Priority Health offers new tiered network solution as affordable option for Southeast Michigan employers
(Southfield, Mich. – Oct. 2, 2018) Priority Health works with employers across the state to provide affordable health plan options while maintaining quality of care. The effort has led to the latest cost-saving solution — a new, tiered network plan available to Southeast Michigan employers called, Southeast MI Partners.
Southeast MI Partners offers up to 11 percent savings in monthly premium costs compared to non-tiered offerings and members will pay lower out-of-pocket costs when they receive care with Tier 1 physicians and hospitals. While members are free to see providers in Tier 2, which includes the entire Priority HMO network of providers, they will pay a higher cost share for care. The new plan is ideal for companies with employees largely residing within a six county footprint, including Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, Washtenaw and St. Clair counties.
"Tiered network plans offer an innovative solution to addressing cost concerns without sacrificing quality of care," said Diane Wolfenden, vice president eastern region for Priority Health. "We're thrilled to partner with some of the best health care providers in the region to expand our tiered network solutions to Southeast Michigan employers."
Priority Health has partnered with the Together Health Network to offer lower cost Tier 1 coverage which includes the following affiliated physicians and health systems: Ascension Michigan, including Providence Medical Center, Providence Park, St. John Medical Center, St. John River District, St. John Oakland Macomb and Ascension Crittenton Hospital; Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, including St. Joseph Ann Arbor, St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea, St. Joseph Mercy Livingston, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, St. Mary Mercy Livonia Hospital; Lake Huron Medical Center and Michigan Medicine (University of Michigan) for non-primary care with referral only. Additionally, in-network pharmacies, emergency services and statewide ancillary facilities including labs, physical therapy, radiology and home health are covered within the top tier.
"Together Health Network is patient-centered and physician led," said Scott Eathorne MD, President and CEO of Together Health Network. "Working with Priority Health to offer a tiered network solution allows us to further our mission of expanding access to affordable, high quality care at our leading network of affiliated physicians and health systems."
Tier 2 coverage includes all other providers currently covered under Priority Health’s HMO network, which includes 97 percent of providers in Michigan and more than one million providers nationwide for travelers and out of state employees.
Southeast MI Partners members will have access to tools like Cost Estimator, a tool that has saved $7 million in health care costs by allowing members to know the cost of hundreds of procedures and prescriptions before receiving care and helps them shop for the best price. Southeast MI Partners members will also be eligible for virtual care for as little as $0 per visit and have access to Wellbeing Hub, a free digital wellness experience. Additionally, small groups enrolled in any Priority Health plan receive prescription savings with $5 preferred generic copays.
Check Priority Health Find a Doctor and choose Southeast MI Partners (available early Oct.) to find out if your doctor is a participating Tier 1 provider.
About Priority Health:
With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than 1.3 million members each year and offering a broad network of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health.
About Together Health Network:
Together Health Network’s objective is to improve both health and care for Michigan residents by facilitating relationships within its network of physician organizations, health systems, insurers, patients, and health providers. At the core of Together Health Network’s culture are clinicians connected by a common purpose and meaning; they lead with a team-based care approach, which is based on a shared commitment and vision of positive outcomes. It is estimated that 75% of Michigan residents are within 20 minutes of one of the network's 25 hospitals and thousands of ambulatory centers and physician offices. For more information, visit http://www.togetherhealthnetwork.org/.