www.hcbo.com

Blue Cross Blue Shield has an interactive web site available to GM salaried and hourly employees, retirees, surviving spouses, and their eligible dependents.  The web site, Health Care Benefits Online, at www.hcbo.com offers internet access to personal health care information. 

Covered members can go online to obtain health care eligibility and claims payment information for themselves and for any minor dependents.  Site features offer information on a variety of benefits related topics including:

·        Benefit information

·        Coverage eligibility

·        Claim status

·        Deductibles and maximums

·        Doctor and hospital finder for participating providers

·        Explanation of benefits (EOB)

·        ID card – order ID cards

It’s easy!  Just go to the site, register, and log on for their personalized eligibility and claims information.                 HCBO.com                

Online hours are (EST):

6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.      Monday thru Saturday

9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.    Sunday

Hearing Aid Coverage

“Benefits are provided for hearing aid services when obtained from network providers.” 

For active members, under the under the Health Care Program, benefits are provided for an audiometric exam, hearing aide evaluation test, and an allowance for hearing aids/molds, replacements, adjustments, and repairs as required, provided in a three year period.

For retirees, under the Health Care Program, benefits are provided for an audiometric exam, hearing aide

evaluation, and one hearing aid provided in a three year period.

Both must follow the procedure below:

Step One:  Have a medical examination of the ear by an otologist or otolaryngologist.  This exam is not covered by the program.

Step Two:  Have an audiometric exam performed by a network physician or audiologist to measure the extent of hearing loss.  The exam must show that a hearing aid will help your hearing loss before steps three and four will be covered.  The usual, customary, and reasonable charge for this exam is covered.

Step Three:  Have a hearing aid evaluation test by a network physician or audiologist to prescribe the make and model of the hearing aid that will best improve your hearing.  This test must be performed by a network physician or audiologist when indicated by the most recent audiometric exam.

Step Four:  Have a hearing aid prescription written by the physician or audiologist.  The program pays the participating dealer’s cost for a hearing aid and ear mold, as well as fees for dispensing and fitting the hearing aid. 

The hearing aid must be prescribed as a result of the most recent audiometric exam and hearing aid evaluation test and must be certified as the make and model prescribed by the physician or audiologist.

Durable Medical Equipment

For members who had Priority Health last year, we can not emphasize enough for you to MAKE SURE the provider you are using for oxygen, diabetic supplies such as lancets and test strips, wheel chairs, CPAP machines and supplies - ALL DURABLE EQUIPMENT is being provided by a participating provider with Northwood NPN such as Airway Oxygen, CareLinc, Wright and Filippis, or others.

Hourly GM/UAW Retirees with Delphi Credited Service  Delphi retirees and hourly GM retirees with Delphi credited service will be getting the pension increase agreed to under the 2007 GM/UAW Agreement later this year.  The exact date has not been established, but both GM and Fidelity are working on the project right now and will be keeping the UAW informed on the progress of this project.  The increase will be paid retroactive to October 1, 2007 or the effective date of your retirement if after October 1, 2007.

Submitted by Denise DeBoer

Alternate Benefit Rep, Local 730, UAW

Benefit Office: 

(616) 246-3450 or (800) 730-8292