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.
