Altru to offer new tiered health plan

Altru Health is partnering with Blue Cross Blue Shield on a new tiered health care plan.

The so-called DakotaBlue / Altru will be available during the 2022 open enrollment period. In its inaugural year, the plan will be available in 11 North Dakota counties which represent Altru’s service area. Counties include Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Grand Forks, Griggs, Nelson, Pembina, Ramsey, Steele, Towner and Walsh.

The Blue’s Chief Marketing Officer Kristi Huber says “DakotaBlue / Altru is a way for us to challenge health care costs.” On average, premiums are 15% lower than comparable plans with traditional network structures.

Cost savings and improved quality come in part from focusing on one integrated health system where providers can easily share health records, test results, treatment plans and avoid duplication of services.

The new plan covers healthcare providers outside the system at different rates.