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HealthCare Partners, part of the DaVita Medical Group, and Cigna have entered into an alliance to offer employers in and around Los Angeles integrated healthcare options designed to improve access, quality and affordability while making the health care experience simpler.
Together, HealthCare Partners and Cigna will offer HMO health plans, in which care is coordinated through a primary care physician, to employers with at least 100 employees. Those employers can choose a fully-insured plan, or they can opt for other funding arrangements. Branded as HealthCare Partners Select HMO, the plans will be offered beginning April 1, 2017.
The alliance is a departure from traditional fee-for-service care in which providers receive a fee for each test or procedure performed. Instead, this arrangement rewards providers who help their patients achieve improved health at an affordable cost. The ultimate goal is to improve quality of care for individuals while sustaining affordability and value for both the employee and employer.
“We have a common purpose: to work together in creating innovative health plans that promote better health and affordability, and provide a better overall care experience,” said Jim Rechtin, California market president for HealthCare Partners. “When providers, health plans, and employers work collaboratively, we can achieve greater quality in health care and build healthier communities.”
Plans sold through the alliance include medical, behavioral health, pharmacy, nurse case management and health coaching services. Employers also have the option to add Cigna dental and vision plans, as well as group life and disability plans.
Care coordination and health improvement programs are key components of the new model. Individuals will enjoy easier navigation of the system when care is needed, new tools for health and wellness and better access to clinicians. The aim is to realize long-term, sustainable savings while helping individuals achieve better health and greater satisfaction with their health care services.
Customers using the new HealthCare Partners Select HMO plans will have access to a network of HealthCare Partners providers, affiliated physicians and specialists, and hospital partners.
Cigna, HealthCare Partners, DaVita Medical Group, HMO, Health plans, US
