Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is the latest insurer to restructure its operations with the launch of CuraCor Solutions, a not-for-profit holding company.
CuraCor will include Blue Cross NC's business as well as other fully owned companies, with the goal of making it easier for these units to partner and invest in emerging programs and technologies to improve care quality and address affordability, according to an announcement.
CuraCor intends to make strategic investments that will allow Blue Cross NC to more effectively push toward its "purpose to improve the health and well-being of customers and communities across the state," the company said.
The insurer said that current Blue Cross NC members will not see any changes to their coverage, services or open enrollment process following the restructuring. Its insurance cards, provider networks and offerings in Medicare and Medicaid plans will also carry forward.
“Our health care system is too expensive, too confusing and access remains a challenge across the nation. Consumers insist on a better experience, and we must evolve to meet the demands of today’s health care environment.” said Tunde Sotunde, M.D., president and CEO of Blue Cross NC and CuraCor, in a press release.
“CuraCor enables Blue Cross NC and its family of purpose-driven companies to ramp up solutions that respond quickly to these challenges, while bringing care for our customers and communities to the center of everything we do," Sotunde said.
In the announcement, the insurer notes that North Carolina is facing a number of key health challenges, from a shortage of primary care providers to rural health access to a need to advance technology. With CuraCor, Blue Cross NC will be able to put more resources toward these barriers, executives said.
For example, Blue Cross NC acquired Fast Med locations in the Tarheel State. Investing in urgent care can address gaps in underserved areas to avoid unnecessary visits to hospital emergency departments.
State legislation that secured approval in 2023 opened the door for the restructuring, Blue Shield said.
“Blue Cross NC is now better positioned to meet consumers’ evolving health care needs and we will not stop until health care is better for all,” Sotunde said.