In the ever-changing world of healthcare, Blue Cross continually works with employers to develop dynamic plan options. That includes taking proactive steps to support members in the short and long-term, with efforts to increase healthcare access and reduce total cost of care.

Based on consistent feedback from a range of employers, Blue Cross is prioritizing four key trends for 2023 and beyond:

1 – Affordability

Employers, insurers, providers, and members agree: the historic fee-for-service health insurance model that rewards volume of care is outdated and no longer sustainable. Through innovative collaborations with care systems, Blue Cross is implementing an increasing amount of value-based agreements, where payments to providers reflect overall patient outcomes instead of just quantity of services rendered.

• Blue Cross has more members seeking care from providers in value-based agreements than any other health plan in the state
• Because of these efforts, Blue Cross is on track to become the first health plan in Minnesota to see the majority of its claims based on delivering greater value and improved health

2 – Ease of Use

The more members utilize all aspects of their plan benefits, such as preventive care and annual checkups, the healthier they are likely to be. Blue Cross works with employers to ensure that members know how, when, and where to seek appropriate care for their situation. New this year is the launch of Blue Care Advisor℠, an app-based navigational tool for members to:

• See amounts spent to-date on deductible and out-of-pocket max
• Connect to resources and receive customized cost estimates
• Receive personalized next-best-action guidance and clinical support

For employers specifically, a “mission control” section helps paint a picture of their employee population and how they are (or are not) engaging in their benefits. Simply stated, Blue Care Advisor℠ is an easy-to-use digital front door to one’s health plan.

3 – Inclusive Coverage for All

From small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, employee populations have diverse healthcare needs. Blue Cross supports these in a variety of ways, including:

Racial and Health Equity: As a major strategic focus and core value of Blue Cross, we integrate best practices that remove barriers contributing to inequitable access to healthcare – as well as support broader population health – in every aspect of our business.

Gender care services: Blue Cross offers a dedicated Gender Services Consultant for anyone who has questions about managing their care and navigating insurance coverage. A Blue Cross representative can answer common questions about gender-affirming services ranging from hormone treatment to hair removal to surgeries and their coverage.

4 – Benefit Bundling

Blue Cross vision and dental health coverage complement medical coverage, as many oral and eye conditions are linked to underlying or corresponding health conditions. Splitting coverage among multiple plans can lead to isolated and uncoordinated care and a sense of frustration among employees. A complete benefit offering in one place works to enhance whole-body health with convenient navigation and management.

Editor's note: If you are an employer with 100 or more employees and would like to learn more about how Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota can support your business, contact us at LiveBetter@bluecrossmn.com.