Carriers of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota health insurance are now members of a new program called Blue Alliance.
The program partners Blue Cross Blue Shield with participating clinics and hospitals with the aim of providing a better care experience for its members. Julie Blehm is senior medical director with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. She says Blues policy holders are automatic members in the Blue Alliance. She says long term goals of Blue Alliance are not only improved care, but reduced cost over the long term. She says cost would be determined on outcomes instead of service. She says it should be a win-win for all involved.
"We are focused on the member, our goal is that our members will build a very intentional relationship with their primary care provider, that they will receive appropriate preventive care and screenings, and also will receive help from their health care provider in navigating the health care system - so that care is coordinated between the primary care provider, and the specialists."
The program was designed in conjunction with the Blues Clinical Quality Committee of nine independent North Dakota physicians who act as advisors. Blehm says during transition, providers may offer a three-level payment structure dependent upon levels of engagement.