GuideWell Acquires Majority Stake in New Directions

The not-for-profit GuideWell Mutual Holding Corp. on Monday announced that it has agreed to become the majority shareholder of New Directions Behavioral Health.

GuideWell, currently a minority shareholder of the managed behavioral healthcare organization, will acquire all interested in the company from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Blue Cross Blue Shield companies in Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas and Louisiana will retain minority stakes in New Directions, which will continue to operate as an independent company and retain all exiting and remaining owner plans as customers.

In a news release announcing the transaction, GuideWell said as majority shareholder, it will support New Directions’ capabilities to provide care for Florida Blue members, Blues partners and other New Directions customers.