Principal to Offer Patient Choice Health Networks

June 24, 2002 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Self-funded employers using The Principal Financial Group as their benefits provider will soon have access to a Patient Choice Healthcare policy.

According to an announcement from The Principal, self-funded employers in Minnesota with plan years starting January 1, 2003 will have Patient Choice access first. The product will be further rolled out around the country where Patient Choice has operations, Principal said.

The Principal announcement said Patient Choice aligns health care providers into networks known as “care systems” that include primary care doctors, specialists, hospitals, and other health-care providers and facilities.

The “care systems” are ranked according to cost and compete for patients based on cost, quality and service, Principal said.

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