How to Get the Best Benefits Under the NRC/UTU Plan

Benefits under the NRC/UTU Plan are administered by Aetna U.S. Healthcare, Regence Life and Health Insurance Company, and UnitedHealthcare. You can get the maximum benefits offered under the Plan by following these tips.

If you are covered under the Managed Medical Care Program (MMCP), you must use "in-network" providers to get the best benefits. You can find "in-network" providers by looking in the provider directory of the health care company administering the benefits for you. In the Aetna U.S. Healthcare or UnitedHealthcare provider directories, any doctor or provider listed in the directory is an "in-network" provider. In the Regence Life and Health provider directory, "in-network" providers are called Participating Providers and are identified by a PPO designation following their name.

If you are covered under the Comprehensive Health Care Benefit (CHCB), you can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses by using a network provider. These providers have agreed with the health care companies to provide care at a discounted charge. While you will still pay the deductible and 15% of the charge, the amount of the charge will be less.

In addition, network providers have agreed to bill the health care company directly. Under CHCB, they will not bill you until the health care company has made payment to them. Plus, since they are network providers, there is never a question regarding what is the reasonable and customary charge.

PPO directories for members covered under CHCB are also available by calling the toll-free numbers listed below.

Be sure to show your doctor your NRC/UTU Plan ID card. It identifies the benefit plan you have and helps the doctor’s office handle the bill correctly.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or network providers, you can get answers by calling your health care company, toll-free, at the following numbers:

These numbers are also on the front of your NRC/UTU Plan ID card.

This information is also applicable to members covered under the Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan which is administered by UnitedHealthcare and Aetna U.S. Healthcare. The toll-free numbers are as follows:                                  

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Copyright © 1997 United Transportation Union
Last modified: December 28, 2001