Highmark, Geisinger Announce Joint-Venture Agreement

The physician-led system, Geisinger Health System, alongside one of the nation’s largest health insurers, Highmark, recently announced they plan to create a clinical joint venture in Pennsylvania. 

Geisinger, which covers more than 3 million residents in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, will work with Highmark to create a clinical network that is patient-focused, physician-oriented, and community-based with comprehensive access for patients, including those in Medicare Advantage Plans.

“Highmark and Geisinger are recognized and trusted names in health care, and we have long collaborated to provide our members with access to the high-quality care provided by Geisinger's hospitals and physicians,” Deborah Rice-Johnson, president, Highmark Health Plan, said in a press release. “Our joint experience in care delivery and care management can help to advance value and affordability. Working more closely together, we can bring innovative, consumer-centered care models to the community.”

The initial focus of the joint venture will include developing an affordable model of care that features a network of community-based sites. The organizations will create a new campus in the Montoursville area, although the size, cost, exact location, and timetable for construction have yet to be determined. 

“The goal of this new facility will be to deliver important medical services and clinical capabilities in the local community that are complementary to the advanced tertiary services available at Geisinger Medical Center,” Lynn Miller, Geisinger executive vice president and chief administrative officer, Clinical Enterprise, said in a press release. “We are currently assessing community needs and levels of appropriate investment to meet those needs.”

The new venture will allow Geisinger to expand on the services it already provides in north central Pennsylvania. It will allow the health care system to include physician practice sites offering both primary care and subspecialty outreach services.

—Julie Gould (Mazurkieiwcz)