BCBS Of Massachusetts Enters Four Value-Based Contracts Incorporating Equity Measures

On December 15, 2022, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) announced it had entered value-based contracts with four health systems to link financial incentives with improvements in equity. The health systems are Steward Healthcare Network, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Mass General Brigham, and Boston Accountable Care Organization, Inc. (part of Boston Medical Center). Together, these systems provide care to more than 550,000 of BCBSMA’s 2.9 million members.

The new contracts will initially focus on measuring and rewarding equity in care in several clinical areas where inequities have been identified, including colorectal cancer screenings, blood pressure . . .