Call it managed care 2.0. The latest idea in affordable networks is bringing together a large insurer and disparate providers to create a simplified, integrated care system.
Anthem Blue Cross of California is partnering with seven hospital systems and their physician groups in greater Los Angeles to offer customers just such a system, and to vy with a their common competitor, Kaiser Permanente.
Christened Vivity, derived from the verb vivify ("to enliven or animate"), the new network includes Cedars-Sinai, Good Samaritan Hospital, Huntington Memorial Hospital, MemorialCare Health System, PIH Health, Torrance Memorial Medical Center and UCLA Health System.
Anthem is pitching members a "simpler experience and convenient access to some of the best primary care doctors, specialists and hospitals in the region at an affordable price."
Vivity members will be responsible for just a co-pay -- not any deductibles.
For Anthem, the seven health systems and other California health organizations, the new network is also a fresh alternative to fee-for-service business models.
UCLA Health System president David Feinberg, MD, claimed in a statement that Vivity would enable participating entities to achieve "economies of scale," they otherwise could not, which will help make healthcare more affordable for patients.
Also, CalPERS, the California Public Employee Retirement System, has agreed to offer the Vivity network within a Select HMO to public workers in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
"This innovative venture will create a foundation to significantly advance the medical delivery system, simplifying the care experience and creating a structure with aligned incentives to eliminate waste and redundancy and improve overall health," said Pam Kehaly, west region president for Anthem Blue Cross, in the statement.
The Vivity network will be available initially to large employers for coverage starting next year.