KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and SportsIBM offers no cost health care to employees

IBM offers no cost health care to employees

ROCHESTER (KTTC-DT)-- They are a world-wide leader in computers and technology and now IBM is taking a new approach at healthcare. The company announced today that they will be offering all U.S. based employees primary health care insurance FOR FREE. IBM will begin offering the insurance to workers starting on January 1st and employees don't have to pay a cent.

"The primary focus of this is how do we improve the overall health of our employees on a long term basis," says Mike Mueller, an operations manager for IBM.

He says that starting Friday the company will offer primary care health insurance to employees with absolutely no co-payments or deductibles.

Mike says, "There's no deductible for primary care within the network."

That means physicals, annual checkups and routine doctor's visits for things like the flu won't cost IBM'ers a cent IF they enroll in the new plan.

"Right now we're beginning our annual enrollment cycle, so available January 1st that will be available to all employees," he adds.

But this new plan isn't simply offering free comprehensive health care to every single employee.Things like hospital visits, emergency medical care and other non-routine procedures don't fall under the new plan.

Mueller notes that, "If you go to your primary care physician on a regular basis this will be a savings."

Still though, the announcement comes at a time when those in Washington are continuing to push for expanded, more affordable coverage for every American.

"We are about to deliver on the promise of making affordable, quality health care available to all Americans." says House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

And back at IBM at least one company is picking up the tab of health care for it's employs hoping in the long run it will reduce costs.

IBM offered this statement Friday evening: "Both the 100% primary care coverage and new wellness rebate will take effect on January 1, 2010, after IBM's annual benefits enrollment period.

IBM announced yesterday that it will provide U.S. employees with 100 percent coverage for primary health care, beginning in 2010. Employees enrolled in IBM plans will receive full coverage throughout the year -- no coinsurance or deductible -- for in-network primary care office visits with their internist, family practitioner, pediatrician or general practitioner.

IBM will be among the first U.S. companies to cover primary care at 100 percent."