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Reading Health System, UPMC Health Plan form joint venture

New partnership will introduce a full spectrum of health insurance that includes Medicare Advantage, other services, allows more in-network access.

Susan Morse, Executive Editor

UPMC Health Plan and Reading Health System are forming a provider-payer joint venture that will allow a greater number of consumers to access Reading Health as an in-network provider, according to the announcement by UPMC.

The value-based partnership will allow provider access to more residents, employers and employees in the Berks County region of Pennsylvania.

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health Plan will provide the expertise and advanced analytics for Reading Health System's clinical care, providers, and healthcare facilities.

[Also: Analyze this: Health systems, health plans get to the core of big data]

Starting in January 2017, UPMC will provide third party administrator and FSA flexible spending account administration services for Reading Health System's employee benefits plan that services more than 11,000 individuals. 

The new partnership will introduce a full spectrum of health insurance that includes Medicare Advantage, administrative services only for self-insured employers, individual (exchange), commercial group, special needs plans, managed medical assistance and Children's Health Insurance Program

[Also: UPMC joins new Medicare Advantage value-based insurance design model, hopes for returns]

"By combining the unique strengths of the two organizations, the partnership will provide value-based payment models that improve health outcomes by merging clinical capabilities with population health and risk management strategies," said Diane Holder, president and CEO of UPMC Health Plan and UPMC Insurance Services Division.

Twitter: @SusanJMorse