Anthem Blue Cross and Allied Pacific IPA Announce Partnership with Astrana Health Inc.

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Health insurer Anthem Blue Cross and physicians’ association Allied Pacific IPA announced that they are partnering with Astrana Health Inc., a healthcare technology company. According to a press release, the two companies decided to partner with the tech company in order to improve access to care, and Astrana’s technology will be able to help them overcome social and economic inequities.

This is the latest example of health insurers and payers using new technologies to improve patient access and reduce hurdles.

In a press release, Astrana Health president and CEO Brandom Sim said, “We are excited about this partnership, which opens a new channel of access for delivering high-quality care to Anthem Blue Cross's members, starting with the Gateway Cities of Los Angeles. Today's announcement represents not only our commitment to accessible, high-quality healthcare, but also our dedication and investment in the well-being of the communities we serve. We are delighted to partner on this mission with Anthem Blue Cross, who has long served this community and is deeply committed to access and quality for its members in Whittier and beyond."

Beth Andersen, president of Anthem Blue Cross Commercial Health Plans, added, “Anthem has a long history of investing in the communities we serve. We chose Astrana Health to be our partner based on their care delivery team's track record of delivering on quality, access, and patient experience. This collaboration with Astrana Health will address crucial health needs while ensuring our members receive top-tier care in their local community.”

In April of this year, Astrana announced that it had completed its acquisition of Family Care Medical Group IPA, Inc. and Health Plan.² This acquisition brought both Family Care’s health plan and management services organization under Astrana’s umbrella.

In a press release issued at the time, Sim said, “The completion of the CFC acquisition allows us to take greater responsibility for the outcomes of the patients that we serve and better manage and coordinate a person's whole health. I believe that our newly strengthened partnership will be extremely beneficial to the populations we serve, and I look forward to being able to further demonstrate our deep commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality, and high-value healthcare to local communities across Los Angeles."

Meanwhile, Anthem Blue Cross recently partnered with Amwins Connect, a multi-state general agency in order to expand offerings in the Georgia market.³ Blue Shield of Georgia was also included in this partnership.

In a press release issued at the time, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield regional vice president Rob Teas said, “I am pleased to announce Anthem's partnership with Amwins Connect that places an emphasis on affordability and product choice for Georgia employers. We look forward to working with a trusted and highly reputable service organization like Amwins Connect as we continue delivering solutions to promote a healthy workforce."

In the same press release, Amwins Connect president Adam Mathis said, “With a long history of servicing brokers, we look forward to presenting Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield solutions to our brokers and their clients in Georgia. Our goal is to provide the most comprehensive suite of products and services available in all the marketplaces we serve."

Sources

1. Astrana Health and Anthem Blue Cross Establish Partnership to Deliver High-Quality Coordinated Care. Astrana Health Inc. July 15, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/astrana-health-and-anthem-blue-cross-establish-partnership-to-deliver-high-quality-coordinated-care-302196545.html
2. Astrana Health, Inc. Completes Acquisition of Community Family Care Medical Group IPA, Inc. and Health Plan. Astrana Health Inc. April 2, 2024. Accessed July 15, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/astrana-health-inc-completes-acquisition-of-community-family-care-medical-group-ipa-inc-and-health-plan-302106255.html
3. Amwins Connect Announces Partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia. Amwins. June 5, 2024. Accessed July 15, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/amwins-connect-announces-partnership-with-anthem-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-georgia-302163894.html