Better Health Collective Awards Contract to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

The Better Health Collective is thrilled to announce its new partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) which will bring its public entity members greater rate stability, increased transparency, and more choice. Effective January 1, 2025,  Blue Cross will serve as the Collective’s health plan administrator for all groups with January renewals. Groups with July renewals will start with Blue Cross on July 1, 2025. The four-year contract introduces an innovative plan design and provides access to an extensive network of health care providers.

 “I am the most excited about bringing the strength of the Blue Cross organization to our 6,000+ members,” said Better Health Collective Board of Trustees Chairperson, Scott Veronen. “Blue Cross is a leader in the health insurance industry, and we are very excited to partner with them. Blue Cross provides a cutting-edge approach to health care which will greatly benefit our members.”   

A rigorous selection process

Every four years, the Better Health Collective, which is sponsored and serviced by Sourcewell, conducts a Request For Proposal (RFP) for a health plan administrator to meet the evolving needs of its members. Blue Cross was awarded the contract following a meticulous, three-month solicitation process.

“We went through a very rigorous RFP process with three strong responses from three great companies,” Veronen shared. “The scoring of the RFPs was very close with Blue Cross coming out on top.”

The RFP evaluation committee, made up of Sourcewell risk management specialists and three Collective members, evaluated three within-scope proposals. Key assessment criteria included affordability, innovation, transparency, and collaboration. An outside actuarial firm also reviewed each proposal, providing insights for an impartial, strategic decision.

 “This RFP process ensures the best care and costs for our members,” Veronen added. “I would also like to thank HealthPartners for the many years of partnership, and the care we provided to our members through this partnership.” HealthPartners previously served as the Collective’s health plan administrator.

Expanding wellness while ensuring continuity

Blue Cross is set to further empower schools, unions, and other public entities to cultivate a culture of wellness. In addition to comprehensive insurance coverage, members will have access to programs for mental health, chronic disease prevention, and other initiatives designed to support healthier living.

One standout feature of the new partnership is Coupe Health, a leading solution in health plan design. Coupe Health offers end users greater control and price certainty over health care choices. Using the Coupe Health mobile app or online portal, users can find health care facilities and providers, and see the cost of medical services upfront. This simplifies the search for care and empowers individuals to find and select low-cost, high-quality care.

 While the health plan administrator is changing, Better Health Collective members will retain their current insurance plans with minimal administrative impact on benefits administrators. Plan components will remain largely the same, including billing, Smart Plans, Health Source Solutions, Progyny, Omada, and the WellRight portal. Enrolled members will gain access to a larger network of care providers and specialists, both in and outside of Minnesota.

About the Better Health Collective

The Better Health Collective, an independent, state-certified government organization, provides high-quality group health insurance solutions to public entities in Minnesota. Members receive comprehensive health coverage that offers rate stability and compliance, while their employees benefit from affordability, transparency, and choice. The Better Health Collective is open to Minnesota public entities with more than 25 enrolled employees. To learn more, visit the Better Health Collective online or contact your broker.