The Washington State Health Care Authority has selected Group Health Cooperative as the lead organization for two Accountable Care Organization pilot projects to help transform the health care delivery system and improve health care quality for Washingtonians.

The ACO concept is a collaborative approach to individual and population health, where multiple, diverse provider groups take joint responsibility for the cost and quality of care delivered to their combined population of patients cared for by the groups' clinicians.  

The pilots must be developed and implemented by January 2012.
 
As the designated lead organization, Group Health will provide support for the pilot projects without using state funding.
 
Group Health may, however, seek federal funds and solicit grants, donations and other sources of funding.