Sutter Health: Insurance Carrier Or Not?

Sutter Insurance Company has been acquired by Omaha National. However, Sutter Health is a well-respected healthcare system in Northern California that offers its own health insurance plans through Sutter Health Plus. Sutter Health Plus is an affordable HMO health plan that offers access to many of Northern California's most respected healthcare providers, including Sutter Health's hospitals, doctors, and physician organizations. In addition to its own health insurance plans, Sutter Health also contracts with most major insurance carriers.

Sutter Health Plus: An affordable HMO health plan

Sutter Health Plus is a health plan owned and operated by Sutter Health, a nationally recognized and well-respected Northern California healthcare system. It was launched in 2014 and combines care and coverage, making it unique among typical insurance companies.

Sutter Health Plus is an affordable HMO health plan that offers individual and family plans to those who buy their health coverage. The plan provides access to a high-quality network of providers, including many Sutter-affiliated hospitals, doctors, and healthcare services.

Plan Options

Sutter Health Plus offers a range of plan options to meet different needs and budgets. These include:

• Traditional HMO plans
• High-deductible health plans (HDHP) compatible with health savings accounts (HSA)
• Copayment plans with a set dollar amount for medical care
• Deductible plans with a set amount that must be paid before copayments or coinsurance

Coverage

Sutter Health Plus provides coverage for a wide range of health services, including:

• Hospitalization
• Outpatient services
• Prescription drug coverage
• Preventive services with no out-of-pocket costs
• Optional benefit plans for dental, vision, acupuncture, chiropractic, and infertility services

Provider Network

Sutter Health Plus members have access to a network of high-quality doctors, hospitals, and care centers, urgent care facilities, and other services. The network includes:

• 29 hospitals and campuses
• More than 8,000 providers
• Dozens of care centers and urgent care locations
• Nationally recognized Sutter Health providers that outperform state and national averages in quality measures

Digital Tools and Resources

Sutter Health Plus offers convenient digital tools to simplify managing coverage and care:

• Member Portal: View or change your PCP, manage ID cards, and access plan documents
• Pharmacy Portal: Find pharmacies, check drug costs, view covered drugs, and refill prescriptions
• Patient Portal: Schedule appointments, pay bills, message your care team, view test results, and more
• Mental Health App: Access self-care techniques, coping tools, meditations, and more

With its focus on providing convenient and affordable access to high-quality care, Sutter Health Plus is a smart choice for those seeking an HMO health plan in Northern California. The plan offers flexibility, a wide range of coverage options, and a comprehensive provider network.

Sutter Insurance Company acquired by Omaha National

Sutter Insurance Company, a California-based insurance carrier, has been acquired by Omaha National. The deal marks Omaha National's entry into California, with the company now licensed to issue policies in 37 states. The acquisition is a strategic move by Omaha National to operate as a national full-stack carrier.

Sutter Insurance has been rebranded as Omaha National Casualty Company and will complement Omaha National's existing Nebraska-domiciled insurance company. Former clients of Sutter Insurance can contact the company by calling 844-761-8400 and speaking to an account manager.

Omaha National is a provider of workers' compensation insurance, with over 250 employees and an in-force premium of nearly $200 million. The company's CEO, Reagan Pufall, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition, stating that it is a "major step forward" in their goal of operating as a national full-stack carrier.

The acquisition also allows Omaha National to enhance its financial results and better serve its policyholders and broker partners. Omaha National's general counsel, Jim Hempel, celebrated the company's expansion and licensure to issue policies in multiple states.

Sutter Health, a separate entity from Sutter Insurance Company, is a well-respected Northern California healthcare system that offers health plans through Sutter Health Plus. Sutter Health Plus provides affordable and convenient access to high-quality care through its network of doctors, hospitals, care centers, and other services.

Sutter Health's My Health Online patient portal

Appointment Scheduling

You can make appointments with your doctor or care team easily through the patient portal. This includes scheduling in-person or video appointments with your primary care provider and other specialists.

Messaging Your Doctor

The portal allows you to send secure messages directly to your doctor or care team, enabling quick and easy communication.

Accessing Medical Records

You can review and access your medical records, view test results, and manage your health information through the patient portal. This includes viewing lab results, current medications, and dosage instructions.

Prescription Management

My Health Online allows you to renew and refill prescriptions conveniently. You can also contact your provider directly through the portal for medication refills.

Billing and Insurance

The patient portal provides access to billing information, accepted health plans, and cost estimates. You can pay your medical bills online and view frequently asked questions related to billing and insurance.

Treatment and Services

Through the patient portal, you can access information about various treatments and services offered by Sutter Health. This includes award-winning primary and specialty care for your whole family, as well as specific services such as pregnancy and childbirth, ear, nose, and throat (ENT), and women's health (OB/GYN).

Research and Education

Sutter Health's contributions to medical research and education are also highlighted through the patient portal. You can learn about their research initiatives and explore opportunities for graduate medical education, residencies, and fellowships.

Career Opportunities

The patient portal also provides information about career opportunities at Sutter Health, allowing you to explore job openings and learn about their diverse teams.

To enrol in My Health Online, you can sign up online, call (866) 978-8837, or register at your doctor's office. The My Health Online mobile app is also available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play, making it even more convenient to manage your healthcare on the go.

Sutter Health Plus health insurance awards and recognitions

Sutter Health Plus is a health plan that is owned and operated by Sutter Health, a nationally recognized and well-respected healthcare system based in Northern California. It combines care and coverage, making it unique among typical insurance companies.

Sutter Health Plus has received numerous awards and recognitions for its quality of care and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Here are some highlights of their awards and recognitions:

• National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA): Sutter Health Plus received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from the NCQA, recognizing their high-quality care and services.
• U.S. News & World Report: Sutter Health was recognized by U.S. News & World Report, a global authority in hospital rankings, for providing high-quality healthcare across Northern California.
• Healthgrades: Sutter hospitals were recognized by Healthgrades for their commitment to excellence in patient care.
• Forbes: Sutter Health was named one of America's Best Employers for Diversity by Forbes, honoring their dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Becker’s Hospital Review: Recognized Sutter Health for having one of the nation’s top cancer programs.
• Reputation.com: For two consecutive years, Sutter Health was named a Healthcare System Leader by Reputation.com based on online patient sentiment.
• Human Rights Campaign (HRC): 20 Sutter hospitals and two Sutter medical foundations received LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader honors from the HRC for their policies and practices upholding the equitable treatment and inclusion of LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and employees.
• Newsweek: Named Sutter Health among America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity, recognizing their commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace.
• Webby Awards: Scout by Sutter Health, a digital wellness tool for teens and young adults, won the Webby Award for "Best App and Software in Health, Wellness, and Fitness."
• Leapfrog Group: Ten Sutter hospitals received an “A” or “B” grade from The Leapfrog Group in the Spring 2024 Safety Grades for providing safe and exceptional patient care.
• Fortune: Named Sutter Health among America’s Most Innovative Companies, recognizing their product, process, and innovative culture.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): 10 Sutter hospital campuses received five stars, the highest possible ranking, in the 2023 CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings.
• Integrated Healthcare Association: Three Sutter-affiliated physician groups were recognized for achieving excellent ratings in the care of Medicare Advantage patients.
• American Medical Association (AMA): Recognized Sutter Health for their commitment to the well-being of clinical care team members through efforts to combat work-related stress and burnout.

These awards and recognitions demonstrate Sutter Health Plus's dedication to providing high-quality, innovative, and inclusive healthcare to its members and communities.

Sutter Health's accepted health plans

Sutter Health is not an insurance carrier, but it does offer its own health plan, Sutter Health Plus, which is owned and operated by Sutter Health. This health plan provides individuals and families with access to a high-quality network of providers, including many Sutter hospitals, doctors, and healthcare services.

Sutter Health Plus offers a range of affordable plan options to meet different needs and budgets, including traditional and deductible plan designs, such as high-deductible health plans compatible with health savings accounts. Members can access convenient digital tools, such as the Sutter Health Plus Member Portal, the Pharmacy Portal, and the My Health Online patient portal.

Sutter Health Plus has received recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), receiving a rating of 4.5 out of 5. The health plan provides access to a comprehensive provider network, including 29 hospitals and campuses, more than 7,000-8,000 providers, and dozens of care centres, urgent care centres, and other locations.

In addition to Sutter Health Plus, Sutter Health also contracts with most major insurance carriers. Patients can search for accepted health plans on their website or contact a local licensed insurance broker for assistance in finding a suitable plan.

• Palo Alto Medical Foundation
• Palo Alto Medical Foundation Medical Group
• Palo Alto Medical Foundation/Mills Peninsula Division
• Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation
• Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation - Diablo Division
• Sutter Gould Medical Foundation
• Sutter Gould HMO Network
• Sutter Medical Foundation
• Sutter Medical Group
• Sutter Medical Group - Solano
• Sutter North Medical Group
• SMF, Solano HMO Network
• Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation
• Sutter Medical Group of the Redwoods
• Sutter West Bay Medical Group
• SPMF Marin & Sonoma HMO Network
• SPMF San Francisco HMO Network

Frequently asked questions