RE: Local 17 Health Benefit Fund

We wish to bring to your attention again the situation that exists with the Bon Secours Hospital Group ( Bon Secours ) which includes Bon Secours Hospital in Port Jervis, NY and St. Anthony's Hospital in Warwick, NY. Recently, we have had members who received medical treatment at these facilities. Our Health Benefit Fund paid to Bon Secours the usual and customary rate for the services rendered according to our Plan guidelines and acceptable industry regional pricing. As you may or may not be aware, the fees charged by Bon Secours far exceed the customary rates for our area. While this has not occurred in the past, Bon Secours did not accept our payment in full and is billing our members for the excess above our payment.

Despite our repeated efforts, we have not been able to negotiate a contract with Bon Secours as to a schedule for its fees. We have been successful with other area hospitals and urgent care facilities. However, Bon Secours will not cooperate. Since Bon Secours is taking this position, we urge our members, who have the option of choosing a medical facility for elective procedures, to consider one the following hospitals or urgent care facilities on the attached list for their medical needs. In the case of an extreme emergency or life threatening situation, by all means you should use the closest facility. In all other situations please choose one of the hospitals listed to avoid the possibility of unnecessary out of pocket expenses. 

If you have any questions, as always, please contact the Fund Office for assistance.