New York State Licenses North Shore-LIJ Insurance Company Inc. as Health Insurer

North Shore-LIJ CareConnect insurance plan to be available Oct. 1 in NY metro area

GREAT NECK, N.Y., July 31, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The New York State Department of Financial Services on Tuesday approved the North Shore-LIJ Insurance Company Inc.'s application for an insurance license. This marks one of the first times in state history that a major health system has created a controlled insurance company to sell commercial health insurance to individuals, families and employers. 

North Shore-LIJ Insurance Company Inc. will begin marketing a wide range of commercial insurance plans on and off the New York Health Benefit Exchange to individuals and families in Long Island, Queens, Staten Island and Manhattan under the brand name "North Shore-LIJ CareConnect."

North Shore-LIJ CareConnect members will experience the benefits of New York's largest integrated health system, known for its high quality care, accessibility, and a wide range of programs and services across the metropolitan area. Members will have direct access to:

• inpatient care provided at 15 hospitals;
• outpatient and specialty care offered at nearly 400 physician and ambulatory practices;
• after-care services such as home care and rehabilitation; and
• thousands of physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and other caregivers throughout the New York metropolitan area.

"As the first provider-owned health plan in New York, North Shore-LIJ CareConnect will be able to deliver a simple, total solution for individuals, families and businesses looking to access both high-quality medical care as well as more-affordable insurance coverage," said Michael J. Dowling, president and chief executive officer of North Shore-LIJ. "During an era when health care is becoming increasingly confusing, we're simplifying the process and transforming the way we connect with and serve our customers. In addition, taking risk for a population in this manner will significantly add to our capabilities to work productively and creatively with other third party insurance company partners."

Starting in October 2013, it is expected that consumers will be able to purchase North Shore-LIJ CareConnect insurance through the New York Health Benefit Exchange. The Exchange is an online marketplace where individuals and employers can purchase health insurance, and compare benefit plans, premium prices, subsidy amounts, tax credits and other related information. The health insurance plans will take effect Jan. 1, 2014. Plans will also be available outside the Exchange from storefront locations.

"This is the new look of health insurance, with the goal of bringing affordable coverage within reach of working families, young people, and other individuals and families," said Howard B. Gold, the health system's executive vice president of managed care and business development. "This will be a simple solution. We'll be offering a new connection for individuals who find it difficult to get access to care and insurance. We are your new connection in New York."             

For more information about North Shore-LIJ Insurance Company Inc. call 1-855-706-7545.

About North Shore-LIJ Health System
One of the nation's largest healthcare system, North Shore-LIJ delivers world-class clinical care throughout the New York metropolitan area, pioneering research at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and a visionary approach to medical education highlighted by the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine. North Shore-LIJ cares for people at every stage of life at 16 hospitals and nearly 400 outpatient physician practices throughout the region. North Shore-LIJ's owned hospitals and long-term care facilities house more than 6,000 beds, employ more than 10,000 nurses and have affiliations with more than 9,400 physicians. With a workforce of more than 46,000, North Shore-LIJ is the largest employer on Long Island and the third-largest private employer in New York City.  For more information, go to www.northshorelij.com.

SOURCE North Shore-LIJ Health System