What Should the Union Look For in a Managed Care Plan?

There are questions the union can ask about a managed care plan, whether it be an HMO, PPO or hybrid-type managed care plan, to determine the quality of care available, whether care will be accessible when it is needed and whether patients will be fully informed and able to challenge decisions made about their care. Some of these questions may be similar to those considered by accrediting bodies. The responses received from a plan can give a good indication of the care our members can expect to receive. (See Appendix for information about accrediting bodies.)