The goal of the HIF is to continue to provide quality benefit plans to its members, and to provide the necessary support and guidance to do so in the most cost-effective manner possible. Managed care plans such as the various Select Plans and the Aetna QPOS Plan have been made available. These plans provide employees with higher levels of reimbursement when utilizing contracted network providers. Some plans provide the additional support of a primary care physician and other medical case management personnel who will offer advice and assistance to employees in selecting and establishing the appropriate level of care for their needs.

It is our hope that employees will play a more active role in their healthcare purchases, treating benefit dollars as they do any other household expenditure.

Whenever possible, you should report to the HIF any suspected areas of abuse. Recently, a trade magazine indicated that fraud/abuse may be responsible for up to 25% of the cost of healthcare.

The HIF publishes a periodical newsletter entitled "For Your Benefit" in an effort to provide you with more information designed to increase your benefits awareness and help you make better-educated decisions regarding your healthcare needs. Additionally, these newsletters stress the importance of preventing illness in the first place by living a healthier lifestyle. The newsletters also provide information on the HIF's claims administration, procedural matters and other articles of importance to you. Please take a moment to read your newsletter .

The "Team Approach", including you, your Municipal Employer and your HIF professionals, is essential in meeting these goals. Let's work together with "A Healthier You in Mind."