Just as health plans are nearing a peak in their investment in value-based care (VBC) programs, COVID-19 hits. An unexpected and rapid decline in elective procedures and routine care services, coupled with a spike in emergency response services are diverting provider attention and disrupting performance norms. Yet, there are no billing codes and quality benchmarks for time spent procuring PPE and converting tents into hospitals. Cost savings targets, quality targets, and reporting deadlines are likely to be missed, wreaking havoc on value-based programs let alone traditional insurance models, which are predicated on a stable, known quantity and variety of health care services.

Health plans are giving providers needed relief in various ways including leniency and exemptions to VBC contracts. However, questions remain about the future of VBC contracting after this crisis. Will programs need to be put on pause as providers recover to the new normal? Will there be an opportunity to expand risk sharing to better align payers and providers? In this virtual roundtable, moderated by Manisha Gulati, Chief Operating Officer, Clarify Health, a panel of experts from Blue Cross Blue Shield plans will discuss how to navigate VBC contracts in a COVID-19 world.

Key takeaways

• Implications of COVID-19 on VBC programs

• Strategies health plans are taking to give providers needed relief in the near-term

• Approaches to VBC programs in the new normal, post-COVID-19