BCBS North Dakota, Oregon healthcare provider announce affiliation

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota and Oregon-based Cambia Health Solutions have announced what they call a “strategic affiliation”.

The affiliation is not considered a merger.

Blue Cross Blue Shield President and CEO Dan Conrad told Business Wire that the affiliation would better serve members with access to healthcare that is simpler and more affordable.

Cambia Health Solutions is a non-profit company that was established in 1995 by four Blue Cross Blue Shield licensees to provide management and shared services for Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West.

They employ around 4,600 people while Blue Cross Blue Shield North Dakota has about 900 employees.

The deal needs approval from North Dakota’s insurance commissioner.