A Wisconsin city will allow employees to travel for orthopedic care under an amended contract with HealthPartners, according to the Superior Telegram.
Five things to know:
1. Under its self-funded health plan, Superior, Wis., will reimburse employees for travel expenses up to $1,000. Employees will also receive $500 in their health savings account to incentivize receiving care locally.
2. Medical travel will only be authorized and encouraged for procedures such as shoulder and knee arthroscopy, back surgery, carpal tunnel treatment, rotator cuff surgery, and knee and hip replacements.
3. Savings from medical travel for orthopedic procedures are expected to far surpass the cost of incentives.
4. HealthPartners has identified providers in high-value networks. Superior will only pay for employees' travel expenses if they choose one of these providers.
5. Superior's finance committee approved the contract amendment in an effort to reduce the cost of orthopedic surgeries. The city's health insurance committee recommended the change.