Blue Shield

The project brings together three large insurers — Health Net, Aetna and Blue Shield of California — and 10 independent practices across the state with the goal of improving care while boosting revenue for the medical groups.

Kirk Vartan pays more than $2,000 a month for a high-deductible health insurance plan from Blue Shield on Covered California, the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace.

Mark Seelig, a spokesperson for Blue Shield of California, said rising costs for hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs put upward pressure on premiums.

Blue Shield has created a new initiative that he said is designed to lower drug prices and pass on savings to consumers.

A woman in Lakeland, Fla., was charged this week with threatening a worker at her own health insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield, during a phone call.