The first fully integrated provider-owned Article 42 insurance company in New York, North Shore-LIJ CareConnect Insurance Company, Inc., has begun enrolling individuals, families, and small and large businesses on Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, and Manhattan in a range of commercial insurance plans. The new insurance plans can be accessed online through the health exchange, the New York State of Health, or through agents/brokers, or can be purchased directly from the company.
North Shore-LIJ CareConnect allows individuals and employers to tap into an integrated health care system. North Shore-LIJ CareConnect insurance plans offer access to a wide range of programs and services across the metropolitan area. Members will have direct access to:
- inpatient and emergency care at 16 hospitals in Suffolk, Nassau, Queens, Staten Island, and Manhattan;
- post-acute care services, such as home care and rehabilitation; and
- thousands of participating providers, including all North Shore-LIJ employed physicians and many affiliated community physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other caregivers throughout the New York area.
“North Shore-LIJ CareConnect has a unique opportunity to turn the complex world of health care into something simple,” said Alan J. Murray, president of North Shore-LIJ CareConnect. “It allows us to become more closely connected with our customers, helping them find the insurance plan best suited to their individual and family needs while delivering high-quality, affordable, and accessible care.”
North Shore-LIJ CareConnect said that through this one-stop approach, it can do everything from assisting customers with claims and questions to offering medical appointments and appropriate wellness programs to assist the member in best managing his or her health conditions.
North Shore-LIJ CareConnect premiums for individuals range from $180.53 a month for catastrophic coverage to $568.13 per month for the platinum plan – the highest level of coverage. The other three plans are bronze, silver, and gold. Deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance, and out-of-pocket expenses vary depending on the plan. Members will be able to fill prescriptions at any CVS/Caremark location. Insurance coverage is effective January 1, 2014.
“Integrated organizations like North Shore-LIJ are moving forward with a new reimbursement model that aligns incentives, providers, payers, and consumers around quality, access, and affordability,” said Howard Gold, executive vice president and chief managed care business development officer at North Shore-LIJ. “This transformation is just one component of the way North Shore-LIJ is making changes in the delivery of care designed to keep people healthy and provide them with the best and most appropriate care.”
Learn more: www.nslijcareconnect.com; www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov.
Victoria Spears
Victoria Prussen Spears is senior vice president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Brooklyn Law School, Ms. Spears was an attorney at a leading New York City law firm before joining Meyerowitz Communications. She may be contacted at [email protected].