Steward Rolls Out Health Insurance Plan

Steward, the state’s second largest hospital network, is launching a health insurance plan that will attract attention on price.

Steward says its plan will cost 20 to 30 percent less than coverage offered by other health insurers in Massachusetts.

Members will be limited to doctors and hospitals in the Steward network, unless they need highly specialized treatment. In that case, Steward will send patients to competitor hospitals, Brigham And Women’s or Massachusetts General Hospital. Children will be able to see pediatricians affiliated with Partners HealthCare.

The Steward coverage is offered through the Tufts Health Plan. This move will help Steward fill its growing network of hospitals and get ready for the move to global payments, under which doctors and hospitals manage budgets for their patients' care.

Steward CEO Ralph de la Torre is scheduled to outline his plans to the state’s largest employer group, Associated Industries of Massachusetts, Friday morning.