Carolinas HealthCare, Blue Cross team up on health

Carolinas HealthCare System is collaborating with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina on a new insurance plan for individuals.

The offering, called BlueLocal with Carolinas HealthCare System, will be available to residents of Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly and Union counties starting Jan. 1.

The plan was designed for those under age 65 who purchase their own insurance and want to receive care through the Charlotte-based health-care system. All Carolinas HealthCare-owned and -managed facilities in North Carolina will be in-network.

BlueLocal will be offered through the federal health-insurance marketplace tied to Obamacare, as well as through Blue Cross.

'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 Carolinas HealthCare System's seamless, coordinated, high-quality care,' says Dr. Roger Ray, executive vice president and chief physician executive.

The insurance plan will cover a full-range of health-care services and access to more than 900 Carolinas HealthCare locations, including primary, specialty and urgent care facilities, as well as hospitals. Preventative care such as immunizations and screening will be covered, and patients will receive support to better manage chronic disease such as diabetes and heart conditions.

Patients also will have access to Carolinas HealthCare Systems Virtual Visit, which provides live access to a medical provider 24 hours a day, seven days a week via computer or mobile devices.

'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,' says Dr. Susan Weaver, chief medical officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.

Jennifer Thomas covers retail, health care and education for the Charlotte Business Journal.