SCAN and Sutter Health Join Forces to Expand Medicare Advantage Offerings in Northern California

In a significant move set to reshape the Medicare Advantage (MA) landscape in Northern California, SCAN Group and Sutter Health have announced a long-term partnership aimed at developing new MA products. This collaboration marks a notable expansion in the region's healthcare options for seniors, with the first products slated for launch in 2026.

Strategic Partnership to Address Diverse Medicare Needs

The partnership between SCAN Group, a mission-driven organization known for its innovative approach to senior care, and Sutter Health, a leading healthcare provider in Northern California, is designed to create specialized MA plans tailored to the diverse needs of the Medicare population. This initiative comes at a crucial time when many MA programs are facing reductions in benefits and resources.

Dr. Sachin Jain, CEO of SCAN Group, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, "At a time when MA programs are reducing benefits and resources, leaving seniors with fewer options and more barriers to care, SCAN and Sutter are doubling down and taking great strides to expand their networks and preserve nonprofit MA options for seniors."

Comprehensive Care Model and Future Joint Venture

The collaboration will leverage Sutter Health's extensive provider network, including hospitals, urgent care facilities, and other services. Members of the new MA plans will be assigned a Sutter Health primary care provider to act as their "healthcare partner," coordinating their care journey and ensuring a holistic approach to health management.

In addition to access to Sutter's physical network, plan members will benefit from the health system's digital health programs and chronic disease management offerings. This integrated approach aims to provide seniors with quality, accessible, and cost-effective care to maintain their health and independence.

Looking ahead, the partners have expressed intentions to form an MA plan joint venture, subject to regulatory review and approvals. While the initial focus will be on Northern California, both organizations are considering future expansion to serve a broader Medicare beneficiary population.

Dr. Conrad Vial, President of Sutter Health Network, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, "This collaboration is just the beginning of our efforts to innovate and improve care and experience for our patients with Medicare Advantage. We are excited to collaborate with SCAN to deliver integrated care solutions that address the unique needs of our aging population."

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, this partnership between SCAN Group and Sutter Health represents a significant step towards ensuring that seniors have access to comprehensive, high-quality Medicare Advantage options in Northern California.