Payer, Provider Value-Based Care Contract Targets Equity, Population Health

Independence Blue Cross (Independence) has announced that it will renew its long-term value-based care contract with Jefferson Health.

The provider will participate in Independence’s Total Value of Care value-based care program starting on January 1, 2023.

Independence, a payer in southeastern Pennsylvania, has already been in a value-based care partnership with the non-profit health system and teaching hospital since 2017. However, this renewal will involve some changes to that relationship. For example, the contract now includes Einstein Health Network and Jefferson Health New Jersey.

The payer and provider indicated that one of the partnership’s goals was integrating physical and behavioral healthcare. Additionally, the companies plan to target maternal health and cardiovascular health to boost patient outcomes in these areas with high care disparities.

"This long-term contract renewal is a significant and positive step forward in our work with Jefferson Health," Gregory Deavens, president and chief executive officer of Independence Blue Cross, said in the press release. "It acknowledges the near-term cost pressures that certain health systems are facing right now and increases our ability to find innovative ways to work together on value-based initiatives that keep costs down for our members and customers."

In addition to the goals of the contract that directly pertain to Independence members and Jefferson Health patients, the partners agreed to invest in and engage with the needs of the regions in which they serve. The payer and provider will support Accelerate Health Equity, a Philadelphia initiative that consolidates healthcare stakeholder support to improve outcomes for Black residents.

The payer will financially support a Jefferson Health initiative called “Telehealth-Enabled Integrated Palliative Care for People with Dementia,” which aims to improve access to palliative care for individuals with dementia. Funds will come from Independence’s Clinical Care Innovation Program. The partners aim to use this model to improve population health in the region.

"This agreement will enable Jefferson to further our mission to improve lives in the communities we serve," added Joseph Cacchione, MD, chief executive officer of Jefferson Health and Thomas Jefferson University. "We look forward to working together with Independence Blue Cross to further expand our innovative programs and explore additional partnerships that will enhance overall health in the region."