Medical Plan
If you are not already a UnitedHealthcare member, you can check to see if your current medical provider is in the UHC network by going to www.whyuhc.com/echostar and clicking “Search for a Provider.” You can also speak to a live advocate at 833-313-2056.
The Medical Plan is administered by UnitedHealthcare. You can enroll as a new hire, during Annual Enrollment, or if you have a qualifying life event.
Medical Plan
Administered by: UnitedHealthcare
Take charge of your spending with a tax-free Health Savings Account (HSA) that offers flexibility and control over your healthcare expenses, along with contributions from EchoStar that you own for life.
Key features at a glance
The Medical Plan provides:
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 health benefits.
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 Medical Plan. Prescription benefits are provided by CVS Caremark. The network includes all major chains and most independent pharmacies.
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
| Medical Plan | ||
|---|---|---|
| In-Network | Out-of-Network | |
| Deductible Employee only Family |
$2,500 $5,0001 |
|
| Coinsurance | Plan pays 80% | Plan pays 60% |
| Out-of-pocket maximum Employee only Family |
$6,000 per calendar year $12,0002 per calendar year |
No limit per calendar year No limit per calendar year |
| Services | ||
| Preventive care | Covered 100% | You pay 40% after deductible |
| Office visit (primary or specialist) | You pay 20% after deductible | You pay 40% after deductible |
| Urgent care | You pay 20% after deductible | You pay 40% after deductible |
| Emergency room | You pay 20% after deductible | You pay 20% after deductible |
| Outpatient Hospital | You pay 20% after deductible | You pay 40% after deductible |
| Inpatient Hospital | You pay 20% after deductible | You pay 40% after deductible |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse | You pay 20% after deductible | You pay 40% after deductible |
| Pharmacy | ||
| Retail | ||
| Generic | You pay 20% after deductible | You pay 40% after deductible |
| Formulary brand | You pay 20% after deductible | You pay 40% after deductible |
| Non-formulary brand | You pay 20% after deductible | You pay 40% after deductible |
| Mail order | ||
| Generic | You pay 20% after deductible | Not covered |
| Preferred brand | You pay 20% after deductible | Not covered |
| Non-formulary brand | Not covered | Not 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 $5,000 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 $6,000.
How the Plan Works
The Medical Plan 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 Medical Plan 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, EchoStar will contribute up to $520 per year to your HSA if you complete the 3 goals below:
- Take the Tobacco-Free Pledge
- Contribute at least $10 per pay period of your own contributions to your HSA
- Complete a Health Assessment
Using the Plan
You pay the plan contributions from your paycheck to have coverage.
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.
CVS Caremark
When you enroll in the Medical Plan, you automatically receive prescription drug benefits through CVS Caremark.
Check the formulary
The Medical Plan has a prescription drug formulary, or list of preferred drugs based on effectiveness and cost. Log in to your account at CVS Caremark 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.
Maintenance medications
Members of CVS Caremark have the convenience of utilizing the Maintenance Choice program, which enables you to conveniently refill long-term medications or maintenance medications, either at an in-network pharmacy or through mail order. These medications must be filled in 90-day supplies, ensuring that you have an ample and uninterrupted supply.
Specialty drugs
All prescriptions for specialty medication, such as those used to treat complex conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or psoriasis, must be filled through the CVS Caremark 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 CVS Caremark or call all 1-800-552-8159.
For Legacy DISH Employees: There is no change for specialty medication supply - we will continue to offer a 30-day supply for specialty drugs.
For Legacy EchoStar Employees: We are transitioning from a 90-day supply to a 30-day supply for specialty drugs. This change will help manage costs by reducing waste.
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
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.
- Go to http://www.myuhc.com
- Click “Find a doctor” at the top of the page
- Click “Search as a guest”
- Choose “Medical Directory” or “Behavioral Health Directory” depending on the type of provider you need.
- Choose “Employer and Individual Plans”
- Click “Choice Plus”
- 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:
| Virtual Visits | Doctor’s office | Urgent care clinic | Emergency room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use it for | |||
| A common, non-emergency medical issue that can be diagnosed by phone or online | A condition that doesn’t need immediate attention and can wait until the next day | A condition that needs immediate care but is not life- or limb-threatening | A life-threatening or potentially crippling condition that needs immediate attention |
| Examples | |||
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| Cost | |||
| You pay: $ | You pay: $ | You pay: $$ | You pay: $$$ |
| Find it | |||
| Go to Virtual Visits to get started | Call your regular doctor or search for an in-network provider at UnitedHealthcare | Search for urgent care clinics near you at https://www.solvhealth.com/urgent-care | Call 911 or search online for the nearest hospital |