GENERAL INFORMATION
To help you become familiar with your benefits, your summary plan descriptions include a description of each of the plans in your benefit program as of January 1, 2024. This summary plan description, or SPD, outlines general information.
Member Services
As your benefit administrator, DMBA wants to help you maximize your benefits. In addition to useful tools and information on our website, we have a helpful staff of qualified representatives and experts in various fields, such as registered nurses and financial planners.
Our office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Mountain Time) on weekdays except for Wednesdays, when office hours begin at 9 a.m. You can visit our website anytime to access your personalized benefit information.
Local number | 801-578-5600 |
Toll free | 800-777-3622 |
Website | www.dmba.com |
If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, please contact us using a relay service.
For your information, we record incoming telephone calls to ensure the quality of the information you receive.
Our offices are located at 150 Social Hall Ave., Suite 170, in downtown Salt Lake City. To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment, go to www.dmba.com, navigate to Contact Us (upper left menu on mobile or phone icon on computer), and under Schedule an Appointment select Schedule an appointment with a Member Services Associate.
Our mailing address:
DMBA
P.O. Box 45530
Salt Lake City, UT 84145-0530
DMBA's Participating Employers
- AgReserves, Inc.
- American Samoa Service Center
- Beneficial Financial Group
- Bonneville Communications
- Bonneville International Corporation
- Brigham Young University
- Brigham Young University–Hawaii
- Brigham Young University-Idaho
- BYU-Pathway Worldwide
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- City Creek Reserve, Inc.
- Deseret Book Company
- Deseret Cattle Feeders, LLC
- Deseret Digital Media
- Deseret Management Corporation
- Deseret News
- Deseret Trust Company
- DMBA
- East Central Florida Services
- EFY, LLC
- Ensign College
- Ensign Peak
- Family Services
- Hawaii Reserves, Inc.
- HSDL-Cano, LLC
- North Point Consolidated Irrigation Company
- OLL Services, LLC
- Polynesian Cultural Center
- Property Reserve, Inc.
- River Point Farms
- South Valley Almond Company, LLC
- Suburban Land Reserve, Inc.
- Taylor Creek Management
- Temple Square Hospitality Corporation
- Utah Property Management Associates
Benefit Plans
DMBA’s benefit program includes the following plans:
Medical benefits
- Medical
Retirement benefits
- Deseret 401(k) Plan
Flexible benefits
- Flexible Spending program
- Premium Only Plan (POP)
Table: Enrollment Guidelines
Plan | Who can enroll? | What are the requirements? | When can you enroll? | |
Basic Benefits | Medical | Employee and eligible dependents | Enroll within 30 days after your eligibility date. | Enroll within 30 days after your eligibility date. If you become newly eligible based on hours worked during the specified measurement period, enroll for coverage during annual enrollment for coverage beginning the first day of the following year. Enroll newly acquired dependents within 60 days of their eligibility date or a HIPAA qualifying event. |
Retirement Benefits | Deseret 401(k) Plan | Employee only | You must be 21 or older, in an eligible class of employment as defined by your employer, and scheduled to work at least 1,000 hours a year. | Enroll within 30 days of your eligibility date. If you don’t opt out, you’ll be automatically enrolled at 6% before-tax and in the BlackRock LifePath target date index fund corresponding to your 65th birthday (the Qualified Default Investment Alternative or QDIA). |
Flexible Benefits | Flexible Spending | Employee only | You must meet your employer’s eligibility requirements, determine your election, and then enroll. Re-enroll every year. | Enroll within 30 days after your eligibility date or within 60 days of a HIPAA qualifying event. If you become newly eligible based on hours worked during the specified measurement period, enroll for coverage during annual enrollment for coverage beginning the first day of the following year. |
Premium Only Plan (POP) | Employee only | Same requirements as for medical benefits. | Enrollment is automatic unless you waive participation within 30 days of your eligibility date or during annual enrollment. |
Table: Benefits Guidelines
Plan | Who pays for this benefit? | When does coverage begin or when are benefits available? | When does coverage end? | |
Basic Benefits | Medical | Your employer pays a large portion of the premium on your behalf; you pay the remainder of the premium. | As a new employee, coverage begins on your eligibility date. If you become newly eligible based on hours worked during the specified measurement period, your coverage begins the first day of the following year. |
For information, see Termination of Coverage. |
Retirement Benefits | Deseret 401(k) Plan | You determine your contribution amount and your employer matches a percentage of your contribution. | Vesting is immediate. See the Deseret 401(k) Plan SPD for information about when benefits are available. |
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Flexible Benefits | Flexible Spending | You choose how much of your pretax money to allocate to your Flexible Spending account (FSA) each year. | As a new employee, coverage begins on your eligibility date. If you become newly eligible based on hours worked during the specified measurement period, coverage begins the first day of the following year. If you enroll within 60 days of a HIPAA qualifying event, coverage begins the first day of the qualifying event. |
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Premium Only Plan (POP) | Not applicable. | Benefits begin the first day of the following year. As a new employee, benefits begin on your eligibility date. |
Eligibility and Enrollment Processes
You can participate in the benefit program when you meet the eligibility requirements of the plan and your participating employer.
This benefit is intended for employees who are not employed in fully-benefited positions but who may be eligible based on the number of hours worked or hours expected to work. You may be eligible for this benefit arrangement if you are employed in a position that is not fully benefited and you are
- regularly scheduled to work on average at least 30 hours per week; or
- a variable hour employee (i.e., the employer cannot determine whether the employee is expected to work on average at least 30 hours per week) and your employer determines that you worked on average at least 30 hours per week through a specified measurement period as defined in applicable Affordable Care Act regulations.
Eligibility for the Deseret 401(k) Plan is based on different criteria and you should review the Deseret 401(k) Plan SPD for eligibility information.
If you are eligible, you will be notified by your employer’s human resources department within 30 days of being eligible for coverage. If you have questions about your eligibility for this benefit, contact your employer’s human resources department.
If you are eligible based on employment in a position in which you are regularly scheduled to work on average at least 30 hours per week, you must enroll within 30 days of being notified of your eligibility to enroll. If you don't enroll within the 30-day time period, you will not be eligible to enroll until the next annual enrollment, unless a special enrollment period occurs first. (See Protecting you: HIPAA.)
If you are eligible for coverage based on the number of hours worked during a specified measurement period you must enroll during the annual enrollment period. If you don't enroll during the annual enrollment period, you will not be eligible to enroll until you again qualify based on hours worked during the specified measurement period, unless a special enrollment period occurs first. (See Protecting you: HIPAA.)
Coverage does not begin until your eligibility date. If you are eligible based on your employment in a position in which you are regularly scheduled to work on average at least 30 hours per week, you are eligible when you begin working in that position. If you are eligible for coverage based on the number of hours worked during a specified measurement period, coverage generally begins the first day of the following calendar year.
You can enroll in most benefit programs on our website, www.dmba.com. For help, work with your employer or call DMBA Member Services at 801-578-5600 or 800-777-3622.
Medical benefits
You may choose
- to enroll in the Deseret Protect plan, or
- to waive medical benefits.
Medical benefits are available to you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement benefits
The Deseret 401(k) Plan is a defined contribution plan to which you can contribute. Your employer will match your contributions to a certain percentage. Eligible employees may also receive additional employer contributions based on a percentage elected by their employer. (See the Deseret 401(k) Plan SPD.)
You’re automatically enrolled in the Deseret 401(k) Plan if you don’t enroll or opt out within 30 days of becoming eligible.
Flexible benefits
These programs may provide tax advantages to you. See the Flexible Spending SPD to learn about the Flexible Spending account (FSA) program and the Premium Only Plan (POP) SPD to learn about that plan.
Eligible dependents
Your eligible dependents include your spouse and dependent children. The following dependents may be included in benefits:
- Your natural child, stepchild, legally adopted child, or child lawfully placed for adoption who is younger than age 26, whether married or unmarried
- A grandchild who
- is younger than age 26;
- is the child of your covered, unmarried, dependent child;
- lives in your home with his or her parent (your covered, unmarried, dependent child);
- depends primarily on you for support; and
- has a direct lineal relationship to you through birth or adoption
- A child who is appointed by a court of law to be under your or your spouse’s permanent legal guardianship (not temporary guardianship) until legal guardianship terminates or the child reaches age 26, whichever is earlier
- Your unmarried child who
- is age 26 or older,
- is incapable of self-support because of mental or physical incapacity that existed before age 26,
- lives in your home,
- depends primarily on you for support,
- is an eligible dependent according to IRS guidelines, and
- was covered by your DMBA health plan before age 26
To apply for inclusion under the last category, submit proof of these circumstances within 60 days from the end of the month when the child reaches age 26. Any requests made after this time will not be considered. Please contact DMBA for a copy of the Application for Dependent Coverage After Age 26.
If an eligible child is adopted, coverage is effective the date of placement.
You have 60 days to enroll a new dependent who is younger than 26. (See Protecting you: HIPAA.)
Guidelines for dependents who are 19 and older
Your dependent children who are 19 and older are eligible to be included in your medical plan until they turn 26. However, if your dependent is covered under his or her employer-sponsored health plan, you must notify DMBA of the coverage. That coverage will be the dependent’s primary coverage.
Re-enrollment
If a dependent who is younger than 26 loses eligibility for his or her own medical plan, you can re-enroll the dependent within 60 days of the end of that coverage.
Guidelines for stepchildren
You may enroll your stepchild as an eligible dependent for coverage effective on your eligibility date or within 60 days after your marriage to the child’s parent.
Coverage may continue until the stepchild turns 26 as long as you continue to be married to the stepchild’s parent. If your stepchild is covered under his or her employer-sponsored health plan, you must notify DMBA of the coverage and that coverage will be the primary coverage for the dependent.
In cases of divorce, we may request a copy of the divorce decree for the purpose of coordinating benefits.
Annual enrollment
Generally, annual enrollment is held during November for coverage to be effective January 1 of the following year.
Change in status and special enrollment events
Major family events may qualify you to enroll at times other than during annual enrollment or as a new employee:
- Marriage, divorce, legal separation, or the death of a spouse
- Change in the number of your dependents, such as birth, death, adoption, or placement with you for adoption
- Change in employment status that affects eligibility, such as going from part-time to full-time employment and commencement of or return from an unpaid leave of absence
- A dependent’s loss of dependent status
- Involuntary loss of eligibility for other medical benefits
- Change of spouse’s employment status and ineligibility for health benefits through his or her employer
- HIPAA special enrollment events
- Eligibility or loss of eligibility for Medicare or Medicaid
- Significant cost or benefit option changes
Coordination of Benefits
When you or your dependents have medical benefits from more than one health plan, coordinating benefits avoids duplication of benefit payments. It involves determining which plan provider is required to pay benefits as the primary payer, which must pay as the secondary payer, and so on.
You must inform DMBA of other medical benefits in force when you enroll or when other benefits become effective. If applicable, you may be required to submit court orders or decrees. You must also keep DMBA informed of any changes in the status of the other benefits.
Coordination of benefits rules
When DMBA is the primary plan, eligible benefits are paid before those of the other health benefit plan and without considering the other health plan’s benefits.
When DMBA is the secondary plan, it calculates the amount of eligible benefits it would normally pay in the absence of other benefits, including the application of credits to any plan maximums, and applies the payable amount to unpaid covered charges after eligible benefits have been paid by the primary plan. This amount includes deductibles and copayments you may owe.
DMBA will use its own deductible and copayments to calculate the amount it would have paid in the absence of other benefits. In no event will DMBA pay more than the participant is responsible to pay after the primary carrier has paid.
We coordinate benefits among all DMBA health plans (Deseret Choice Hawaii, Deseret Premier, Deseret Protect, Deseret Select, and Deseret Value).
Coordination of benefit determinations are based on National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) guidelines.
Premiums
Your employer pays the majority of your monthly premiums; you are responsible for the remaining balance.
Medical benefits
For medical benefits, monthly premiums are divided into three categories depending on who is covered:
- You (the employee) only
- You and one dependent
- You and two or more dependents
Retirement benefits
These benefits do not have any associated premiums. For the Deseret 401(k) Plan, you determine your contribution amount and your employer makes a matching contribution up to a percentage it determines. Eligible employees may also receive additional employer contributions based on a percentage elected by their employer.
Premium adjustments
Premium adjustments because of enrollment changes or errors are allowed for 12 months immediately preceding the date DMBA receives evidence that such adjustments should be made. These adjustments can be made with returned premium funds or additional premium charges.
In the case of a dependent’s death, if you do not notify DMBA within 12 months, we still refund any extra premium you paid back to the date of the dependent’s death.
Notification of Changes in Family Status
Please make sure your records at DMBA are current and accurate. If changes to any of the following occur, contact your employer and DMBA immediately:
- Address
- Dependents, through adoption or placement for adoption, birth, death, or permanent guardianship
- Dependent status
- Marital status—through divorce, death, or marriage—for you or your dependent children
- Name
- Medicare qualification for you or any of your dependents
- Other medical benefits for you or any of your dependents
- Other status or circumstance that may affect your participation in the benefit program
Benefits During Leaves of Absence
Depending on the type of leave, benefits may continue for an employee on a leave of absence. Please contact DMBA for more information. For the leave to qualify, your employer must officially approve the leave and the clear intent must be for you to return to work for the participating employer.
Medical benefits
You may continue your benefits during certain types of leaves of absence. Limitations apply to the length of time your benefits and your employer’s premium contributions continue. For information about a specific leave of absence, please contact your employer or DMBA.
If you’re outside your medical plan’s service area during your leave, you can choose a plan in your new area for the duration of your leave. When you return, you can re-enroll in your original medical plan. If you discontinue your benefits while you’re on leave, you can reinstate benefits in effect before an employer-approved leave of absence (such as full-time military service, professional development leave, or family leave) if you
- were enrolled for at least six months immediately before the leave,
- return to active employment within three months after release or the end of the designated leave, and
- request your benefits to be reinstated within 60 days after your return to work.
Other benefits
If you are on paid leave, you may continue to contribute and receive employer contributions to the Deseret 401(k) Plan and participate in the Flexible Spending program.
If you are on unpaid leave, you cannot contribute to the Deseret 401(k) Plan. If you’re enrolled in Flexible Spending, you may be able to make after-tax contributions. Please contact DMBA Member Services for more information about your options.
Military leaves of absence
Special provisions apply to military leaves. Please contact your employer and DMBA for more information.
Termination of Coverage
Medical benefits
Your coverage automatically ends on the earliest of the following dates:
- Last day of the month for which the premium is paid
- Last day of the month in which you end employment and do not qualify to continue benefits
- Last day of the month in which you are no longer eligible for benefits
- Last day of the month in which you enter active duty in the armed forces of any country (please contact DMBA for more information about military leave)
- Date of termination of the plan
In addition, your dependent’s coverage automatically ends on the earliest of the following dates:
- Last day of the month in which your dependent no longer qualifies as an eligible dependent
- Last day of the month you are divorced (for your spouse and any stepchildren)
- Date your dependent enters active duty in the armed forces of any country (please contact DMBA for more information about military leave)
If you or your dependent is in the hospital on the date your coverage ends, you may extend medical benefits for the individual solely for the injury or illness for which you or your dependent was admitted.
In your case, coverage ends on the date of your release from the hospital. In the case of your dependents, coverage ends on the date of release from the hospital or no longer than 30 days from the date eligibility ends, whichever comes first.
Retirement benefits
Deseret 401(k) Plan
If you end employment for any reason, including retirement, you cannot make further contributions to your Deseret 401(k) Plan account and become ineligible to receive any additional employer contributions, but you may be able to roll over money to another qualified plan. See the Deseret 401(k) Plan SPD.
Flexible benefits
Flexible Spending
You must re-enroll to participate every year you are eligible to participate. This benefit ends each December 31 or when you end eligible employment. The plan year runs from January 1 to December 31. See the Flexible Spending SPD for more information.
POP
This benefit ends when you end eligible employment or disenroll. See the Premium Only Plan (POP) SPD for more information.
Family Survivor Benefit
If you die while enrolled in DMBA medical benefits, your surviving dependents who were enrolled on the date of your death may continue receiving medical coverage for a one-year period after your death. During this period, plan premiums for medical coverage are waived for your surviving dependents. Surviving dependents must elect coverage under this benefit within 60 days of your death.
During the one-year premium waiver period, a surviving dependent’s eligibility will terminate if his or her eligibility would have otherwise terminated in accordance with the terms of the plan. For example, a surviving child’s eligibility terminates upon reaching age 26 even if that event occurs during the premium waiver period. In addition, the premium waiver will terminate before the end of the one-year period if your surviving dependent reaches age 65 or becomes eligible for Medicare (whichever is earlier).
After the one-year premium waiver period, coverage of your surviving dependents will end, subject to any COBRA rights.
Protection for You and Your Benefits
Protecting your privacy
Protected health information
DMBA does not disclose your personal, protected health information without your express permission. If you would like other individuals (including your spouse or other family members) to have access to your protected health information, you must submit an Authorization to Use and/or Disclose Protected Health Information (PHI) form to DMBA. Your dependents 18 and older must also submit an authorization form before you can access their protected health information.
DMBA ID number
We are committed to protecting the confidentiality of the personal information we receive—either from or about you. Although we use your Social Security number when communicating financial information to the federal government, generally we use your personal DMBA ID number to identify you.
All physicians, dentists, and any other business partners must use your DMBA ID number. Otherwise, your claims may be delayed or denied.
For added security when accessing your information on our website, we ask you to provide a web password and security phrase to accompany your DMBA ID number.
Protecting you: HIPAA
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) provides you with important protections.
Special enrollment periods for qualifying events
HIPAA requires plan providers to offer special enrollment periods to individuals who initially decline enrollment because they have other insurance and subsequently or involuntarily lose eligibility for that benefit. A special enrollment period must also be offered to you if you gain a new dependent, either through marriage, birth, or adoption. (See Change in status and special enrollment events.)
If you waive medical benefits and later want to enroll with DMBA, you must provide a Certificate of Creditable Coverage or other legal documentation of the qualifying event.
HIPAA prohibits group plans from using health criteria to determine an individual’s eligibility to enroll. Special enrollment in DMBA’s medical plans is only allowed if
- you or your eligible dependents had other insurance but became ineligible for it, in which case you and your dependents may enroll within 60 days after losing the other benefits; or
- you gain a newly eligible dependent, in which case you may enroll that dependent and any other eligible dependents who are not currently enrolled within 60 days after acquiring the dependent.
All other plan provisions and requirements apply to eligibility for medical benefits.
Protecting your benefits: ERISA
As a participant in the benefit program, you are entitled to certain rights and protections from the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). ERISA provides that all participants be entitled to
- examine, without charge—at the program administrator’s (DMBA’s) and/or employer’s offices—all program documents, collective bargaining agreements, and copies of all documents filed by the program with the U.S. Department of Labor, such as annual reports and plan descriptions;
- obtain copies of all program documents and other program information upon written request to DMBA, which may charge a reasonable fee for the copies; and
- receive a summary of the program’s annual financial report, which DMBA is required by law to furnish to each participant.
Your employer may not fire you or discriminate against you to prevent you from obtaining a benefit or for exercising your rights under ERISA.
If your claim for benefits is denied, in whole or in part, DMBA sends you a written explanation of the reason for the denial. You have the right to have DMBA review and reconsider your claim. Based on ERISA, you can take steps to enforce the previously mentioned rights.
For instance, if you request materials from DMBA and you do not receive them within 30 days, you may file suit in federal court. In such a case, the court may require DMBA to provide the materials and pay you up to $110 a day until you receive the materials, unless the materials were not sent because of reasons beyond DMBA’s control.
If you have a claim for benefits denied or ignored, in whole or in part, you may file suit in federal court after you’ve exhausted all administrative remedies. If plan fiduciaries misuse the plan’s money, or if you are discriminated against for asserting your rights, you may seek help from the U.S. Department of Labor or you may file suit in federal court.
The court decides who pays court costs and legal fees. If you are successful, the court may order the party you have sued to pay these costs and fees. If you lose, the court may order you to pay these costs and fees if, for example, it finds your claim to be frivolous.
If you have questions about the program, contact DMBA. If you have questions about this statement or about your rights under ERISA, contact the nearest area office of the U.S. Department of Labor.
Protecting DMBA: Fraud policy
It is unlawful to knowingly and intentionally provide false, incomplete, or misleading facts or information with the intent of defrauding DMBA. An application for benefits or statement of claim containing any materially false or misleading information may lead to reduction, denial, or termination of benefits or coverage from the plan and recovery of any amounts DMBA may have paid.
In extremely rare situations, a participant may seek to either bypass or ignore appropriate medical advice in an attempt to abuse the healthcare system. This may include, but is not limited to, changing from physician to physician, going from emergency room to emergency room, or seeking medications from multiple sources.
In these situations, DMBA has the right to place the participant on a medical compliance plan. That person must receive care from certain providers and facilities specifically named in the compliance plan (except in an emergency), as determined by DMBA, to comply with medically necessary advice and care.
If the participant then chooses to receive care from providers and facilities not included in the compliance plan, benefits will be denied and the participant will be responsible for all costs associated with this care.
Benefit Administration
Subrogation
If you have an injury or illness that is the liability of another party and you have the right to recover damages, DMBA requires reimbursement for any amount it has paid when damages are recovered from the third party. DMBA is reimbursed
- first;
- from any claim against the third party, the third party’s liability insurer (including workers’ compensation), or your uninsured or underinsured motorist insurer;
- whether the recovery is obtained by settlement, judgment, or any other source;
- regardless of how the settlement is allocated by the third party or insurer; and
- regardless of whether the settlement is considered to have recovered full compensation or damages.
If you do not attempt to recover damages from the third party as described above, DMBA has the right to act in your place and initiate legal action against the liable third party to recover the amount it has paid for your injuries.
Your acceptance of DMBA benefits for the injury gives DMBA the right to subrogate. You must provide all information DMBA requests for subrogation purposes. If you don’t, we’ll withhold the payment of your benefits and you will be responsible for reimbursing all costs and expenses paid by DMBA for the injury.
Additional details about plan overpayments and the plan’s right to subrogation and reimbursements are set forth in the respective legal plan document.
Non-assignability of benefits
Except as provided in the plan’s subrogation and reimbursement rights, no benefit under the medical, prescription drug, or dental benefits portion of this plan shall be subject to alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, or encumbrance or charge, voluntary or involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise, and any attempt at such transaction(s) shall be void. Neither you, nor any of your dependents, may assign your rights, benefits, or any other interest under this plan to a healthcare provider or any other individual or entity. DMBA may, however, in its discretion, pay a healthcare provider directly for services rendered to you or your covered dependent(s). The payment of benefits directly to a healthcare provider, if any, will be done as a convenience to you and your covered dependent(s) and will not constitute an assignment of rights, benefits or any other interest under the plan or a waiver of this anti-assignment provision.
Claims Review and Appeal Procedures
If your claim is denied and you feel the denial is in error, you have the right to file an appeal. As plan administrator, DMBA makes final benefit determinations for all claims except for (1) claims for medications through the prescription drug program, which is administered by Navitus, and (2) claims for professionally administered prescription drugs, which are administered by Archimedes. Navitus, the plan’s pharmacy benefit manager, administers the prescription drug program and makes final benefit determinations for claims it administers. Archimedes administers certain professionally administered drugs (e.g., medications dispensed by a provider) and it makes final benefit decisions for such claims.
The timeframe to file appeals with Navitus for prescription drug program claims may be different from appeals administered by DMBA and Archimedes, which follow the plan’s standard timeframe for filing appeals. For example, the plan’s standard timeframe requires that you must submit an appeal in writing within 12 months from the date of your adverse benefit decision, whereas you must submit an appeal to Navitus within 180 days from the date you receive your adverse benefit decision. For information on filing appeals with Navitus, see Filing a Prescription Drug Appeal.
What if I need help understanding a denial?
Call us at 801-578-5600 or 800-777-3622.
How do I file an appeal?
Log in to www.dmba.com, navigate to My Health, and under Medical select Claims. Select a claim number to view an Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Below the benefit details, it says, “You have the right to appeal this claim within 12 months from. . . . Click here for more details.” This link will provide you with detailed information about appealing a claim. Use the Member Appeal Form, available in the Forms Library. Complete your appeal form and send it to DMBA’s appeals coordinator at the address below. For information on filing appeals with Navitus, see Filing a Prescription Drug Appeal.
What if my situation is urgent?
If your situation meets the definition of urgent by law, your review will typically be conducted within 72 hours. Generally, an urgent situation is one in which your health may be in serious jeopardy or, in the opinion of your physician, you may experience pain that cannot be adequately controlled while you wait for a decision on your appeal. If you believe your situation is urgent, you may request an expedited appeal by following the instructions above for filing an internal appeal and also checking the boxes requesting an urgent appeal. Urgent appeals aren’t available for disputes involving services you’ve already received.
Who may file an appeal?
You, or someone you name to act for you as your authorized representative, may file an appeal. To designate an authorized representative, you must provide a written statement designating an authorized representative to act on your behalf. The statement must state the specific date of service (if post-service), description of treatment or service, and claim or preauthorization number the claimant is authorizing the representative to represent. The statement must be signed and notarized.
When you follow these procedures to designate an authorized representative to act and receive notices on your behalf with respect to a claim, DMBA will direct all information and notification to the designated personal representative authorized. However, if a claim involves urgent care, your treating physician may act as an authorized representative without regard to the authorization procedures listed above. Contact DMBA’s appeals coordinator at 801-578-5600 or 800-777-3622 for information about how to authorize another person to represent you.
Can I provide additional information about my claim?
Yes. Include copies of all documents that support your position, such as doctors’ letters, operative reports, bills, medical records, EOB statements, written comments, and any other information relating to the claim for benefits.
Can I request copies of information relevant to my claim?
Yes, you can request copies free of charge. This includes billing and diagnosis codes. Send a request in writing to DMBA’s appeals coordinator at the address below.
What happens next?
If you appeal, we will review our decision and provide you with a written determination. If your appeal is denied and you still disagree with the decision, you can resubmit it to DMBA’s appeals coordinator at the address below, requesting a second level of appeal. You are also entitled to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a) to appeal an adverse benefit determination based on the review of an earlier determination.
What timelines apply?
You have 12 months after an adverse benefit determination to appeal. Because this plan provides two levels of appeal to DMBA, you will receive notification about any one of the two appeals for (i) preservice claims no later than 15 days after DMBA receives your appeal; and (ii) post-service claims no later than 30 days after we receive your appeal. For more information about timelines, see the Claims review procedures table. For information on filing appeals with Navitus, see Filing a Prescription Drug Appeal.
Address for claims review and appeal communications
Attn: Appeals Coordinator DMBA P.O. Box 45530 Salt Lake City, UT 84145
Table: Claims review procedures
Urgent care health claims | Pre-service health claims | Post-service health claims | Disability claims | Other non-health claims | |
Notice of initial benefit determination | 72 hours after receiving your claim, if it was properly completed | 15 calendar days after receiving your initial claim 15-day extension with notice |
30 calendar days after receiving your initial claim 15-day extension with notice |
45 calendar days after receiving your initial claim Two 30-day extensions with notice |
90 calendar days after receiving your initial claim 90-day extension with notice |
Incorrectly filed claim notice | 24 hours after receiving your claim | Five calendar days after receiving your claim | Claim will be denied | 45 calendar days after receiving your claim, extended 30 calendar days from the date we receive the required information | Not applicable |
You must complete the claim within . . . | Not applicable | 45 calendar days after receiving the notice to provide information | Not applicable | 45 calendar days after receiving the notice to provide information | Not applicable |
You must appeal the decision within . . . | 12 months after receiving the claim denial | 12 months after receiving the claim denial | 12 months after receiving the claim denial | 12 months after receiving the claim denial | 60 calendar days after receiving the claim denial |
DMBA must provide a notice of the decision on the first level of appeal within . . . | 72 hours after your request for review (either verbal or written) |
15 calendar days after your request for review |
30 calendar days after receiving your request for review |
45 calendar days after your request for review 45-day extension with notice of special circumstances |
60 calendar days after your request for review 60-day extension with notice of special circumstances |
Notification of benefit determination on second level of appeal | 72 hours after receipt of the appeal | Five calendar days after the Claims Review Committee (CRC) makes the benefit determination at its scheduled meeting (at least quarterly) | Five calendar days after the Claims Review Committee (CRC) makes the benefit determination at its scheduled meeting (at least quarterly) If special circumstances require a further extension of time, a benefit determination may be rendered no later than the third CRC meeting. |
Five calendar days after the Claims Review Committee (CRC) makes the benefit determination at its scheduled meeting (at least quarterly) If special circumstances require a further extension of time, a benefit determination may be rendered no later than the third CRC meeting. |
Five calendar days after the Claims Review Committee (CRC) makes the benefit determination at its scheduled meeting (at least quarterly) If special circumstances require a further extension of time, a benefit determination may be rendered no later than the third CRC meeting. |
Filing a Prescription Drug Appeal
The prescription drug benefit is administered by Navitus Health Solutions. Navitus has been delegated authority to, in its sole discretion, interpret plan provisions relating to the prescription drug benefit as well as facts and other information for claims and appeals. Navitus’s decisions on claims and appeals are final and binding.
If your claim is denied and you feel that the denial was in error, you have the right to file an appeal. For prescription drug claims administered by Navitus, you must submit your appeal in writing to Navitus within 180 days from the date you receive your adverse benefit decision.
Your appeal should include a copy of the denial notice, an explanation as to why the initial decision should be reversed, and a copy of any information that will support your request. You may request copies (free of charge) from Navitus of all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claim.
If your situation meets the definition of an urgent care claim, your review will typically be conducted within 72 hours. To file an appeal for an urgent care claim for a prescription drug, call Navitus at 833-354-2226. Urgent care claim appeals aren’t available for disputes involving services you’ve already received.
There is one appeal available for a prescription drug claim denial. Navitus will respond to any appeal within a reasonable period of time but not later than (i) 15 days from receipt of your preservice claim appeal; and (ii) 30 days from receipt of your post-service claim appeal. Navitus will provide you with written notice of the plan’s decision on appeal.
If your appeal is denied, you may request an external review through Navitus within four months after receiving notice of the appeal denial. The external review will be handled by an independent review organization (IRO). The IRO’s response time will be no later than 45 days from receipt of your request, subject to any applicable extensions under ERISA. For prescription drug appeal time limits, see the Prescription drug appeal time limits table. You must complete the internal appeal and external review processes before any outside action is taken, such as filing a civil action under Section 502(a) of ERISA to challenge the denial in court.
If you have questions related to the prescription drug program, including how to file a prescription drug appeal, call Navitus at 833-354-2226 or visit memberportal.navitus.com/landing.
Send prescription drug appeals to Navitus:
Navitus Health Solutions
Attn: Appeals Department
P.O. Box 999
Appleton, WI 54912-1039
Table: Prescription drug appeal time limits
Urgent care prescription drugs | Pre-service prescription drugs | Post-service prescription drugs | |
You must file an appeal within . . . | 180 days after receiving the claim denial notice | ||
Navitus must provide notice of appeal decision . . . | Not later than 72 hours after receiving an appeal | Not later than 15 days after receiving an appeal | Not later than 30 days after receiving an appeal |
You must request an external review within . . . | Four months after receiving the appeal denial notice | ||
IRO must provide notice of external review decision . . . | Not later than 72 hours after receiving the request for external review | Not later than 45 days after receiving the request for external review |
Definitions and Exclusions
Each benefit plan has unique limitations and exclusions. Please pay particular attention to the exclusions in each summary plan description, as well as the Definitions SPD.
Notification of Discretionary Authority
DMBA is the plan administrator and, in its sole discretion, determines appropriate courses of action in light of the reason and purpose for which the plan is established and maintained. In particular, DMBA has full and sole discretionary authority to interpret and construe the terms of all plan documents, including but not limited to the following: resolve and clarify inconsistencies, ambiguities, and/or omissions in all plan documents; make determinations for all questions of eligibility for and entitlement to benefits; determine the status and rights of employees and other persons under this plan; make all interpretive and factual determinations as to whether any individual is entitled to receive any benefits under the terms of this plan; and determine the manner, time, and amount of payment of any benefits under this plan. Benefits will be paid under this plan only if the plan administrator decides in its sole discretion that the individual is entitled to them. All such interpretations and decisions by DMBA shall be final, binding, and conclusive on the employers, the employees, and any other parties affected thereby.
Any interpretation, determination, or other action of the plan administrator shall be given deference in the event the determination is subject to judicial review. Any review by a court of a final decision or action of plan administrator shall be based only on such evidence presented to or considered by DMBA at the time it made the decision that is the subject of the court’s review. Accepting any benefits or making any claim for benefits under this plan constitutes agreement with and consent to any decisions that DMBA makes, in its sole discretion and, further, constitutes agreement to the limited and deferential scope of review described herein.
DMBA may allocate or delegate its duties and responsibilities under this plan and may designate any person or entity to carry out any of its duties or responsibilities with respect to administration of this plan, including the appointment of one or more claims administrators to evaluate benefit claims under this plan. In the case of such allocation or delegation, all references to “DMBA” or “plan administrator” shall be deemed to refer to such person or entity to the extent of such allocation or delegation. However, DMBA has a continuing duty to monitor the performance of any of its delegates or designees.
Notification of Benefit Changes
DMBA is subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and reserves the right to amend or terminate this plan at any time.
Legal Notice
We have made every effort to accurately describe the benefits and ensure that information given to you is consistent with other benefit-related communications. However, if there is any discrepancy or conflict between information in this document and other plan materials, the terms outlined in the plan document will govern.