IBM to dump co-pay health coverage - IBM says its decision to dump co-pays will save the company money in the long run.

October 29, 2009 8:30:47 PM PDT

IBM says it's decision to dump co-pays will save the company money in the long run. The computer giant that employs thousands in the Triangle alone announced Thursday it is giving employees 100 percent coverage for primary care.

That means no out-of-pocket costs for employees when they visit in-network physicians.

The plan takes effect in 2010.

IBM says the new policy will allow employees to visit doctor's offices more often, so illnesses are treated before they become more serious.