Blue Cross Launches Plan for Workers’ Comp

Blue Cross of California has launched a new managed-care product that will provide workers’ compensation and medical benefits.

Called Source One, the new program is available statewide for business groups with more than 50 employees, and is offered through CaliforniaCare Health Plans and UniCARE Insurance Co., a recently acquired subsidiary of Blue Cross. Blue Cross, based in Woodland Hills, is the majority shareholder of WellPoint Health Networks Inc., the holding company for CaliforniaCare Health Plans.

The new program applies the cost-saving strategies associated with health maintenance organizations to workers’ compensation. Blue Cross said Source One could save employers money through negotiated agreements with experts in specialties most often used for the treatment of severe worker injuries.

Blue Cross said the program also saves money by monitoring patients’ treatment and consolidating administrative tasks.