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Medical & Prescription Drugs

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Last updated date: 3/27/2024

The DISH Medical Plan (DMP) offers comprehensive coverage with a wide network of medical professionals to support you and your family.

DISH Medical Plan (DMP)

This plan is administered by UnitedHealthcare. You can enroll as a new hire, during Annual Enrollment, or if you have a qualifying life event. To see your contributions and enroll, log in through HR Link, accessible through either The HOP or OKTA at https://dish.okta.com/.

Medical plan

DMP

Administered by: UnitedHealthcare

Take charge of your spending through low contributions and a tax-free Health Savings Account (HSA) (with contributions from DISH) that you own for life.

Key features at a glance

The DMP provides:

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Comprehensive coverage for a wide range of health care services. Tip: If you need extra protection from large or unexpected medical expenses, you may also choose to enroll in supplemental medical coverage.

Free in-network preventive care with services such as annual physicals, recommended immunizations, and routine cancer screenings covered at 100%. See more covered preventive services.

Prescription drug coverage included with the DMP. Prescription benefits are provided by OptumRx.

Financial protection through annual out-of-pocket maximums that limit the amount you’ll pay each year. Important: This only applies when you choose in-network providers.

Plan Details

DMP
In-NetworkOut-of-Network
Deductible
Employee only
Family

$2,100
$4,2001

CoinsurancePlan pays 70%Plan pays 50%
Out-of-pocket maximum
Employee only
Family

$5,000
$10,0002

None
None
Services
Preventive careCovered 100%You pay 50% after deductible
Office visit (primary or specialist)You pay 30% after deductibleYou pay 50% after deductible
Urgent careYou pay 30% after deductibleYou pay 50% after deductible
Emergency roomYou pay 30% after deductibleYou pay 30% after deductible
Outpatient HospitalYou pay 30% after deductibleYou pay 50% after deductible
Inpatient HospitalYou pay 30% after deductibleYou pay 50% after deductible
Mental Health and Substance AbuseYou pay 30% after deductibleYou pay 50% after deductible
Pharmacy
Retail
GenericYou pay 30% after deductibleYou pay 30% after deductible
Formulary brandYou pay 30% after deductibleYou pay 30% after deductible
Non-formulary brandYou pay 30% after deductibleYou pay 30% after deductible
Mail order
GenericYou pay 30% after deductibleNot covered
Preferred brandYou pay 30% after deductibleNot covered
Non-formulary brandNot coveredNot covered

1 All family members’ medical expenses accumulate toward the family deductible. The plan won’t pay benefits, except for in-network preventive care, until the total family deductible of $4,200 has been met.

2 Regardless of whether an individual is enrolled in employee only coverage or family coverage, the annual in-network out-of-pocket maximum for that individual can’t exceed $5,750.

How the Plan Works

The DMP gives you the option to see any provider of your choice, though you’ll save money when you choose network providers. You must meet the deductible before the plan shares in the cost for services, except for preventive care, which is 100% covered. Once you’ve met the deductible, you’ll pay a percentage of the cost for covered services.

The DMP also gives you the opportunity to enroll in a tax-advantaged Health Savings Account (HSA) that helps you save money and plan ahead for future medical expenses. As an added bonus, DISH will contribute up to $520 per year to your HSA.

Using the Plan

You pay the plan contributions from your paycheck to have coverage.

HSA

You can set aside tax-free money from your paycheck and receive company contributions to help cover your costs — now, or in the future.

HSA

Deductible

You pay 100% of your medical and prescription costs until you meet the annual deductible.

Deductible

Coinsurance

After meeting the deductible, you and the plan share the cost of covered medical care and prescriptions, with the plan paying the majority.

Coinsurance

Out-of-Pocket Maximum

When you choose in-network providers, you’re protected by an annual limit on your costs. If you meet this limit, the plan pays 100% of eligible expenses for the rest of the plan year.

Out-of-Pocket Maximum

Keep in mind: You pay nothing for in-network preventive care — it’s covered in full.

Use your HSA to save money and plan ahead!

Contributing to your HSA is a great way to budget for deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses while also saving money — your HSA contributions are tax-free!*

Keep in mind:

  • You can only spend HSA money that’s actually been deposited into your account. If you don’t have enough money in your HSA when you need it, you can pay another way and reimburse yourself later so you take full advantage of your HSA’s tax savings.
  • You will never forfeit any money left in your HSA — it rolls over year after year. If you know about future expenses or want to save for your health care costs in retirement, set aside a little extra each paycheck so your balance can grow over time.
  • You can change your HSA contribution amount throughout the year as needed to keep up with any changes in your situation.

*Contributions are not subject to federal income tax. However, HSA contributions are currently subject to state income tax in CA and NJ. Consult with your tax advisor to understand the potential tax implications of enrolling in an HSA. Money in an HSA can be withdrawn tax-free as long as it is used to pay for qualified health-related expenses. If money is used for ineligible expenses, you will pay ordinary income tax on the amount withdrawn, plus a 20% penalty tax if you withdraw the money before age 65.

OptumRx

When you enroll in the DMP, you automatically receive prescription drug benefits through OptumRx.

Check the formulary

The DMP has a prescription drug formulary, or list of preferred drugs based on effectiveness and cost. Log in to your account at OptumRx to see which medications are covered.

Save money on your prescriptions!

The cost of prescription drugs is rising faster than many other health care services and supplies. But, there are ways for you to save.

Ask your doctor about generic medications

Generic medications are generally just as effective as brand-name medications, but they typically cost between 80% and 85% less.

Ask your doctor about generic medications

Use the home delivery feature

If you take maintenance medication to treat a chronic condition — such as an allergy, heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes — the convenience and cost savings of the home delivery prescription program through OptumRx will save you time and money.

Use the home delivery feature

Why use home delivery?

  • Prescriptions are shipped to you for free — no waiting in line at the pharmacy.
  • You save money with a reduced cost for a three-month supply.
  • You can set up automatic refills.

Maintenance medications

Maintenance medications must be filled in 90-day supplies at your local Walgreens, or you can have them delivered to your home through the OptumRx Walgreens90 Saver Plus program. You may pay less when you fill a 90-day supply.

Specialty drugs

All prescriptions for specialty medication, such as those used to treat complex conditions like rheumatoid rthritis, multiple sclerosis, or psoriasis, must be filled through the OptumRx Specialty Pharmacy. You’ll have access to a dedicated team led by a pharmacist and nurse who are specialists in your condition to help you with your medication regimen. Learn more through OptumRx or call 1-844-253-3954.

Tools And Resources

Take advantage of these valuable programs and resources to better manage your health and financial well-being.

Virtual Visits

Virtual Visits offer 24/7 access to care from licensed doctors through your phone, tablet or computer. Each visit costs $49, and it is an affordable alternative to an in-person doctor’s visit. This is for non-emergency situations only.

Use Virtual Visits for these concerns and more

Cold and flu

  • Bronchitis
  • Coughing
  • Fever
  • Seasonal flu
  • Sinus problem
  • Sore throat

Cold and flu

Gastrointestinal and stomach issues

  • Bladder/urinary tract infection
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomachache

Gastrointestinal and stomach issues

Skin issues

  • Pinkeye
  • Rash

Skin issues

Other

  • Allergies
  • Migraine/headache
  • And more

Other

You can access Virtual Visits through the UnitedHealthcare app.

Find a Doctor

You have access to a network of quality providers through UnitedHealthcare. Be sure to choose in-network providers and you’ll pay less for covered services than you would through an out-of-network provider.

If you are already a UnitedHealthcare member, log in at UnitedHealthcare and click “Find Care & Costs” on the home page.

  1. Go to http://www.myuhc.com
  2. Click “Find a doctor” at the top of the page
  3. Click “Search as a guest”
  4. Choose “Medical Directory” or “Behavioral Health Directory” depending on the type of provider you need.
  5. Choose “Employer and Individual Plans”
  6. Click “Choice Plus”
  7. Search by location or by category

Look for providers with two blue heart icons. They’ve received UHC’s highest rating for quality and cost efficiency. Learn more about the UnitedHealth Premium program.

Use the UHC Member Website and App

Once your coverage takes effect, you can register at UnitedHealthcare.

Here’s what you can do through the member website and app:

  • View claims
  • Use the cost estimator tool
  • Search for providers and facilities
  • And more.

For more information on how to register, please see How to Register on myuhc.com.

Billing Support through Naviguard

We encourage you and your family to use in-network providers whenever possible. If you choose to see an out-of-network provider, there may be a risk of additional billing (also known as balance billing), meaning your provider may bill you for any amount not covered by the negotiated insurance rates. If this occurs, UHC provides an advocacy service called Naviguard that’s available to assist you with any surprise bills. Call the number on the back of your UnitedHealthcare ID card to get started.

Maternity Support

The Maternity Support Program provides individual support for moms and babies. When you enroll in the program, you’ll be connected with a maternity nurse who is available to answer your questions and help you with things like:

  • Choosing a doctor or nurse midwife, and helping you find a pediatrician or other specialist.
  • Providing information to help you take care of yourself and the health of your baby — even if your pregnancy is considered high-risk.
  • Offering support to help you manage your health — physically and emotionally — before and after your baby is born.

For more information, go to Health Support, call 877-201-5328 or download the UnitedHealthcare Healthy Pregnancy app from the App Store or Google Play.

Substance Use Treatment Helpline

This service is part of your health benefit and provided at no added cost to you. The helpline can:

  • Educate you on appropriate treatment options and providers
  • Arrange a face-to-face clinical evaluation
  • Connect you with a credentialed treatment center
  • Arrange family support services as needed
  • Guide you on next steps based on your personal situation

Visit online or call 855-780-5955. Specialized licensed clinicians are available 24/7. Your personal information will be kept confidential in accordance with state and federal laws.

Don’t have a personal doctor? You should. Here’s why.

  • Better health. Getting the right health screenings each year can reduce your risk for many serious conditions. Preventive care is free, so there’s no excuse to skip it.
  • A healthier wallet. Having a doctor you can call helps you avoid costly trips to the emergency room and decide when you really need to see a specialist.
  • Peace of mind. Advice from someone you trust ... it means a lot when you’re healthy, but it’s even more important when you’re sick. Your personal doctor gets to know you and your health history and can help coordinate any care you need.

Money-Saving Tips

When you carefully consider the financial impact of your health care choices, you can help lower costs for yourself and the entire company. Get the most from your medical benefits by following these tips to be well and buy smart:

Use in-network providers

They’ve agreed to charge only up to negotiated rates and bill your insurance company directly, which saves you money and time. Also, check with your insurance company to ensure that a service is covered before you receive care.

Keep up with preventive care

It’s covered in full by your medical plan and can help detect and prevent potentially costly health issues early. You pay nothing for annual physicals, recommended immunizations, routine cancer screenings, and more when you see in-network providers.

Use tax-free money to pay for eligible health expenses

Contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA) is easy and saves you money. You can set aside pre-tax dollars from your paycheck to use for your out-of-pocket costs. Keep in mind that with an HSA, you can only spend contributions that have actually been deposited into your account.

Shop smart for prescriptions

Using generic alternatives will almost always save you money — and they’re just as effective as brand-name prescriptions. For your ongoing prescriptions, use the home-delivery service to save money and time.

Use your medical plan’s website

Log in to UnitedHealthcare to see how much of your deductible you’ve met, review claims, find in-network providers, use helpful cost-estimating tools, and more.

Choose the right place to get care

Facilities charge different amounts for the same services, so think about your options when you or a family member needs medical attention. Use the guide below to help you save money and choose the most appropriate care for your situation.


Virtual VisitsDoctor’s officeUrgent care clinicEmergency room
Use it for
A common, non-emergency medical issue that can be diagnosed by phone or onlineA condition that doesn’t need immediate attention and can wait until the next dayA condition that needs immediate care but is not life- or limb-threateningA life-threatening or potentially crippling condition that needs immediate attention
Examples
  • Colds and allergies, flu/cough
  • Ear infections, pink eye
  • Behavioral health
  • Sore throat, fever
  • Routine exam, screening
  • Checkup, vaccine, prescription refill
  • Broken bone, severe sprain or strain
  • Cut requiring stitches
  • Anxiety attack
  • Sudden weakness, dizziness, or loss of consciousness
  • Uncontrollable bleeding
  • Chest pain, difficulty breathing
Cost
You pay: $You pay: $You pay: $$You pay: $$$
Find it
Go to Virtual Visits to get startedCall your regular doctor or search for an in-network provider at UnitedHealthcareSearch for urgent care clinics near you at https://www.solvhealth.com/urgent-careCall 911 or search online for the nearest hospital