A Preferred Provider means the physicians, hospitals, and other health care providers who have contracted to provide specific medical care at negotiated prices.
The NIU Student Health Insurance Plan has two PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) networks:
These PPO networks have participating physicians as well as participating hospitals.
Benefits are payable at 80% for covered medical expenses at Preferred Hospitals. Benefits are payable at 60% for covered medical expenses at Hospitals that do not participate in the DeKalb County HealthCare Purchasing Group or Beech Street, Inc. networks.
Benefits are payable at 80% for covered medical expenses for Physicians regardless of whether you choose to utilize the services of Preferred Providers through the DeKalb County HealthCare Purchasing Group or Beech Street, Inc. networks. However, if you choose a Preferred Provider, your bill will be discounted and this will decrease your Out-of-Pocket expenses (the amount you pay after insurance has made a benefit determination). Choosing a Preferred Provider may substantially reduce your health care costs.