Blue Cross NC Launches CuraCor Solutions, Reshaping Healthcare Landscape in North Carolina

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) has announced a significant restructuring of its operations with the launch of CuraCor Solutions, a not-for-profit holding company. This strategic move aims to enhance the insurer's ability to address key healthcare challenges in the state and improve care quality while tackling affordability issues.

CuraCor Solutions: A New Era for Blue Cross NC

CuraCor Solutions will serve as an umbrella organization, encompassing Blue Cross NC's existing business alongside other fully-owned companies. The new structure is designed to facilitate partnerships and investments in emerging programs and technologies, with the ultimate goal of improving healthcare outcomes for North Carolina residents.

Dr. Tunde Sotunde, who will serve as president and CEO of both Blue Cross NC and CuraCor, emphasized the urgency of this transformation: "Our health care system is too expensive, too confusing and access remains a challenge across the nation. Consumers insist on a better experience, and we must evolve to meet the demands of today's health care environment."

Addressing North Carolina's Healthcare Challenges

The creation of CuraCor Solutions comes in response to several pressing healthcare issues facing North Carolina, including:

1. Shortage of primary care providers
2. Limited access to healthcare in rural areas
3. Need for technological advancements in healthcare delivery

By consolidating resources under CuraCor, Blue Cross NC aims to tackle these challenges more effectively. One example of this approach is the company's recent acquisition of FastMed locations in North Carolina, a move intended to address gaps in underserved areas and reduce unnecessary emergency department visits.

Implications for Blue Cross NC Members

Despite the significant organizational changes, Blue Cross NC has assured its members that they will not experience any disruptions to their current coverage or services. The company stated that insurance cards, provider networks, and offerings in Medicare and Medicaid plans will remain unchanged. Additionally, the upcoming open enrollment process will proceed as usual.

This restructuring was made possible by state legislation approved in 2023, paving the way for Blue Cross NC to adapt its operations to better serve the evolving healthcare needs of North Carolinians. As Dr. Sotunde concluded, "Blue Cross NC is now better positioned to meet consumers' evolving health care needs and we will not stop until health care is better for all."