Capital Blue Cross and St. Luke’s partner on health insurance plan

Listen to this article

St. Luke’s University Health Network and Capital Blue Cross have joined together to offer Valley Advantage, a new health care insurance program that offers treatment from St. Luke’s network health care providers. 

“The Valley Advantage EPO health plan has been specifically designed to help employers control rising health care expenditures while prioritizing quality, outcomes and efficiency. It aligns the strength of Capital Blue Cross’ benefits and care management programs with St. Luke’s network of outstanding providers,” said Francine Botek, vice president of finance for St. Luke’s 

Botek explained that The EPO plan is comprised of St. Luke’s network of 16 hospital campuses and more than 350 provider office locations along with any external services and providers necessary to ensure network adequacy.    

She noted that the plan does allow for patients to seek care from out-of-network providers in certain instances such as necessary emergent care when traveling outside the region. 

Vicki Doule, Capital Blue Cross Lehigh Valley executive and vice president of community impact & market development, said unlike broader network products, it’s built around St. Luke’s health system and there are advantages to setting up a plan in such a way. 

“Valley Advantage EPO is a more focused, integrated approach to care,” Doule said. “It brings together Capital Blue Cross’ benefits and care management with St. Luke’s nationally recognized provider network to help employers better manage healthcare costs, while creating a more coordinated experience for their employees.” 

Botek said the result is that Lehigh Valley employers get more affordable health care.  

But the plan also helps the insurer and health system as well, said Doule. 

“For Capital, this plan gives us a more targeted option for employers who want a simpler, more coordinated way to offer high-quality coverage while better managing rising healthcare costs, said Doule. “For St. Luke’s, it supports a more connected, system-wide approach to delivering care. And for employers and their employees, the advantage is clarity and simplicity. The plan design delivers a more seamless experience built around one connected system, with easier access to care and a stronger focus on quality and outcomes.”