Memorial Health System (MHS) recently announced that all its facilities and service providers now belong to the in-network for West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency’s Preferred Provider Benefit plans. This change took effect on February 1, broadening the options for community members seeking in-network care.
By joining this network, MHS can extend a variety of services, including comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services, specialty care, and advanced medical treatments to more PEIA PPB plan members in the Warren County area. Consequently, plan members can now enjoy MHS services without the fear of out-of-network charges.
MHS has been striving to rebuild its in-network relationship with WV PEIA since 2011. This effort is part of a larger initiative to provide high-quality care and service options to WV PEIA members, expanding access to medical services and enhancing benefits.
The open enrollment period serves as an essential time for WV PEIA members as it allows them to reassess their current health plans and explore the options offered by MHS. Choosing an in-network plan often comes with considerable savings compared to out-of-network alternatives.
Jennifer Offenberger, MHS Associate Vice President of Service Excellence, expressed her commitment to serve the communities in Ohio and West Virginia. These communities often receive health insurance through the PEIA PPB. Offenberger states that providing quality healthcare to these communities is the organization’s top priority.
Prior to this change, community members needed to seek out care beyond the MHS. Now, MHS has made healthcare more affordable and accessible directly from preferred providers within the system. This change eliminates the need to navigate through a cumbersome and sometimes expensive external network.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the exact number of new patients this will attract, Offenberger is optimistic that it will lead to improved care for the community.
In community updates, there are several upcoming events and developments, including construction work in Washington Co., Ohio Valley Opry’s 2024 season, new additions to the Career Center’s surgical technologist program, MHS sports teams’ recent wins, and more. The Fairmont city library renovation is set to start next month; residents and visitors are recommended to use the temporary location at Willow Park during construction.
