MGM Resorts International Lauded for Innovative Employee Health Care Benefit by Institute for HealthCare Consumerism

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- MGM Resorts International's (NYSE: MGM) commitment to employee health, through its Direct Care Health Plan, has been lauded as one of the nation's most original, successful employee benefit plans.

The Institute for HealthCare Consumerism (IHC) singled out the Direct Care Health Plan as "one of the most innovative and effective plan designs you will find today." IHC is a national organization that tracks healthcare consumerism in the United States. The group assists employers in developing health benefit plans that empower employees and provide incentives to participants.

"We applaud MGM Resorts for its innovative efforts to improve the quality of health care available not only to its employees, but also the community at-large. The Direct Care Health Plan sets a new standard in health care consumerism," said Douglas N. Field, CEO of The Institute for HealthCare Consumerism.

The IHC honored Jeff Ellis and John Socha with a 2013 Superstars Innovator Award. Ellis is MGM Resorts' Vice President and CFO for Corporate Human Resources Shared Services; Socha is Executive Director of Health Care Services. The two were recognized for their collaboration in developing the company's Direct Care Health Plan, which debuted Jan. 1, 2012.

The Plan was created with the objective of improving access to, and quality of, care for the 50,000 MGM employees and their families in Southern Nevada.  

"The Direct Care Health Plan was designed to foster the patient-physician relationship with the additional objective of promoting prevention and early detection through patient engagement," said Jim Murren, Chairman & CEO of MGM Resorts. "Healthy employees are critical to any company's success. Because of our presence in the community, we feel we have the unique ability to help employees while also impacting the overall health of the community."

Ellis and Socha conducted extensive research that discovered the best health plans were based upon care that is directed by a primary care physician (PCP), in collaboration with the patient. The Direct Care Health Plan offers a network of PCPs who have agreed to special terms, like guaranteeing same- or next- business day appointments for all urgent visits, guaranteeing appointments within 10 to 14 days for any routine visit, and guaranteeing minimal wait times of 30 minutes or less for on-time arrival to scheduled visits. Additionally, there are lower out of pocket costs and no deductibles in the Direct Care Health Plan, compared with the HMO and PPO Plans MGM also offers its employees. 

MGM Resorts also contracts directly with physicians, which is uncommon. Plan participants are encouraged to rate their doctors after every visit and the company then pays its network of doctors based on quality of health care.

In 2012, 5,000 employees and their dependents signed up for the health plan. The results were astounding; previously undiagnosed conditions were diagnosed and preventative screening rates increased dramatically, thanks to a 95 percent participation rate in the annual physical.

In 2013, enrollment nearly doubled and additional PCPs were added. The satisfaction rate among participants is 88 percent. As the 2014 year begins, the enrollment has grown to 15,000 employees and dependents.   

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The Company also owns 51% of MGM China Holdings Limited, which owns the MGM Macau resort and casino and is in the process of developing a gaming resort in Cotai, and 50% of CityCenter in Las Vegas, which features ARIA resort and casino.  For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com. 

SOURCE MGM Resorts International