Capital Blue Cross is launching a new health plan option in collaboration with St. Luke’s University Health Network that will help Lehigh Valley employers better manage health care costs while ensuring their employees receive high‑quality care from one of the nation’s top-performing health systems.
Valley Advantage EPO will help employers control rising health care expenses. It aligns the strength of Capital Blue Cross’ benefits and care management programs with St. Luke’s network of outstanding providers, which ranks No. 1 in the United States for quality, safety and patient experience, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“Capital Blue Cross and St. Luke’s share a mission to put people first – delivering exceptional service, expanding access to high-quality care, and strengthening the health of the communities we serve,” said Todd Shamash, president and CEO of Capital Blue Cross. “With St. Luke’s nationally recognized as No. 1 in quality, safety and patient experience, this collaboration gives Lehigh Valley employers and their employees confidence they’re getting outstanding care, close to home, at an affordable cost.”
The plan is now available to employers in Lehigh and Northampton counties with more than 100 employees and will be available to companies with fewer than 100 employees in 2027.
“St. Luke’s has long been recognized for delivering exceptional care at a lower cost than competitors,” said Rick Anderson, president and CEO of St. Luke’s University Health Network. “The collaboration between Capital Blue Cross and St. Luke’s allows us to offer employers in the Lehigh Valley a plan that enables access to high‑quality care that is more affordable.”
With employer‑sponsored medical and Rx coverage projected to increase by 8.4% in 2026, Valley Advantage EPO gives employers a clearer path to managing those costs with rates that are lower than Capital’s standard PPO plan.
Other key features of the EPO plan include:
- A value-based care model that prioritizes care quality, outcomes and efficiency.
- Simplified access to care across St. Luke’s network of 16 hospital campuses and more than 350 provider office locations.
- No referrals required for in-network services.
- Wellness credits for eligible businesses with more than 100 employees.
Employers looking to decrease costs while ensuring their employees have access to high-quality care should contact their Capital Blue Cross account executive or health plan consultant.
