In January, Sutter Health introduced the Sutter Health Plus health plan—an important step in the network’s journey to transform health care. Nine months later, the HMO gives more than 7,000 members access to nine hospitals and 1,800 Sutter-affiliated doctors in the greater Central Valley and Sacramento areas.

“I’m truly grateful to the many Sutter Health doctors, nurses, and employees who partner daily to give our health plan members the outstanding care and service they deserve,” said Steve Nolte, CEO of Sutter Health Plus. “To build, launch and operate a new health plan no easy feat—we couldn’t have done it without the strong commitment and collaboration among our Sutter Health team.”

Sutter Health Plus’ current footprint includes Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Solano, and Yolo counties and parts of El Dorado, Placer, and Sutter counties. It plans to enter the North Bay area in early 2015 and will eventually expand to include Sutter Health’s entire footprint.

During this year’s open enrollment season, Sutter Health Plus expects to bring on several new large and small employer groups. Recent big wins include adding the City of Sacramento—one of the largest municipalities in the Sacramento area—as a new client. Existing clients, such as the County of Sacramento, will also renew the plan, which should attract new members.

“Consumers today want convenient and affordable ways to access care—and that’s exactly why we’re here,” continued Nolte. “It’s also noteworthy that many of our new members are also new or returning Sutter Health patients. It’s great to give consumers what they want: access to one of the nation’s most highly recognized networks of hospitals and doctors.”

Enhanced customer service helps members navigate the Sutter Health network, access wellness services, and seek preventative care. Sutter Health Plus offers members a variety of health and wellness programs, including an round-the-clock Nurse Advice Line that provides answers to questions about medical issues and helps members seek the appropriate levels of care.

“This is just the beginning and I’m excited to see what the future holds for the Sutter Health network and our Sutter Health Plus health plan,” said Nolte.