SPRING 2025
2. Enhanced Cost Control By selecting providers based on cost efficiency, employers can bet- ter manage their healthcare spend. Custom networks often involve Reference-Based Contracting (also known as Medicare-based pricing) or direct contracting with provid- ers, ensuring predictable and often lower rates for services. This cost control empowers employers to reduce premium increases and manage their healthcare budgets more effectively. The Alliance has implemented Reference-Based Con- tracting in over 80% of its contracts.
als throughout the Midwest, includ- ing 9,700 clinics, 150 hospitals, and 395 home health providers. Our Comprehensive Network covers 91 percent of Wisconsin and gives em- ployers a broad selection to offer their employees and covered family members. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, self- funded employers are seeking strategies to balance cost control with access to high-quality care for their employees. We are continuously expanding our networks in key areas for our employer-members. For example, Western Wisconsin was affected by hospital closures this year. The Alli- ance added multiple preferred-val- ue providers in this region to en- sure self-funded employers and their employees in Western Wis- consin have convenient, cost-effec- tive healthcare options. Reach out to our Business Devel- opment team to learn how The Al- liance can help your organization self-fund smart with customized provider networks. the-alliance.org
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Deb Kunferman Vice President of Provider Contracting & Relations, The Alliance
3. Flexibility in Benefit Design
With custom networks, employers can structure their benefit plan to incentivize employees to choose preferred-value providers. This often involves steering through tiered benefit structures, where employ- ees pay lower out-of-pocket costs when they use preferred-value providers. The Alliance’s Premier Networks are customizable and can include up to four tiers. By including major health systems along with alternative care options like independent providers for primary care, behavioral health, imaging, and laboratory services, we ensure that individuals can ac- cess care where they’re most com- fortable, receiving timely, high-qual- ity services at a fair cost. The Alliance partners with em- ployers to create custom networks that emphasize cost savings and high-value care. We contract with over 39,000 healthcare profession-
Deb Kunferman joined The Alliance in 2013 and now serves as Vice President of Provider Contracting & Relations. Kunferman leads the team responsible for constructing a provider network that brings value to employer healthcare purchasing by providing direction and oversight of provider network development strategies, including maintaining and growing provider partnerships.
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