Executives from Baylor Scott and White’s Scott and White Health Plan (SWHP) officially announced that they acquired FirstCare Health Plans on October 23, 2018. On January 1, 2019, the two companies officially merged with hopes of helping Texans receive better quality care from a wider network of providers. The two organizations are currently in the process of transitioning their services into one to provide a broader range of care and improved 2021 Texas Marketplace plans to consumers across Texas.
A Larger Service Area
SWHP and FirstCare’s plans cover nearly 400,000 combined members across north, central, east, and west Texas. Now that SWHP has acquired FirstCare Health Plans, they will begin to offer Affordable Care Act approved individual and family plans in the Texas Marketplace for the first time in 2021. Previously, neither Baylor Scott and White nor its entities have offered plans via the Marketplace. Consumers can apply for 2021 plans between October 15 and December 7 of this year.
2021 ACA Plans Available
Available Marketplace plans may closely resemble FirstCare’s current Bronze, Silver, and Gold level plans. Bronze plans remain as FirstCare’s most affordable plan, with lower premium rates overall. These plans have higher copay rates and are best for those in good health. Silver plans have slightly higher premium rates and slightly lower copay rates. Gold plans hold the highest monthly premiums, but also include the lowest copay rates offered by the organization. There will likely be several plans available at each level.
Texans Serving Texans
President and CEO of SWHP Jeff Ingrum explained that “for more than 35 years, Scott and White Health Plan has served Central Texas and surrounding communities. Uniting our health plans will allow us to ensure the long-term viability for both, continuing our histories of Texans serving Texans.”
“Both our teams bring incredible expertise and passion to the work we do every day,” Ingrum continued. “We are excited to learn from each other and grow together over the coming months to increase access to the services Texans need.”
“We are confident this is in the best interest of our members, providers, agents, and employees,” added President and CEO of FirstCare Health Plans Darnell Dent, regarding the acquisition. “I am proud of FirstCare’s legacy of excellence, compassion, and high-quality service to our communities in North, West, and Central Texas. We are looking forward to advancing that legacy.”
As of now, SWHP predicts no short-term changes to in-network provider lists, premium rates, or plan coverage related to FirstCare being acquired by the company. As SWHP’s long-term plans change, clients can find documentation of changes that may affect them on both the SWHP and FirstCare websites.
Agents
We hope this information on how SWHP acquired FirstCare Health Plans is helpful to you.
Empower Brokerage is dedicated to helping you educate your clients on the insurance they need and staying on top of their health. Whether it’s through webinar training, one-on-one calls, seminars, or marketing plans. We want you to be successful. Give us a call if you have any questions 888-539-1633.
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Originally from the snow-capped Rockies, Macee moved to Texas in 2016 to pursue an undergraduate degree in Strategic Communication. She currently serves as a writer and editor for Empower Brokerage, as well as the marketing manager for Preferred Senior Advisors. Macee is also working on her Master’s degree in management, and hopes to inspire others with her passion for telling stories through varied digital and print marketing efforts.
