Health Discount Program FAQ

• General
• Providers
• Using the program
• Eligibility
• Physician/hospital
• Prescription drugs
• Insurance questions

     GENERAL

1. Once I sign up for the program how long will it take before I can use the program?

   After you have signed up online or over the phone, you will receive your membership materials, including your I.D. cards within about 10 days.

2. What if I decide I don’t need the program and I want to cancel?

   You may cancel by calling 1-877-570-4845. Annual payers will be provided with a pro-rated refund. If you call within 45 days of your membership activation you will be provided with a full refund. If you pay by month you will receive a complete refund of your current month’s paid membership fee.

    

   PROVIDERS

    

3. Are there providers in my area?

   This program has an extensive nationwide network of providers and is frequently adding to its list. Some program features, however, may not have a provider in your location. To find out if there is a participating provider in your area, call 1-877-570-4845. Or go to search for participating pharmacies, dentists, vision care providers, hearing care providers and podiatrists.

4. If I travel, can I still use my Health Savings card?

   Yes. Your Union Plus Health Savings card is welcomed at thousands of locations nationwide. And you can call customer service toll-free at 1-877-570-4845 from anywhere in the U.S. for the participating provider location.

5. I'm a provider interested in joining one of the Union Plus programs. How can I participate?

   Providers interested in participating in the Union Plus Health Savings program can call the program customer service number at 1-877-570-4845.

6. Who is Careington International?

   Careington International is the overall provider of the Union Plus Health Savings Program. They have been in the business of helping people save money on healthcare since 1979, and now they are offering their services to union members at a discounted annual fee.

7. There are no providers close to my home, what can I do?

   You can refer a provider for participation in the network by calling 1-877-570-4745. The program administrator will contact the provider with information on how to apply to participate in the program. If a provider is interested, the application and credentialing process takes 6 to 12 weeks before a provider can be added to the network.

    

   USING THE PROGRAM

    

8. How do I learn more about Union Plus Health Savings program?

   Click here for the Union Plus Health Savings program's description or call 1-877-570-4845.

9. Will I save money on every health care transaction?

   The program negotiates volume discounts with health care providers. Savings on dental, foot and ankle, plus hearing care will be within the quoted discount range. You will also save on most of your prescriptions. Occasionally retail pharmacies have special prices on some prescriptions to attract customers and you will receive the lowest price given, whether it's with your discount program rate or with the pharmacy's special price.

10. What about dollar limits?

    With the Union Plus Health Savings program, there are no limits on the dollar amounts or the number of prescriptions or other health care services you purchase.

11. Will this program cover my prescriptions and health care services for pre-existing medical conditions?

    Yes, everyone is accepted. Union Plus Health Savings program includes prescriptions and health care services. Note that this program is not insurance. (See insurance questions section.)

     

    ELIGIBILITY

     

12. Who is eligible?

    All dues-paying union members and retired members are eligible to participate in this program. Household family members - including spouses, children, parents - may be included.

13. How can my family members use this program? Can they use it even if they aren't union members?

    You can add members of your family on your Union Plus Health Savings account, even if they are not union members.

     

    PHYSICIAN/HOSPITAL

     

14. How will I know I am getting the right discount?

    To take advantage of the programs discounted fees for Physicians, Hospitals and Ancillary Services members must first call the Health Savings program. A program representative will pre-certify that a provider is in network, confirm a provider is aware of how the program works, and verify the discount will be honored at the time of service. The representative will even schedule an appointment for the member. This process ensures that the provider is participating, understands how to process the discounts, and is aware of how the plan works, and will charge correctly. The live operator feature helps eliminate errors and confusion on either the member’s or the provider’s part at the time of service.

15. What doctors can I use under this program?

    You can find participating providers for all of the fields participating in the program by going to the provider search page here or by calling 1-877-570-4845.

16. Can I use the physician, hospital and ancillary services dicounts if I already have health insurance?

    Yes, as long as your insurance does not already come with a PPO, HMO or another discount program. If not, you simply pay the discounted fees at the time of service and ask for a copy of the bill. Then file a claim with your insurance company to be reimbursed by them. This helps reduce your out of pocket expenses and helps you reach your maximums more slowly.

    You can also use this program for services not covered by your insurance, such as cosmetic procedures. Also, many people have medical insurance, but do not have dental and vision coverage.

     

    PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

     

17. How can I find out the cost of my prescription before I have it filled?

    You may call 1-877-570-4845 for an approximate discounted cost for your prescriptions. The cost may vary slightly from pharmacy to pharmacy.

18. I take so many prescriptions; I'm concerned about possible drug interactions. Will the program let me know if I have prescriptions that may interact with each other?

    Yes, this is done automatically. When a prescription is entered in your Health Savings account, the computer tracks it for known interactions with other medicines you have purchased through the program, even if you purchased them from different pharmacies or through the Mail-Order Pharmacy service. Please be sure to tell your doctor about reactions or allergies you may have to certain drugs. Also, read the literature that accompanies your medicine to find out about possible side effects.

     

    INSURANCE QUESTIONS

     

19. Is the Health Savings Program insurance?

    No. This program is not an insurance product. And the program provider is not a health maintenance organization, or a health care administrator. Your Health Savings membership provides you with access to discounts, so you get much better prices with the program than you would on your own and significantly reduce your out-of-pocket spending on these items.

20. I have insurance, so why do I need this program?

    The Union Plus Health Savings program provides low cost health care services to those who may lack "complete insurance". The program can help meet the gaps for Medicare recipients, those with inadequate employer programs and others, by providing access to and reduced costs for prescriptions, vision, dental, foot, hearing, and diabetic supplies…items that may not included by many insurance plans or Medicare.

21. If I have other health insurance, will the Health Savings program work in coordination with my other coverage?

    It may work with your health care plan. There is no limit on use and can make your dollars go further.

    In general, the program provides savings on selected services and IS NOT USED in CONJUNCTION with major medical plans that provide programs for similar products and services. The program provides low cost health care services to those who may lack "complete insurance".

22. I don't see any information about my health care plan. Help!

    The Union Plus Health Savings program is available to members of participating unions, but you may have other health insurance through your employer and/or union-negotiated contract. For more information, contact your human resources department and/or your local or international union. Try visiting the AFL-CIO Web site to find your union's contact information.