The Associated Press
Six major Wisconsin health care organizations are forming a partnership to reduce costs and improve care.
They are Appleton-based ThedaCare, La Crosse-based Gundersen Health System, Wausau-based Aspirus, Milwaukee-based Aurora Health Care and Green Bay-based Bellin Health. Collectively, they serve nine out of 10 Wisconsin residents.
Gundersen Health System Vice President Mark Platt says the partnership is not a merger. The six organizations will remain separate but they may work together to buy equipment or hire information technology services so that they can get better deals and reduce costs.
Platt says the partnership, announced Wednesday, also will form a committee to share best practices and improve health care quality.
The most immediate effect is a new insurance plan offered by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and accepted by all six health care organizations.