Raleigh, North Carolina — UNC Health has signed a new long-term agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, the state's largest nonprofit health insurance company.
This four-year agreement will allow UNC Health and Blue Cross NC to continue collaborating in new ways to improve care and access for patients across North Carolina, especially in rural areas.
“This agreement will bring stability and peace of mind to patients across North Carolina,” according to a release from Alan M. Wolf, director of news and media for UNC Health.
The agreement gives North Carolina Blue Cross members access to UNC Health across the state, including commercial, ACA and Medicare Advantage plans. Blue Cross NC offers individualized ACA plans in all 100 counties in North Carolina. UNC Health has been part of Blue Cross North Carolina's His ACA Network since its inception and is the anchor of Blue Cross North Carolina's His ACA Network in the Triangle.
UNC Health CEO Dr. Wesley Birx said: “We have introduced multiple innovative initiatives that help improve care and reduce costs, and we look forward to further collaboration in the coming years.”
“As health care continues to evolve in our state, it is important that we proactively seek ways to make it more affordable and accessible,” said Blue Cross North Carolina Chief Executive Officer ( CEO) Dr. Tunde Sotunde said. “I’m excited about the possibilities ahead as we continue to work with UNC Health to ensure all North Carolinians have the opportunity to be healthy.”
UNC Health remains at a 'gap' in agreement with United Healthcare
“UNC Health will continue to work hard to establish a new and fair contract with United before the current agreement expires on April 1,” the release states.
UNC Health sent United a new proposal Friday and met again Tuesday afternoon. But UNC Health says an agreement between the two sides is still a long way off.
