Every year, Independence evaluates our health plans to determine if language 
should be revised to more clearly describe the benefits provided in each of 
these plans. Members are notified by mail of these changes.
In an effort to provide you with information affecting your Independence 
patients, the following is a summary of this year’s member benefit 
language changes and clarifications, 
effective January 1, 
2020:
| Type of benefit/service | Plans affected | Change/clarification | 
| Acupuncture | HMO POS/DPOS EPO PPO | Language has been updated to remove examples of when acupuncture can be 
used. Acupuncture treatment is based on medical necessity and guided by medical 
policy. | 
| Inpatient/Birthing Center | HMO POS/DPOS EPO PPO | Language has been updated to replace the term “Maternity/Obstetrics 
Care Facility” with “Inpatient/Birthing Center” in the 
Schedule of Covered Services document.  | 
Effective January 1, 2020, the following changes apply to 
members with an Independence prescription drug benefit:
| Type of benefit/service | Plans affected | Change/clarification | 
| Convenience packs | HMO POS/DPOS EPO PPO | Language has been updated to state that “convenience packs” are 
not covered under the pharmacy benefit. Convenience packs contain two or more 
drug products in one package. These packs have a unique national drug code. 
They may include low-cost generic prescription drugs, common over-the-counter 
products, and/or products not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration. | 
| Tier descriptions | HMO POS/DPOS PPO | Language has been updated to clarify that the non-preferred and specialty 
drug tiers include generic drugs. Non-preferred drugs generally have one or 
more generic or preferred brand options in the same drug class. They are 
subject to the Non-preferred drug cost-sharing (i.e., copayment, deductible, 
and coinsurance). Some generic drugs are in the Specialty tier and have 
Specialty drug cost-sharing. | 
| Split fills | HMO POS/DPOS EPO PPO   | Language has been updated to clarify that “split fill” (i.e., a 
single prescription dispensed in two amounts) is applicable for the first fill 
and subsequent fills during the first three months of therapy. The 
first amount is dispensed right away, but the second amount can be delayed if a 
different dose is needed or if there are negative side effects. Cost-sharing is 
prorated for each amount of the split fill. | 
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