Transparent Health Network adds MPG to provider network

Transparent Health Network today announced the addition of Manhattan's Physician Group (MPG), the largest multi-specialty group in New York City, to its provider network. A new health care access plan that advocates for the working uninsured by negotiating dramatically reduced fees that are 35 to 60% lower than the "retail" fees typically charged to patients without insurance, Transparent Health Network is not insurance. In exchange for the reduced fees, members pay providers directly when they receive care.

“The addition of Manhattan's Physician Group to our roster underscores the reality that as growing numbers of people are losing or unable to afford health insurance, providers are identifying new, creative ways to provide affordable care to their patients”

According to 2009 census data, there are more than 500,000 households in the NY metro region with incomes of more than $60,000/year, but no health insurance. Many of them are the households of small business owners or their employees, independent contractors, sole proprietors and part-time workers. As more employers reduce their contributions to health benefits in response to skyrocketing costs, the number of working uninsured is expected to climb significantly.

"We believe that all patients need to have a medical home, so we organize our healthcare services around how our patients live their lives," says John H. (Hank) Duffy, Executive Director of Manhattan's Physician Group. "Through this relationship with Transparent Health Network, MPG enhances its ability to provide one-stop health care services for all patients while making it affordable and accessible," explains Mr. Duffy.

Transparent Health Network was created in the belief that people who can't afford health insurance still should have access to health care at fair, affordable prices, and have a right to know what those prices are before receiving a bill. Members pay a low monthly fee -- $39 for an individual, $54 for a household - for access to the provider network and regional fee schedules posted on the Company's website (www.transparenthealthnetwork.com). When they need care, members can first look up the cost of anticipated services online, so they know what charges to expect for common services. The result is a win-win situation for patients and providers: there are no pre-existing condition exclusions, no disinterested third-parties looking over the shoulders of providers and requiring referrals or pre-authorization for services, and no claim forms, delays in payment or denials.

"The addition of Manhattan's Physician Group to our roster underscores the reality that as growing numbers of people are losing or unable to afford health insurance, providers are identifying new, creative ways to provide affordable care to their patients," said Betty Heiman, founder and CEO of Transparent Health Network. "It's an honor to welcome them to our network."

Membership in Transparent Health Network includes access to a full range of primary care physicians, specialists, and lab and radiology services throughout the NY metro region and parts of New Jersey. It also includes discounts on prescriptions filled at Rite Aid pharmacies, including more than 500 common prescriptions starting at $6.99/month and additional discounts on a range of other prescription and store-brand items. A 24-hour Nurse Hotline and a Hospital Advocate -- who helps members secure the lowest applicable "uninsured" rates for hospital or emergency care - also are part of the plan.

SOURCE Transparent Health Network