Wellmark Accountable Care Organizations

Wellmark is collaborating with thirteen health systems in an ACO payment system focused on improving the health care experience and slowing the rate in health care cost increases. The ACO arrangements were created to keep healthy people well and improve outcomes for our members when they need care. 

The Goals of Wellmark's ACO Strategy

Wellmark's ACO strategy will enhance Wellmark members' care in a variety of ways:

• Quality outcomes. Keep healthy people well and improve the outcomes for Wellmark members when they need care.
• Better experience/more informed patient. Ensure all appropriate care is received in a timely manner and that patients are actively engaged in the care they receive and understand the costs.
• Reduce the rate of increase. Wellmark will support participating providers' efforts in lowering costs without compromising care.  In addition, Wellmark will share any cost savings with the ACOs.

The Focus of our ACO Strategy

The focus of an ACO arrangement is a gradual and subtle improvement in the attention and care people receive from their health care provider, such as:

• Prevention: Proactive outreach to ensure that healthy people remain healthy by obtaining regular exams and immunizations, and by participating in preventive programs.
• Care Coordination: Seamless patient experience when setting an appointment, seeing multiple doctors and receiving follow-up care.
• Patient Engagement: Providers encouraging patients and their caregivers to take an active role in their health care.