Innovative Solutions

We’re creating more equitable, affordable and accessible health offerings that drive better outcomes through innovative collaborations and partnerships, data and technology platforms and an emphasis on value-based care solutions.

CareFirst Engagement Centers – Caring for the Community

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) is proud to announce a pilot CareFirst Engagement Center in Baltimore, Maryland that will bring CareFirst services and resources to the community.

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In the Spotlight: Ricardo R. Johnson

Ricardo Article

Healthcare innovation plays a large role in furthering CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield’s (CareFirst) mission in advancing affordable, accessible, equitable and quality healthcare. Finding new and unique solutions to healthcare’s toughest challenges requires bright minds and the leadership of those willing to push boundaries. Much of the work done to innovate healthcare at CareFirst is spearheaded by Ricardo R. Johnson. CareFirst proudly celebrates Ricardo R. Johnson and his recognition as a 2024 Modern Healthcare 40 Under 40 honoree.

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Transforming Healthcare and Wellness in the Workplace: Our Vision for a Healthier Future

Happy group of people at workplace

The connection between employee health and workplace productivity is more evident than ever, and it is crucial to recognize the significance of fostering a workplace culture that is inclusive of our health and prioritizes wellbeing on all fronts—physical, mental, behavioral, social, and financial.

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Combatting Diabetes: A Multifaceted Approach to Community Well-Being

diabetes

Diabetes is a pervasive health issue in the U.S., affecting nearly 1 in 10 Americans, with an additional 88 million adults at risk of developing the disease. The economic ramifications are staggering, contributing significantly to healthcare costs to the tune of $327 billion annually through both direct medical costs and the toll of reduced productivity. 

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Innovative Care for Members: Healthworx and 1501 Health Companies

Patient Using Smartphone

Through Healthworx and 1501 Health, we collaborate with organizations and entrepreneurs to address challenges in the healthcare industry or create new solutions to provide high-quality care. These organizations also explore innovative opportunities to bring solutions to CareFirst members to address their unique, diverse challenges.

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Building Bridges Through Investments and Innovations

Elderly patient video call by digital tablet to doctor for inquire about which bottle of medication pills

Doba Parushev, Vice President of Healthworx, spoke with WTOP News about how Healthworx operates within the broader CareFirst mission, vision and strategy to transform healthcare to best serve members and the community.

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New, Free Resource Helps Members Manage Their Medications

Elderly patient video call by digital tablet to doctor for inquire about which bottle of medication pills

Through a new partnership with Baltimore-based company Scene Health, CareFirst Community Health Plan of Maryland members now have access to Spotlight, a digital medication support program that helps members with medication adherence. Scene Health is a Healthworx portfolio company and shares CareFirst’s vision of patient-centered care while encouraging individuals to take an active role in their health.

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Making a Difference in 2022

Mission Report

In 2022, CareFirst contributed $24 million to support 358 nonprofit organizations and 400,000 individuals throughout Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

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Health Policy Forum: The Future of D.C.'s Healthcare Workforce

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Earlier this year, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) sponsored the DC Chamber of Commerce Health Policy Forum. The virtual event brought together policymakers, healthcare institutions, the provider community, human resource professionals and private sector companies to explore the future of Washington, D.C.'s healthcare workforce.

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CareFirst Welcomes New Virtual Care Practice, CloseKnit

Mary Jane Favazza, CEO of CloseKnit, and Mike Bautista, Director of Communications, Healthworx, recently spoke with Technical.ly about the launch of CloseKnit—a new virtual-first, primary care practice.

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The Key to Transforming Healthcare is Innovation

father and daughter playing video game

Healthcare payers constantly look to lower costs while still providing excellent care and service to member populations. Ricardo Johnson, CareFirst Executive Vice President of Enterprise Strategy and Healthworx, spoke with Parie Garg, Ph.D., and Rahu Ekbot from Oliver Wyman on the importance of innovation to better serve health plan members. Through investment, partnerships and building startups, Healthworx drives innovation of products and services to lower costs and improve health outcomes.

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Accelerating Mental Health Startup Even Health

man meditating

Through the 1501 Health program, Even Health gained access to mentorship from experts at CareFirst, including Director of Behavioral Health Services Oleg Tarkovsky and Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Mack McGee.

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Why Healthcare Organizations Invest in Dedicated Innovation

multi-ethnic work group

Arianne Graham, Director of Innovation for Healthworx, the corporate development and innovation arm of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, recently wrote an article for the Baltimore Business Journal on the importance of innovation in healthcare and why investing in innovation yields opportunities for a variety of stakeholders.

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Strategic Coalitions Driving Innovation in Healthcare

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COVID-19 has taught us that strategic coalitions can bring enormous value to the public, rapidly and efficiently. CareFirst’s most recent coalition with Highmark delivers health benefits to market specifically designed for labor unions.

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Supporting Companies Focused on Health Equity

multi-ethnic work group

Earlier this year, Healthworx and LifeBridge Health welcomed their first cohort of startup companies to 1501 Health. Learn more about the cohort and the common thread that connects them—equity.

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The State of Value-Based Purchasing

Doctors talking

Brian Wheeler, Vice President of Provider Collaboration and Network Transformation for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, spoke with Health Leaders Media on the FFS chassis and the billing process. This platform is still how many services are billed, and VBC is struggling to remove itself from this model.

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Convening Experts Across the Healthcare Landscape to Promote Innovation

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Ricardo R. Johnson shares insights on why the future of healthcare cannot rely on one person or organization finding a magic formula for life-long health post-launch of the inaugural In the Worx magazine.

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Value-Based Contracts: Driving Adoption Post-Pandemic

Female Doctor and Patient

Industry experts recently addressed the processes required to make value-based contracting as seamless and organized as possible during a webinar hosted by America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).

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CEOs Outline Goals for Ethical and Effective Data Sharing

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Health Evolution sat down with industry leaders, including CareFirst’s President and CEO, Brian D. Pieninck, to talk about data sharing in the healthcare industry and how it can be used in the future.

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Value-Based Care Prioritizes Wellness Over Sick Care

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In the second part of a two-part Q&A series, Brian Wheeler, Vice President of Provider Collaboration and Network Transformation, discusses how Value-Based Care prioritizes quality over volume.

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The Future of Value-Based Care

mother and daughter

In our first ever podcast, Brian Wheeler, Vice President of Provider Collaboration and Network Transformation discusses how CareFirst is investing in Value-Based Care.

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The Role of Technology in Efficient and Equitable Vaccinations

vaccines

CareFirst’s Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, David Kaercher, shares the importance of technology in a national vaccine distribution strategy.

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Behavioral Health Trends to Watch

Person dinking water

Laura Patterson, Venture Capital, Healthworx, recently shared insights surrounding three behavioral health trends worth our attention as we consider additional investments into solutions seeking to improve the coordination and delivery of behavioral health.

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Bridging the Digital Equity Gap for Baltimore Residents

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What do digital equity and health equity have in common? More than you think.

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Healthworx Delivering Programs to Help Startups

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Find out how the innovation and investment arm of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is helping healthcare startups bring big ideas to the market.

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Transformative Journey to Value-Based Care Panel

Care Panel

A panel of national experts, moderated by CareFirst’s President and CEO, Brian D. Pieninck, share their perspectives on the national movement from volume- to value-based care.

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Award-Winning Leadership Shapes Better Healthcare Experience

Leaders in Healthcare

Baltimore Business Journal recognizes Healthworx Vice President Ricardo Johnson for his leadership shaping the future of healthcare.

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Healthworx, Halcyon Partnership Provides Critical Mentorship to Startups

Healthworx supported the Win-Win Homesharing team during the Halcyon cohort kickoff event in 2019.

This new alliance is leveraging talent across the region and nation to address the toughest healthcare challenges.

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Building A Better Model for Healthcare

multi-ethnic work group

Medical advancements have dramatically altered the healthcare landscape in the U.S. The payment model, however, has remained virtually unchanged for over 50 years.

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Innovation Challenge Increasing CareFirst Impact

CareFirst President & CEO Brian D. Pieninck (left) and LifeBridge Health Senior Vice President Dr. Jonathan Ringo (right) with Socially Determined CEO Trenor Williams (center).

Applicants pitched ideas to a panel of industry experts, including CareFirst executive leadership, in a first-of-its-kind, Shark-Tank style competition.

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The Power of Partnership

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Breaking the prescription drug cost curve means partnering with organizations who are as equally passionate about promoting greater transparency and competition as we are.

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