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Benefits Information for New Members

Medical Benefits Information for New Members
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This section of the Medical Benefits Mobile Web App collects information helpful for new members to the program. Our benefits administrator depends on the primary member’s post of duty (if an active staff member) or the primary member’s official address with the IDB Group.

For members in the U.S. or Puerto RicoFor members outside the U.S. or Puerto Rico

Cigna Healthcare is the plan administer for all types of medical, dental and vision expenses, inside and outside the U.S. or Puerto Rico. Introduction to Cigna Healthcare 

For pharmacy benefits within the U.S. or Puerto Rico, the administrator is Express Scripts, and outside the U.S. or Puerto Rico, it is Cigna Healthcare. Introduction to Express Scripts

Cigna Global is the plan administrator for all types of medical, dental and vision expenses, outside and inside the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Introduction to Cigna Global

For pharmacy benefits outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico is Cigna Global. Inside the U.S. and Puerto Rico, the administrator is Express Scripts

 

About the IDB Medical Benefits Program

 

The Medical Benefits Program mobile web app has sections for all the main types of coverage, e.g., medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs; and other important parts of the Program, such as on-demand telehealth, free medical second opinion, and more. Feel free to explore starting at the home page. Note there are sometimes differences in the Program depending on where you live and which Plan you belong to (International or National).

About Guarantees of Payment (GOP)

 

For medical services received outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico, you can visit any medical provider you choose. For low-cost services, you will be required to pay out of pocket for the service and file a claim for reimbursement. For more costly care, you should always request a one-time Guarantee of Payment (GOP) prior to seeking services where your plan administer will pay the provider directly. Otherwise, you may have to pay out of pocket and submit for reimbursement later.

For more details about the GOP process, please visit the main Medical Benefits page for the Plan you belong to (International or National) and choose the “How to Request a Guarantee of Payment (GOP)” section.

How health care works in the U.S. and Puerto Rico

 

We know that healthcare in the U.S. or Puerto Rico can be nerve-wracking. You can get the care you need under the Medical Benefits Program, but keep in mind there are ways to stay healthy and make decisions that can save you money. Here are some useful definitions you should know:

In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Insurance companies in the US work within a ‘network’ of providers and facilities. In-network rates mean lower co-pays for you and significant savings for the Program. When seeking care, you should make sure your provider and facility are both in-network to pay less out of your pocket.

If you go to an out-of-network provider, you will most likely have to submit a claim for reimbursement and will pay more money for your healthcare, including meeting the annual out-of-network deductible. The Medical Benefits Program only covers a portion of any out-of-network charge for planned procedures (the “allowable” or “reasonable and customary” amount), and the balance must be covered by the member out of their own pocket. ​​​​​​​

  • Finding an in-network provider for Cigna Healthcare members: You can access Cigna Healthcare's network of providers for medical and dental by logging in to your Cigna account at my.cigna.com or by downloading the MyCigna app to your mobile phone. For vision providers, please access mycigna.com
  • Finding an in-network provider for Cigna Global members: If you are outside your country of residency and require medical care, use the phone number on the front of your Cigna Global ID card to find providers in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or other countries. Special instructions about care in the U.S.

Avoiding Balance Billing: A balance bill or “surprise bill” happens if you use out-of-network providers in the U.S. It is the amount due after you have paid your deductiblecoinsurance, and/or copayment, and the Program has also paid everything it’s obligated to pay toward your medical bill. The best way to avoid balance billing is to make sure that the facility and all associated providers are in-network when you are planning a medical procedure. This includes not only your doctor, but any anesthesiologist and/or outpatient surgery center as well. If you use an out-of-network doctor or surgery center for a planned procedure, you may be liable for “balance billing” by these providers, and your claim will be processed as an out-of-network claim.

For more information about items such as coinsurance, deductibles, explanation of benefits, etc.,  please see our glossary of medical benefits terms.

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Cigna Healthcare
A man samiling wearing a white coat. Medicine - Inter-American Development Bank - IDB

Cigna Healthcare administers medical, dental and vision benefits for staff members whose post of duty is in the U.S. or Puerto Rico (and retiree members whose official address with the IDB Group is in the U.S. or Puerto Rico. 

Cigna Healthcare provides a digital ID card to all new hires. Once you register on the my.cigna.com website, you can request printed ID cards to be sent to your address on file with the IDB Group. 

Regarding medical benefits, for any services you receive within the U.S. or Puerto Rico, remember that you must present your digital or paper Cigna Healthcare ID card at the provider’s office. For any in-network services, the provider may ask that you pay any appropriate coinsurance.For out-of-network services, the provider will likely ask you to pay in full and submit the claim to Cigna Healthcare for reimbursement.

You should use your Cigna Healthcare ID number to register in the Cigna webpage my.cigna.com

Click for a step by step guide on how to do this. The best way to register on the website is using your Cigna ID number from your ID card. 

If you do not yet have your ID number, you can register on the app or website using the Social Security Number (SSN) field (even though most IDB members do not have an SSN). Instead of typing in an SSN (even if you have one), you will need to use your IDB Group Employee/Retiree ID number with additional zeros as follows: 

  • If you have a six-digit IDB Group ID number: 00 + your six-digit IDB Group number + 0 
  • If you have a five-digit IDB Group ID number: 000 + your five-digit IDB Group number + 0
  • If you have an eight-digit IDB Group ID number: your eight-digit IDB Group number + 0  

For example, if your IDB Group ID number is 123456, you would enter 001234560 in the SSN field. If this does not work, contact HRD/INS (HRD-INS@iadb.org) to obtain the ID number you should use.

Once you register online you will be able to access your digital ID cards, review your benefits, submit claims and search for in-network providers. 

If you have any further questions regarding coverage, you should contact Cigna Healthcare.

Express Scripts
Women working in a dental office. Social Protection - Inter-American Development Bank - IDB

All Medical Benefits Program members use Express Scripts for purchasing prescription drugs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. For any medicine you buy within the U.S. or Puerto Rico, you must present your Express Scripts card at the pharmacy together with the prescription, and you will pay the corresponding copayment depending on what type of drug you are buying.

If you purchase drugs outside of the U.S. or Puerto Rico, you must pay for the drug, and then submit to Cigna Healthcare / Cigna Global for reimbursement. Remember to always enclose the receipt of payment and the medical prescription, because our plan only covers prescription drugs. Once you submit the claim for reimbursement, you will be reimbursed for the value of the medicine, less a copayment of US$5.

Regarding Express Scripts, you can view and print your credential online as well. Once you sign up at https://www.express-scripts.com/  Under "Account", you will have the option "Member ID Card". You will be able to "print the ID card" and you can also save a digital copy of it.

To register on the app or website, you will have to use the SSN field even though most IDB members do not have an SSN. Instead of typing in an SSN (even if you have one), you will need to use your IDB Group Employee/Retiree ID number with additional zeros as follows: 

  • If you have a six-digit IDB Group ID number: 00 + your six-digit IDB Group number + 0
  • If you have a five-digit IDB Group ID number: 000 + your five-digit IDB Group number + 0 
  • If you have an eight-digit IDB Group ID number: your eight-digit IDB Group number + 0 

For example, if your IDB Group ID number is 123456, you would enter 001234560 in the SSN field. If this does not work, contact HRD/INS (HRD-INS@iadb.org) to obtain the Express Scripts ID number you should use.

To access your prescription drug ID card on the mobile app, go to the “More” tab on the bottom right of the home screen and choose “Prescription ID Card”. To access the ID card on the website, go to the “Account” tab and choose “Prescription ID Card”. You can then show the ID card at a pharmacy, add it to your wallet (from the app) or text/email a copy of the ID card. 

If you have any further questions regarding coverage, you should visit the Express Scripts website or call 1 (855) 521-0824.

Cigna Global
A person wearing a mask using a medical device. Wellness - Inter-American Development Bank - IDB

Cigna Global administers medical, dental, vision and prescription drugs benefits (prescription drugs purchased outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico) for staff members whose post of duty is outside the U.S. or Puerto Rico (and retiree members whose official address with the IDB Group is outside the U.S. or Puerto Rico. 

Regarding medical benefits, for any services you receive outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico, remember that you must present your Cigna Global ID card at the provider’s office. For less costly services, you will likely have to pay upfront and file a claim with Cigna Global for reimbursement. For more costly services, you should request a GOP from Cigna Global as described in the previous section.

Regarding medical benefits, for any services you receive within the U.S. and Puerto Rico, remember that you must present your Cigna Global ID card at the provider’s office. For any in-network services, the provider may ask that you pay any appropriate coinsurance. For out-of-network services, the provider will likely ask you to pay in full and submit the claim to Cigna Global for reimbursement.

To activate your online account with Cigna Global, you will receive an e-mail from Cigna Global with your ID number. You'll be directed to a login page. There you can enter your personal reference number, starting with 578/

If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact Cigna Global at iadb.global@cigna.com.

Cigna Healthcare
A man samiling wearing a white coat. Medicine - Inter-American Development Bank - IDB

Cigna Healthcare administers medical, dental and vision benefits for staff members whose post of duty is in the U.S. or Puerto Rico (and retiree members whose official address with the IDB Group is in the U.S. or Puerto Rico. 

Cigna Healthcare provides a digital ID card to all new hires. Once you register on the my.cigna.com website, you can request printed ID cards to be sent to your address on file with the IDB Group. 

Regarding medical benefits, for any services you receive within the U.S. or Puerto Rico, remember that you must present your digital or paper Cigna Healthcare ID card at the provider’s office. For any in-network services, the provider may ask that you pay any appropriate coinsurance.For out-of-network services, the provider will likely ask you to pay in full and submit the claim to Cigna Healthcare for reimbursement.

You should use your Cigna Healthcare ID number to register in the Cigna webpage my.cigna.com

Click for a step by step guide on how to do this. The best way to register on the website is using your Cigna ID number from your ID card. 

If you do not yet have your ID number, you can register on the app or website using the Social Security Number (SSN) field (even though most IDB members do not have an SSN). Instead of typing in an SSN (even if you have one), you will need to use your IDB Group Employee/Retiree ID number with additional zeros as follows: 

  • If you have a six-digit IDB Group ID number: 00 + your six-digit IDB Group number + 0 
  • If you have a five-digit IDB Group ID number: 000 + your five-digit IDB Group number + 0
  • If you have an eight-digit IDB Group ID number: your eight-digit IDB Group number + 0  

For example, if your IDB Group ID number is 123456, you would enter 001234560 in the SSN field. If this does not work, contact HRD/INS (HRD-INS@iadb.org) to obtain the ID number you should use.

Once you register online you will be able to access your digital ID cards, review your benefits, submit claims and search for in-network providers. 

If you have any further questions regarding coverage, you should contact Cigna Healthcare.

Express Scripts
Women working in a dental office. Social Protection - Inter-American Development Bank - IDB

All Medical Benefits Program members use Express Scripts for purchasing prescription drugs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. For any medicine you buy within the U.S. or Puerto Rico, you must present your Express Scripts card at the pharmacy together with the prescription, and you will pay the corresponding copayment depending on what type of drug you are buying.

If you purchase drugs outside of the U.S. or Puerto Rico, you must pay for the drug, and then submit to Cigna Healthcare / Cigna Global for reimbursement. Remember to always enclose the receipt of payment and the medical prescription, because our plan only covers prescription drugs. Once you submit the claim for reimbursement, you will be reimbursed for the value of the medicine, less a copayment of US$5.

Regarding Express Scripts, you can view and print your credential online as well. Once you sign up at https://www.express-scripts.com/  Under "Account", you will have the option "Member ID Card". You will be able to "print the ID card" and you can also save a digital copy of it.

To register on the app or website, you will have to use the SSN field even though most IDB members do not have an SSN. Instead of typing in an SSN (even if you have one), you will need to use your IDB Group Employee/Retiree ID number with additional zeros as follows: 

  • If you have a six-digit IDB Group ID number: 00 + your six-digit IDB Group number + 0
  • If you have a five-digit IDB Group ID number: 000 + your five-digit IDB Group number + 0 
  • If you have an eight-digit IDB Group ID number: your eight-digit IDB Group number + 0 

For example, if your IDB Group ID number is 123456, you would enter 001234560 in the SSN field. If this does not work, contact HRD/INS (HRD-INS@iadb.org) to obtain the Express Scripts ID number you should use.

To access your prescription drug ID card on the mobile app, go to the “More” tab on the bottom right of the home screen and choose “Prescription ID Card”. To access the ID card on the website, go to the “Account” tab and choose “Prescription ID Card”. You can then show the ID card at a pharmacy, add it to your wallet (from the app) or text/email a copy of the ID card. 

If you have any further questions regarding coverage, you should visit the Express Scripts website or call 1 (855) 521-0824.

Cigna Global
A person wearing a mask using a medical device. Wellness - Inter-American Development Bank - IDB

Cigna Global administers medical, dental, vision and prescription drugs benefits (prescription drugs purchased outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico) for staff members whose post of duty is outside the U.S. or Puerto Rico (and retiree members whose official address with the IDB Group is outside the U.S. or Puerto Rico. 

Regarding medical benefits, for any services you receive outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico, remember that you must present your Cigna Global ID card at the provider’s office. For less costly services, you will likely have to pay upfront and file a claim with Cigna Global for reimbursement. For more costly services, you should request a GOP from Cigna Global as described in the previous section.

Regarding medical benefits, for any services you receive within the U.S. and Puerto Rico, remember that you must present your Cigna Global ID card at the provider’s office. For any in-network services, the provider may ask that you pay any appropriate coinsurance. For out-of-network services, the provider will likely ask you to pay in full and submit the claim to Cigna Global for reimbursement.

To activate your online account with Cigna Global, you will receive an e-mail from Cigna Global with your ID number. You'll be directed to a login page. There you can enter your personal reference number, starting with 578/

If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact Cigna Global at iadb.global@cigna.com.

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