Tacoma, Wash.-based MultiCare Health System is set to launch its own health plan next year, the organization announced Thursday.
The creation of the plan—dubbed the MultiCare Health Plan—is part of the organization’s continuing advancement from a traditional provider to an integrated organization, executives say. It will be a wholly owned subsidiary of the health system, with support from MultiCare’s population health partner, PSW.
MultiCare CEO Bill Robertson said in a statement that the plan is “more than a new product.”
“It is an important step in advancing our mission of partnering for healing and a healthy future while ensuring our communities continue to have access to high-quality, local care,” Robertson said.
MultiCare Health Plan’s first offering is provider-sponsored, not-for-profit Medicare Advantage HMO plans with Part D prescription drug benefits. The plan will be available to Medicare-eligible patients in Pierce, Thurston and Spokane counties, the organization says.
Plan information became available Oct. 1, with enrollment slated to begin Oct. 15 with Medicare Annual Enrollment. Coverage will begin Jan. 1, 2027.
Karen Decaran-Voight will lead the plan as president.
“As healthcare continues to shift toward value-based care, MultiCare is building on its proven experience in population health and risk-based care models,” said James Lee, MultiCare chief financial officer and executive vice president of population-based care, in a statement. “Operating our own health plan will enhance our ability to coordinate care, improve health outcomes and support the long-term sustainability of local health care services.”
The announcement comes nearly two months after Oregon health officials approved a merger between MultiCare and Samaritan Health Services.
The proposal to form the $7.5 billion, 18-hospital system still has to face review from other state programs prior to moving forward.