[nfbwatlk] Fwd: Group Health Important News

[Adreon, Mark (DSB)]

FYI

Mark Adreon
Program Partnership and Development Specialist

206. 906. 5502
Cell 206.947.8479
Toll Free 1.800.552.7103

Begin forwarded message:

From: "McNamee, Jane" <mcnamee.m at ghc.org<mailto:mcnamee.m at ghc.org>>
Date: December 5, 2015 at 7:26:29 AM PST
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Subject: Group Health Important News

Dear Leadership Advisory Group members,


I wanted to share some important news. Group Health announced yesterday that we have signed an agreement to be acquired by Kaiser Permanente.  It’s no secret that the health care industry is changing more dramatically and more quickly than ever before. That’s why over the last months we engaged in a thorough assessment of our options, including remaining independent, to determine the course that would enable us to best serve our members, patients into the future.

Through careful consideration and a competitive process with a number of highly regarded suitors, the board unanimously supported joining Kaiser our strongest way forward.  We will be a new, eighth region of Kaiser, locally operated and with the same great local care and service – supported by substantial new resources, capabilities, and investments – in clinics, IT systems, and more – for members and patients, and for the community.

You may ask why Kaiser? Kaiser is one of America’s foremost non-profit health care organizations, providing health insurance and top-rated care to approximately 10 million members in eight states. They share Group Health’s values and care philosophy that focuses on total health.  They have committed to long-term investments in care and coverage here in Washington, with investments in infrastructure, buildings, technology, and equipment to ensure the delivery of high-quality care and coverage. And in addition to the member benefits, the proceeds from this acquisition—$1.8 billion—will be used to create a new nonprofit foundation to continue Group Health’s purpose in the community.  This new “Group Health Community Foundation” will be the largest of its kind in the state, focused on improving health for all by listening and responding directly to the needs of Washington’s families and communities.


It’s important to know that nothing changes right away.  The acquisition is subject to the approval of government regulators and Group Health’s voting membership. This process may take up to a year or more, and will be followed by a transition. We are going to have town hall meetings for members starting next week – hope you will join us – and there will be more information online via GHC.org<http://GHC.org>.



We greatly value your involvement in our governance process and as a leadership advisory group volunteer; your feedback has been extremely helpful to the organization. We will continue to have the Leadership Advisory Groups next year and look forward to your participation.



Please contact me if you have any questions.



Jane McNamee | GOVERNANCE PARTNER
Governance Services, Group Health Cooperative
PHONE 206-448-5791 | CDS 320-5791 | Toll Free 1-800-252-3305, ext. 24
E-MAIL mcnamee.m at ghc.org<mailto:mcnamee.m at ghc.org>
www.ghc.org<http://www.ghc.org>
320 Westlake Ave N, Suite 100, GHQ E4N
Seattle, WA  98109


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