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The MEDEX PLUS emergency medical assistance program, first purchased for FMCA family members in January 2001, helps traveling members to effectively manage the complexities and expenses of out-of-area medical and travel emergencies. FMCA members automatically receive the benefits associated with the MEDEX PLUS program. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, if you are within the United States, Canada, or Mexico and are more than 100 miles from your primary residence, the MEDEX PLUS program protects you. Any services you use under the program must be approved in advance and coordinated by MEDEX. MEDEX provides members with 24/7, toll-free access to travel assistance services and coordinates and pays the approved costs for the following services: 1. Emergency medical air and ground evacuation: Medically supervised evacuation to the nearest appropriate facility if an FMCA member is involved in an accident or suffers a sudden, unforeseen illness and adequate medical facilities are not available. 2. Repatriation of remains: The return of an FMCA member’s mortal remains to their home in the event of death. 3. Return home of unattended grandchildren and dependent children: Transportation home for an FMCA member’s children and/or grandchildren left unattended as the result of a member’s accident, illness, or death. 4. RV and automobile return home: Return of an FMCA member’s drivable vehicle to his or her residence (or return of a rental vehicle) if the member is unable to operate the vehicle due to accident, illness, or death. 5. Transportation to join a hospitalized member (for members traveling alone and hospitalized for seven days or more): The transportation of a family member or friend to visit an FMCA member who is hospitalized for seven days or more. This benefit has a limit of $1,000. 6. Transportation home after initial evacuation: The transportation of an FMCA member to the point of origin or permanent residence following an emergency evacuation. Unless otherwise noted, each of these services has no limit to the cost that will be paid by MEDEX. Please note that while this program includes payment for emergency medical transportation, it does not provide payment for the initial transportation to a medical facility, and only specific conditions will warrant emergency medical transportation to a member's home. As a general rule, MEDEX pays for an emergency evacuation when it is medically necessary to obtain a higher level of care. Travelers concerned about medical emergencies often ask, "Will they fly me home to familiar surroundings so I can be treated by my personal physician?” Under the MEDEX PLUS program provided to you by FMCA, the destination of your evacuation is determined based on the nearest and most appropriate location that can provide care for you. Depending on your medical condition and the quality of local or regional care available, you may be evacuated to a nearby hospital, or it may be more prudent to evacuate you to a facility near your home. In most cases, the initial location will be based on getting you to the best place for care as soon as possible so you are not exposed to unnecessary risks. Under these circumstances, feel comfortable in knowing that there is a coordinated effort to make sure care is given in your best interest. The attending physician most knowledgeable of your current condition; your personal physician most aware of your ongoing health history; and MEDEX’s physician most familiar with the issues regarding medical evacuations will consult with each other and make decisions based on what is most appropriate for you. If you have another plan purchased individually for which you pay a premium, consider all benefits you may have purchased before canceling, as it may include different coverage than what FMCA provides through this blanket plan. You can still use MEDEX coverage even if you have another plan; however, benefits for this program will be payable after benefits have been paid from your other coverage. MEDEX has been in business for more than 30 years, protecting millions of travelers. MEDEX's Emergency Response Center operates 24 hours a day and is staffed with specially trained, multilingual coordinators who are prepared to provide immediate help with any MEDEX service. Each ongoing case receives expert attention from case coordinators, operations management, medical personnel, provider specialists, and MEDEX Physician Advisors strategically located throughout North America — assuring quality attention and responsiveness. In addition to the paid services listed above, the MEDEX PLUS Program also provides assisted services both of a personal and medical nature. When talking with MEDEX coordinators, you should provide them with information regarding the specifics of your concerns and needs so they can best assist you. Finally, we need to point out a few of the specifics of the contract language. 1. Travel that is made for the purpose of securing medical care or medical advice is not covered under the MEDEX PLUS program. Traveling against the advice of a physician is also excluded. Traveling with a chronic or life-threatening illness is excluded if that condition is the reason for the evacuation. 2. To determine whether or not you are at least 100 miles from your permanent residence, MEDEX will refer to the address on your driver’s license. 3. The MEDEX PLUS program is a travel assistance program, and payment is over and above or on top of any existing insurance program or private pay plan that is in force. Your primary payer would pay these expenses, and MEDEX will be the secondary payer. 4. The MEDEX PLUS program does not cover per diem costs or pet return. FMCA members can call toll-free (U.S. and Canada: 800-527-0218; Mexico: 001-800-101-0061) or collect (410-453-6330) for emergency medical, travel, and personal assistance services. When calling, please refer to MEDEX group number 7030. For more information about this program, phone FMCA (800-543-3622 or 513-474-3622) or send an e-mail to
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. In order to secure this benefit, it is imperative that MEDEX be notified immediately when medical travel assistance is required. On pages 107 and 108 of the January issue of FMC magazine, we have printed two cards for you and your spouse that you can cut out, laminate, and keep in your wallet so that you will have the information with you at all times. The above description of benefits summarizes the principal features of the MEDEX PLUS program and is not intended to be a contract. The contractual provisions for the MEDEX PLUS program are stated in the MEDEX PLUS service agreement, Group 7030, issued by MEDEX Assistance Corporation to the Family Motor Coach Association, Inc., with an effective date of January 1, 2001. The final answer to any questions will be subject to the MEDEX PLUS service agreement. MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT DISCLOSURE: FMCA Member Benefits are subject to change, including the discontinuation of any particular benefit, at any time and without prior notice. FMCA assumes no liability for damages, either direct or consequential, to any person or organization as a result of the use of services offered to members. All benefits may not be available in all states and foreign countries. |
