Nebraska’s largest health care system, its network of providers and the state’s largest health insurer have joined to offer new insurance products based on value-based care.
UniNet, CHI Health’s provider network, has signed a new contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska that takes effect on July 1. The agreement provides coverage for thousands of the state’s Blue Cross members for the next three years; CHI Health remains out-of-network for the Select Blue network, a narrow BCBSNE network.
In addition, employers will have more choices with a new product called Blueprint Health, which offers a new lower cost insurance option beginning Jan. 1, 2018. It’s available to certain size employer groups in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island and Kearney.
The first employer to sign up is CHI Health, which is enrolling 20,000 people.
“We feel good about our new, evolving and positive relationship with the Blues,” CHI Health CEO Cliff Robertson, MD, said. “Both organizations are committed to moving forward together and to delivering great care that is cost effective and of the highest quality. We’re thrilled we’ve been able to come to this agreement.”
“We’ve learned a great deal from each other over the last couple of years, working together on our shared goal of making quality health care more affordable for Nebraskans,” Dr. Joann Schaefer, BCBSNE executive vice president said. “This collaboration on Blueprint Health is a positive step forward, and we’re excited to be able to offer this new option to Nebraska employers in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island and Kearney.”
The agreement revolves around value-based principles, where providers and hospitals are paid for improving the patient’s health.
Date:July 01, 2017