IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR MEDICAL BENEFITS ( CONTINUED )
PATIENT PROTECTIONS DISCLOSURE
The Suquamish Tribe Health Plan generally allows the designation of a primary care provider . You have the right to designate any primary care provider who participates in our network and who is available to accept you or your family members . Until you make this designation , HMA designates one for you . For information on how to select a primary care provider , and for a list of the participating primary care providers , contact the HMA at 800.869.7093 or www . accesshma . com .
For children , you may designate a pediatrician as the primary care provider . You do not need prior authorization from HMA or from any other person ( including a primary care provider ) in order to obtain access to obstetrical or gynecological care from a health care professional in our network who specializes in obstetrics or gynecology . The health care professional , however , may be required to comply with certain procedures , including obtaining prior authorization for certain services , following a pre-approved treatment plan , or procedures for making referrals . For a list of participating health care professionals who specialize in obstetrics or gynecology , contact the HMA at 800.869.7093 or www . accesshma . com .
NEWBORNS ’ AND MOTHERS ’ HEALTH PROTECTION ACT
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 as applicable ). In any case , plans and issuers may not , under Federal law , require that a provider obtain authorization from the plan or insurance issuer for prescribing a length of stay not in excess of 48 hours ( or 96 hours ).
HIPAA NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES REMINDER
Protecting Your Health Information Privacy Rights The Suquamish Tribe is committed to the privacy of your health information . The administrators of The Suquamish Tribe Health Plan ( the “ Plan ”) use strict privacy standards to protect your health information from unauthorized use or disclosure .
The Plan ’ s policies protecting your privacy rights and your rights under the law are described in the Plan ’ s Notice of Privacy Practices . You may receive a copy of the Notice of Privacy Practices by contacting Lori Crowell - Human Resources at 360.394.8635 or lcrowell @ suquamish . nsn . us .
COBRA
Federal COBRA is a U . S . law that applies to employers who employ 20 or more individuals and sponsor a group health plan . Under Federal COBRA you may be eligible to continue your same group health insurance for up to 18 months if your job ends or your hours are reduced . You are responsible for COBRA premium payments
Prepared by Gallagher for the Employees of The Suquamish Tribe 14