Mixed Feelings Greet Gulf Medical Plan

Retirees of Gulf USA, Pintlar and Bunker Hill will be covered by a new medical plan, but many people have expressed concern about breaking ties with their long-time family doctors.

Medical Service Bureau of Idaho-Blue Shield of Idaho took over the medical plan Jan. 1. It will pay benefits only to participating Mountain Health Network physicians for services rendered.

The four participating physicians for Shoshone County include Drs. James Joy, Frederick Haller, Terry Spohr and James Larson.

Eleven other doctors in Kootenai County and Spokane also were chosen to be providers under the new plan. All pharmacies in the five northern counties will be covered as will all hospitals for emergency calls.

The news was met with mixed opinions from area hospital administrators and doctors, as well as pensioners.

Bob Morasko, administrator of Shoshone Medical Center, said people seeking emergency care can still come to Shoshone Medical Center.

Pete Piekarski, a 27-year Bunker Hill veteran who retired in 1978, said he believes the plan is the only way to preserve the the pensioners’ medical benefits in the long run.

Having a managed health-care plan would mean maximum benefits would go to a greater number of pensioners, he said, adding that it also meets the measure of the courts.

, DataTimes