CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Carolinas HealthCare System (CHS) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) introduce “Blue Local with Carolinas HealthCare System.” The two organizations have collaborated to create a BCBSNC insurance plan that will be available to individual customers under the age of 65 both on and off the Health Insurance Marketplace1 in North Carolina for coverage beginning January 1, 2015.

The new BCBSNC health insurance plan will give customers who want to receive care from CHS another option to access the System’s full-range of health care services and patient-centered approach to care. In addition, customers will see the benefit of a lower cost product when selecting Blue Local with Carolinas HealthCare System. 

“Carolinas HealthCare System supports greater access to health insurance, an important resource that leads to a relationship with a trusted provider and ultimately better health,” said Roger Ray, MD, executive vice president and chief medical officer for CHS. “We are proud to offer this new product that will improve quality, lower patient cost and is a good option for those who want to receive care from Carolinas HealthCare System’s seamless, coordinated, high quality care.” 

Pending CMS approval, Blue Local with Carolinas HealthCare System will be offered at all four metallic levels. Each level represents a different level of benefit coverage. CHS owned and managed facilities in North Carolina will be in-network, as well other providers. The network will be online and searchable in October. Medical care in North Carolina at out-of-network facilities is covered by out-of network benefit levels. Emergency care is always covered regardless of where the customer receives care.

This plan is designed for consumers who are under 65 and who purchase their own insurance and want a low cost, local product option that uses Carolinas HealthCare System doctors and hospitals. For 2015, Blue Local will be available to residents of Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and Union counties. This plan is not available for catastrophic coverage. 

Both CHS and BCBSNC will work closely to help patients better manage their health. Benefits of Blue Local with Carolinas HealthCare System include:

  • Access to CHS locations and services throughout the region including primary care, post-acute care, urgent/emergent care and virtual consultations.
  • Preventive care, such as immunizations and screenings, that help patients get well and stay well.
  • Tools, materials and support from care specialists that help patients better manage chronic disease, including diabetes and heart conditions.
  • Secure online access to personal health information, so patients can actively participate in their care.
  • Health care professionals to help patients navigate care at the right level, at the right time, in the right setting.
  • As a result of collaboration, shared knowledge and best practices among health care providers.

 “Health care continues to evolve, and our collaboration with Carolinas HealthCare System is an example of how we can all work together across the health care industry to focus on providing quality and value,” said Susan Weaver M.D., chief medical officer of BCBSNC.  “Our goal at BCBSNC is to continue to create innovative relationships with providers that shift the focus of care to high quality outcomes at a more affordable cost while enhancing the experience for our customers.”

 

About Carolinas HealthCare System:

Carolinas HealthCare System (carolinashealthcare.org), one of the nation’s leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout North and South Carolina. Its diverse network of care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, physician practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and behavioral health centers, as well as hospice and palliative care services. Carolinas HealthCare System works to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of its communities through high quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives.

About BCBSNC:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.84 million members, including approximately 1 million served on behalf of other Blue Plans. Since 1933, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina was recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit BCBSNC online at bcbsnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

1 The North Carolina Health Insurance Marketplace (also referred to as the “Exchange”), is an independent entity run by the federal government.