Sanford Health
12/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/17/2024 09:27
Bryan Enterprises, Sanford Health Plan to develop MA plan
Bryan Enterprises, Sanford Health Plan to develop MA plan
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Contact:
Paul Heinert / Angela Dejene
Brad Colee |
LINCOLN, Neb. and SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Bryan Enterprises, a subsidiary of Bryan Health, and Sanford Health Plan, a provider-led health plan that is part of Sanford Health's integrated system of care, are partnering to develop a new, innovative Medicare Advantage plan that will keep patients at the center, offer a more personalized experience and deliver better outcomes.
Together, the two organizations, which have a shared legacy of serving rural Midwest communities, will develop a Medicare Advantage product driven by input from a provider advisory council and designed to meet the unique needs and expectations of seniors in the greater Nebraska area. Bryan will help build out the provider network while Sanford Health Plan will provide core health plan operations through an administrative service agreement.
"We chose to partner with Sanford Health Plan because it is an established, provider-owned health plan that understands the unique needs and challenges of rural health care," said Ben Sparks, President, Bryan Health Connect. "Our plan, based on feedback from providers and patients, will focus on empowering providers and addressing administrative barriers. We can deliver a better experience by giving providers a seat at the table and by working collaboratively to provide high-quality, high-value care in communities of all sizes."
"We know from experience that Medicare Advantage plans offered through regional, nonprofit health systems can offer a truly differentiated experience for the members we serve," said Tommy Ibrahim, MD, executive vice president and president and CEO of Sanford Health Plan. "We are excited to partner with Bryan to expand access to comprehensive, affordable and personalized health coverage for Medicare beneficiaries in rural Nebraska. Physician alignment is a shared north star that keeps both our organizations laser-focused on delivering better outcomes for the communities we have the privilege of serving."
This nonprofit provider-led Medicare Advantage plan will be a win-win for patients and providers:
- Bryan brings its strong reputation as a trusted Nebraska-owned and governed health care provider and experience managing a 30,000-member Accountable Care Organization.
- Sanford Health Plan brings expertise in health plan operations, facility navigating complex Medicare Advantage and value-based care arrangements and a commitment to quality. It is among the highest-rated Medicare Advantage plans in the nation, earning a 4.5-star rating from CMS for the second consecutive year, a reflection of member satisfaction.
- Sanford Health Plan's Medicare Advantage denial rate is less than half of the national average, and for the few services that may require prior authorization, its turnaround time is less than 24 hours.
- The new Medicare Advantage product will offer seniors in the Lincoln area additional benefits not available through original Medicare, such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness memberships, access to health navigators, support managing chronic conditions, and a high-touch experience.
The partnership will be set up through a joint venture and will be governed by a board with equal representation from both Bryan and Sanford Health Plan. Sanford Health Plan will provide core health plan operations through an administrative service agreement while Bryan will lead clinical services and help build out the provider network.
The Medicare Advantage product will initially be available in 20 counties surrounding the Lincoln, Nebraska, area for the plan year starting Jan. 1, 2026.
About Bryan Enterprises
Bryan Enterprises, a subsidiary of Bryan Health, is a legal entity for joint ventures between Bryan Health and businesses to deliver health services.
Bryan Health includes Bryan Medical Center, Kearney Regional Medical Center, Grand Island Regional Medical Center, Crete Area Medical Center, Merrick Medical Center, Bryan Physician Network, Bryan Heart, Bryan Foundation, Bryan Health Connect and Bryan Enterprises. Bryan College of Health Sciences has 773 students in its undergraduate, graduate and completion programs.
About Sanford Health Plan
Uniquely positioned in the upper Midwest, Sanford Health Plan is a provider-owned health plan that is part of Sanford Health's integrated system of care. Part of one of the largest non-profit, rural health systems in the country, Sanford Health Plan leads the region in affordable, sustainable health coverage in an evolving health care landscape. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sanford Health Plan provides coverage to more than 200,000 members. Learn more about Sanford Health Plan at sanfordhealthplan.com.
Align powered by Sanford Health Plan is a HMO, PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Our D-SNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. Sanford Health Plan complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, or any other classification protected under the law. This information is not a complete list of benefits. Call (888) 605-9277 (TTY: 711) for more information.
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