Q. Who is NovaSys Health?
A. NovaSys Health is a Little Rock based health plan administrator that has been in business since 1996. Our mission is to provide cost-effective and compassionate health plan administration. NovaSys Health has over 100,000 members and processes over 1 million healthcare claims annually. The overall NovaSys network consists of more than 4,000 physicians and 67 hospitals within Arkansas, as well as more than 10,000 physicians and 142 hospitals within areas surrounding Arkansas. NovaSys also offers a national network of more than 600,000 provider locations to accommodate non-Arkansas workforces, traveling members, and college students.

Q. What makes NovaSys Health unique?
A. First, we offer a different approach to healthcare delivery. For example, if you ever need to talk to us during normal business hours, you will reach a person and not a telephone system tag team; NovaSys does not have phone trees. But more importantly, we'll treat you in a caring way. One person at a time. One situation at a time. You won't be a number to us … you'll be a person we're committed to helping.

Q. What hospitals are part of the NovaSys Health network?
A. NovaSys Health includes St. Vincent Health System, Triad Hospitals, Inc., Arkansas Children's Hospital, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and more than 130 other hospitals. NovaSys Health also has hospitals in surrounding states to help make seeking care even easier. Many of our providers have agreed to fixed-rate contracts and very attractive discounts. This feature provides some of the lowest-cost unit pricing available in Arkansas, which equates to lower claim costs and ultimately, less money out of your pocket.

Q. How does owning the provider network and administrative services function reduce costs?
A. By owning both the provider network and administrative services, NovaSys can better address member and provider issues, reduce errors, and more. This feature also lowers administration costs. By purchasing services using the clout of our investors and focusing on our expense structure, NovaSys is able to offer a lower-cost product to our members. Also, NovaSys only administers self-funded programs, so there is no need to cover insurance losses through administrative fees.

Q. NovaSys Health is based out of Little Rock. Why is this an advantage?
A. While many managed-care companies rely on non-Arkansas-based services, NovaSys offers Arkansas resources to address Arkansas issues. This helps us resolve issues faster and on a more personal level. NovaSys provides a managed-care network, health plan administration, customized service, provider relations, and eligibility and billing administration all right here in Arkansas. We are your neighbors. If we do not meet your expectations, we can't just focus our efforts in another state - we're held accountable to our fellow Arkansans.

Q. What plans are available to Arkansas State Employees through NovaSys Health?
A. NovaSys offers four plans that include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HMO (Health Maintenance Organization, POS (Point of Service), and HSA (Health Savings Account). Please see the Arkansas Employee Benefits Division plan descriptions for full information.

Q. Why was NovaSys Health added as a health plan option for State of Arkansas employees?
A. The State of Arkansas chose NovaSys Health following a competitive bid process. We are unique in terms of ownership, thus our ability to control healthcare costs. NovaSys surpassed other healthcare companies in the areas of claims payment, costs, technology, and provider network. Also, by being one of the first plans to include Health Saving Accounts with a new PPO, NovaSys Health has become one of the most progressive health plan administrators in the United States - a testament to the wisdom of Arkansas benefits planners.

Q. What happens during my open enrollment period?
A. Open enrollment is the time when information about your healthcare options is communicated to you, and it's the "window" during which you should assess these options and make enrollment choices. Usually, this window is four weeks; however, your work location may have a longer or shorter period. Look for information about your open enrollment period at work, or contact your Employee Benefits Manager for additional information.

Q. How can I determine if my current physician or other healthcare provider is within the NovaSys Health network?
A. You can go online to www.novasyshealth.com and click on the "Provider Search" option. In addition, you can contact us by calling 1-888-870-8103. Your Employee Benefits Administrator will also have a comprehensive Provider Directory in his/her office.