Banner Health Network (BHN) has been recognized for its high performance in quality and savings among Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) accountable care organizations, according to new data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. BHN is part of the Advanced Track MSSP, which involves the highest level of financial risk.
The data shows that BHN achieved a quality score placing it in the top 2% of ACOs nationwide. These scores are based on measures such as diabetes management, blood pressure control, breast cancer screening, and prevention of cardiovascular disease.
“Our group of physicians are truly exceptional as they continue to focus on helping Medicare save millions of dollars while also delivering quality care for our nearly 70,000 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries,” said Ed Clarke, MD, chief medical officer for Banner Health Plans and Networks division. “We’re always striving to meet or exceed quality and cost goals in a complex market with the largest number of beneficiaries in Arizona. It’s exciting to see the model work for our provider partners while improving the health of Arizonans.”
In 2024, BHN generated $28.8 million in gross savings for Medicare, resulting in a shared savings payment of $21.1 million to BHN. Since joining forces with CMS in 2012, BHN has helped generate over $240 million in total savings for Medicare and has qualified for shared savings rewards 12 out of the past 13 years. These funds support a provider rewards program focused on incentivizing quality care, reducing avoidable spending, and enhancing patient experience.
Accountable care organizations are designed to address issues related to fragmented and costly healthcare by encouraging collaboration among local physicians, hospitals, and other providers. The MSSP creates incentives for ACOs like BHN by allowing them to share in any savings they produce after achieving certain quality and cost benchmarks.
To reach these outcomes, BHN providers have increased efforts around annual wellness visits and preventive screenings among their nearly 70,000 beneficiaries. They also emphasize coordinated transitions from hospital settings back home or into nursing facilities when needed. Providers regularly review performance data on quality measures and share best practices across both primary care and specialty teams to improve coordination and prevent repeat hospitalizations.
BHN’s network includes almost 1,000 primary care providers serving Maricopa and Pinal counties through both Banner-employed doctors and community-based practices. Overall, more than 5,000 affiliated physicians work with BHN alongside 15 Banner hospitals located throughout Phoenix-area neighborhoods.
Banner Health Network was established to create a highly coordinated patient care system for those enrolled in government or private insurance plans. Parent company Banner Health operates as one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health systems across six states.
