Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina last week launched its Accelerate to Value program, an initiative that will incentivize independent primary care groups in North Carolina to transition to value-based care. Beginning in September, participating practices will receive direct payments from the insurer based on 2019 revenue, which will continue into 2021. By the end of 2020, the providers must join one of Blue Cross NC’s existing accountable care organizations or work with Aledade to transition independently. Blue Cross NC is currently the largest insurer in North Carolina, serving 2,593,316 members.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina last week launched its Accelerate to Value program, an initiative that will incentivize independent primary care groups in North Carolina to transition to value-based care. Beginning in September, participating practices will receive direct payments from the insurer based on 2019 revenue, which will continue into 2021. By the end of 2020, the providers must join one of Blue Cross NC’s existing accountable care organizations or work with Aledade to transition independently. Blue Cross NC is currently the largest insurer in North Carolina, serving 2,593,316 members.

Source: AIS’s Directory of Health Plans

Cigna Corp. and Oscar Health last week revealed the first markets for their new cobranded fully insured commercial products for the small group market. The new plans, set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2020, will be available in the San Francisco Bay Area, Atlanta and four cities in Tennessee; Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis and Nashville. The products will integrate primary medical, behavioral health and pharmacy benefits, as well as a 24/7 telemedicine service, according to both companies. About 12 million people are currently enrolled in small group plans, with Cigna and Oscar both holding relatively small shares of the market, at 43,795 and 18,818 lives, respectively.

Cigna Corp. and Oscar Health last week revealed the first markets for their new cobranded fully insured commercial products for the small group market. The new plans, set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2020, will be available in the San Francisco Bay Area, Atlanta and four cities in Tennessee; Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis and Nashville. The products will integrate primary medical, behavioral health and pharmacy benefits, as well as a 24/7 telemedicine service, according to both companies. About 12 million people are currently enrolled in small group plans, with Cigna and Oscar both holding relatively small shares of the market, at 43,795 and 18,818 lives, respectively.

Source: AIS’s Directory of Health Plans

Cigna Corp. and Priority Health on Monday said they have formed a strategic alliance to offer a more comprehensive provider network to Michigan employer groups. Beginning January 1, 2021, Cigna’s employer groups will have access to Priority Health’s provider network, and Priority Health’s members will be able to use Cigna’s network when travelling outside of the Priority Health service area. Priority Health is currently the second-largest insurer in Michigan, with 842,565 members. Just over 40% of its members are enrolled in a group risk plan. Cigna currently serves 120,639 members in Michigan, with 6,456 enrolled in a group risk plan.

Cigna Corp. and Priority Health on Monday said they have formed a strategic alliance to offer a more comprehensive provider network to Michigan employer groups. Beginning January 1, 2021, Cigna’s employer groups will have access to Priority Health’s provider network, and Priority Health’s members will be able to use Cigna’s network when travelling outside of the Priority Health service area. Priority Health is currently the second-largest insurer in Michigan, with 842,565 members. Just over 40% of its members are enrolled in a group risk plan. Cigna currently serves 120,639 members in Michigan, with 6,456 enrolled in a group risk plan.

Source: AIS’s Directory of Health Plans

Highmark Inc. and HeathNow New York, the parent company of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and BlueShield of Northeastern New York, last week announced their intention to combine. While the move is officially being referred to as an “affiliation agreement,” HealthNow’s products will take on Highmark’s branding, making Highmark the primary Blue Cross and Blue Shield affiliate in HealthNow’s service areas. Financial terms of the deal, which still must meet regulatory approval, were not disclosed. Combined, the new entity will enroll 4,754,010 members nationwide.

Highmark Inc. and HeathNow New York, the parent company of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and BlueShield of Northeastern New York, last week announced their intention to combine. While the move is officially being referred to as an “affiliation agreement,” HealthNow’s products will take on Highmark’s branding, making Highmark the primary Blue Cross and Blue Shield affiliate in HealthNow’s service areas. Financial terms of the deal, which still must meet regulatory approval, were not disclosed. Combined, the new entity will enroll 4,754,010 members nationwide.

Source: AIS’s Directory of Health Plans