Time period that must elapse before health insurance benefits are payable.

Twelve-month period used by employers for administration of health benefits. Most employers’ benefit year is from January through December. However, a benefit year does not always coincide with a group’s fiscal year. See benefit period .

Scope, terms, and conditions of coverage including any limitations associated with the plan provision of the service. Also called benefits plan and benefit package .

Medi-Cal identification card.

Federal legislation that made the Medicare appeals process easier to negotiate with clearly defined levels that address reasons for rejection based on complexity of the situation. Terminology for these levels is called “redetermination” or “reconsideration” and is no longer known as an appeal.