COLUMBIA, S.C., June 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- BasicPlus Health Insurance of Roswell, Ga., announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Companion Global Healthcare Inc. of Columbia, S.C., to include a network of accredited, overseas hospitals in its most popular limited benefit health insurance plans.
The agreement means those enrolled in BasicPlus' FlexMed (for employers) and BasicPlus (for individuals) limited benefit plans have the option of seeking surgery and other covered services at hospitals in Companion Global Healthcare's network. All of the network's hospitals hold the prestigious Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, and all offer a range of services at rates lower than those typically charged in the United States.
FlexMed and BasicPlus members treated overseas will receive Companion Global Healthcare's concierge medical travel services, including assistance with scheduling appointments and arranging travel.
Chuck Green, CEO of BasicPlus, said, "Since our members have fixed benefit maximums, the inclusion of Companion Global Healthcare's option into our products allows members to limit their out-of-pocket payments while availing themselves to JCI-accredited hospitals in foreign locations."
"To our knowledge, this is the first fully insured, limited benefit product with a global health care benefit included," said Robert Rhodes, chief operating officer of TCC of South Carolina, the third-party insurance administrator that supports the BasicPlus product line. "This arrangement will help FlexMed and BasicPlus members dramatically stretch their limited benefit plan dollars."
Companion Global Healthcare President David Boucher said his company's network of overseas hospitals is a helpful addition for limited benefit plans.
"While many limited benefit plans provide coverage for basic health care, most would cover only a small portion of the bill for a lengthy inpatient hospital stay in the United States," Boucher said. "Treatment at a JCI-accredited hospital overseas will be an attractive, more affordable option for many policyholders."
About Companion Global Healthcare
Based in Columbia, S.C., Companion Global Healthcare Inc. (www.CompanionGlobalHealthcare.com) provides streamlined access to JCI-accredited hospitals for those who elect to travel abroad for health care. The company provides a single launch point for appointments, travel services, case management and follow-up care in the United States.
All BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and BlueChoice(R) HealthPlan of South Carolina members have access to Companion Global Healthcare's network hospitals at discounted rates for services not covered by their plans. Companion Global Healthcare also serves uninsured individuals, and contracts with insurance companies and employer groups that wish to include an overseas option in their benefit plans. Companion Global Healthcare is a separate company that does not offer BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina or BlueChoice HealthPlan products. Companion Global Healthcare is solely responsible.
Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and wholly owned subsidiary BlueChoice HealthPlan of South Carolina Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BlueCross, BlueShield, BlueChoice and the Cross and Shield symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
About BasicPlus Health Insurance
Headquartered in Roswell, Ga., BasicPlus provides unique limited benefit products to groups and individuals. BasicPlus offers a flexible platform that allows groups and individuals to choose the level of benefits most appropriate for their circumstances. BasicPlus products are available through independent agents in more than 30 states.
About TCC of South Carolina
TCC of South Carolina, located in Charleston, S.C., provides administrative services to insurers and self-funded health plans. Since 1972, TCC has helped companies design fully insured as well as self-funded group health plans to meet their business objectives.
SOURCE Companion Global Healthcare
