RENOWN NEWSROOM

Hometown Health, the insurance arm of Renown Health and the premier locally-owned, not-for-profit insurance company in northern Nevada, has joined forces with the Carson City Chamber of Commerce to introduce reduced-cost health insurance options to member enterprises, effective Oct. 1, 2023. "We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with business-focused associations like the Carson City Chamber of Commerce, to provide their members with financially feasible healthcare alternatives. These best-in-class association health plans empower small business employers to access premium pricing typically reserved for larger employers. The resulting savings can be substantial," said CJ Bawden, Vice President of Growth and Retention at Hometown Health. The new association health plans through Hometown Health are available to all Nevada-based businesses with 50 or fewer employees and that have an active Carson City Chamber of Commerce membership. The new association health plans include: Competitive rates and access to northern Nevada's largest provider network Wide range of plans with unique benefit options Online member benefits through MyChart Online enrollment and premium billing Local customer service Members save up to 20% HMO, EPO and PPO products available ACA compliant No medical questionnaires required No cost wellness benefits Provides access to Renown and Carson Tahoe providers “By collaborating with Hometown Health, we are excited to offer our Carson City Chamber of Commerce members yet another premium benefit that will allow access to top-tier, affordable healthcare solutions,” said Stacy Woodbury, Chair of the Carson Chamber Board of Directors. “This alliance underscores our commitment to fostering the growth and prosperity of our business community while ensuring their health and well-being through northern Nevada's premier health insurance provider especially at a time when employee retention and attracting new employees is paramount.” Carson City Chamber members who are interested in Hometown Health should contact their health insurance broker to obtain more detailed information. They can also visit HometownHealth.com or CarsonCityChamber.com for more information.  About Hometown Health Established in 1988, Hometown Health is the insurance division of Renown Health and is Northern Nevada’s largest locally owned, not-for-profit health insurance company. Providing wide-ranging medical coverage and great service to members, Hometown Health represents a philosophy of health care that emphasizes active partnerships between members and physicians. For more information, call 775-982-3000 or visit HometownHealth.com About Carson City Chamber of Commerce The Carson City Chamber of Commerce has served the business community since 1945 and continually strives to build a healthy economy and high quality of life in Carson City and the surrounding area. The Carson Chamber offers its membership networking opportunities, advocacy with state and local government officials, seminars and training, a membership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and much more.

Read More About Hometown Health Partners With Carson City Chamber of Commerce to Offer Affordable Healthcare to Business Members

Nevada’s #1 ranked hospital system announces plan to hire 500 more physicians, nurses, clinicians for region In recognition of Valentine’s Day, Renown Health today announced a national physician, nurse, and clinical specialist recruitment campaign to help fill positions and expand access to community-based primary and specialty care across northern Nevada.   Over the last year, consumer demand for Renown physicians, providers and services has increased significantly. At the same time, the nationwide physician and nursing shortage that experts predicted has arrived. As a result, in an innovative partnership with over 7,000 employees, the health care system has launched a national recruitment campaign to ensure staffing to meet the needs of a growing patient base and community.     The new recruitment campaign, Fight for You, uses the tag line “Every day, we fight like you. Every day, we fight for you,” to appeal to clinicians and employees devoted to the not-for-profit healthcare system’s mission; to make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the people and communities.” Watch the video here.    “We honor and celebrate every one of our 7250 employees,” said Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO of Renown Health, “and have launched this campaign to recruit 500 more dedicated and committed clinicians to care for our patients. Our transformation as a health system demands that we invest in our employees to meet the current healthcare needs of our community. Fight for You is a vibrant campaign that will attract those drawn to Renown’s mission of caring for one and all.”    The campaign is supported by social media promotion on Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Compelling videos are being promoted on the health system’s website, social media accounts, and used at recruitment events to showcase the diverse faces of the Renown team. All open positions are listed on Renown.org/careers.  In terms of retaining current employees, Renown Health announced that starting April 1, 2023, they are expanding the 401(k)-retirement plan match based for Renown employees based on an employee’s seniority date. Under this expanded benefit, Renown will continue to invest 4% for employees who participate and have up to 4 years of benefit eligible service. And, for those employees with 5 to 9 years of service, Renown will match your contributions at 5% of your pay, 6% for those at 10-14 years, 7% for 15-19 years - and so on, up to 9% for those who have been at Renown for 25 years or more.    In addition, to support all employees in furthering their education, Renown is increasing educational reimbursement for full and part time employees to the IRS tax free maximum of $5250 and expanding the benefit to per diem employees in the amount of $2625. Per diem employees must meet the per diem requirements to be eligible for reimbursement.      “I am proud of the thousands of physicians, nurses and caregivers who provide exemplary, compassionate care, every day, to Nevadans in need,” said Melodie Osborn, RN, Chief Nurse Executive, Renown Health. “This campaign is about connecting people with a passion for healing and Renown’s mission, vision, and values of caring for the people who live here. Northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe are among the most beautiful places to live and work. We hope our campaign encourages others to consider growing and working for the #1 rated hospital in Nevada.”   As the region’s only Level 2 Trauma Center, Renown serves over 1 million people and 100,000 square miles. Nevada is one of the fastest growing states in the US and the population of Washoe County grew by over 50,000 people between 2010 and 2019, to a population of 471,519.  In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital Rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center is named #1 in the State of Nevada for 2021. No other hospital in Nevada earned recognition from U.S. News.  About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. To join the Renown Health team visit www.renown.org/careers.

Read More About More Doctors and Nurses to Serve You! Renown Shares the Love, Investing in Care for Community

Students ages 16 and older can now submit applications for entry-level, non-clinical opportunities at region’s top employer and one of the nation’s Top Places to Work ® Obtaining a career in healthcare has been the goal of many who seek to make a positive difference in the lives of others and improve the health of their communities. Overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations; and this increase is expected to result in about 2 million new jobs over the decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Today, Renown Health leaders announced they are accepting employment applications for individuals 16 years old to work in entry-level, non-clinical roles; formerly teens needed to be 18 years or older to apply for employment at Nevada’s largest not-for-profit health network. “Many of us who work today as physicians, nurses and key members of the healthcare team, started out as teenagers working or volunteering in our local hospitals,” says Brian Erling, MD, MBA, President & CEO, Renown Health. “Supporting local teens with their first jobs in healthcare, and providing support for life-long careers, helps build the workforce of the future. We are excited to welcome the next generation of Renown employees as they partner with us to care for our community and Fight the Good Fight.” “For more than 160 years, the foundation of our success has been to hire the brightest and most compassionate people,” says Brittany Brown, MBA, Director of Recruitment. High school students curious about a career in healthcare are encouraged to apply to one of the many entry-level, non-clinical positions available now at Renown Health. All entry-level positions offer flexible schedules to account for school schedules. Named Ragan’s “Top Places to Work for 2022,” Renown Health fosters a caring culture of values that include caring, integrity, collaboration and excellence. Renown was awarded for championing their workforce and providing guidance, initiatives and resources that promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace, offering ample room for professional growth and providing effective communication that keeps employees engaged and informed. “Renown Health is rising to the occasion by expanding employment opportunities for high school students,” said Ms. Brown. “We hope to help teens develop career skills that will serve them today, and for a successful future.” The decision to lower Renown’s minimum employment age to 16 was rooted in the health system’s desire to support students in their long-term career goals and foster their interest in healthcare. Renown’s expert recruiters are poised to welcome teen applicants and be a resource for them throughout the hiring process. Along with offering education and career growth opportunities, Renown has extensive employee benefits available to full time and part time employees. Open part-time and per diem positions available for students who meet the new minimum age requirement of include, but are not limited to: Patient Access Representatives Patient Safety Assistants Patient Transporters Dishwashers Food Service Workers Housekeepers Renown Health also recognizes the value of experienced workers and believes in equal opportunities for all. Part-time, full-time and flexible positions are also available for people 55+ and retirees. Individuals may apply directly at renown.org/careers. Renown Health ensures equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information, see our non-discrimination policy at renown.org. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®.

Read More About Renown Health Lowers Minimum Employment Age To 16 Years Old

The Open Enrollment period begins Nov. 1 and runs through Nov. 30 Nevada’s largest locally owned, not-for-profit health insurance company, Hometown Health, is excited to announce the beginning of the open enrollment period starting Nov. 1 and running until Nov. 30. Individual and Family Plans (IFP) are available in Washoe, Douglas, Lyon and Storey Counties as well as Carson City. This expanded network increases healthcare access for thousands of Nevadans, including those in both our urban and rural communities. For 2023, Nevadans can continue to find affordable health insurance plans that fit their needs and budget through the Nevada Health Link, a website created by the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange. Nevada Health Link is an insurance resource that connects individuals to a variety of insurance plans from different health insurance companies, including Hometown Health. Certain individuals and plans may also qualify for federal tax credits and subsidies to help cover the cost of insurance. Renown Health is Nevada‘s largest provider network and members of Hometown Health can enjoy access to a wide variety of patient resources and top-rated providers. “Health insurance is vital to peace of mind, providing individuals and families with the tools they need to take charge of their health,” said Bethany Sexton, MBA, CEO at Hometown Health. “New and existing members can rest assured that they have a partner in their health and the best care options when they choose Hometown Health due to Renown’s thoughtful and innovative growth in our communities.” The facilities enhancement project is one example of the amplified care available at Renown Health. Renown South Meadows Medical Center will be the home of a new 121,000 gross square foot, three-story Specialty Care Center which will showcase the latest technology, enhance patient safety and improve the hospital experience. The team at Renown Regional Medical Center is also nearing completion on two new floors in the Tahoe Tower which will include a new state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and a Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit. More information on Renown’s larger facilities enhancement projects can be found at renown.org/ExpandingCare. IFP plans also include many convenient and cost-saving benefits including access to Renown Primary Care physicians for yearly health screenings and tests; Health Savings Account options to pay for eligible healthcare, dental or vision expenses; easy to navigate access to health information in one place through MyChart; local customer service representatives available to answer your healthcare benefit questions and convenient Renown Pharmacy locations. Derek Beenfeldt, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Hometown Health, stresses the importance of choosing a health insurance plan that provides on-demand, accessible care options. “When you or your family members are sick, the last thing you want to worry about is your insurance coverage. You want to know you are getting the best care possible and you want to trust that care will be in network. Access to Renown’s care, coordinated by Hometown Health, ensures our members receive the exceptional care – delivering the right care at the right time” said Dr. Beenfeldt. Hometown Health members also enjoy access to 24/7 virtual visits through Teladoc, in home care through Dispatch Health and various Renown Urgent Care locations. For details about Hometown Health® benefits or the open enrollment period, visit HometownHealth.com or call 775-982-3232. About Hometown Health Established in 1988, Hometown Health is northern Nevada’s only locally-owned, not-for-profit health insurance company. Providing wide-ranging medical coverage and great service to members, Hometown Health represents a philosophy of health care that emphasizes active partnerships between members and physicians. Hometown Health values prevention as a key component of comprehensive care - reducing the risks of illness and helping to treat small problems before they can become more severe. Hometown Health offers a number of insurance products including HMO, PPO, HSA, Dental, Vision, Individual and Family and Senior Care Plus, northern Nevada’s first Medicare Advantage Plan. For more information, call 775-982-3000 or visit hometownhealth.com. About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Open Enrollment Set to Begin Nov. 1 – Renown’s Hometown Health to Offer Convenient Local Care Options

New contract provides Cigna members enrolled in employer-based HMO & PPO plans in-network access to Renown Medical Group and Renown hospitals  Renown Health leaders have reached agreement on a new contract with Cigna that will go into effect starting today, Nov. 1, 2022. Leaders were able to work collaboratively towards a positive solution that will help further both team’s collective goals of providing expanded access to quality, affordable healthcare in northern Nevada. The agreement protects affordability and provides Cigna members with continued in-network access to all Renown hospitals and physicians. This agreement applies to Cigna consumers enrolled in employer-based HMO and PPO plans and provides continued in-network access to Renown affiliated care providers and facilities. Sy Johnson, interim President of Renown Health stated, “We appreciate the collaborative approach of both teams to reach resolution. As this community’s only not-for-profit healthcare organization, our mission is to make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the community. As doctors, nurses and care givers, we are pleased to be able to continue to serve the healthcare needs of patients with Cigna health insurance without disruption.” Consumers  with  questions  can  contact Cigna by using the toll-free number on the back of their current Cigna identification card or by going to cigna.com/renown. In the most recent US News & World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center was named as the number one hospital  in Nevada. No other hospitals in the state met their stringent standards for the 2021 rankings. Renown is high performing, its highest rating possible, in eight procedures  and conditions including heart failure, colon cancer surgery and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hip replacement and knee replacement. A hospital's score is based on multiple data categories, including patient outcomes, safety and volumes. Hospitals earning a high performing rating were significantly better than the national average. About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 6,500 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®.

Read More About Renown Health & Cigna Reach Agreement

Annual Election Period for Medicare beneficiaries to enroll or change health insurance Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 It only happens once a year – more than half a million Medicare beneficiaries in Nevada get to decide during the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, if a Medicare Advantage plan is best for their medical needs. Residents of Washoe, Carson City, Clark and Nye counties have the opportunity to enroll in one of the plans offered by Senior Care Plus®, a Medicare Advantage Plan from Renown’s Hometown Health, which offers $0 premium plans with a variety of benefits, including worldwide emergency care, low prescription drug costs and is the only Medicare Advantage plan accepted by Renown Medical Group physicians, and offering full access to the Renown Health hospital network named “Best in Nevada” by US News & World Report for the last two years. “As the only not-for-profit health plan in northern Nevada, Senior Care Plus® is more than just a Medicare Advantage Plan; we are your partner for better health and wellbeing,” says Bethany Sexton, CEO of Hometown Health. “We regularly ask our members how we can help them in their journey to health and wellness, and our team works throughout the year to make continuous improvements to our plans. That’s why we are excited to announce new cost-saving health benefits that will be included in the 2023 Senior Care Plus® Medicare Advantage Plan." For 2023, Senior Care Plus® members will enjoy access to Renown physicians, services, and hospitals as well as new benefits including comprehensive dental services, free telemedicine visits for dermatology needs, free annual hearing exams and low-cost hearing aids and home medical equipment including blood sugar test strips, oxygen equipment and supplies, CPAP sleep apnea machines and home infusion supplies. There’s also a program that rewards Senior Plus® Medicare Advantage members for participating in healthy activities. During a time where inflation is impacting families across the country, reducing out-of-pocket expenses is just one of the ways Senior Care Plus® is encouraging their Medicare members to continue seeking the quality medical care they need and deserve. CJ Bawden, Senior Director of Government Programs at Hometown Health, elaborates on what sets Senior Care Plus apart from other Medicare Advantage Plans on the market, “At Senior Care Plus®, we are member obsessed. Annual Enrollment time can be a stressful time for those navigating the Medicare programs available to them. What makes Senior Care Plus different from other programs is that we are local, just like our members. Customer support and resources are right here in our community,” said Bawden. “We are also pleased to have a Renown Medical Group practice and medical providers devoted exclusively to offering expert care to Senior Care Plus® Medicare Advantage members at Del Monte Lane in Reno, adjacent to the Rancharrah complex,” says Dr. Derek Beenfeldt, Medical Director, Hometown Health. “Senior Care Plus members who choose to make Renown Medical Group - Senior Care - Del Monte their primary care facility enjoy same-day appointment access; longer appointment times; geriatric-focused providers and on-site Personal Assistants." Medicare beneficiaries and Medicare eligible seniors can prepare for the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period by visiting medicare.gov. This website, operated by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), allows beneficiaries to compare health and drug plans so they can make an informed decision about their coverage. Prospective members can also take advantage of Senior Care Plus specific resources like free educational seminars or a one-on-one in-person meeting with an Enrollment Specialist, who can assist members in completing paperwork and ensuring you have the right medical coverage in place, for calendar year 2023. Questions are answered with live-person telephone hours between 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday at toll free number at 800-336-0123 or local number at 775-982-3232. Informacion en espanol at 775-982-3242, TTY Relay Service 711. For details about Senior Care Plus® benefits or Medicare’s Annual Election Period, visit SeniorCarePlus.com or call 775-982-3158. About Hometown Health Established in 1988, Hometown Health is northern Nevada’s only locally-owned, not-for-profit health insurance company. Providing wide-ranging medical coverage and great service to members, Hometown Health represents a philosophy of health care that emphasizes active partnerships between members and physicians. Hometown Health values prevention as a key component of comprehensive care - reducing the risks of illness and helping to treat small problems before they can become more severe. Hometown Health offers a number of insurance products including HMO, PPO, HSA, Dental, Vision, Individual and Family, and Senior Care Plus, northern Nevada’s first Medicare Advantage Plan. For more information, call 775-982-3000 or visit hometownhealth.com. About Renown Health Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®.

Read More About Medicare’s Annual Election Period Begins Oct. 15

Renown Health announced today that David Hansen, CEO will retire on October 7, 2022 from Hometown Health, Nevada’s largest not-for-profit insurance company. Over the last two years that Hansen has overseen Renown’s health plan, he has contributed significantly to ensuring wide-ranging medical coverage and excellent customer service for more than 100,000 members across Nevada. Bethany Sexton, MBA, will assume the role of CEO of Hometown Health effective September 12, 2022 as part of a smooth transition and succession plan. Ms. Sexton currently serves as Chief Transformation Officer for Renown Health, responsible for value-based care delivery including insurance and managed care contracting, the Renown Direct Contracting Entity (DCE), Renown Accountable Care Organization (ACO) and Western Clinical Alliance, a clinically integrated network of physicians. Mr. Hansen led a number of significant accomplishments for Hometown Health including the addition of 82 new provider groups for northern Nevada health plan subscribers and a Medicare network in southern Nevada. Hansen, the Hometown Health team introduced a Transitional Care Navigator program resulting in reduced hospital readmission rates, added Renown-branded insurance products on Nevada Health Link, Nevada’s Health Insurance Exchange and helped to grow Senior Care Plus, Hometown Health’s Medicare Advantage Plan membership during the 2022 Annual Election Period. Hansen and the Hometown Health team implemented a number of Total Cost of Care initiatives in partnership with Renown Medical Group to make premiums and health care costs more affordable, including health outreach efforts and medical screenings to improve health care for members over age 65. "Leading Hometown Health for the past two years, and through the pandemic, has been a great honor. I am incredibly thankful to our members, my fellow employees, our broker and employer partners, and our leadership team for giving me the privilege to serve," said Hansen. “Hometown Health and Renown are community-focused organizations and it has been a privilege to be part of a team that gives back to improve the health and well-being of those we serve. I have spent hours working collaboratively with Bethany over the last few years and know she is perfect person to lead our health plan into a new era.” As CEO, Hansen worked closely with Renown senior leadership to put a thoughtful leadership transition plan in place, culminating with the promotion of Bethany Sexton to the position of CEO. Consistent with the plan, Hansen will continue to offer guidance and perspective as he and Sexton complete the transition over the next few weeks. "David’s vision of excellence, his drive and experience has transformed Hometown Health to be both member and customer-focused,” said Dr. Thomas Graf, CEO of Renown Health. “David has done much to modernize and build a first-rate health plan. We thank David for all his accomplishments and wish him a wonderfully satisfying retirement.” As CEO of Hometown Health, Ms. Sexton will be responsible for driving growth across the organization, including the development and execution of strategic plans; introduction of new programs and services; membership growth; operational, financial and customer service excellence; and continued improvements in clinical quality with a focus on lowering the cost of care for members in northern Nevada. Ms. Sexton has served in a number of key leadership roles for Renown Health over the past eight years, including Vice President of Operations & Development, VP/Administrator for the Department of Medicine, VP Strategic Planning and Performance Improvement, and VP of Revenue Cycle in Finance. With 20 years of health care experience, in both clinical and administrative settings, and more than 9 years at Renown, she has developed collaborative partnerships and created innovative new solutions to meet rapidly changing employee and customer expectations. "I believe one of the most important duties of a leader is preparing the next generation of leadership to succeed," added Dr. Graf. "There is no question that Bethany Sexton is the right person to lead Hometown Health into its next chapter. She has integrity, business acumen, energy, leadership skills and deep knowledge of value based care to ensure Hometown Health delights its membership and she will help Renown Health achieve our strategy of being both a Care Leader and a Health Partner for providers and patients in our community.” Bethany Sexton earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Nevada, Reno and her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Business Administration and Management from Western Washington University. She is passionate about community service, most recently serving as Chair, Board of Directors for Immunize Nevada, and as a former Board Member for Nevada Women's Fund, Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and the American Red Cross. Ms. Sexton and her family make their home in Reno, NV.     About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Hometown Health CEO David Hansen Announces Retirement, Bethany Sexton Named Successor

Three scholarship recipients honored with Cherie Elvin Memorial Scholarship for 2016 Reno Air Race tragedy; Ten others recognized with nursing scholarships by Renown Health Foundation donors. Thirteen area nursing students were the stars of the show today at an event celebrating nursing education. Renown Health leaders held the 2022 Nursing Scholarship Award ceremony to recognize future nurses making a genuine difference in the lives of others, and awarded scholarships to help them pursue their education. Scholarships were presented to thirteen nursing students who are also working at Renown Health and currently pursuing their nursing degrees. Today’s financial awards build on scholarship support from The Cherie Elvin Memorial Fund, which was created by the Elvin Family as a legacy to honor their mother, Cherie, who died at the 2011 Reno Air Races.  Melodie Osborn, RN Chief Nursing Executive; Jana Elliott, RN, DNP, Chief Nursing Officer for Renown Regional; Erin VanKirk, RN, Director of Nursing Education and Alicia Glassco, RN, Director of Medical-Surgical Nursing, presented the scholarships with Thomas Graf, MD, interim CEO of Renown Health during the event held at Mack Auditorium at Renown Regional Medical Center this morning. Members of the Elvin family attended the event via video link, and spoke to the group after watching a clip from Broken Propeller, an online documentary film by producer/director Christine Lazzarini that honors the heroes who responded to the tragedy on September 16, 2011. It was on that day that The Galloping Ghost, a highly modified North American P-51D Mustang racing aircraft, crashed into spectators while competing at the Reno Air Races in killing the pilot, James K. "Jimmy" Leeward, and ten people on the ground. Sixty-nine more people on the ground were injured. It was the third-deadliest airshow disaster in U.S. history.  The 2011 air race crash had an immeasurable impact on the entire Elvin family. Cherie, 73, lost her life, while Chuck, her husband of 52 years, their two sons and daughter-in-law all lost part of their right legs. The family received treated at area hospitals and is still grateful for the care, kindness and support received in northern Nevada. Cherie's son, Bill, and daughter-in-law, Rachel, spoke to the group saying, “As the Elvin family we honor and remember Cherie and work to support nurses in our community.” The care the family received from the physicians, nurses, hospital care providers, EMS teams, and the community inspired the Elvin Family to increase their funding from one scholarship to three scholarships.  Cherie Elvin Memorial Fund scholarships were presented to Alexis Perkins, Katelynn Mahone, Veronica Wentker, who all attend the nursing program at Carrington College.  To recognize the dedication and sacrifice, and to encourage others to pursue a nursing education, the nursing leadership team and Renown Health Foundation donors, for the first time, also awarded scholarships to ten additional recipients for a total of 13 awards. Each scholarship is valued at $1,000 and awarded to employees who are committed to working at the bedside, convey the fundamental qualities of a nurse and look to connect with patients recovering from traumatic situations. Kami Sherpa, who is a critical care technician in Telemetry, wants to work as a registered nurse in Telemetry or the Intensive Care Unit when she graduates. She is currently attending the Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno. Kami wrote, “I lost my grandad at a very young age. When he died, I decided to become a nurse and to do my best to make every person’s hospital stay a good one. I am the first person in my family to go to school and to earn a bachelor’s degree. This scholarship means so much. I know my mom and my grandma will be proud. I promised them I would take care of people in need and ease their pain. Nursing is my passion in life.” Nursing is an extremely rewarding career, and it has the added benefit of being in high demand. However, getting through nursing school takes a lot of hard work—and it can be expensive. According to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2019, there were approximately 3 million people working as registered nurses in the U.S. Demand for the role is expected to increase by 7% from 2019 to 2029. The average cost of nursing school can vary widely. The cost for a Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) can be comparable to any other four year degree. According to U.S. News, the average cost of tuition for the 2020-2021 school year was $9,687 for a four year public school, and $35,087 for a four year private school. Some may pursue other pathways, such as an online RN to BSN program, which can sometimes be more affordable ranging between $25,000 to $80,000 in cost. While this may seem costly, the median annual salary for an RN in 2019 was $75,330. “There has never been a more important time to recruit and retain qualified candidates to become nurses,” said Thomas Graf, MD, interim CEO of Renown Health, as he announced the increased commitment of donors to Renown Health Foundation.  “Your journey to become a nurse includes a lifelong commitment to learning and showing up as your best self,” said Jana Elliott, Chief Nursing Officer for Renown Regional Medical Center. “Treat each patient as the most important person in the world to you. There is no more important or fulfilling work than to serve as a nurse.” She added, “You are on an incredible journey filled with joy, fulfillment, and a deep sense of purpose. Being a nurse requires a passion for people, a profound belief in serving others; trust in your teammates, the ability to embrace change, flexibility and true grit. It is an incredible privilege to be a nurse and to serve others in what is, perhaps, their greatest time of need.  The scholarship recipients of the 2022 Renown Health Nursing Scholarships are: Jion Manicdao Emily Thomas Christian Roberts Blake Conger Alaina Galyean Sadie Chalupa Jillian Dutra Leslie Zolan Kami Sherpa Erin Kristin Ramos Renown Health values and encourages employees to continue their education and supports career aspirations and goals. The education assistance program offers loan reimbursement and repayment opportunities as well as educational and financial guidance from experts. College tuition, certification and certificate reimbursement is provided for employees who are currently enrolled in college/university or taking the extra steps to receive a professional certification or certificate. In addition, the organization supports employees who have previously completed their education and are now managing the burden of student loans.  Renown Health is currently hiring registered nurses and other positions at https://careers.renown.org/ As a not-for-profit health system, Renown relies heavily on community funding. To donate to the Renown Health Foundation and nursing education, please call 775-982-5545 or email foundation@renown.org.   About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org.

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Recognized as a workplace that champions caregivers, diversity and professional growth by Ragan Communications Renown Health has been recognized among Ragan’s “Top Places to Work” for 2022. Ragan’s award winners represent organizations that value internal communications, foster collaborative and innovative workplaces that champion caregivers, cultivate a culture that thrives with diverse ideas and backgrounds and supports professional growth and well-being. In selecting Renown Health for this honor, Ragan judges noted that Renown Health earned its spot as a top place to work by “taking swift action to respond to pandemic challenges.” They noted that “the teams at Renown Health, serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California, practice emergency preparedness 365 days a year. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, those teams took swift action to ensure Renown and the community remained ready and prepared.” Renown had the foresight to create an Alternate Care Site (ACS) in the Mill Street parking structure of its Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nev. No other organization in northern Nevada, public or private, prepared for an overflow of patients with COVID-19. Until January 2021, the ACS served hundreds of hospitalized patients and allowed caregivers to remain on campus with access to lab, pharmacy, imaging, food and other crucial services. Patients are now cared for within one of Renown’s hospitals or monitored in their homes 24/7 by clinicians in the Renown Transfer and Operations Center. Many employees worked remotely throughout the pandemic; Renown’s human resources department listened to their employees' thoughts and opinions. Positive feedback about remote work (which included decreased commute times, fewer distractions, improved work-life balance and a reduced carbon footprint) resulted in allowing more than 700 employees to continue working remotely, with having the option to “hotel” onsite at any time. In June 2020, the Renown Laboratory team sprang into action to help meet the growing demand for COVID-19 testing. Renown expanded staffing and in-house testing capabilities, allowing Renown to swab and process up to 1,000 COVID tests for patients each day and share results within hours. Working with the mayor’s COVID-19 task force and local faith and community leaders, the hospital also provided free COVID-19 testing for communities of color to address health equity needs. After several weeks of employee and volunteer drive-thru vaccination events, Renown also supported the Washoe County Health District and the state in vaccinating more than 70,000 neighbors and caregivers. Aristotle, supervisor of clinical nursing in Neurosciences says, “As a leader on my unit, I love the fact that I get to see the growth and development of my team, and be a part of a support system that helps elevate them in to the future endeavors to really breed that culture of excellence at Renown.” See his video here. Reviewers at Ragan stressed, “Employees want to work at organizations like Renown that champion their workforce and provide guidance, initiatives and resources that promote a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace, offer ample room for professional growth and provide effective communication that keeps them engaged and informed.” After listening to employees, Renown announced a number of additional benefits to promote ways to increase work/life balance; support rest-and-recuperation strategies, and new financial resources essential to sustaining happy, high-performing teams. In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital Rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center is named #1 in the State of Nevada for 2021. No other hospital in Nevada earned recognition from U.S. News. Renown Health is hiring key roles to support the health and well-being of our community, and encourages those with a passion for service to join the Renown family to Fight the Good Fight. Apply on line at careers.renown.org. About Renown Health Renown Health is a locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. In U.S. News and World Report Best Hospital rankings, Renown Regional Medical Center was listed #1 in the State of Nevada. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to improve the care and the health of our community. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Renown Health Named Top Place to Work

Passionate about food and coffee? Interested in serving patients and health care heroes? Courteous and diplomatic? Have a high school diploma? Read on to discover the career for you. When you think about the word LOVE, do you think about delicious FOOD or a mug of hot COFFEE? When you talk with friends, do your conversations start and end discussing a new recipe, a new restaurant or TV food show?  Do you get great satisfaction from preparing a great meal? Do you dream about being able to make a steaming hot latte with almond milk in minutes? Are you a nurturer who envisions creating and delivering a hot, delicious, nutritious meal to someone recovering from a surgical procedure or recovering from an illness? Would you enjoy making a special celebration meal for a family who has just delivered a baby, a cake for a wedding at a patient’s bedside, or for a family reunited with papa after receiving good news about his cancer recovery?  Are you looking for some career options to keep you connected to great food and coffee? Renown Health is now offering a number of career options that encourage you to satisfy your love for food; earn money, paid vacation/sick time, great health benefits; have a regular schedule; advance your career and earn a college or university degree at the same time.  There are some outstanding benefits to working in food-related careers at the region’s top employer and the region’s largest non-for-profit, charitable organization. Renown employees work every day to make a genuine difference in the lives of others, and we are looking for you to join us.  Many food services professionals started their careers in entry-level positions and worked their way up. Other benefits to working at Renown include transferable career skills, free or discounted food and the opportunity to give back and serve your community.  Whether you are just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, you are sure to find something that is perfect for you. Many positions require only a high school diploma or a GED. Start exploring today with our list of nine terrific food and beverage-related careers available today at Renown Health and apply online at renown.org.  1) Be a Barista at Starbucks; Renown Regional Medical Center, full/part time, all shifts If you love talking to people, have a good sense of humor and like to move fast, then this job is a great fit for you. You will meet people from every field and make friends with many of them. You will learn to be an expert in handcrafting delicious, perfect beverages—while proudly wearing the green Starbuck’s apron. You will be a part of the first Starbuck’s in the area to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Average Starbucks barista hourly pay is at the national average of approximately $12.32. In addition, you will receive paid training, tips, a full Renown Health medical, retirement, paid vacation/sick time benefit package and access to internally posted positions. You will need a high school diploma or GED; however, experience is not necessary for this entry-level position. Starbuck’s employees can drink as many lattes as they want—as most beverages are free for employees during work breaks! 2) Chef It Up as a Hospital Cook & Cook Lead; Renown Regional Medical Center, Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, full/part time, all shifts.  If you love preparing nutritious, appetizing food for others, understand the importance of individual requirements for medical and cultural diets, this may be the perfect job for you. Most people landing a job as a Cook in a hospital have five or more years of experience working in a restaurant but do not have a college degree, yet they are able to earn an average salary range: $26,860 – $61,870. Benefits include a predictable schedule, which may mean more time with your family and at home. You will also receive vacation and sick days, and health, vision and dental benefits. In addition, you would be fueling physicians, nurses and others to get through a long workday, making a genuine difference in the lives of others and having a positive impact on society.  3) Special Delivery! Food Servers; Renown Regional Medical Center, full/part time, all shifts. If you love assembling and serving meals to patients, this is the job for you. You will setup, prepare and clean up for patient meal service and may serve as the link between Nutrition Services and patients. You may also transport food carts to the patient room floors and help with kitchen general cleaning and sanitation. 4) Show Your Creative Side as a Food Prep Artist; Lead Sandwich Artist; Renown Regional Medical Center, full/part-time, all shifts In this role, you will make and serve salads, desserts, and sandwiches with fresh ingredients and promptly serve them to hungry and happy customers. Lead Sandwich artists are in demand at the Subway restaurant located within Renown Regional Medical Center.  5) Making it Just for You! Nutrition Representative; Renown Regional Medical Center; per diem, all shifts In this role, you will meet with patients, help them review their meal options, and ensure their special and customized meal is delivered to their room. As a customer service agent, you will answer the phone for food orders, enters the meal choices into the computer system and understand menus, diet restrictions, recipes and food inventory.  6) Cashing In as a Food Services Cashier; Renown Regional Medical Center; full/part-time, all shifts 7) Food as Medicine as a Clinical Dietitian; Renown Regional Medical Center; part time, days Patients recovering from illness need to fuel their bodies with the most nutritious foods. In this role, you will provide nutrition education and counseling, clinical nutrition assessments, planning and evaluation of infants, children, adolescents, adults and geriatric patients, and work to meet the patient's physical, cognitive and psychosocial needs through proper nutrition and education.  8) The Answer is YES! Manager of Hospitality; Renown South Meadows Medical Center; full time As our manager, you would deliver exceptional customer service in all aspects of food and environmental services. You would get to build, hire, train and lead an engaged team and provide the highest quality service to meet the needs of patients, employees, visitors, and physicians. 9) Customer Service Fanatic? Retail Food and Beverage Supervisor; Starbucks You would be very popular-leading the operations of Starbucks and Subway franchises at Renown Regional Medical Center. You would ensure lead and empower and train your team to be the best- and be sure you budget is balanced and the customer service is exceptional.  At Renown Health, we share a boundless vision that inspires us to learn, grow and exceed expectations for patients, their families and one another. A career with us offers you: • An uplifting and progressive environment focused on community health and wellness initiatives. • A culture that values your contributions and supports your personal and professional development. • Affiliations with the University of Nevada, Reno, Desert Research Institute and other organizations that help spur innovation and opportunity. To apply for these career opportunities and others, please visit us online at https://careers.renown.org/  About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Food is Love! Nine Career Options at Renown to Satisfy Coffee Enthusiasts & Foodies

Listening to what employees need most now and for the future; ensuring families are healthy, financially secure The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate last week for the first time since March 2020. This will mean a higher cost of borrowing on credit cards, student and home loans, car financing and more. It could also mean more returns from savings accounts, depending on the institution. This news, coupled with concerns about mental health and physical well-being as caregivers come through the pandemic has presented leaders at Renown with a unique opportunity to reframe approaches to how to help their employees grow, feel financially supported and engage as part of a healthy and thriving team. After listening to concerns of employees and their leaders, Renown Health’s Human Resources department and leading industry partners have announced a number of additional benefits to promote ways to increase work/life balance; support rest-and-recuperation strategies, and new financial resources essential to sustaining happy, high-performing teams. Renown Health is hiring key roles to support the health and well-being of our community, and encouraging those with a passion for service to join the Renown family to Fight the Good Fight, by applying on line at careers.renown.org. Expanded and new employee benefits for 2022 include: 1. Expanded Physical Health, Medical and Dental Plan Benefits. The MOBE program, offered at no charge, offers each employee a personal Health Guide to support four core elements of health; diet, sleep, physical movement and emotional well-being to help build healthy habits, fuel a better life, provide energy and promote healing. This year, Renown expanded its Medical Plan coverage, adding new benefits, without increasing rates paid by employees. Renown offers health insurance benefits through Hometown Health, northern Nevada’s largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company with wide-ranging medical coverage. Hometown Health offers access to the largest network and highest quality clinical services provided by 1,200 medical doctors and specialists in 150 sites of care, including those with Renown Medical Group; urgent care centers; lab and imaging services; and the state’s #1 Us News & World Report hospitals, Renown Regional Medical Center (2022) and Renown South Meadows Medical Center (2021). New medical benefits added this year include telehealth visits with a $0 copay; Renown Pharmacy prescriptions with no deductible; and if employees and their families need to travel out of the area for essential care, there is now a travel stipend offered for University Medical Center in Las Vegas or to University of Utah Health. The organization also reduced the cost for health insurance premiums paid by part-time employees (20-30 hours). In addition to improved health benefits, the dental network was expanded through MetLife Dental, with no increases in dental rate premiums paid by employees in 2022. As a non-profit organization, Renown is able to offer employees the ability to establish Flexible Spending Accounts as way to use tax-free dollars to pay medical expenses not covered by other health plans. 2. Enhanced Wellness and Mental Health support programs. Renown Health is home to the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addictions Institute. As leaders, they are working to remove the stigma and barriers to using mental health services when needed; reinforcing that seeking help indicates strength, not weakness. This includes encouraging team members to take a day off to refresh and recharge or take advantage of confidential, mental health counseling visits at no charge. Renown updated their policy to include mental and emotional well-being as eligible for use of sick leave. Through the pandemic, to be sure employees had the time should needed, leadership added 80 hours of sick time to employee’s sick banks as well as $0 copay for Teladoc behavioral health sessions and nutrition services (virtual). Renown encourages physical fitness and inspires the health and well-being of employees by supporting participation in races (on foot or via bike) in their communities. Employee who race, run, walk, triathlon or bike may submit for reimbursement for an individual entry fee up to $100. 3. Appreciating and Engaging Employees. Many teams may now be working on-site, hybrid and remotely, which means getting together to make new memories is more complicated. Renown Health leaders continue to bring camaraderie and bonding into the workplace by investing in holding monthly Pride events for staff, hosting everything from online socials to game nights to help re-establish bonds. At Renown, employee engagement also takes the form of employee recognition programs. The Everyday Amazing program encourages employees to thank each other for outstanding service via an online platform, and earn certificates and points towards gift cards and prizes. Employee and organization-led leadership and career education programs are encouraged, as well as paid volunteer opportunities (four hours each quarter), and matches of up to $1000 for non-profit organization boards on which Renown Health employees serve. Renown offers events and yearbooks to help employees celebrate their history and accomplishments, as well as Celebrate Amazing, a special event to honor Service Milestones, Top Talent and Women of Achievement award winners. Renown supports the community and engages medical providers and employees to attend events with the Reno Aces, UNR football and basketball games, the Great Reno Balloon Race and hundreds of community events each year. 4. Living Debt Free with Financial Wellness Programs. A free financial wellbeing program from Salary Finance is available at no cost to employees, with a salary-linked loan product. This benefit enables employees to borrow or save money directly through their paycheck. Salary-linked loans allow employees to access affordable credit that they can easily repay through their salary, helping them pay down existing debt or avoid high-interest credit cards, overdraft fees, or payday loans. Salary Finance provides affordable borrowing options in times of need, as well as a financial education component, which helps employees understand their current level of financial content specific to their needs. Since launching, over 40% of employees have engaged with the Salary Finance offering, and over 500 have accessed affordable credit through Renown's custom-branded Salary Finance Financial Wellbeing Hub. “It has made a wonderful impact and has lessened my frequent stress regarding my debt," said a Renown employee enrolled in the program. In total, it is estimated that employees have saved nearly $275,000 on interest, and that number continues to grow as more employees take advantage of the benefit. The Greater Perks program from Greater Nevada Credit Union, the official credit union for Renown employees, offers a number of benefits including a $100 bonus for opening a new checking account, $25 when opening a new “I Can Save” account, $500 credit towards an appraisal for a home loan, low-cost rates on short-term personal loans and auto loans, and regular online financial wellness seminars. Membership with the credit union is not required to take advantage of Greater Nevada Mortgage’s offerings. In addition, donors have supported, through the Renown Health Foundation, funds for help employees who have suffered a personal financial catastrophe, and are in need for emergency funding to pay bills, with no repayment required. 5. Educational Assistance Reimbursement, Student Loan Repayment, Continuing Education for Learners. Renown values and encourages employees to continue their education and supports career aspirations and goals. The education assistance program offers loan reimbursement and repayment opportunities as well as educational and financial guidance from experts. College tuition, certification and certificate reimbursement is provided for employees who are currently enrolled in college/university or taking the extra steps to receive a professional certification or certificate. In addition, the organization supports employees who have previously completed their education and are now managing the burden of student loans. Employees also have the option to invest in a 529 college savings plan, an investment program designed to help people save for future education expenses for children/dependents at almost any private or public college or accredited higher education institution. 6. Onsite Childcare & Adult Care Assistance. Figuring out the childcare puzzle has been a hurdle for working parents through the pandemic. Renown is one of a select number of health systems that offer onsite childcare. Renown Health Child Care Center welcomes employees' children ages six weeks to six years (and not yet in kindergarten). The center is licensed for 176 children and features 11 classrooms: three infant classrooms, four toddler and four preschool classrooms. Staff help parents with resources to find care for their children onsite, or with licensed daycare providers in the community. Employees increasingly are caring for older adults in their families. As a non-profit organization, employees are able to contribute to tax-free savings FSA accounts that cover dependent care for children and older adults. 7. Flexible Schedules and Locations. Renown now provides the ability for medical providers and employees to work on-site, hybrid and remotely. This year as many employees working remotely moved out of state to be closer to friends or family, Renown kept pace, employing a Professional Employment Organization called Tri Net, in a co-employment model to assist with national benefits and tax administration. Renown is now able to recruit and retain remote employees from Maine to Minnesota and offer, for a wide range of positions in IT, finance and other support services, remote and flexible schedules that are attractive to many across the country. For clinicians, there are a large variety of positions now available at over 100 locations across the state. On March 7, Renown increased the cap of shift differential to 10% up to $6 an hour and added a weekend differential for staff for up to 5%. At Renown’s hospitals, there are employment positions available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to serve the community. Other providers and employees take advantage of a compressed workweek, 12-hour shifts and other options, which allow them the flexibility to live their best life at work and at home. 8. Renown’s Retirement Savings Plan. Retirement savings plans including a full 401(k) plan through Vanguard are available for employees to save for retirement. Employees can contribute from1-75% of pre-tax pay (up to annual IRS limit) and receive a matching contribution from Renown of 4% when you contribute 4% or more to a 401(k) plan. Rollovers of a former employer's 401(k), 403(b), 457 or other qualified plan can be made into a Vanguard plan at any time. In addition, in-service withdrawals are allowed at age 59 1/2 from 401(k), and a new Roth 401(k) option was added. Join the Renown team: Renown Health is now hiring key roles in our organization to support the health and well-being of our community. To join the Renown family to Fight the Good Fight, apply on line at careers.renown.org. About Renown Health Renown Health is the region’s largest, locally governed, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the region’s largest, locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in the world’s largest community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. For more information, visit renown.org.

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Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid members will now have access to providers in the value-based Western Clinical Alliance, powered by Renown Health. RENO, Nev. (Dec. 20, 2021) – Members of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid in Nevada can now receive care from providers in the Western Clinical Alliance, powered by Renown Health. A first of its kind agreement, the partnership between Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid and Renown Health extends care for Anthem members in northern Nevada. This agreement gives providers and patients in the region better access to care by focusing on health and well-being while reducing the overall cost of care. The Western Clinical Alliance is a value-based clinically integrated network that puts the patient at the center of care and allows collaboration between providers across the community. “The Western Clinical Alliance has been seeking this kind of innovative and forward-thinking partnership for a while, and we are excited to be working with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield,” said Thomas Graf, MD, Chief Clinical and Quality Officer and Western Clinical Alliance chair. “The partnership creates an environment that eliminates many of the traditional barriers associated with providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time. For us, it is all about ensuring Anthem members have the greatest opportunity to live healthy lives; this includes their participation in preventative and wellness care as well as optimization of their chronic diseases” Western Clinical Alliance providers – including those at Renown hospitals, Renown medical groups and other community-based health organizations – have developed a relationship that makes vital data and insights readily available to better understand every patient’s journey through the healthcare system. Providers in the Western Clinical Alliance work together to drive better outcomes by helping patients receive care in the highest-value settings. “Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is excited to partner with Renown Health and the Western Clinical Alliance because we believe effective health coverage begins with a trusted primary care provider who can guide our members through the complexities of the healthcare system, with an emphasis on prevention and wellness leading to better health outcomes,” said Lisa Bogard, President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada. Many people in the northern Nevada community covered by a Medicaid plan like Anthem’s will have an open enrollment window starting Jan. 1, 2022. In addition to an opportunity to foster a relationship with providers from Renown Health and the Western Clinical Alliance, Medicaid members in Nevada can go to www.chooseanthem.com to enroll in a plan that offers a range of added benefits that promote physical fitness, nutritious home-delivered meals, transportation assistance, Boys and Girls Club memberships, essential support services for new and expecting parents and more.     About Western Clinical Alliance & Renown Health Western Clinical Alliance® is a Clinically Integrated Network (CIN) which joins together physicians across our community into a single comprehensive care delivery network. The CIN is in collaboration with Renown Health and other care providers that share a common set of goals focused on increasing value by improving outcomes and better managing the total cost of care for patients. Renown Health is the region’s largest not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 7,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital and a medical group and urgent care network. For more information, visit renown.org.

Read More About Renown Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Partner to Extend Value-Based Care For Anthem’s Medicaid Members in Northern Nevada