Meridian Health and its hospitals will no longer be participating providers in United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plans

Please be advised that effective January 15, 2014, Meridian Health and its hospitals will no longer be participating providers in United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plans, known as SecureHorizon and Evercare/Erickson Medicare Advantage. Meridian Health hospitals include: Bayshore Community Hospital, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, Ocean Medical Center, Riverview Medical Center, and Southern Ocean Medical Center.

After the termination effective date of January 15, 2014, as a United Healthcare SecureHorizon and Evercare/Erickson member you may continue to use Meridian facilities through May 15, 2014. After May 15, 2014, United Healthcare SecureHorizon and Evercare/Erickson members with out-of-network benefits may continue to receive care at Meridian hospitals based upon the terms in their benefit plan.  However, use of Meridian facilities may trigger additional patient financial responsibility.  It is also important to note that all United Healthcare SecureHorizon and Evercare/Erickson members will always have access to emergency treatment at a Meridian hospital after May 15th.  

If you have questions, please call the United Healthcare Member Services telephone number listed on your member ID card, or refer to these frequently asked questions:

Can I continue to receive care at a Meridian facility after January 15, 2014?

Yes.  After the termination effective date of January 15, 2014, United Healthcare’s SecureHorizon and Evercare/Erickson members may continue to use Meridian facilities through May 15, 2014. Afterwards, patients that have United Healthcare coverage can use their out-of-network benefits to use Meridian facilities.  All United Healthcare members will continue to have access to emergency treatment at Meridian facilities. 

What other Managed Medicare Plans do Meridian Health and its facilities accept?

AETNA  

AMERIHEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY OF NJ 

GEISINGER GOLD MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN

HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NJ

What if I am undergoing active treatment for a medical condition?

On January 15, 2014, members who are undergoing active treatment for any of the following medical conditions may receive in-network services beyond May 15, 2014.

·         Post-Operative Follow Up Care: members may receive covered services for up to six months to June 15, 2014 from the date contract termination.

·         Oncological or Psychological Treatment (excluding substance abuse):  members may receive covered services for up to one year to January 14, 2015 from the date the contract termination. 

Please refer to your benefit plan terms for the specifics relating to your ongoing care.  You can also contact the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Web site at Medicare.gov.

About Meridian Health

Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization in New Jersey, comprising Jersey Shore University Medical Center and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital in Neptune, Ocean Medical Center in Brick, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel, and Meridian Partner Companies that include home health services, skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, ambulatory care, ambulance services, and outpatient centers. Meridian Health has consistently been rated among the top performing health systems in New Jersey for clinical quality, is one of the FORTUNE “100 Best Companies to Work For”, and is the recipient of numerous state and national recognitions for patient care and nursing excellence.  For more information, please visit www.MeridianHealth.com.

About Geisinger Health Plan

Geisinger Health Plan, begun in 1985, is headquartered in Danville, Pa. and has New Jersey offices located in Neptune and Whiting. The plan serves approximately 430,000 members in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maine, New Jersey and West Virginia. Coverage is available for businesses of all sizes, individuals and families, and Medicare beneficiaries. As part of Geisinger Health System, GHP has been recognized nationally as a model for health-care reform with documented success in innovative programs such as the patient-centered medical home. Geisinger Gold is the top-ranked Medicare plan in Pennsylvania and ranked number six nationally for quality and service.* For more information, please visit www.thehealthplan.com