What are the most frequently asked questions about our 2019 health plans? Benefits and out-of-state coverage

AllWays Health Partners just wrapped up its series of “Meet AllWays Health Partners” events last week, held to introduce Partners HealthCare employees to their new health plan administrator.

During the hour-long events across Massachusetts, Partners employees heard about the change and what it will mean for them. They also heard how Partners, in choosing AllWays Health Partners to administer its employee plans, wants to:

• Design affordable health plans
• Ensure excellence in customer service and claims processing
• Simplify administrative processes
• Leverage information and technology to drive innovation
• Expand wellness offerings

What was the most frequently-asked question? Kristen Edwards, Senior Account Executive with AllWays Health Partners who presented at the events, said the most common employee question focused on the role AllWays Health Partners will play in Partners-offered health plans starting January 1.

“In 2019, AllWays Health Partners will administer our Partners-offered plans,” Edwards said, “but Partners plans are still self-funded, meaning Partners still determines the benefits and coverage levels.”

Tina McKinney, Vice President of Human Resources at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, said the change will allow Partners to collaborate closely with AllWays Health Partners. Working together, the two organizations can provide coverage for health care that uses the latest pioneering technology like Partners HealthCare On Demand which offers free, convenient virtual provider visits.

“The switch is not going to negatively impact benefits in any way. It’s a behind-the-scenes process and gives Partners even more autonomy to design our own health plans. That means we can design plans to best suit our population,” McKinney said.

Two other frequently asked questions raised during the sessions were about specific benefits and out-of-state coverage. The answers were straightforward: AllWays Health Partners will offer the same health plans – Partners Select and Partners Plus – in 2019. McKinney said employees who need out-of-state services will access Aetna’s national network of providers. More detailed answers can be found in the FAQs posted on Ask myHR.  

Upcoming AllWays Health Partners Events

Do you still have questions about the change? You’re in luck because outreach and communications will continue. Open Enrollment for your 2019 benefits runs from October 29 to November 20. During that time, AllWays Health Partners and Partners HealthCare will collaborate to offer 68 informational events across the system, including benefit fairs and health plan quick stops. Watch the homepage of Ask myHR for more information.

Questions also can be directed to the HR Support Center by visiting Ask myHR to create an online request or calling 1-833-Ask-MyHR (1-833-275-6947).