Springfield Clinic to accept HealthLink OAP and Health Alliance HMO

[June 16, 2011]  SPRINGFIELD -- Based on the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability approval on Tuesday to offer state of Illinois employees a 90-day continuation with current health insurance plans, and upon execution of new contracts, Springfield Clinic has announced it will participate in both HealthLink Open Access (Tier 1) and Health Alliance HMO insurance during this period.

Springfield Clinic first announced its agreement to offer HealthLink OAP (Tier 1) on June 1 and is pleased to continue in its long-standing relationship with Health Alliance HMO for state of Illinois employees, retirees and dependents. These arrangements, effective July 1, are intended to preserve coverage for all state employees previously enrolled and allow new patients to attach to Springfield Clinic during the 90-day period and beyond.

"We value the relationships we have developed with our patients and remain committed to preserving their care at Springfield Clinic," said Mark Kuhn, Springfield Clinic's chief administrative officer.

"While the situation for state of Illinois employees is complex, we'd like to help make their decision as simple as possible," Kuhn added. "To maintain care with your Springfield Clinic doctors, or become a new patient at Springfield Clinic, we encourage enrollment in HealthLink OAP or Health Alliance HMO."

State employees are reminded that resources at Springfield Clinic are available to answer questions regarding insurance coverage. The "State Employee Hotline" is available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 217-528-7541.

In addition, new patients seeking a doctor can ask for assistance from Springfield Clinic's TeleNurse staff. Specially trained nurses will help callers identify and select physicians, based on the patient's medical needs and personal preferences.

For a full list of in-network insurance providers accepted at Springfield Clinic, visit www.springfieldclinic.com/insurance.

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Springfield Clinic is a progressive, physician-owned and operated multi-specialty medical group, with nearly 350 physicians and midlevel providers, practicing in nearly 40 medical specialties. Springfield Clinic currently employs more than 1,900 clinical and administrative staff members, serving a population of nearly 1 million patients throughout the central Illinois region. As one of the largest private, multi-specialty medical clinics in Illinois, Springfield Clinic is a leader in quality, service and technology. For more information, go to www.springfieldclinic.com.

[Text from file received from Springfield Clinic]