UnitedHealthcare plan narrows network for savings

UnitedHealthcare is offering SignatureValue Alliance in California, a new health benefits plan that features what it calls “high-performance” care provider networks aimed at delivering effective, evidence-based and cost-efficient care.

The network of providers consists of six large physician groups in Southern California and parts of Northern California, including 90 hospitals and about 26,000 physicians and specialists. UnitedHealthcare says employers and consumers are ready to accept a narrower network if it will save them money.

“Employers and consumers today have shown significant interest in healthcare solutions that can more effectively manage premium costs and increases,” says UnitedHealthcare’s Will Shanley. “High-performance networks have become one viable option to accomplishing that goal, and consumers have shown an eagerness to enroll in plans that generate savings while maintaining quality.”

Participating Alliance physician groups are HealthCare Partners Medical Group, Heritage Provider Network, Monarch HealthCare Medical Group, PrimeCare Medical Group, Santé Community Physicians, and Scripps Health. The participating medical groups were included based on technological sophistication, clinical performance and quality measures, and an ability to deliver healthcare cost savings.

“UnitedHealthcare has developed member materials that explain SignatureValue Alliance and highlight its new features,” says Shanley. “All enrolling members receive an open enrolment packet that helps people understand the healthcare providers available to them, as well as the covered benefits purchased by their employer.”

SignatureValue Alliance is being launched throughout California. It is currently available in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, Fresno, and Kings and Madera counties, according to Shanley. There is a planned expansion of the SignatureValue Alliance network into northern California later in 2012.

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