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Integrating computing systems with those of its sister companies will save Birmingham-based HealthSpring of Alabama Inc. at least $1.5 million through the end of next year - and cost 28 employees their jobs.
HealthSpring of Alabama, a subsidiary of Nashville, Tenn.based NewQuest Health Solutions LLC, plans to integrate its computer operations and those of Houston-based Texas HealthSpring with the system used by HealthSpring Inc. of Nashville.
The three NewQuest subsidiaries are health maintenance organizations that have gained market share and profits through their Medicare+Choice products' a niche that many HMOs nationwide have fled in recent years.
The move is expected to save the HMOs hundreds of thousands of dollars, which "will help keep our rates down," says HealthSpring of Alabama president Mike Nadler.
Texas HealthSpring already has integrated its systems with those of the Nashville HMO.
HealthSpring of Alabama is expected to switch over Jan. 1, saving...