Capital Blue Cross and St. Luke’s University Health Network are launching a new health plan option for Lehigh Valley employers.
The Valley Advantage EPO plan is now available to employers in Lehigh and Northampton counties with more than 100 employees and will be available to companies with fewer than 100 employees starting in 2027. According to a news release from St. Luke’s, the plan will help employers control rising health care expenses.
An EPO, or exclusive provider organization plan, works by requiring plan members to receive non-emergency care within a specified provider network — in this case, St. Luke’s — if they want to be covered. There are usually exceptions, such as when a plan member needs to receive certain complex treatments or the type of provider they need is not within the network.
Employers who join the Valley Advantage EPO will be able to offer employees simplified access to care across St. Luke’s care network, and referrals will not be required for in-network services. Rates will be lower than Capital’s standard PPO plan. Wellness credits will be offered to eligible businesses with more than 100 employees, according to the news release.
“Capital Blue Cross and St. Luke’s share a mission to put people first — delivering exceptional service, expanding access to high-quality care, and strengthening the health of the communities we serve,” said Todd Shamash, president and CEO of Capital Blue Cross. “This collaboration gives Lehigh Valley employers and their employees confidence they’re getting outstanding care, close to home, at an affordable cost.”