Understanding Your Rights
It is important you understand the rights your loved one is entitled to under Today’s Options.
Your right to be treated with fairness and respect
You have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness at all times.
Today’s Options must obey laws against discrimination that protect you from unfair
treatment. These laws say that we cannot discriminate against you (treat you unfairly)
because of your race or color, age, religion, national origin, or any mental or
physical disability you may have.
Your right to the privacy of your medical records and personal health information
There are federal and state laws that protect the privacy of your medical records
and personal health information. We keep your personal health information private
as protected under these laws. Any personal health information that you give us
when you enroll in this plan is protected. We will make sure that unauthorized people
do not see or change your records. Generally, we must get written permission from
you (or from someone you have given legal power to make decisions for you) before
we can give your health information to anyone who is not providing your care or
paying for your care. There are exceptions allowed or required by law, such as release
of health information to government agencies that are checking on quality of care.
The laws that protect your privacy give you rights related to getting information and controlling how your health information is used. We are required to provide you with a notice that tells about these rights and explains how we protect the privacy of your health information. For example, you have the right to look at your medical records, and to get a copy of the records. There may be a fee charged for making copies. You also have the right to ask us to make additions or corrections to your medical records. If you ask us to do this, we will review your request and determine whether the changes are appropriate. You have the right to know how your health information has been given out and used for non-routine purposes. If you have questions or concerns about the privacy of your personal information and medical records, please call Member Services at the phone 1-866-568-8921 (TTY/TDD users call 1-800-958-2692), 8 AM to 8 PM, 7 days a week.
Your right to have your prescriptions filled within a reasonable period of time
You should get all of your prescriptions filled from a network pharmacy,
that is, from pharmacies which contract with Today’s Options. You have the right
to go to any network pharmacies in order to get your prescriptions filled at the
benefit level. You have the right to timely access to your prescriptions. “Timely
access” means that you can get your prescriptions filled within a reasonable amount
of time.
Your right to know your treatment choices and participate in decisions about
your healthcare
You have the right to know about the different Medication Management Treatment Programs
(MTM) we offer and in which you may participate. You have the right to be told about
any risks involved in your care. You have the right to refuse treatment. This includes
the right to stop taking your medicine. If you refuse treatment, you accept responsibility
for what happens as a result of refusing treatment.
You have the right to receive a detailed explanation from us if you believe that a network pharmacy has denied coverage for a drug that you believe you are entitled to receive or care you believe you should continue to receive. In these cases, you must request an initial decision.
Your right to make complaints
You have the right to make a complaint if you have concerns or problems related
to your coverage or care. “Appeals” and “grievances” are the two different types
of complaints you can make. Which one you make depends on your situation.
If you make a complaint, we must treat you fairly (i.e., not discriminate against
you). You have the right to get a summary of information about the appeals and grievances
that members have filed against Today’s Options in the past. To get this information,
call Member Services at 1-866-568-8921 (TTY/TDD users call 1-800-958-2692), 8 AM
to 8 PM, 7 days a week.
Your right to get information about your medical and drug coverage and costs
Your Summary of Benefits tells you what you have to pay for medical and/or prescription
drugs as a member of Today’s Options. If you need more information, please call
Member Services at number 1-866-568-8921 (TTY/TDD users call 1-8958-2692), 8 AM
to 8 PM, 7 days a week. You have the right to an explanation from us about any bills
you may get for medical services or drugs not covered by Today’s Options. We must
tell you in writing why we will not pay for a medical service or drug, and how you
can file an appeal to ask us to change this decision.
Your right to get information about Today’s Options and network pharmacies
You have the right to get information from us about Today’s Options. This includes
information about our financial condition, about our network pharmacies, and about
how Today’s Options compares to other Medicare Advantage or Part D Prescription
Drug Plans. To get any of this information, call Member Services at 1-866-568-8921
(TTY/TDD users call 1-800-958-2692), 8 AM to 8 PM, 7 days a week.
How to get more information about your rights
If you have questions or concerns about your rights and protections, please call
Member Services at 1-866-568-8921 (TTY/TDD users call 1-800-958-2692), 8 AM to 8
PM, 7 days a week.
In addition, the Medicare program has written a booklet called Your Medicare Rights and Protections. To get a free copy, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY/TDD users should call 1-877-486-2048. You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or, you can visit www.medicare.gov to order this booklet or print it directly from your computer.
What can you do if you think you have been treated unfairly or your rights are
not being respected?
If you think you have been treated unfairly or your rights have not been respected,
what you should do depends on your situation.
If you think you have been treated unfairly due to your race, color, national origin,
disability, age, or religion, please let us know. Or, you can call the Office for
Civil Rights in your area.
For any other kind of concern or problem related to your Medicare rights and protections described in this section, you can call Member Services at 1-866-568-8921 (TTY/TDD users call 1-800-958-2692), 8 AM to 8 PM, 7 days a week. You can also get help from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (also known as SHIP).
What are your responsibilities as a member of Today’s Options?
Along with the rights you have as a member of Today’s Options, you also have some
responsibilities. Your responsibilities include the following:
- Become familiar with your coverage and the rules you must follow to get care as a member. Please call Member Services at 1-866-568-8921 (TTY/TDD users call 1-800-958-2692), 8 AM to 8 PM, 7 days a week. if you have any questions.
- Give your healthcare provider(s) the information they need to care for you, and follow the treatment plans and instructions given to. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider(s) if you have any questions.
- Pay your plan premiums and any coinsurance/co-payments you may owe for the covered medical services or drugs you get.