DURHAM – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of N.C. is teaming with Duke University Health System to form a health insurance company that will focus on senior citizens with a boost from cutting-edge technology.
Named Experience Health, it will be directed by a board of directors that will include three members each from Duke Health and BCBS.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC
The new company will put an emphasis on tech, from data analytics and “enhanced communications” as well as simplified appointment scheduling and billing.
The venture announced Tuesday is the second announced by BCBS over the past three weeks. On March 13 BCBS disclosed a joint venture with Oregon-based Cambia Health Solutions.
The venture with Duke is to focus on “developing affordable and accessible products and services focused on improving health,” the healthcare firms said. BCBS descrcibed the new company as its “latest collaborative effort for value in health care.”
Mark Waggoner, an experienced health insurance executive, will lead the new venture. He previously led BCBS of Rhode Island.
“Consumers want the best possible health care that’s simpler and more focused on their unique needs,” said Patrick Conway, CEO of BCBS who also will lead the Cambia joint venture. “Experience Health will offer exactly that by featuring exceptional Duke Health medical care with efficient Blue Cross NC operations. It’s another example of our desire to collaborate closely with the state’s leading health systems to improve quality, lower costs, and deliver exceptional experience.”
Financial terms were not disclosed.
“Our goal at Duke Health is always to seek innovative ways to lead in the delivery of highest-quality care to our patients, their families and loved ones,” said A. Eugene Washington, chancellor for Health Affairs at Duke University and CEO, Duke University Health System. “Experience Health represents a one-of-a-kind collaboration between Duke Health and Blue Cross NC to enhance the quality of care, the patient experience, and to bring even greater value to our patients.”
BCBS of NC to tackle new tech, health improvements with Oregon-based Cambia
Experience Health is seeking federal regulatory approval to offer a Medicare Advantage plan in 2020. The new venture also has in place agreements with BCBS NC to provide a variety of services and health management programs.
The Cambia joint venture will invest in high-cost management technology and share insights into improving health care in a long-term agreement that will leave the companies as separate entities. Cambia and BCBS will share top executives but will keep separate their assets and insurance policies. Cambia’s new board will be mixed. Headquarters will be maintained in Durham and Oregon, the companies said.
