Blessing Health Systems Partners with BJC

(QUINCY)--   Blessing Health Systems is joining the St Louis-based healthcare provider BJC Collaborative.

Blessing Health Systems includes hospitals in Quincy and Pittsfield.   Representatives say the goal is to reduce costs by sharing information and resources in advance of changes expected under Obamacare.

Many other health systems across the country are teaming up as they face compliance with federal reforms that will change prices of medical care based on quality of service rather than by volume.    BJC formed the collaborative last October in partnership with healthcare companies in Kansas City, Springfield Missouri and Springfield Illinois.

The announcement does not mean that the participants are merging or that their ownership will change. Blessing is the first health system invited to join by the founding members.