27 Preferred Provider Organization The Plan contracts with Cigna Healthcare (Cigna) for access to a nationwide preferred provi der network (PPO). If you use services provided by physicians, other health care professionals, hospitals, or other health care facilities in the Cigna Open Access Plus PPO Network (OAP) this will result in less cost to you and the Plan. When you select a Cigna participating provider for your medical services, you will have, in general, a higher percentage benefit payment and a lower out - of - pocket cost than if you select to receive those services from a non - participating provider. Cigna participating provi ders have agreed, by contract, to accept payments from the Plan for services and benefits at discounted levels negotiated by Cigna. When you are seeking services from a provider, please present your medical ID card at each visit. The card identifies you as a Cigna Open Access Plus (OAP) network participant and gives the participating provider necessary billing information for purposes of submitting your claims. Note: you are not required to use an OAP provider. It is your choice. However, both you and the Plan will experience savings if you choose to utilize an Open Access Plus in - network provider for your medical needs. Participating providers in the Cigna OAP Network include physicians, hospitals, other health care professionals, and other health care fac ilities. To find participating providers in the Cigna OAP network, please access the Plan’s website at www.iambtf.org , or register on Cigna’s website at www.mycigna.com . You als o may get OAP provider information by calling the toll - free number shown on the back of your identification card, 800 - 244 - 6224 or 800 - Cigna 24. We recommend that you confirm a provider’s current participation in the OAP network by calling Cigna directly be fore treatment. If you would like a paper directory of providers, please contact Cigna at the number on your medical identification card to request a copy for your zip code area. If you need assistance, please contact the Fund Office at 202 - 785 - 8148 or 800 - 457 - 3481. Applicability of In - Network Benefits You must utilize a Cigna Open Access Plus network provider to obtain in - network benefits with the accompanying financial advantages. The followi ng are exceptions to this rule: Emergency Medical Care Whenever possible, you should request treatment from Open Access Plus providers. However, benefits will be provided at the in - network level for all medically necessary Emergency Services associated with true medical Emergencies that are received in the Emergency Ro om of both in - network and out - of - network hospitals. If You’re Not Able to Access an In - Network Provider Except where benefits are specifically limited to in - network providers, if there are no Cigna Open Access Plus providers within a 25 - mile radius of you r home, benefits will be provided at the in - network level for any covered provider that is located within the 25 - mile radius of your home, regardless of network participation of the provider. Outside the 25 - mile radius surrounding your home, the normal in - network and out - of - network benefits will apply b ased on the provider’s network status. You may want to inquire of the provider’s status before obtaining services outside the 25 - mile radius because services obtained from an out - of - network provider will be subject to out - of - network benefits. Hospital Assigned Services Whenever possible, you should advise your hospital and your attending physician or Allied Health Pr ofessional of your need to use Open Access Plus providers for all referral services. However, if you receive services from a Cigna Open Access Plus participating hospital, and the hospital makes a referral