Hillcrest Collaborates with Nomi Health to Enhance U.S. Healthcare Access

Health partner too tackle rising healthcare costs in Tulsa, offering employer benefits with no out-of-pocket expenses for employees.">
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New Partnership Aims to Lower Healthcare Costs for Tulsa Workers

The collaboration will provide access to care across Hillcrest’s extensive network. Credit: Supavadee butradee/Shutterstock.com.

Tulsa, oklahoma – A new collaboration between Hillcrest HealthCare System and Nomi Health promises to reshape healthcare access for local residents through innovative employer-sponsored benefits. The partnership, announced today, seeks to address the growing financial burden of medical care, especially for families and businesses.

Addressing Healthcare Affordability Challenges

The cornerstone of this initiative is a direct-contracting model pioneered by nomi Health, integrated with Hillcrest’s established regional network. This network currently serves approximately 1.6 million patients annually.The goal is to mitigate the increasing healthcare expenses weighing heavily on the Oklahoma market.

Employers participating in the program will see potential reductions in overall healthcare expenditure, while their employees gain access to a thorough range of medical services across hillcrest’s more than 80 care locations, including eight hospitals and a dedicated team of over 6,400 staff members, all without incurring out-of-pocket costs.

Rising costs Prompt Innovative Solutions

The timing of this partnership is critical. Recent data indicates a national trend of escalating employer-sponsored healthcare costs. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, annual premiums for family health coverage reached $25,572 in 2024, representing a 7% increase from the previous year. This upward trajectory is placing significant strain on both employers and employees.

“Healthcare costs are severely impacting families, jobs, and entire communities,” stated Mark Newman, CEO of Nomi health. “Our new relationship with Hillcrest reimagines how healthcare works-where employees can access care without financial barriers and employers can invest in their people, not rising healthcare expenses.”

A Shift Towards Community-Focused Healthcare

Both organizations emphasize that this collaboration represents a broader effort to transform healthcare delivery.By aligning service delivery with direct contracting agreements, Nomi Health and Hillcrest HealthCare System aim to establish a framework that prioritizes the needs of local communities and individual patients.

Dr. Guy Sneed, chief medical officer of Hillcrest HealthCare System, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We’re excited to partner with Nomi Health to leverage its direct-to-employer contracting model, providing our community with greater access to affordable, high-quality healthcare.”

He continued, “By eliminating financial barriers and streamlining access to our comprehensive medical services, we are committed to improving patient outcomes and enhancing the overall healthcare experience for our employees. With Nomi Health, we are setting a new standard for healthcare delivery in Tulsa, ensuring that our patients receive necessary care without the burden of high out-of-pocket costs.”

Feature	Hillcrest HealthCare System	Nomi health
network Size	80+ Care Sites, 8 Hospitals	Direct Contracting Model
Patient Reach	1.6 Million Annually	National Network of Employers
Key Benefit	Comprehensive Medical Services	Reduced Costs & Access

Did You Know? direct-contracting models in healthcare are gaining traction as a strategy to bypass traditional insurance complexities and negotiate more favorable rates.

Pro Tip: employers considering similar models should thoroughly evaluate the network coverage and quality of care offered by potential partners.

What impact do you believe this partnership will have on healthcare accessibility in Tulsa? Do you think direct contracting is a enduring solution to rising healthcare costs?

Understanding Direct Contracting in Healthcare

Direct contracting is a healthcare payment model where employers or healthcare systems contract directly with providers, bypassing traditional health insurance companies. This can lead to greater price openness and potentially lower costs. Though, it requires significant administrative resources and careful network management. The increasing popularity of these arrangements underscores a growing desire for innovative solutions to the healthcare affordability crisis.According to a 2023 report by the Peterson-Kaiser Health System Tracker, organizations utilizing direct contracting models have shown savings of up to 15% on healthcare expenditures.

Frequently Asked Questions about Healthcare Costs and direct Contracting

• What is direct contracting in healthcare? Direct contracting involves employers working directly with healthcare providers, bypassing insurance companies to negotiate rates.
• How can direct contracting lower healthcare costs? Eliminating the insurance middleman can lead to greater price transparency and potentially lower administrative overhead.
• What are the benefits of employer-sponsored healthcare programs? These programs can provide employees with access to affordable care and improve overall health outcomes.
• Is healthcare affordability a growing concern? Yes, healthcare costs continue to rise, placing a significant burden on individuals, families, and businesses.
• What is Hillcrest HealthCare System’s role in this partnership? Hillcrest provides its extensive network of care sites and medical professionals.
• What is Nomi Health’s contribution to this new model? Nomi Health brings its innovative direct-contracting model to the table.
• How will this impact patients in the tulsa area? Patients will gain access to affordable, high-quality healthcare services without out-of-pocket expenses.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below!

How does the Nomi Health direct care model promote healthcare price transparency?

Expanding Access to affordable Care: A New Partnership

Hillcrest HealthCare system and Nomi Health have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at considerably improving healthcare access and affordability for individuals and employers across the United States. This partnership leverages Nomi Health’s direct care model and technology platform with hillcrest’s established network and clinical expertise to create a more streamlined and cost-effective healthcare experience. The core focus is on transparent pricing,convenient care options,and improved patient outcomes – addressing critical pain points within the current U.S. healthcare landscape. This initiative directly responds to growing demand for affordable healthcare solutions and accessible medical care.

Understanding the Nomi Health Direct Care Model

Nomi Health operates on a direct care model, bypassing traditional insurance complexities. Key features include:

Transparent Pricing: Patients no the cost of care before receiving services, eliminating surprise billing. This is a major benefit in a system often criticized for its lack of healthcare price transparency.

Convenient Access: Nomi Health offers a range of access points, including virtual care, urgent care centers, and employer-sponsored clinics. This expands primary care access for many.

Simplified Billing: A single,straightforward billing process reduces administrative burdens for both patients and providers.

Focus on Value-Based Care: The model incentivizes quality care and positive health outcomes, rather than volume of services. This aligns with the broader movement towards value-based healthcare.

How Hillcrest and nomi Health are Working Together

The collaboration between Hillcrest and Nomi Health is multi-faceted. It encompasses several key areas:

employer Solutions: Offering employers a fully-funded healthcare solution that provides employees with access to Nomi Health’s direct care services. This is particularly attractive to businesses seeking to control healthcare costs for employees.

Network Expansion: Leveraging Hillcrest’s existing network of physicians and hospitals to expand Nomi Health’s reach and service offerings.

Technology Integration: Integrating Nomi Health’s technology platform with Hillcrest’s systems to create a seamless patient experience.This includes features like online scheduling,virtual consultations,and access to medical records.

Joint Development of New Care Models: Collaboratively designing and implementing innovative care models to address specific healthcare needs within the community. This includes exploring options for chronic disease management and preventative care.

Benefits for Patients and Employers

This partnership delivers tangible benefits to both patients and employers:

For Patients:

Lower Healthcare Costs: Transparent pricing and efficient care delivery lead to important cost savings.

Improved Access to Care: More convenient access points and virtual care options make it easier to get the care you need, when you need it.

Enhanced Patient Experience: Simplified billing and a focus on patient satisfaction create a more positive healthcare experience.

Greater Price Certainty: Knowing the cost upfront reduces financial stress and allows for better healthcare planning.

For Employers:

Reduced Healthcare Spending: Controlling healthcare costs is a top priority for employers, and this partnership offers a viable solution.

Improved Employee Health: Access to affordable, convenient care encourages employees to prioritize their health.

Increased Employee Productivity: Healthier employees are more productive employees.

Attracting and Retaining Talent: Offering a complete and affordable healthcare benefit can help attract and retain top talent.

Addressing Healthcare Disparities

A key component of this collaboration is a commitment to addressing healthcare disparities. Nomi Health’s model is designed to be accessible to a diverse population, nonetheless of socioeconomic status or geographic location. By expanding access to affordable care, the partnership aims to reduce health inequities and improve health outcomes for all. This aligns with national efforts to promote health equity and healthcare accessibility.

The Future of direct Care and Collaborative Healthcare

The Hillcrest-Nomi Health partnership represents a growing trend towards direct care and collaborative healthcare models. as the U.S. healthcare system continues to evolve, these innovative approaches are likely to play an increasingly crucial role in improving access, affordability, and quality of care.The focus on patient-centered care and technology-driven healthcare will be crucial for success in the future. Further developments in telehealth and remote patient monitoring are expected to enhance these models even further.