Health Savings: Questions & Answers
Q: Are there providers in my area?
A: 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 1-800-228-3523.
Q: Who is eligible?
A: All dues-paying members and retired members are eligible to participate in this program. Family members, including parents, may be covered under the union member's enrollment in the program.
Q: How can my family members use this program? Can they use it even if they aren't union members?
A: You can enroll members of your family on your Union Plus Health Savings account, even if they are not union members. Please note that all prescription purchases will be charged to the credit or debit card that you register with when you enroll.
Q: Who is MedAdvantage?
A: MedAdvantage is the provider of the Union Plus Health Savings Program. They have been in the business of helping people save money on prescriptions since 1996, and now they are offering their services to union members at a discounted annual fee.
Q: Will I save money on every health care transaction?
A: The program negotiates volume discounts with health care providers. Savings on dental, foot and ankle, plus hearing care will be fairly consistent and in line with our quoted savings. You will save on most of your prescriptions. But occasionally retail pharmacies have special prices on some prescriptions to attract customers. Because these are priced so low, there are no discounts to pass on to the Health Saving Program participant. The good news is that the program matches these special low prices. Plus, you can track your overall savings when you receive your quarterly savings summary.
Q: How can I find out the cost of my prescription before I have it filled?
A: You may call 1-800-228-3523 for an approximate discounted cost for your prescriptions. The cost may vary slightly from pharmacy to pharmacy.
Q: What about dollar limits?
A: With the Health Savings Program, there are no limits on the dollar amounts or the number of prescriptions you purchase. You may purchase prescriptions up to the credit limit of the card you register with the program.
Q: 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?
A: 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.
Q: Will this program cover my prescriptions and health care services for pre-existing medical conditions?
A: Yes. Union Plus Health Savings covers prescriptions and health care services for all pre-existing conditions.
Q: Must I always have my Union Plus Health Savings prescriptions and health care services charged to my credit or debit card? What if I want to pay cash or write a check?
A: When you use the Health Savings program, your prescriptions and other health care services will automatically be charged to your credit or debit card account. By working only through credit and debit cards rather than with cash or checks, we are able to greatly reduce paperwork and overhead costs. This creates much of the savings that is passed on to you.
Call 1-800-228-3523 for more information on this program.
Q: I'm a provider interested in joining one of the Union Plus programs. How can I participate?
A: Providers interested in participating in the Union Plus Health Savings program can call the program customer service number at 1-800-228-3523.
Q: I don't see any information about my health care plan. Help!
A: The Union Plus Health Savings program is available to participating unions, but you may have other health insurance through your employer and/or union-negotiated contract.