The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association last month unveiled a five-point plan for building on the current employer-based health insurance system to improve quality, rein in costs, and provide universal coverage. The plan would create an independent institute to support research comparing the relative effectiveness of different medical treatments; change incentives so that providers are rewarded for delivering high-quality, coordinated care, especially for those with chronic illnesses; empower consumers and providers with personal health records and cost data on medical services; promote healthy lifestyles to prevent and manage chronic illness; and foster public-private solutions to cover the uninsured. For each of the five action steps, the proposal outlines what Blues plans are doing in their local communities, and lists the necessary steps for implementing the steps nationwide. The BCBSA said that it and its 39 member plans will promote the plan in a multifaceted campaign this year.
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