Business Plus Investor Spotlight

L-R: Elsje Johnson and Rebecca Wildman

Blue Cross of Idaho uses innovation to create value-based healthcare for rural communities

Blue Cross of Idaho is the state’s leading health insurance provider that delivers affordable and comprehensive healthcare coverage with a strong emphasis on local community needs. This includes improving the health and well-being of Idahoans through innovative insurance solutions, wellness programs and customer-centric approaches to healthcare coverage.

This approach to innovation is particularly highlighted through Blue Cross of Idaho’s Rural Value-Based Care and use of Predictive Analytics.

“Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, but in rural areas like Idaho, this access can often be limited and fragmented,” said Todd York, Vice President for Provider Partnerships for Blue Cross of Idaho.  “We’ve developed a unique approach to healthcare for rural areas by working with hospitals, clinics and providers that places the patient in the center of care.” This approach focuses on three key goals: Improve patient experience, achieve better healthcare outcomes for the rural population and lower the cost of care.

A key way that Blue Cross of Idaho is achieving these goals, is sharing predictive analytics and modeling with rural healthcare providers. A provider can review forecasted patterns and indicators, and then reach out to the patient to provide preventive care prior to a serious health event. Predictive analytics also allows for more effective allocation of personnel and supply resources and identifies trends that can be translated into constant quality improvements that directly benefit patients.

“The results in several rural areas have been very positive,” said Marc Roberts, Chief Actuary and Analytics Officer for Blue Cross of Idaho. “There’s more proactive patient involvement, reduced emergency room visits, improved chronic disease management and reduced cost for both patients and providers.”

Blue Cross of Idaho’s innovative approach to healthcare in rural Idaho, combining value-based care and predictive analytics, is transforming the lives of rural residents. By prioritizing preventive care, enhancing access through telehealth services, and leveraging predictive analytics to identify and support high-risk patients, they are both improving healthcare outcomes and reducing costs.

“Blue Cross of Idaho is a Business Plus investor for its important role in promoting economic development in South Central Idaho. Business Plus is dedicated to connecting local businesses, fostering economic growth and rural economic development. Serving as a key conduit to leaders in established and new organizations across Southern Idaho, Business Plus has proven valuable to Blue Cross of Idaho, facilitating important discussions with these organizations, providing valuable healthcare insights that have led to positive changes that help us address its strategic pillar of improving the healthcare across Idaho’s communities”

Camille Barigar

Regional Site Director, Twin Falls

Elsje Johnson

Business Development Executive for Blue Cross of Idaho and Business Plus Board Member

"Blue Cross of Idaho takes pride in our local Communities we serve and our local partnerships. By working together with the same common goals and objectives, we are committed to the growth and supporting local business in the Magic Valley.

Partnering with Business Plus and Economic Development is an extraordinary investment for our communities. Engaging our community leaders and joining forces with local collaboration is a cornerstone for strong economic wellbeing and overall community success. It is a key part in establishing and maintaining a robust economic ecosystem.

I am honored to be involved with Business Plus while having the pleasure to collaborate with all leaders within the Community. Partnering with our Local and National Businesses and engaging in partnerships, strategies, growth, and economic prosperity."

If you’d like to learn more about Business Plus or become an investor, please contact us at www.businessplusinc.org, email rebecca@businessplusinc.org or call Rebecca Wildman at 208-539-6470