Differentiating Your Health Plan: Reimagining Your Provider Network Strategy

Steve has more than two decades of experience leveraging data and workflow technology to drive innovation in the healthcare industry. His activity spans providers, health plans and health systems, initially as a management consultant, then as founder and CEO of a pioneering revenue cycle predictive analytics company, to the head of strategy and M&A for a national clearinghouse platform, to his current role as CEO of the national leader in provider network management solutions — Quest Analytics. Steve is a Dartmouth College and Harvard Business School graduate and a member of the Board of Directors of ScionHealth.

Jim earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Duquesne University and is an associate of the Society of Actuaries.  He has accumulated over 20 years of experience in the health delivery system on both the payer and provider side.  Jim uses actionable insights to ensure better patient outcomes.  He is passionate about innovation and enablement that supports redefining health care to provide better experiences for people and caregivers.

While at Highmark, Jim has led several successful Analytics teams as well as establishing key financial metrics and support for the Blended Delivery Model in Western Pennsylvania.  In 2023, he accepted the role of Vice President of Western Pennsylvania Operations and Strategic Priorities where he oversees the activation of Highmark Health’s strategy in the Western Pennsylvania market.

As a leader, Jim values collaboration, compassion, and innovation.  He is passionate about creating a culture of trust and accountability with his team and his partners.

Jim and his wife, Rhia, have been married for 20 years and live in Wexford, PA with their two daughters.  When not at work, Jim enjoys traveling with his family and is an avid exerciser.

Stephen (Steve) L. Anderson is vice president of Hospital Contracting and Network Administration, part of the Health Care Value division within Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. BCBSM is a single-state Blue plan serving 4.5 million people in Michigan and 1.6 million more in other states.

He is responsible for managing relationships and contract activities for the Blues’ network of Michigan health care providers, which includes 152 hospitals and nearly 33,000 physicians.

Health Care Value is responsible for Blue Cross’ initiative to create a high performing health care system for Blue Cross members offering affordable, high quality care and optimal customer experiences via new forms of provider collaboration. These provider collaborations will result in new products, innovative care delivery and payment models, and integrated care management and health and wellness programs.

Anderson joined the Blues in March 2012. Previously, he was director of network development for TriWest Healthcare Alliance Corp., a consortium of 16 Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies and two university hospital systems that manage the TRICARE program in a 21-state region with 2.7 million members. At TriWest, he was responsible for provider network strategy, financial analytics and provider contract negotiations, cultivating and overseeing negotiations with large hospital systems and physician medical groups.

Anderson has a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Arizona State University. He serves on the board of the Judson Center, a non-profit human service agency that provides compassionate, comprehensive services to children and families throughout southeast Michigan and has also served on the board of directors for the Spina Bifida Association of Arizona and Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center.