BRIEF: Carolinas HealthCare System offers new health insurance plans [The Charlotte Observer]

March 28--Carolinas HealthCare System and Coventry Health Care of the Carolinas Wednesday announced new health insurance options that provide access to the hospital system's primary care network and other clinical resources.

Called Carelink -- Carolinas HealthCare System, the plans are based on a "patient-centered medical home" model that allows primary care physicians to work in a network of hospitals, outpatient facilities and specialists to ensure patients get the right care at the right place and time, according to the announcement.

Carelink -- Carolinas HealthCare System plans will be offered initially to companies in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Lincoln, Cabarrus and Union counties in North Carolina and York and Lancaster counties in South Carolina. The plans will be offered to individuals later.

Policy holders who choose Carolinas HealthCare network physicians will have low copays for office visits and 100 percent coverage for routine preventive care. Patients will be able to electronically view test results, request prescription refills and communicate with their doctors.

Details: Dave McClain, 704-357-7784.

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