Agreement Brings Together Leaders in Health Care and Technology for Collaboration in Both Industries
Silicon Slopes is pleased to announce University of Utah Health Plans is its exclusive health partner. In this new role, U of U Health Plans will support Silicon Slopes in offering health expertise, affordable health care solutions and educational opportunities to Utah's tech community. The two-way partnership will serve mutual needs in health, business, technology development and workforce acquisition.
"This really is a perfect fit for both of our organizations," said Chad Westover, C.E.O of U of U Health Plans. "Finding the right health insurance for employees is challenging, so we're thrilled we can bring affordable and comprehensive solutions to the Silicon Slopes community from one of the most recognized and respected health care organizations in the country. We'll also have the ability to meet the unique needs of this employee group—the majority of whom are under the age of 35—by bringing in options like virtual care technology through our telehealth network. With our connection and access to U of U Health and many other award-winning hospitals and providers in the valley, and with the power of University of Utah behind us, we look forward to how this partnership can benefit both of our industries."
"There is a really vibrant synergy that exists between our two organizations," said Clint Betts, Executive Director of Silicon Slopes."We have some of the brightest minds in technology and now they'll have opportunities to collaborate with national thought leaders in health care and research. Additionally, the University is training the technology leaders of the future. Not only do we look forward to partnering with them on the health and wellness of our employees of their families, but we'll also work with the University on talent acquisition and educational training opportunities for our business community."
As part of the partnership, U of U Health will be one of the title sponsors of the Silicon Slopes Tech Summit January 31stthrough February 1st2019. Often called the "tech event of the year" the summit attracts the leading minds from all over the world. Attendance at the summit tops more than 20,000 people from various industries each year.
Utah is in a time unlike any before it. A booming tech industry combined with the nation's fastest growing population presents considerable challenges, and opportunities. A U of U Health Plans and Silicon Slopes partnership is uniquely poised to meet these needs by promoting health, wellness, academic and business opportunities to the bright minds that will transform our future.
"This is an exciting and dynamic time for both of our industries and we're confident this partnership will set us up for success and contribute to Utah's success as a leader in both the technology and health care industries," said Betts.
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University of Utah Health Plans
University of Utah Health Plans is celebrating 20 years of being committed to improving the member experience, quality of care, health of populations and reducing the cost of care. We currently serve members in the Mountain West specializing in the health plan administration of medical, mental health, and pharmacy benefits for fully-insured and self-insured employer groups, individual and families, as well as Medicaid and Medicare. U of U Health Plans believes in the power of collaboration which leads to greater value, healthier members, and high consumer satisfaction. This includes integration with our clients, members, and leading healthcare systems. Healthy Premier is our largest provider network for employer groups and individuals with access to U of U Health, MountainStar Healthcare and many other local, award-winning hospitals and providers.
University of Utah Health
University of Utah Health is the state's only academic health care system, providing leading-edge and compassionate medicine for a referral area that encompasses 10% of the U.S., including Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and much of Nevada. A hub for health sciences research and education in the region, U of U Health touts a $356 million research enterprise and trains the majority of Utah's physicians and more than 1,250 health care providers each year at its Schools of Medicine and Dentistry and Colleges of Nursing, Pharmacy and Health. With more than 20,000 employees, the system includes 12 community clinics and four hospitals — University Hospital; University Neuropsychiatric Institute; Huntsman Cancer Hospital; and the University Orthopaedic Center. For eight straight years, U of U Health has ranked among the top 10 U.S. academic medical centers in the rigorous Vizient Quality and Accountability Study, including reaching No. 1 in 2010 and 2016.
Silicon Slopes
Silicon Slopes is the voice, hub, and heart of Utah's startup and tech community. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization empowering Utah's startup and tech community to learn, connect, and serve in an effort to make entrepreneurship and opportunity in Silicon Slopes open and accessible to all.