Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska and CHI Health have collaborated to develop a new provider network choice for BCBSNE employer groups:  Blueprint Health.  Starting Jan. 1, 2018, this new network option will be available to employer groups headquartered in the Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island and Kearney areas that have 151 or more employees.

The new two-tier Blueprint Health network will include all CHI Health facilities, as well as their affiliated physicians and other health care professionals.  BCBSNE and CHI Health have signed a new three-year agreement on reimbursement rates. Other providers will be added to the new CHI-anchored network in the near future.

Blueprint Health will be available to employers headquartered in the 680-, 681-, 683-, 684- and 685- zip codes, as well as companies located in the following counties: Adams, Buffalo, Hall, Kearney and Phelps.  The regional Blueprint Health network may be offered along with the statewide NEtwork BLUE network in a dual option offering.

This new collaboration with CHI Health is a positive and important step forward.  Over the past two years, BCBSNE and CHI Health have worked together to re-build and strengthen our relationship.  This new collaboration on Blueprint Health focuses on both fee-for-service and value-based care initiatives that offer our members quality care at an affordable price.

“We’ve learned a great deal from each other over the last couple of years, working together on our shared goal of making quality health care more affordable for Nebraskans,” said Dr. Joann Schaefer, BCBSNE executive vice president, health delivery engagement.  “This collaboration on Blueprint Health is a positive step forward, and we’re excited to be able to offer this new option to Nebraska employers in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island and Kearney.”

“We feel good about our new, evolving and positive relationship with the Blues,” said CHI Health CEO Dr. Cliff Robertson. “Both organizations are committed to moving forward together and to delivering great care that is cost effective and of the highest quality. We’re thrilled we’ve been able to come to this agreement.”

In addition to the new Blueprint Health regional network, CHI Health facilities and physicians are also part of BCBSNE’s Medicare Advantage and NEtwork BLUE provider networks.