Five questions with Jason Tipton

Jason Tipton, senior vice president, Provider Partnerships and Network Management, started at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan in April. He previously worked at Baylor Scott and White Health Plan in Texas from 2014 to 2025 and most recently served as vice president of Network and Member Services.

He recently talked to us about how his previous position influences his current job, a big contract signing and his goals for the future.

1. What was your area of focus at Baylor Scott and White Health Plan?

As vice president of Network and Member Services, I was responsible for provider network management, contract configuration, call centers, network vendor management and value-based reimbursement. I also led network integration of a health plan acquisition; tripled the provider network footprint in less than 10 years; built network and alternative payment models with several accountable care organizations; and generated cost of care savings through alternative payment models across all providers and all lines of business.

2. Can you talk about your current job?

I was brought to Blue Cross to advance value-based care and relationships that promote affordable health insurance. I’m responsible for leading Blue Cross’ efforts to develop innovative and best-in-class hospital, physician and ancillary partnerships within Michigan. In addition, I oversee out-of-state solutions for our non-Michigan members and lead efforts to improve the provider experience, by working to make it easier for all our hospitals, physicians and other health care providers to work with us.

3. You hit the ground running by helping Blue Cross sign a contract with Michigan’s largest health system. How does that feel?

It feels great to have been a part of building our partnership with Corewell Health. I’m excited about the potential for us to work together to improve quality and support affordability by promoting the best possible health outcomes for our Blue Cross and Blue Care Network members and Corewell Health’s patients.

4. Can you talk about that partnership?

In our new partnership with Corewell Health, we’ll be collaborating over an extended time frame to more robustly align payment for hospital services toward our mutual success in several areas, including achieving quality outcomes, improving the patient experience and addressing health care affordability on a population basis. This value-based payment model is an exciting development that supports both Blue Cross and Corewell Health’s reputations as leaders and innovators — and the expectations of our patients and members that we’ll provide them with affordable care and excellent outcomes.

5. What are your goals for the future?

I plan to continue shaping the strategy for network development and next generation payment and incentive designs that reward high-quality and cost-effective patient care based on risk-sharing models. This advances Blue Cross’ mission of improving health care quality, access and affordability for patients. I’m excited to work with our provider partners. This is what people want — their hospitals, health care practitioners and insurers working well together to improve the overall health care experience.

 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.