New Program Centers on Joint & Spine Surgery Excellence
NRECA will launch its new Joint & Spine Surgery Centers of Excellence program January 1, 2021.
The program will give NRECA Medical Plan participants access to joint and spine surgical care from renowned Centers of Excellence facilities at multiple locations across the country. NRECA’s vendor partner, BridgeHealth, will administer the new program.
Spread the word at your cooperative
You can find communications materials on the BA Guide to educate participants about the program. Available are a video to share at an employee meeting, an infographic and poster to post in your break room, a brochure to hand out to employees and an email template you can customize.
Program benefits
Here are four great reasons for participants to use the program if they need or are considering surgery:
- Excellent care. Surgery at a Centers of Excellence facility means reduced risk of readmissions and complications compared to other hospitals. Hospitals and surgery centers in the program rank in the top 25% nationally for quality care and safety
- No coinsurance. Costs are covered at 100% after participants meet their deductible
- Care coordination. A dedicated coordinator will help participants every step of the way, from initial consultation to recovery, including helping choose the right facility, making travel arrangements and more
- Expense reimbursement. If patients need to travel more than 50 miles from their home, transportation, meals and lodging expenses may be reimbursable (including for caregivers who travel with the patient)
The program is optional for participants, and coverage is considered in-network. Most types of joint and spine surgery are covered, such as a knee and hip replacement, carpal tunnel release, spinal fusion and shoulder and ankle repair.
The Joint & Spine Surgery Centers of Excellence program is part of NRECA’s broader Centers of Excellence program, which provides treatment for cancer, bariatric surgery and organ transplants.