Capital BlueCross, UPMC Pinnacle Offer Increased Access to Providers through CareConnect Insurance Plan Option

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Capital BlueCross and UPMC Pinnacle today announced the CareConnect Gatekeeper PPO insurance plan is now offering members access to more physicians and hospitals than ever before. The expanded network results from UPMC Pinnacle adding Carlisle, Hanover, Lancaster and Lititz hospitals and their related physician practices to its organization. The CareConnect plan connects Capital BlueCross' high-quality benefits and services with the renowned doctors and facilities of UPMC Pinnacle's growing network. 

The industry leaders teamed up in 2014 to launch the CareConnect health insurance plan, the first of its kind in the market. Built upon the idea of providing members with quality care at a lower price point, it is centered on UPMC Pinnacle's primary care physician network. Members benefit from lower out-of-pocket costs when using a UPMC Pinnacle primary care physician to coordinate care with all other providers in their network.   

"Our priority at Capital BlueCross is to offer our members high-quality benefits and services at the most affordable price," states Gary D. St. Hilaire, president and CEO of Capital BlueCross. "As a community-based health insurer, we strive to provide members with access to care where they feel most comfortable. Through our partnership with UPMC Pinnacle, and its growing network, our CareConnect members now have even more choices within the expanding health system."

CareConnect members can access any physician within the network directly, but receive the most cost savings when coordinating their care through a primary care physician in the network.

"UPMC Pinnacle is dedicated to providing solutions that improve quality and address the growing costs of health care," said Philip W. Guarneschelli, president and CEO, UPMC Pinnacle. "Using the medical home model and the primary care physician relationship to eliminate gaps in care, encourage preventive care and focus on chronic disease management can improve overall health and address the escalating costs associated with poorly managed conditions such as diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure."

CareConnect is possible through the existing accountable care arrangement between Capital BlueCross and UPMC Pinnacle. Accountable care arrangements are designed to improve care and health outcomes, create a better patient experience, and reduce health care costs. At the model's core is rewarding health care providers for quality of care and patient satisfaction instead of paying by the traditional fee-for-service method, which is based on quantity of services.

About Capital BlueCross
Capital BlueCross, headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., is the leading health solutions and insurance company in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. A partner in the community's health for nearly 80 years, Capital BlueCross offers health insurance products, services and technology solutions that provide peace of mind to consumers and promote health and wellness for our customers.

More than a health insurer, the company delivers innovative solutions through a family of diversified businesses that is creating a healthier future and lowering health care costs. Among these solutions are patient-focused care models, leading-edge data analytics, and digital health technologies. Additionally, Capital BlueCross is growing a network of Capital Blue stores that provide in-person service and inspiration to help people reach their health goals. Capital BlueCross is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit capbluecross.com.

About UPMC Pinnacle
UPMC Pinnacle is a nationally recognized leader in providing high-quality, patient-centered healthcare services in central Pennsylvania and surrounding rural communities. Its more than 2,900 physicians and allied health professionals and approximately 11,000 employees serve a 10-county area at outpatient facilities and eight acute care hospitals with 1,360 licensed beds: Carlisle, Community Osteopathic, Hanover, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lititz, Memorial, and West Shore. The not-for-profit system anticipates caring for more than 1.2 million area residents in FY 2018. For more information, visit www.upmcpinnacle.com.

SOURCE Capital BlueCross

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http://www.capbluecross.com