Partners HealthCare will move administration of its 2019 employee health benefit plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield to a Partners-owned health plan provider, Neighborhood Health Plan (NHP). Effective Jan. 1, NHP will change its name to AllWays Health Partners. This rebranding has no effect on benefits.

Below are answers to the three most frequently asked questions about the 2019 health plans:

Does this change who is “in-area” versus “out-of-area”?

The move to NHP will have no effect on who is considered in- and out-of-area for health benefit purposes. However, as Partners does each year, these definitions will be reviewed; if applicable, any updates for 2019 will be provided later this summer. Just like today, employees who live out-of-area will be able to see any provider in the NHP network and pay the Partners Preferred Network co-pay when they receive care. All plan design features will remain the same, except primary care office visit co-pays, which will reduce by $5.

Will I have to find new providers?

As of June 1, more than 95 percent of all providers seen by Partners employees are part of the NHP network. NHP is growing and investing in its future, and it’s actively working to increase its network. You can see if your providers are currently part of the NHP network by viewing an interim online directory at partnersdirectory.nhp.org. This tool also allows you to request NHP contact your providers about joining the network for 2019. Partners will be working to grow the network before Jan. 1, 2019.

Additionally, NHP is building a custom network of mental health and substance use disorder providers for Partners employee health plans. As part of this process, Partners is recruiting providers and establishing Partners-specific reimbursement and claim management processes.

What if I live in a state that does not accept NHP, if I am traveling and need medical care or I have a child who lives outside Massachusetts?

As they do now, Partners Select and Partners Plus cover you no matter where you are. Outside Massachusetts, the plans use Aetna’s national network, one the nation’s largest commercial health plans. All cards will have the Aetna logo on the back so that if you or your college-aged child live out of state or travel, you will have access to 1.2 million health care professionals, more than 690,000 physicians and over 5,700 hospitals. Emergency care is always covered, regardless of whether there is an in-network provider.
Learn more about this transition by visiting www.AskmyHRportal.com.