Sutter Health and Blue Shield of California have reached a new multi-year agreement to extend and expand their network relationship. The organizations stated that the agreement aims to improve health outcomes, enhance patient experience, and provide better care for those with chronic illnesses.
The previous contract between Sutter Health and Blue Shield was set to expire at the end of this year. By signing the new agreement early, both organizations said they are providing stability for community members who are considering their health plan options during open enrollment. Patients enrolled in Blue Shield’s commercial HMO, EPO, and PPO plans will continue to have in-network access to Sutter’s healthcare providers across Northern California and the Greater Central Coast, including Santa Barbara.
“We are taking a more collaborative approach in how we develop relationships and contract with payors — one that’s directly focused on serving our shared patients, members and communities,” said Warner Thomas, president & CEO of Sutter Health. “Through our new process, we successfully reached a timely, comprehensive agreement with Blue Shield that ensures patients keep seamless access to the doctors, clinicians and nurses who care for them, as together we focus on care coordination, quality, affordability and the overall healthcare experience.”
Mike Stuart, president and CEO of Blue Shield of California, said: “As a nonprofit health plan, Blue Shield’s top priority is to provide our members access to quality, affordable care. Strong provider-health plan partnerships are critical to achieving that. This partnership with Sutter Health demonstrates how collaboration enables healthcare that works for members and their loved ones.”
The renewed relationship includes initiatives such as rewarding excellence in clinical outcomes across Sutter Health facilities. The agreement also expands electronic health record access between the two organizations to support improved care coordination and reduce delays for patients. Additionally, Sutter will participate in an accountable care organization with Blue Shield aimed at improving quality of care and affordability for HMO and PPO patients managing multiple chronic conditions.
For more information about which Blue Shield plans include access to Sutter’s services, individuals can visit sutterhealth.org/health-plan or contact Blue Shield using the number on their member ID card.
