Blues plan creates private exchange for large group market

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) is launching its own private health insurance exchange for its large-group clients. Partnering with Benefitfocus, the insurer's exchange will allow employees to shop for plans, which will be filtered based on individual eligibility, and show employees their out-of-pocket costs, both organizations announced today.

"Launching this private exchange is key in our goal to provide employers with a better way to manage employee benefits and adapt to the changing health care market," Blue KC Group Executive of External Operations and Chief Marketing Executive Danette Wilson said in a statement. "Employers are looking for defined contribution support and consumer-centric solutions that are both cost-effective and user-friendly." Announcement