About WHA

Western Health Advantage (WHA) is a leading health plan in Northern California, providing comprehensive health benefits and services to over 100,000 members and 5,000 employers. A nonprofit HMO headquartered in Sacramento, Western Health Advantage offers plans for individuals, groups, and Medicare beneficiaries.

Founded over 25 years ago, WHA was created with a community-based mission by a coalition of doctors and health care providers. WHA is consistently recognized for providing access to quality affordable care and delivering value to its members. WHA serves 10 Northern California counties (Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Yolo, Colusa, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Marin, and Humboldt). 

The WHA provider network includes major hospitals and medical centers and thousands of local, trusted doctors and specialists from leading medical groups. We are proud of the exceptional range and reputation of our health care providers.


Our Founders

Founded by leading health care systems Dignity Health and NorthBay Health, Western Health Advantage extends health care access for its members through a wide network of exceptional doctors and hospitals, including Hill Physicians, Dignity Health’s Mercy Medical Group and Woodland Clinic, Meritage Medical Network, NorthBay Healthcare and Providence (formerly St. Joseph Health Medical Network).

Dignity Health Sacramento is a California non-profit benefit corporation. Dignity Health offers comprehensive coverage and health care options, including access to doctors from Hill Physicians, Mercy Medical Group, and Woodland Clinic. Mercy Medical Group is an affiliate of Dignity Health, with hospitals in Sacramento, including Mercy General Hospital, Mercy San Juan Medical Center, Mercy Hospital of Folsom, and Methodist Hospital of Sacramento.

NorthBay Health is a non-profit health care organization serving Solano County since 1960. Its hospitals which include NorthBay Medical Center in Fairfield and NorthBay VacaValley Hospital in Vacaville, are known for their advanced, compassionate care. The NorthBay Center for Primary Care, with offices in Fairfield, Vacaville, and Green Valley, is a partnership between NorthBay Healthcare and a group of respected, regional physicians.

Our strong and long-standing relationships with our clinical providers and partners give members vital resources for improved health care and tools to help make informed decisions in getting cost-effective care.


We're the Flexible HMO

We are all about helping people get access to quality health care. Unlike most HMO plans, we offer members a choice between multiple medical groups with thousands of clinical providers across our service area. We don't get in the way of the doctor-patient relationship and empower members to make the best choices for health care for themselves and their families. Because we’re regional, approvals and decisions are made quickly without delays.

It’s our commitment to improving our community's health and well-being. We don’t limit a member’s choices because health care needs will change. Our Advantage Referral program means members aren't limited to seeing only specialists in their medical group but can see participating specialists across our entire network. Note: A member’s access to doctors and hospitals varies by network. Search our provider directory for details.


Solid Reputation Among Clinical Providers

Since 1996, we’ve been a reliable partner in the communities we serve. We are known for acting with integrity and for interacting honestly with our partners. We build personal relationships with our members, clinical providers, and communities. As a provider-sponsored health plan, we support the doctor-patient relationship and offer access to quality doctors and hospitals. Our solid relationship with our medical groups is seen through an almost 94% referral rate of clinical providers and staff recommending WHA. Our consistent rating in customer satisfaction comes from a continued focus on a positive member experience, with empathy and understanding for all those we serve.


Regional and Reachable

We pride ourselves in being the choice of thousands across Northern California —from Penryn to Petaluma and Fairfield to Folsom, and up to Humboldt. Your community is our community. We strengthen our neighborhoods and enrich the lives of community members by supporting local organizations. Supporting the communities where we live and work is clearly, one of our core values. We’re here to provide exceptional service to our members, providers, and partners. You can easily reach us in person or on the phone. We’re responsive and make decisions without delay.

 

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