Is the structure of the medical plans changing?
Yes. The structure is changing to incentivize employees to use North Shore-LIJ IPA physicians and non-physician providers, in addition to using North Shore-LIJ In-System facilities (such as our hospitals, laboratories, diagnostic x-ray facilities and rehabilitation network). As long as you use IPA physicians and non-physician providers, and use In-System facilities, your care will be covered at 100% (after usual copayments). Why is the structure of the medical plans changing? Given the difficult economy and the increasing costs of providing healthcare, it is much more expensive to pay other providers for care that North Shore-LIJ can provide at a fraction of the cost. When an employee uses a competitor for the same services the health system provides, it costs more money. Employees may choose to go wherever they want for medical care, but if they choose to use competitors, they will pay more, because the health system will pay more. What other benefits are changing for 2011? Only the M
