CLAIM PAYMENTS AND DENIALS Initial Determination: VSP will pay or deny claims within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt. In the event that a claim cannot be resolved within the time indicated VSP may, if necessary, extend the time for decision by no more than fifteen (15) calendar days. Claim Denial Appeals: If a claim is denied in whole or in part, under the terms of the Policy, Covered Person or Covered Person’s authorized representative may submit a request for a full review of the denial. Covered Person may designate any person, including their provider, as their authorized representative. References in this section to “Covered Person” include Covered Person’s authorized representative, where applicable. Initial Appeal: The request for review must be made within one hundred eighty (180) calendar days following denial of a claim and should contain sufficient information to identify the claim and the Covered Person affected by the denial. The Covered Person may review, during normal working hours, any documents held by VSP pertinent to the denial. The Covered Person may also submit written comments or supporting documentation concerning the claim to assist in VSP’s review. VSP’s response to the initial appeal, including specific reasons for the decision, shall be provided and communicated to the Covered Person within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of a request for an appeal from the Covered Person. Second Level Appeal: If Covered Person disagrees with the response to the initial appeal of the denied claim, Covered Person has the right to a second level appeal. Within sixty (60) calendar days after receipt of VSP’s response to the initial appeal, Covered Person may submit a second appeal to VSP along with any pertinent documentation. VSP shall communicate its final determination to Covered Person in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations and shall include the specific reasons for the determination. Other Remedies: Additional voluntary alternative dispute resolution options may be available, including mediation or arbitration. Additional information is available from the U. S. Department of Labor or the insurance regulatory agency for Covered Persons’ state of residency. Additionally, under the provisions of ERISA (Section 502(a) (1) (B) [29 U.S.C. 1132(a) (1) (B)], a Covered Person has the right to bring a civil action. Time of Action: No action in law or in equity shall be brought to recover on this Policy prior to the expiration of sixty (60) calendar days after the claim and any applicable documentation has been filed with VSP. No such action shall be brought after the expiration of any applicable statute of limitations, in accordance with the terms of this Policy. THE CONSOLIDATED OMNIBUS BUDGET RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1985 (COBRA) The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) requires that under certain circumstances health plan benefits be made available to eligible participants and their dependents upon the occurrence of a COBRA-qualifying event. If, and only to the extent, COBRA applies to Covered Person’s Plan, VSP shall make the statutorily required continuation coverage available for purchase in accordance with COBRA. 4