WPS and QuadMed partner to launch innovative healthcare option
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ellen Foley
WPS
(608) 226-8089
ellen.foley@wpsic.com
www.wpsic.com
WPS and QuadMed Partner to Launch Innovative Health Care Option
New Intellicare solution combines QuadMed primary care clinics and services with WPS’ third-party administration and insurance
MADISON, Wis., October 29, 2014 — WPS Health Insurance and QuadMed today announced the launch of Intellicare, a combined solution to help businesses improve their employees’ access to high-quality, cost-effective health care focused on positive outcomes.
As employers look for appropriately priced health plans in the era of The Affordable Care Act, WPS and QuadMed recognize Wisconsin employers need alternative options. The organizations are working together to create a new model of care that can’t be found in traditional plans or onsite clinic offerings. This model eliminates the need for multiple vendors by offering primary care and insurance coverage in one solution.
The model includes QuadMed’s on-site, near-site and shared site clinic services and may also include access to third party 24/7 telehealth services, complemented by third-party administration and insurance solutions through WPS. The proven health care delivery of QuadMed combined with the well-established health plan administration of WPS creates powerful synergies to give employers a quality, convenient, cost-effective new choice in health care.
The goal of Intellicare is to improve employee health while controlling costs for employers and employees.
The Intellicare approach is based on these key points:
- Focus on primary care, prevention and wellness.
- High-value referral system that identifies the best specialty providers and offers scheduling assistance for patients.
- The use of data to improve diagnoses, treatments and outcomes.
- Identification of at-risk patients, helping them take better control of their health before a condition worsens and becomes more expensive to treat.
- Superior customer service and claims processing, including a dedicated customer service consultant as a single point of contact for the employer.
- Customized plan options and reporting to improve overall employee health and cost management.
“Intellicare is the result of an innovative idea born out of necessity at a time when the national conversation on health care delivery is becoming increasingly complex,” said Mike Hamerlik, WPS President and CEO. “Facing many of the same challenges from rising health care costs as other businesses, WPS partnered with QuadMed several years ago to create a better way to offer health care to our employees. Intellicare is the result of the success we had from our collaboration. It’s a proven solution.”
“Quality, cost-effective health care is essential for us all,” said Sue Buettner, QuadMed President. “Our approach, which is predicated on a close relationship between the primary care provider and patient, makes it easier for individuals to take ownership of their health and overall wellness. We are excited about this innovative solution with WPS so we can expand our progressive model to more people throughout the state.”
Intellicare promotes shared decision-making, combining scientific evidence with the patient’s values and preferences. This process empowers the patient to make a truly informed decision.
For care that requires specialization not available within the clinic, Intellicare offers high-value referrals. QuadMed providers identify specialists offering the greatest level of care and value to the patient and regardless of health system or affiliation.
WPS and QuadMed each use analytics to help identify high-risk people and enable health intervention before individuals become high-cost patients.
Intellicare saves clients’ money by promoting better care utilizing a patient-centered medical home model. Intellicare also helps effectively manage referrals and uses cost and quality parameters to identify the most appropriate specialty providers. Patient care is better managed by offering primary care in addition to wellness programming with a focus on chronic conditions.
Fully insured or self-funded employers interested in learning more about Intellicare can contact a local WPS agent or call 800-268-0048.
About WPS
Founded in 1946, WPS is a nationally regarded government contractor and Wisconsin’s leading not-for-profit health insurer. The WPS Health Insurance division offers affordable individual health insurance, family health insurance, high-deductible health insurance, and short-term health plans, as well as flexible and affordable group plans and cost-effective benefit plan administration for businesses. The WPS Medicare division administers Part A and B benefits for millions of seniors in multiple states, and the WPS TRICARE division serves millions more members of the U.S. military and their families. In 2014, the international Ethisphere® Institute named WPS one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fifth straight year. WPS is the only health insurance company to earn this distinction five times. For more information about WPS, visit www.wpsic.com.
About QuadMed
QuadMed (www.quadmedical.com) is a nationally recognized provider of onsite, near site and shared site employer-sponsored health and wellness solutions. The model features a full continuum of high quality, patient-centered services, which are proven to decrease costs by increasing accessibility and engagement. QuadMed’s track record of success over 20-plus years is rooted in integrating prevention-focused primary care with leading-edge technology and analytics. Created in 1990 as a subsidiary of global printer and media channel integrator Quad/Graphics, QuadMed now serves more than 100 clients in health centers tailored to fit virtually any size or location.
