, 2012, Connection Dental Federal covers implants to replace a single functioning natural tooth extracted or lost while you are covered under this plan. We limit payment on covered implants including any abutment and implant crown to a maximum of $400 per tooth, once every 5 calendar years, up to your annual maximum. This benefit does not apply to an implant supported partial denture (bridge), full denture or other implant procedures not specifically listed in the Dental Plan Brochure.

Cleveland, Ohio (Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): I will be getting married soon. What actions are required to have my spouse added to my dental plan?

Richard Miles: Congratulations!

All FEDVIP dental enrollment changes are made through BENEFEDS. Please contact them at www.benefeds.com or (877) 888-3337.

Fortuna, California (GEHA High Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): GEHA has been my health insurance provider since 1987, and I am generally very happy with it. I especially like that GEHA is nonprofit and CEO salaries are reasonable.

I try to use in-network providers whenever I can, but find it difficult to find in-network providers near me. For example, there are no bariatric medicine PPOs in California. What are the barriers to GEHA recruiting in-network physicians, and how is GEHA addressing this as an issue?

Richard Miles: Thank you for the kind words. GEHA understands the importance of participating providers and GEHA makes every attempt to incrase the number of providers in the network. If you are having difficulties finding a provider please contact our Customer Service department for assistance. If there are any physicians you would like to nominate please use our website to nominate them or contact our Customer Service Department. Information regarding the availability of PPO providers is valuable to us and helps us maintain adequate network coverage in all areas.

Mesa, Arizona (GEHA Standard Option): I’m thinking of retirement near the end of this year. I will be 67, and once I retire I understand Medicare becomes primary and GEHA becomes secondary. Do the GEHA monthly premiums go down when I pickup Medicare Part B?

Richard Miles: The FEHB program maintains the current premium your deduction will be taken monthly from your annuity. The benefits improve if you do have both Part A and Part B you no longer have deductibles and we reduce the copay for your medications and will pick up the balance after Medicare pays their portion of your medical services. Congratulations and enjoy retirement.

Baltimore, Maryland (Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): I would like to know the copay for a root canal and crown?

Richard Miles: Root canals and crowns are considered Class C covered services. The co-insurance in High Option for Class C covered services is 50%. In Standard Option, you pay 65%.

Marion, Illinois (GEHA Standard Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): How do we make certain the correct information is being tracked regarding our deductible amounts paid so far, and the out of pocket totals paid in so far?

Richard Miles: This information is reflected on the explanation of benefits (EOB) statement we send to you when we process a claim. You can also obtain this information online by logging in to your member account.

Marion, Illinois (GEHA Standard Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): Are diabetic shoes being covered now?

Richard Miles: Yes. The plan covers up to $150 for one pair of medically necessary diabetic shoes per covered person per calendar year.

Delphi, Indiana (GEHA HDHP Option): My husband has had a "lazy eye" since he was a small child. He is 59 years old now. He would like that corrected if possible because he sees double at times. Does that type of surgery need pre-certification?

Richard Miles: The procedure itself does not require preauthorization. If he would need to be admitted to the hospital, then the hospitalization would require approval through InforMed.

Katy, Texas (GEHA Standard Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): Does GEHA cover bone mineral density tests for people over 60?

Richard Miles: GEHA covers bone density tests for routine screening for women 65 or older -- or for women 60 or older who are at increased risk. This falls under the plan’s preventive benefit and is covered at 100% of the allowable when performed by an in-network provider.

Louisville, Kentucky (GEHA High Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): Are non-government employees eligible for this insurance?

Richard Miles: The FEHB Program was recently opened to tribal employees. Other than that, only federal employees (and federal retirees and survivor annuitants) are eligible.

Goose Creek, South Carolina (GEHA High Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): I am fixing to retire and would like to know what steps I need to take to take my FEDVIP plan with me into retirement?

Richard Miles: Generally, there is no action that needs to be taken when you retire. Your current employing agency should notify BENEFEDS when you retire and their system should automatically update with the change in payroll to the annuity office. However, during the interim stage some retirees enter a special pay situation and may need to pay premiums directly to BENEFEDS until the change to the annuity is adjudicated.
.
We recommend you call or contact BENEFEDS directly to advise them once you have a final retirement date. You can contact them by visiting their website at www.BENEFEDS.com, by e-mail to service@BENEFEDS.com or by phone at (877) 888-3337.

Odenton, Maryland (GEHA High Option): Do you expect government legislation (or shall I say intervention) to lessen benefits and/or raise prices?

Richard Miles: While we fully expect FEHB and GEHA to remain intact, there are too many unknowns to fully anticipate the impact to premium prices. We do know that as a not-for-profit membership association, we will do everything we can to keep the premiums as low as possible for our members while maintaining our comprehensive coverage and plan selection. We also expect that the FEDVIP program, which includes our Connection Dental Federal plan, to remain available to federal employees.

Auburn, Alabama (GEHA Standard Option): I had the Health Savings Advantage high-deductible health plan (HDHP), but when I turned 65 and became eligible for Medicare I was told I had to change plans. However, I still have some funds in my health savings account (HSA). I am using the funds I had deposited for medical items, but how do I find out how that affects my taxes after 65?

Richard Miles: According to IRS Publication 969 , there is no additional tax on distributions made after the date you are disabled, reach age 65 or die.

Falls Church, Virginia (GEHA Standard Option): Will GEHA members ever be able to submit their individual claims electronically?

Richard Miles: Members are able to send claims electronically to GEHA today. You can send a secured claim to Customer Service via our secured contact form at this address https://webaccounts.geha.com/public/hipaa/email/cust_service.asp.

Green Valley, Arizona (GEHA High Option, Connection Dental Plus): What coverage do I have for hearing aids under my GEHA insurance?

Richard Miles: The GEHA High Option plan pays up to $500 per ear for hearing aids once every 5 years.

We encourage you to also consider using the discount CONNECTION Hearing program by HearPO when selecting a provider to help maximize your hearing aid dollars.

South Bend, Indiana (GEHA Standard Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) Standard): We switched from another carrier a couple of years ago and are very pleased. Your people do a great job of helping! My question is: Do you realize how important it is to us to keep your premiums down? We are broke and need the coverage, so keep up the good work. The cost of drugs scare us. We use generics, but what if none are available? Thanks.

Richard Miles: Thank you for the praise, it is appreciated. GEHA does work hard to keep the premium costs down with several programs. You can save out-of-pocket costs by using in-network providers who offer discounts off their normal fees. Members without Medicare can use the LabCard program, which offers a significant discount off many lab services, saving both you and the plan money. There are a number of ways to save on medications. Use generics when they are available. If you are prescribed an expensive brand-name drug, you can ask if there is another medication that costs less but does the same job. Contact us and we can order a copy of the voluntary formulary list that you can take with you to the doctor. Sometimes your doctor is unaware of the cost difference.

Big Spring, Texas (GEHA High Option, Connection Dental Plus): I would just like to make a very special comment about everyone at GEHA. You are all the very best! I am on Medicare and I also have you GEHA. You are much better than Medicare ever thought of being. You may not want to openly state this but it is a true fact!

Richard Miles: Thank you for the kind words. I will share your comments with the staff at GEHA. They work extremely hard to provide our members with the best service possible.

Chino Valley, Arizona (GEHA High Option): Why can I get a 90-day supply of medications by using Medco’s mail-order process, but only a 30-day supply by using a local or brand-name pharmacy?

Richard Miles: Generally speaking local pharmacies provide short term medication coverage whereas the Medco’s mail order pharmacy is designed for long term medication use. Because GEHA has a direct relationship with Medco we receive better discounts from the mail order pharmacy; we promote the use of mail order to our High Option members thru copay incentives.

Stuttgart, Germany (Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): Since I am stationed overseas, I use "out of network" dentists. My FEHB health insurance provider treats my overseas providers as "in network" and the allowable rate is the amount billed. Does GEHA plan to also incorporate this practice? Thanks.

Richard Miles: GEHA will allow and pay the same amount whether you use an in-network or out-of-network dentist. Therefore, you are free to select any dentist. When the provider charges more than our allowable you will be responsible for the difference between the billed amount and the plan allowance (in addition to your coinsurance).

San Diego, California (GEHA Standard Option): How will the addition of Indian tribe employees to my GEHA group plan for federal employees affect my GEHA insurance, e.g., premium cost, coverage, potential long-term effect?

Richard Miles: We are not expecting it have much of an impact because the potential enrollment from this new program is very small and is limited to employees of Indian tribal organizations.

Here’s a little background for other chat participants who might not be aware of this new group that’s eligibile for the FEHB:

Under the Affordable Care Act, the federal government has opened the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program to eligible employees of Indian tribal governments for health coverage (but not dental). All other nationwide FEHB plans are participating in the Indian tribal program. Enrollment is not open to all members of Indian tribal organizations or to retired employees.

For more information from OPM, click Tribal Health Benefits.

Dunkirk, Maryland (GEHA Standard Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) Standard): I was wondering if my health insurance covers alternative medicine such as acupuncture, massage therapy, etc.? Thanks.

Richard Miles: Under both High and Standard options, GEHA allows for 20 acupuncture treatment procedures per calendar year for medically necessary acupuncture treatments if performed by a medical doctor (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D.O.). The amount of coverage depends on which plan you’re in. For your Standard Option plan, GEHA would cover 85% of the Plan allowance if you used an in-network provider.

In addition, allows for up to to 50 sessions per person per calendar year for Christian Science Practitioners.

All other alternative treatments, including clinical ecology and environmental medicine, are not covered.

Granger, Iowa (GEHA High Option): My 23-year-old son will graduate from college in May 2012. If he is offered a 6-month temporary job that has health benefits, must we drop him from our plan? If we must drop him from our plan, can we add him back at the end of the temporary job? He has what would be considered a pre-exsisting condition.

Richard Miles: Your son is eligible to remain on your plan until age 26. With the new health care changes in place, OPM has asked that we do not remove any dependents until age 26. If he is offered health benefits through his employer, we will become his secondary coverage and coordinate benefits.

Islamabad, Pakistan (GEHA Standard Option): Do you have any plans to to start sending direct deposit checks straight to members’ bank accounts? When I get a check from GEHA, I then have to turn around and send it back in the mail to my bank in the United States. It would be much quicker and easier for the check to go directly to my bank.

Richard Miles: We are in the process of a major system upgrade and we hope to have this option available for you in the future. In the meantime, you can email us at overseas@geha.com with a request to have an alternate address. With your bank’s approval, we can direct GEHA payments to your bank for deposit in your account. You can always view your claim activity online at GEHA.com when you establish a member web account.

Halifax, Nova Scotia (GEHA Standard Option): How do I submit medical expenses incurred while I am in Canada for GEHA insurance coverage?

Richard Miles: Please submit the itemized bill with a copy of the international claim form to GEHA, PO Box 4665, Independence, MO 64051-4665. Click to download the international claim form . We do ask that foreign claims are translated to English and American dollars if possible.

Arlington, Virginia (GEHA High Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): Would GEHA consider covering therapeutic massage in the future? I get them now whenever I have enough spare funds, but my doctor recommends at least monthly, which isn’t in my budget. They help a lot with pain relief, and I have not found either OTC or prescribed pain killers that work without side effects.

On a side note, I wanted to compliment you on the vastly improved response time to claims so far this year. It is really helpful to getting bills paid in a timely way and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated it. Thank you.

Richard Miles: Glad to hear that you are getting improved service! GEHA employees are working very hard to reduce our claims turnaround time. In regards to your question about future coverage for massage therapy, unfortunately Massage Therapists do not fall under GEHA’s definition of a covered provider for medical benefit payment. Covered providers and benefit approvals are determined each year by the Office of Personnel Management.

Rison, Arkansas (Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): I need to have a bridge placed where I have a missing tooth. I am considering having an implant placed where the tooth is missing. Would my dental plan cover any of the expenses up to the cost of a bridge?

Richard Miles: Implants are limited to the codes listed in the brochure when the procedure(s) are to replace a single functioning natural tooth extracted or lost while you are covered under this plan. We will limit payment on covered implants including any abutment and implant crown to a maximum of $400 per tooth. Implant supported appliances are not covered.

Asheville, North Carolina (GEHA Standard Option): How do I get the mail-order medication system set up; i.e., ordering medications through the mail?

Richard Miles: To access Medco’s online pharmacy, you’ll need to register with Medco. Once you’re registered, you’ll be able to log on with Medco and be able to:

• View a list of the medications you take now.
• Compare costs for generic and brand-name medications.
• Calculate your potential savings immediately.
• Refill your prescriptions with just a click.
• Request prescription renewals when you’re out of refills.
• Review drug information and check possible side effects.

Waco, Texas (GEHA Standard Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): If I become the legal guardian for my nephew, who now lives with me, can I put him on my insurance now, or would I have to wait until Open Season?

Richard Miles: For FEDVIP, it appears you have a qualifying life event so you should be able to enroll him once you become his guardian. Please contact BENEFEDS at www.BENEFEDS.com, e-mail them at service@BENEFEDS.com or call 1-877-888-FEDS (1-877-888-3337).

For coverage under your GEHA Standard Plan, you do not need to wait until Open Season. However, your personnel office or retirement office can review your request and determine his eligibility.

Baltimore, Maryland (GEHA High Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): Are there any limits on TMJ disorder coverage?

Richard Miles: Although there is no coverage under the FEDVIP dental plan, under GEHA medical, we do have specific types of care that are covered with the diagnosis of Temperomandibular Joint disorder. The best option is to ask your dentist to submit a preauthorization for you. This gives you an idea of the benefits available and helps to you decide how to manage your health and dental costs.

Toms River, New Jersey (Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): I would like to know what makes the determination about what is the maxium allowable amount of a procedure(s)whether it be more than one of the same type of dental procedure are to be covered even though our maximum allowable coverage is up to $5,000 per year per patient. Seems like they deny some procedures if there were more than one of the same kind in the same year.

Richard Miles: Maximum allowable charge means the maximum amount allowed by the dental plan for covered services. The maximum allowable charge is based on the general level of charges accepted by other providers in the area for like treatment, procedure or services. Our determination of what is allowable is final for the purpose of determining benefits payable under the dental plan.

Information on the maximum allowable charge can be found on the GEHA Dental website. Below are instructions on how to use this online feature:

• Click on Dental Pricing Lookup.
• If you have previously registered, log in to your account.
• If you have not previously registered, you will need to select REGISTRATION to use this feature.
• Enter the Zip code where treatment is to be provided and select the type of service you are interested in seeing.

Oceanside, California (GEHA High Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): If I wanted to outside my area, could I see a different dental office like in Chula Vista or San Diego?

Richard Miles: Yes, Connection Dental Federal does not limit you to any specific providers or area. We have participating Connection Dental providers available throughout the United States, including the cities you listed. You can search for a participating provider on our website at www.gehadental.com.

Fairfax station, Virginia: What coverage do you have that pertains to Christian Science care?

Richard Miles: For Christian Science practitioners we will cover 50 visits per calendar year. For a Christian Science facility Nursing care and room and board in a facility accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Christian Science Nursing Organizations up to 30 days per person per calendar year. The charges are paid after you have satisfied your deductible at the coinsurance rate for the plan in which you are enrolled.

Lincoln, Nebraska (GEHA Standard Option): Are Shingles vaccinations covered under my GEHA Plan?

Richard Miles: The shingles vaccination is a covered vaccination for members ages 60 and older. When rendered by an in-network provider or an in-network pharmacy, this is covered at 100%.

Albany, New York (GEHA High Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): With the advances in dentristy do you forsee a time when dental implants will be covered?

Richard Miles: We added limited implant coverage in Connection Dental Federal this year. The surgical placement of the implant anchor, prefabricated implant abutment (used to attach the crown) and the implant crown can be covered when the treatment is to replace a tooth that you either lost or had extracted after you joined this plan. Covered benefits are subject to the calendar year maximum and are limited to a total combined maximum benefit of $400 per tooth. Only the implant procedures listed under Implant Services in Section 5 of the dental plan brochure are covered.

Dayton, Nevada (GEHA Standard Option): I take lipitor 10mg/day. I have read I should not eat or drink grapefruit juice. What is the reason for this and can I ever have it - perhaps so many hours after taking the pill or in the a.m. if I take it at night?

Richard Miles: Grapefruit juice prevents the breakdown of the drug, when taken together. If you do consume grapefruit juice, it is recommended you do not consume it 6-8 hours before or after you take the Lipitor. If you are taking high dose statin, it is recommended you avoid grapefruit/juice all together or discuss with your physician. Medco has specialist pharmacists available to assist patients with questions about their medications. Please call the customer service number on the back of your ID card. Patients that use medco.com can also submit a request to have a pharmacist call, if you prefer.

Oceanside, California (GEHA Standard Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): I am new to GEHA and want to thank you and your staff for a great job.

FEHB is my primary and TRICARE Standard is my secondary. Is there coordination of Rx benefits with Medco?

Richard Miles: Thank you! At retail, yes – please provide your GEHA card as primary and the Tricare card as secondary. Any pharmacy that has the ability to split bill should be able to process the secondary claims electronically. Home delivery – no. Members are responsible for submitting receipts to Tricare for reimbursement purposes.

Columbus, Ohio (GEHA HDHP Option, Connection Dental Plus): I recently selected the GEHA HDHP, in part because it emphasizes preventative care. What preventative benefits does the plan offer, and what’s the best way to work with my doctors to ensure they’re familiar with these benefits?

Richard Miles: In-network medical preventive care is covered in full for annual exams, routine immunizations recommended by the CDC for adults or the American Academy of Pediatrics for children, and age/gender-appropriate routine screenings including colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, osteoporosis screenings and routine Pap tests and mammograms. The best way to ensure your doctor is familiar with these benefits is to take a copy of the brochure with you on your visit and discuss it.

Grand Forks, North Dakota (GEHA Standard Option): What nationwide health clubs are part of the coverage? Or how do you find one that is covered?

Richard Miles: All GEHA health plan options include our CONNECTION Fitness program by GlobalFit at no additional cost to our members or their covered dependents. Through the GEHA CONNECTION Fitness partnership with GlobalFit, you’ll have access to discounts on gym memberships at more than 10,000 fitness clubs nationwide, including 24-Hour Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Curves, Bally’s Gold’s Gym and Jazzercise. You can shop for your new gym with a free Guest Pass to try participating clubs before joining. To find a participating gym near you, visit www.globalfit.com/geha or call (800) 294-1500.

Oro Valley, Arizona (GEHA Standard Option): Does GEHA cover any Hospice Care costs and if they do, for how long and do they cover room and board costs?

Richard Miles: GEHA covers hospice services up to $15,000. There is no out of pocket expenses that you would incur up to that $15,000 as long as the charges are billed by a licensed hospice agency and the Dr. certifies the terminal illness and the person’s life expectancy is six months or less.

Cañon City, Colorado (GEHA High Option, Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): What is the best GEHA plan to use with MEDICARE? I presently have the High option but comparison may show that the standard option is best. I will turn 65 in October. Thank You

Richard Miles: Both High Option and Standard Option will work for you. If you utilize more name brand medications the High Option plan works well as it has higher reimbursement available. If you use generics and very few name brand medications and those medications are not expensive, Standard Option is a good choice. Standard Option pays name brand medications at 50% of the cost of the medications.

Pollock Pines, California (GEHA Standard Option): How do you think the merger of Medco and Express Scripts will affect future members’ drug costs and what is GEHA’s current contract with Medco expiration date.

Richard Miles: We are hopeful that the buying power with Medco and Express combined will be stronger, helping to keep costs, and therefore premiums, down. Time will tell if they are willing to share those savings with their customers.

Sandy, Utah (Connection Dental Federal (FEDVIP) High): I’m looking at GEHA for health next Open Season. My wife and I have no children at home. For years, we have bought the Self and Family insurance, but with just two of us now it would be advantangeous to have a Self plus One health plan. It is available with dental, but we don’t find it with health insurance. Is it available?

Richard Miles: Under the law, we still aren’t allowed to offer a Self plus One option for our FEHB health plans. The FEDVIP dental plans do have that option. We aren’t opposed to offering a Self plus One option for health plans, but it would require enabling legislation. I think the concern is that adding Self plus One coverage might fragment the risk pool further and actually result in higher premiums for retirees.

It looks like our hour is up. Thanks for all your questions today. If I did not answer your question during the chat, we will follow up by email if you provided us a valid email address.

Thanks to all our current members for choosing GEHA. And if you’re not currently with GEHA, thanks for visiting us today.

P.S. Here are some health and wellness resources that GEHA offers:

GEHA Health Rewards	GEHA health members and their spouses participating in the new GEHA Health Rewards program can earn rewards for healthy activities.
CONNECTION Fitness	Through our CONNECTION Fitness program by GlobalFit, GEHA members get discounts on gym memberships, at-home workout equipment and NutriSystem® meals.
Personal Health Record	Members can track health data, such as allergies, immunizations, medications, surgeries, and health conditions, all in one place.
GEHA’s Walking Program	GEHA’s Healthy Steps walking program offers a beginner’s walking schedule, an eight-week walking log and suggestions for adding 2,000 steps to your day.

For information about our FEHB health plans, go to www.geha.com or call us at (800) 262-GEHA.

For information about our FEDVIP dental plan, GEHA Connection Dental Federal, go to www.gehadental.com or call (877) 434-2336.

If you have comments about this online chat format, or if you would like to offer suggestions for future chats, please send an email to editor@geha.com.