As the health care reform debate rages on, the majority of the discussion has focused on the merits of a public option versus private plans. But health leaders understand that quality and affordable health care is not a one-size-fits-all issue. To help meet the individual needs of patients and employers, a new limited-benefit medical program from Century Healthcare is providing coverage for employees and helping keep employer health care costs low by offering various health care solutions, without any congressional hearing needed.

Century’s program allows plan members to access more than 300 Concentra Urgent Care centers nationwide for numerous medical services, including primary care, adult wellness, diagnostics and testing, x-ray, and physical therapy.

Plan options also include coverage for in- and out-patient surgery, hospital confinement, emergency room visits, and a discount on prescription drugs that can save up to 70% on preferred brand and generic drugs. Depending on the level of coverage elected, a patient’s out-of-pocket cost could be as little as $20 for a complete medical visit at Concentra.

“We welcome this opportunity to bring our quality health solutions to patients through an innovative new channel,” said Concentra Chief Executive Officer Jim Greenwood. “The combination of Concentra’s expertise in convenient health care delivery with Century Healthcare’s limited-benefit medical plan allows employers to provide effective health and wellness programs to employees, and is perfectly aligned with our mission of improving America’s health, one patient at a time.”

Skyrocketing health care costs are a major concern for many Americans, as they continue to pay more for health care plans and get less for their money. Through Century’s limited-benefit medical plan, participants may enjoy wide-range coverage for the majority of health conditions, at a fraction of the cost of major medical plans. By adding the care and expertise of Concentra Urgent Care centers to Century Healthcare’s limited-benefit medical plan, employers and employees now have greater options to get the most from their health care benefits.

“In today’s economic climate, many companies and individuals in America are cutting back on their health care because of rising costs,” said Steve Formhals, Century Healthcare Regional Vice President of Sales. “Now more than ever, Century Healthcare’s limited-benefit medical plan, coupled with Concentra’s medical proficiency, is an excellent way for patients to benefit from affordable health care without having to compromise the quality of their health or the care they receive.”

A key element in the debate over health care reform is lower costs for both patients and employers. The Century Healthcare limited-benefit medical plan option offers a mainstream health care solution for employees with tight budgets, where affordability and first-dollar coverage is critical. The program covers many day-to-day expenses, and employees and their eligible dependents cannot be excluded due to pre-existing conditions. Century Healthcare’s affordable limited-benefit medical plan is designed to provide immediate savings to patients, while improving access to quality medical care, made possible by Concentra and its affiliated physicians and medical providers.

Since its founding in 1979, Concentra has become a leader in the delivery of quality, affordable health care services. Today, Concentra continues to present new options in employee health care with innovative solutions and advanced delivery methods, while at the same time yielding a cost-savings to employers.