Dr. David Carbone
Health plan to remain unchanged
A possible change in ownership of Health 1•2•3, Vanderbilt's own managed care plan, will not impact a member's coverage throughout the next year, VUMC leaders say.
The proposed ownership change is from the management of the Vanderbilt Health Plans to buy or co-invest with Vanderbilt in the plans.
An agreement has been completed that allows Health 1•2•3 to provide health care coverage to staff and faculty for the coming year. Open enrollment begins in September for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2000.
If the plan ownership changes, members will have the same package of benefits; the total cost of coverage, including co-pays and deductibles, will not change; and the ability to select VUMC physicians will not change, said Dr. Harry R. Jacobson, vice chancellor for Health Affairs.
"I want to assure everyone that has coverage through Health 1•2•3, and those that are considering it, that the plan will still provide unparalleled access to all of the services, facilities and physicians at Vanderbilt. If the university should choose to sell the health plans or include new investors, it will do so keeping firmly in mind the interests of the staff and faculty who have chosen Health 1•2•3.
"The plan will continue to offer our staff and faculty the highest quality health insurance, the broadest panel of participating physicians and uninterrupted service quality, regardless of the ownership of the plan," Jacobson said.
For specific details regarding Health 1•2•3, please contact the Benefits Office at 322-8330.