Supplemental Health

All FPOA members are entitled to receive supplemental benefits for the medical, vision and prescription bills they incur.  Medical benefits pick up deductibles and co-payments as established by the Fresno City Employees Health and Welfare Trust.  Benefits are also available for vision and hearing aid expenses, as well as chiropractor, podiatrist, and counseling services.  Revised benefits are offered to members aged 65 and over.  For details, call Jo Billings at the FPOA office (559-442-3762).

	Frequently Asked Questions
Q.	Does the FPOA pay my $200 per fiscal year medical deductible?
A.	Yes, as long as the deductible is taken from an allowable expense.
Q.	Do I have 100% health coverage at all times?
A.	In most cases, the FPOA, by coordinating benefits with the Trust, provides 100% coverage for your medical expenses.  Exceptions include dental, and any expense deemed ineligible by the FPOA and/or the Trust.
Q.	When I retire, do I have to maintain the City’s health plan in order to be eligible for the FPOA benefits?
A.	No.  You do not have to keep the City’s plan; however the FPOA will coordinate benefits with whatever plan you do have and will pay you no more than it would have if you had retained the City’s plan.
Q.	Is my family entitled to the FPOA’s supplemental benefits?
A.	No.  Supplemental benefits are provided to FPOA members only.
Q.	What if my Physician is not on the list of Blue Shield Providers?
A.	You can go to any doctor you choose.  But know this:  If the doctor you choose is not contracted with Blue Shield, you will be responsible for a 50% co-payment and you will have to pay for any expenses that exceed the trust’s scheduled allowable.
Q.	What should I do before I see a Blue Shield contracting physician?
A.	You do not have to do anything.  However, if the visit requires pre-certification, you must call Blue Shield at 800-343-1691.  See your current Fresno City Employees Health & Welfare plan booklet for a list of services that require pre-certification or contact Jo Billings at the FPOA office (559-442-3762) for this information.
Q.	How do I receive FPOA supplemental benefits?
A.	File a claim.
	For Medical Expenses
	Have your provider bill your primary carrier (which, for all active members is Health Comp) and your secondary carrier, the FPOA.  If your provider will not bill the FPOA, submit a copy of your EOB from your primary carrier along with the corresponding itemized bill to the FPOA.  Please let us know if you want us to pay benefits to you or the provider.  Also, be certain to tell us if your illness/injury is work-related.  You can use a FPOA claim form to convey this information to us, or you can write the information on the back of the bill or EOB.
	For Prescription Expenses
	Use your City’s Health & Welfare identification card (Health Comp) to purchase your prescription drugs.  (Retired members who do not have the City’s plan should use whatever drug benefit program available to them.)  Unlike medical expenses, no EOB’s are required for prescription expenses.  Simply send the drug tag (not the cash register receipt) from the pharmacy to the FPOA office within 18 months from the dispensing date for reimbursement.