Contact:
Ellen Foley, WPS/Arise Health Plan, (608) 226-8089, Ellen.Foley@wpsic.com
Margaret Baltus, AboutHealth, (920) 225-7889, Margaret.Baltus@abouthealth.today
Arise is first to negotiate a single contract with AboutHealth
Arise Health Plan has reached agreement with AboutHealth, a statewide health care organization committed to quality and efficiency, to offer co-branded products.
Arise is the first insurance company to contract with seven health systems and their Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), through AboutHealth, making it easier for patients to access high-quality, efficient health care providers across the state of Wisconsin at an affordable price. The agreement outlines a commitment to progress toward population health management and a demonstration of value-based care.
AboutHealth’s founding health systems include Aspirus, Aurora Health Care, Bellin Health, Gundersen Health System, ProHealth Care, ThedaCare and UW Health. Marshfield Clinic Health System recently joined AboutHealth, but is not yet part of the agreement at this time.
Arise and AboutHealth will offer co-branded individual and group coverage with AboutHealth providers for 2016, and will have individual and small-group plans on the Federally Facilitated Marketplace, or Exchange.
“We believe this is the future of health care, where partners come together to provide quality care at lower costs,” said Scott Kowalski, Chief Operating Officer of Arise Health Plan.
AboutHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Greg Devine said, “We are pleased to announce this agreement with Arise Health Plan, which shares our vision for high-quality, value-based health care. This is an exciting time to be part of AboutHealth. We are building a new standard for health care for our patients and our communities.”
The AboutHealth organization was developed to enhance clinical quality, increase efficiency, and improve customer experiences through shared practices. The Arise AboutHealth contracted providers presently provide access to care for about 90 percent of Wisconsin’s population and also serve patients in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, and Minnesota. These providers offer patients access to 47 hospitals and more than 7,000 providers.
Each of the participating organizations is a recognized leader for delivering some of the highest-quality, lowest-cost care in the state. Jeff Thompson, MD, chair of the AboutHealth Board of Directors and CEO of Gundersen Health System, said,
“AboutHealth’s membership is made up of high-quality and low-cost providers from nearly all parts of the state. Our partnership with Arise will be aimed at continuing to provide high-valued services, especially for individuals and group purchasers who seek coverage across a broad geography of the state.”
For 2016, Arise will expand its service area to offer AboutHealth plans in 50 counties. (Depending on the county, offerings will include one or more of these plan categories: on-Exchange individual, off-Exchange individual, on-Exchange SHOP small group, off-Exchange small group, or large group.)
About Arise Health Plan: A wholly owned subsidiary of Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS) in Madison, Arise Health Plan offers comprehensive and affordable health plan options and personalized service to businesses and residents. Arise offers a variety of individual health plans on and off the Marketplace, as well as affordable group health plans that encourage and reward employees for adopting healthier lifestyles. For more information about Arise Health Plan, visit www.wecareforwisconsin.com
