IQVIA Benefits Handbook
OTHER SERVICES
Acupuncture
This plan covers medically necessary acupuncture for adults for any of the following conditions:
- Nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy.
- Nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.
- Postoperative nausea and vomiting.
- Postoperative dental pain.
- Limited other chronic painful conditions when used as an adjunct to standard therapy.
Contact Aetna or Kaiser for details and restrictions.
Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis
The plan covers services and supplies for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders prescribed by a physician or other behavioral health provider with no annual maximum such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is an educational service that is the process of applying intensive behavioral interventions:
- That systematically change behavior, and
- That are responsible for observable improvements in behavior.
Bariatric Surgery
The plan provides coverage for bariatric surgery (including procedures to adjust or reverse bariatric surgery). Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, is surgery to reduce the size of the stomach through any of the following:
- An implanted medical device.
- Removal of a portion of the stomach.
- Resecting and re-routing the small intestines to a small stomach pouch.
Coverage for bariatric surgery is based upon specific criteria outlined in Aetna's or Kaiser's Coverage Policy for Bariatric Surgery. Contact Aetna or Kaiser for details and restrictions prior to receiving services.
Bariatric Surgery Exclusions
The Plan does not cover bariatric surgery procedures that are not considered medically necessary, or that are deemed experimental, investigational or unproven. Please contact Aetna or Kaiser for details. Some excluded procedures include (but are not limited to):
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (when combined with simultaneous banding)
- Gastroplasty (stomach stapling)
- Intestinal bypass (jejunoieal bypass)
- Intragastric balloon
- Loop gastric bypass
- Mini-gastric bypass
- Vagus nerve blocking
- Vagus nerve stimulation
Chiropractic Care
Charges made for diagnostic and treatment services used in an office setting by chiropractic physicians. Chiropractic treatment includes the conservative management of acute neuromusculoskeletal conditions through manipulation and ancillary physiological treatment of specific joints to restore motion, reduce pain and improve function.
- Benefits are limited to a combined in- and out-of-network calendar year maximum of 60 days per person.
Chiropractic Care Exclusions
- Occupational therapy provided for purposes other than enabling persons to perform the activities of daily living after an injury or sickness.
- Services of a chiropractor which are not within his scope of practice, as defined by state law.
- Charges for care not provided in an office setting.
- Maintenance or preventive treatment consisting of routine, long-term or non-medically necessary care provided to prevent recurrence or to maintain the patient's current status.
- Vitamin therapy.
Clinical Trials
The plan provides benefits for routine patient care as the result of a phase II, III and IV clinical trial for the purposes of prevention, early detection or treatment of cancer, if approved by one of the following entities, and the treating facility and personnel have the expertise and training to provide the treatment and treat a sufficient number of patients:
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH), including an NIH cooperative group or center, or National Cancer Institute (NCI) and conducted at academic or National Cancer Institute Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), or a research arm of the Department of Defense (DOD) or Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
- Conducted under an investigational new drug application (IND) reviewed by the FDA, or an investigational new drug exemption as defined by the FDA.
- For phase II clinical trials, the person is enrolled in the Phase II clinical trial, not merely following protocol of a Phase II clinical trial.
- A qualified research entity that meets the criteria for NIH Center support grant eligibility.
Routine patient care costs are defined as follows:
- Drugs and devices that have been approved for sale by the FDA, regardless of whether they have been approved by the FDA for use in treating the patient's particular condition.
- Reasonable and medically necessary services needed to administer a drug or device under evaluation in a clinical trial.
- All services and supplies required for the diagnosis and treatment of complications as a result of the cancer trial.
The plan covers participation in Clinical Trials as described above at all Commission on Cancer-approved facilities and cancer centers designated by the NCI.
Clinical Trial Exclusions
- Investigational item or service itself.
- Items and services provided solely to satisfy data collection and analysis needs and that are not used in the direct clinical management of the patient.
- Items and services customarily provided by the research sponsors free of charge for any enrollee in the trial.
Dental Treatment Covered Under Your Medical Benefit
The plan provides coverage for:
- Charges made for a continuous course of dental treatment started within 12 months of an injury to sound, natural teeth.
- Dental implants to repair defects in the jaw due to a removed tumor/cyst, severe atrophy in a toothless arch, exposed nerves, non-union of a jaw fracture, loss of a tooth/teeth due to an accidental injury or a birth defect diagnosed within 31 days of birth.
- Medically necessary surgical treatment of Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease (on a limited, case by case basis).
- Orthognathic surgery to repair or correct a severe facial deformity or disfigurement that orthotics alone cannot correct.
Dental Treatment Not Covered Under Your Medical Benefit
- Orthodontic braces.
- Dentures and dental implants.
- Crowns and bridges.
- Treatment for periodontal disease.
- Extractions.
- Dental root form implants or root canals.
- Injury related to chewing or biting.
- No other dental services.
Diagnostic Services
Diagnostic procedures help your physician find the cause and extent of your condition in order to plan for your care. Benefits may differ depending on where the service is performed and if the service is received with any other service or associated with a surgical procedure.
Separate benefits for the interpretation of diagnostic services by the attending doctor are not provided. In addition, benefits for that doctor's medical or surgical services are not included, except as otherwise determined by Aetna or Kaiser, as applicable.
Durable Medical Equipment
Benefits are provided for durable medical equipment and supplies required for operation of equipment when prescribed by a doctor. Equipment may be purchased or rented at the discretion of the plan. The plan provides benefits for repair or replacement of the covered equipment. Benefits will end when the equipment is no longer medically necessary. Certain durable medical equipment requires pre-certification or services will not be covered.
Examples of covered durable medical equipment include:
Durable Medical Equipment Exclusions
- Appliances that serve no medical purpose or that are primarily for comfort or convenience.
- Repair or replacement of equipment due to abuse or desire for new equipment.
Family Planning
Benefits are provided for family planning including physical exams, related laboratory tests, medical supervision in accordance with generally accepted medical practices and other medical services.
Contraception
Contraception devices (e.g., Depo-Provera and Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)) and diaphragms are covered at 100% as mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
Sterilization
Sterilization includes female tubal ligation and male vasectomy.
Infertility and Sexual Dysfunction Services
Covered services include:
- Testing and treatment performed in connection with an underlying medical condition.
- Testing performed specifically to determine the cause of infertility.
- Treatment and/or procedures performed specifically to restore fertility (e.g., procedures to correct an infertility condition).
Family Planning Exclusions
- Infertility drugs.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) and variations of these procedures.
- Reversal of male and female voluntary sterilization.
- Infertility services when the infertility is caused by or related to voluntary sterilization.
- Donor charges and services.
- Cryopreservation of donor sperm and eggs.
- Any experimental, investigational or unproven infertility procedures or therapies.
Gender Reassignment Counseling, Surgery and Injectable Hormone Replacement Therapy
For individuals seeking care for gender dysphoria, a variety of therapeutic options can be considered. The number and type of interventions applied and the order in which these take place may differ from person to person. IQVIA follows the recommendations of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, treatment options include the following:
- Changes in gender expression and role (which may involve living part time or full time in another gender role, consistent with one's gender identity);
- Hormone therapy to feminize or masculinize the body;
- Surgery to change primary and/or secondary sex characteristics (e.g., breasts/chest, external and/or internal genitalia, facial features, body contouring);
- Psychotherapy (individual, couple, family, or group) for purposes such as exploring gender identity, role, and expression; addressing the negative impact of gender dysphoria and stigma on mental health; alleviating internalized transphobia; enhancing social and peer support; improving body image; or promoting resilience.
Genetic Testing
Benefits are provided for genetic testing that uses a proven testing method for the identification of genetically-linked inheritable disease.
Coverage for genetic testing is based upon specific criteria outlined in Aetna's or Kaiser's Coverage Policy for Genetic Testing. Contact Aetna or Kaiser for details and restrictions prior to receiving services.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are covered at the applicable coinsurance after the deductible up to a $1,000 benefit maximum per ear once per calendar year.
Home Health Care
Home health care services are covered by the plan if you require skilled care, cannot obtain the required care as an ambulatory outpatient and do not require inpatient treatment at a hospital or other health care facility.
Home health care, including nursing and home infusion, requires pre-certification or services will not be covered. Coverage for home health care expenses is limited to a combined in- and out-of-network maximum of 120 visits per calendar year.
Benefits will be provided for:
- Professional services of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) for visits totaling 16 hours a day. Multiple visits can occur in one day, with a visit defined as a period of two hours or fewer. Outpatient private duty nursing is covered when approved as medically necessary.
- Short-term rehabilitative therapies (subject to the benefit limits described under "Therapies").
- Medical supplies and home infusion therapy.
- Oxygen and its administration.
- Medical social service consultations.
- Home health aide services, provided by someone other than a professional nurse, which are medical or therapeutic in nature and furnished to a member who is receiving covered nursing or therapy services.
Home Health Care Exclusions
Hospice Services
Your coverage provides benefits for hospice services for care of a terminally ill covered individual with a life expectancy of six months or fewer. Hospice services are covered only as part of a licensed health care program that provides an integrated set of services and supplies designed to give comfort, pain relief and support to terminally ill patients and their families. A hospice care program is centrally coordinated through an interdisciplinary team directed by a doctor.
Covered services include:
- Bed, board, services and supplies at an inpatient hospice facility.
- Outpatient services at a hospice facility.
- Professional services of a physician.
- Counseling from a psychologist, social worker, family counselor or ordained minister for individual or family counseling.
- Bereavement counseling.
- Pain relief treatment, including drugs, medicines and medical supplies.
- Part-time care under the supervision of a nurse or a health care professional.
- Physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Hospice Services Exclusions
- Services that are provided by a close relative or a member of your household.
- Services and supplies that are primarily to aid you in daily living.
Laboratory, Radiology and Other Diagnostic Testing
Laboratory studies are services such as diagnostic blood, urine tests or an examination of biopsied tissue (i.e., tissue removed from your body by a surgical procedure). Radiology services are diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, ultrasounds, computed tomographic (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Other diagnostic testing includes electroencephalograms (EEGs), electrocardiograms (ECGs), Doppler scans and pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Certain diagnostic imaging procedures, such as CT scans and MRIs, require Pre-certification or services will not be covered.
Organ Transplants
The plan provides benefits for transplants, including solid organ and bone marrow/stem cell procedures for the transplants listed below. Covered services include medical, surgical and hospital services, medications and the cost for organ or bone marrow/stem cell procurement.
- Cornea.
- Heart.
- Simultaneous pancreas and kidney.
- Lung, single and bilateral.
- Liver.
- Combined heart and lung.
- Intestine: Small bowel or multi-visceral.
- Pancreas.
- Simultaneous small bowel and liver.
- Kidney.
- Simultaneous liver and kidney.
- Allogenic and autologous bone marrow transplants.
Transplant services are covered at 80% in the $400, $900 and $1,850 Deductible Plans and 70% in the $2,850 Deductible Plan, after the medical plan deductible if you use a Center of Excellence. Services are covered at 60% in the $400, $900 and $1,850 Deductibles Plans and 50% in the $2,850 Deductible Plan, after the medical plan deductible if you use a non-Center of Excellence.
Benefits are also provided for reasonable travel expenses when a covered member travels a distance of 100 miles or greater for a pre-approved organ/tissue transplant (excluding cornea) performed at a Center of Excellence. A maximum travel benefit of $10,000 per transplant per lifetime is provided. Coverage varies by the plan. Lodging is covered up to $50 per day for one person staying alone or up to $100 per day for two people. Food and meals are not covered.
Pre-certification must be obtained in advance from Aetna or Kaiser for all transplant related services or your benefits may be reduced or denied.
Transplants Exclusions
- Transplants that are considered experimental or investigational.
- Services, drugs and supplies for or related to transplants, except those transplants specifically listed as covered services.
Overseas Care (Emergency and Non-Emergency)
If you are traveling overseas for a short-term visit (non-Expat), your Aetna or Kaiser plan will provide emergency coverage, it will not cover routine care.
If you are an eligible Expat, you will be covered under the Aetna International Plan. Coverage is provided for in-network and out-of–network care, as well as for care received outside of the U.S. While no annual deductible applies outside of the U.S., there is an out-of-network deductible inside the U.S. There is also an out-of-pocket maximum for in-network and out-of-network services received in the U.S. Coverage for Expats under the Aetna International Plan differs from coverage provided under the plans described in this SPD. Contact your benefits representative for details.
Prosthetic Appliances
External Devices
The plan provides benefits for the initial purchase and fitting of medically necessary external prosthetic appliances and devices prescribed by a doctor. Coverage is limited to the most appropriate and cost effective alternatives as determined by the utilization review physician. External prosthetic appliances and devices include prostheses/prosthetic appliances and devices, orthoses/orthotic devices (including custom foot and other orthoses), braces and splints.
Internal Devices
The plan provides benefits for internal prosthetic/medical appliances that provide permanent or temporary internal functional support for non-functional body parts. Medically necessary repair, maintenance or replacement of a covered appliance is also covered.
Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive surgery or therapy to repair or correct a severe physical deformity or disfigurement which is accompanied by functional deficit (other than abnormalities of the jaw or conditions related to TMJ disorder) is covered if:
- The surgery or therapy restores or improves function.
- Reconstruction is required as a result of medically necessary, non-cosmetic surgery. (Includes breast reduction surgery with supported medical documentation.)
- The surgery or therapy is performed before age 19 and is required as a result of the congenital absence or agenesis (lack of formation or development) of a body part.
- Repeat or subsequent surgeries for the same condition are covered only when there is the probability of significant additional improvement as determined by the utilization review physician.
Rehabilitative Therapies
The plan provides coverage for the following therapy services to promote the recovery from an illness, disease or injury. A doctor or other professional provider must order these services.
Short-Term Rehabilitative Therapies
Short-term rehabilitative therapy that is part of a rehabilitation program, including physical, speech, occupational, cognitive, cardiac therapy, osteopathic manipulative and pulmonary rehabilitation therapy, when provided in the most medically appropriate setting.
In network therapy, days are provided as part of an approved home health care plan and accumulate to the short-term rehabilitative therapy maximum. If multiple outpatient services are provided on the same day, the services count as having been received on one day.
- Please note that occupational therapy is provided only for purposes of enabling persons to perform the activities of daily living after an illness, injury or sickness.
Therapy Exclusions
Short-term rehabilitative therapy services that are not covered include, but are not limited to:
- Sensory integration therapy, group therapy, treatment of dyslexia, behavior modification or myofunctional therapy for dysfluency, such as stuttering or other involuntarily acted conditions without evidence of an underlying medical condition or neurological disorder.
- Treatment for functional articulation disorder such as correction of tongue thrust, lisp, verbal apraxia or a swallowing dysfunction that is not based on an underlying diagnosed medical condition or injury.
- Maintenance or preventive treatment consisting of routine, long-term or non-medically necessary care provided to prevent recurrence or to maintain the patient's current status.
Short-Term Rehabilitative Therapies (for covered members with a development delay diagnosis)
- Speech, physical, and occupational therapy are covered for Developmental Delays. However, occupational therapy is provided only for purposes of enabling persons to perform the activities of daily living after an Illness or Injury or Sickness.
Therapy Exclusions (for covered members with a development delay diagnosis)
- Non-medical counseling or ancillary services, including, but not limited to Custodial Services, education, training; vocational rehabilitation; behavioral training, biofeedback, neurofeedback, hypnosis, sleep therapy; employment counseling, back to school, return-to-work services, work hardening programs; driving safety and services; training; educational therapy; or other non-medical ancillary services for learning disabilities.
Telehealth Services
The IQVIA Plan includes coverage for telephone and online video consultations through Teladoc offered through Aetna. Teladoc connects you to a board-certified doctor by phone or online video chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Teladoc doctors can treat many non-emergency conditions such as:
- Allergies
- Bronchitis
- Cold & Flu
- Ear Infections
- Sinus Infections
- Skin Inflammations
- Sports Injuries
- Urinary Tract Infections
- And More
You must register for the service either online at Teladoc.com/Aetna or call 855-Teladoc (835-2362).