BOSTON - Steward, the state's second largest hospital network, is launching a health insurance plan which will attract attention on cost.
Steward says its plan will price 20 to 30 percent much less than coverage provided by other wellness insurers in Massachusetts.
Members will probably be restricted to doctors and hospitals within the Steward network, unless they require extremely specialized therapy. In that case, Steward will send patients to competitor hospitals, Brigham and Women's or Massachusetts Common Hospital. Kids will probably be able to see pediatricians affiliated with Partners Wellness Care.
The Steward coverage is provided via the Tufts Wellness Plan. This move will assist Steward fill its growing network of hospitals and get prepared for the move to global payments, below which doctors and hospitals manage budgets for their patients' care.
Steward CEO Ralph de la Torre is scheduled to outline his plans towards the state's largest employer group, Associated Industries of Massachusetts, Friday morning.
Steward says its plan will price 20 to 30 percent much less than coverage provided by other wellness insurers in Massachusetts.
Members will probably be restricted to doctors and hospitals within the Steward network, unless they require extremely specialized therapy. In that case, Steward will send patients to competitor hospitals, Brigham and Women's or Massachusetts Common Hospital. Kids will probably be able to see pediatricians affiliated with Partners Wellness Care.
The Steward coverage is provided via the Tufts Wellness Plan. This move will assist Steward fill its growing network of hospitals and get prepared for the move to global payments, below which doctors and hospitals manage budgets for their patients' care.
Steward CEO Ralph de la Torre is scheduled to outline his plans towards the state's largest employer group, Associated Industries of Massachusetts, Friday morning.
