Provider-sponsored health plans: Tug o' war between providers and insurance

Health systems have become increasingly interested in taking more risk and possibly starting their own managed care organizations (MCOs). This paper discusses how a provider-sponsored MCO and its parent health system can team together to create a unique player in the health insurance landscape, using the levers and how they can impact the success of each organization. Major levers discussed include the brand and the local community, steerage, and contracted reimbursement rates.