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Insurtech company Oscar Health is bringing its tech-enabled health plans to individuals across the Chicago area thanks to a slew of new health system partnerships.
By teaming up with Edward-Elmhurst Health, Loyola Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem and the University of Chicago Medicine, Oscar Health’s individual and family plans will be available to customers beginning in 2022.
Pending regulatory approval, the health plans will be available to individuals in Cook, Lake and DuPage counties. The health plans will be available on the federal health insurance exchange with coverage beginning on January 1, 2022.
WHAT’S THE IMPACT?
In addition to gaining access to Edward-Elmhurst Health, Loyola Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem and University of Chicago Medicine’s network of providers, individuals who purchase the partnership plans will also be connected with Oscar Health’s platform.
The platform equips members with a personalized care team that helps them navigate their benefits, find care and schedule appointments. It also offers free primary care and around-the-clock urgent care, as well as discounts on prescription medication.
Insurtech companies like Oscar Health use technology to engage patients and offer risk-based, value-based care to engage providers in what is touted as a collaboration of savings, efficiency and better health outcomes.
“We’re excited to be partnering with Edward-Elmhurst Health, Loyola Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem, University of Chicago Medicine and other providers in the market as a way of bringing greater access to affordable, personalized care to residents across the Chicago region,” Tamara Ward, senior vice president of Oscar Health, said in a statement. “We know the need is great and we feel well-equipped to serve the Chicago area in collaboration with our provider partners.”
THE LARGER TREND
Oscar Health recently made similar partnerships with the University of Miami Health System and Jackson Health System in Florida.
In line with these partnerships, the company is also expanding its footprint in 2022 to offer services in 22 states.
This has been a big year for Oscar Health. It went public early in 2021 and followed up by launching its new business +Oscar.
Other names in insurtech include Bright Health and Clover Health, which both also went public in recent months.
Twitter: @HackettMallory
Email the writer: mhackett@himss.org
