As many of you are aware the University of Pennsylvania contract with Horizon, making them an in-network hospital, is due to expire April 11. All indications are that a settlement is near, but as a precaution we are offering the following option to our employees that use this hospital.
For those that have the Direct Access plan: The Direct Access Plan is part of the Blue Card Network for out of state hospitals, meaning you can continue to use University of Pennsylvania Hospital.
For those that have the POS plan: You are not part of the Blue Card Network, so if there is no settlement, University of Pennsylvania Hospital would be considered out of network. The out of network deductible on the POS plan is $2,500.
Due to these unusual circumstances, we will be giving those POS members who wish to use University of Pennsylvania Hospital, the opportunity to change to the Direct Access Plan effective May 1. Remember you do not have to change, most hospitals in the South Jersey area are in the Horizon network and this change only affects patients of UPenn.
Should you wish to change from POS to Direct Access, below are the monthly payroll deductions involved. Please complete, sign, and return this form to your benefit representative before April 15, 2009, should you wish to make this change. No other changes can be made at this time. 
upennnotice.pdf 13.64 Kb 04/02/2009