UnitedHealthcare Introduces New Health Care Choice for Northern Indiana Employers Featuring Select Health Network and Saint Joseph Health System

MISHAWAKA, Ind. (September 24, 2021) — Northern Indiana-area employers have the potential to save up to 15% on monthly premiums with a new health plan from UnitedHealthcare.

The savings available through UnitedHealthcare Charter are largely attributable to its high-performing network, which features Select Health Network physicians and facilities along with other providers, including South Bend Clinic/Allied Physicians of Michiana, Saint Joseph Medical Group, Goshen Hospital, Community Hospital of Bremen and high-quality independent physician groups. Employers that offer the Charter plan will save money from significantly discounted care while giving their employees access to high-quality providers.

The new health plan provides eligible participants in Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph counties access to more than 1,000 physicians, four hospitals and 18 clinics. Additionally, employees and their covered family members will have access to UnitedHealthcare’s Centers of Excellence. To further create a seamless experience, participants will have access to UnitedHealthcare’s national network when outside of these counties throughout most of the United States.

UnitedHealthcare designed the Charter plan to deliver a new competitive option to northern Indiana employers seeking cost-effective, patient-centered health plans that support the trusted relationships between patients and their primary care physician (PCP). In addition to cost-savings for employers, Charter will offer employees lower monthly premiums as compared to traditional PPO plans as well as care navigation led by their PCP.

The new plan will be available on Nov. 1 to fully insured and self-funded employers in Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph counties. Employers can also access the plan if a majority of their employees live in these three counties, even if their offices or facilities are located in other counties in Indiana.

“Employers in northern Indiana have asked for new health plans that provide quality benefits and a simpler health care experience for their employees at a more affordable cost,” said Kim Sonerholm, CEO of UnitedHealthcare of Indiana. “Charter combines the quality care from Select Health Network, Saint Joseph Health System and UnitedHealthcare Centers of Excellence across the country with the resources and tools we offer our members to make health care more affordable and easier to navigate.”

Elisabeth Weston-Hammang, MD, board chair, Select Health Network, said, “Select Health Network’s new relationship with UnitedHealthcare focuses on improving quality and lowering cost. We look forward to making our physicians and facilities available as part of this new option for local employers and employees.”

Genevieve Lankowicz, M.D., Regional Chief Clinical Officer, Saint Joseph Health System, said, “We are excited to partner with UnitedHealthcare as they introduce a new innovative model for local employees and their families.”

All plan participants will have access to UnitedHealthcare resources, including dedicated customer care advocates, online tools at myuhc.com, a mobile app, virtual visits and a 24-hour Nurse Line.

About Saint Joseph Health System

Saint Joseph Health System (SJHS) is a not-for-profit healthcare system located in North Central Indiana that offers acute-based hospital care and post-acute services including: community wellness, home care, physician clinics, outpatient services, independent and assisted senior living, memory care and affordable senior apartments. SJHS includes: Mishawaka Medical Center; Plymouth Medical Center; Outpatient services of the Elm Road Medical Campus; Health Insurance Services; Saint Joseph Medical Group; VNA Home Care; the Senior Living Communities at St. Paul's, Holy Cross and Trinity Tower; and Saint Joseph PACE. SJHS serves more than 200,000 members of the Michiana community annually. SJHS is a Regional Health Ministry of Trinity Health in Livonia, Michigan.