Mercy Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio have reached a multi-year agreement providing Anthem members with continued access to health care at Mercy Health hospitals, outpatient care centers, and physician offices.
The agreement was announced today in a media release from Mercy Health – Youngstown’s public relations department.
With the agreement, Anthem Medicare Advantage and Medicaid health plan members will have continued in-network coverage at Mercy Health. Anthem has agreed to cover any claims that patients may have incurred during the period of time that Mercy Health was out of network with Anthem Medicaid since July 1.
The agreement extends coverage for Anthem employer-based and Affordable Care Act plans. With the new contract, Anthem members covered by these plans will have access to coverage at Mercy Health until 2028.
“I’m proud that both organizations continued to focus on our shared priority: the communities we serve,” said Anthem Ohio President Jane Peterson. “We worked together to creatively address affordability for our members and the financial needs of an important care provider. This agreement provides long-term stable access to care at Mercy Health without cost increases for our members and employers.”
“We understand that being out network can be very difficult, and we are pleased that patients with Anthem insurance can now see our physicians and use our hospitals at an in-network cost,” said John Luellen, M.D., president, Mercy Health – Lorain and Youngstown. “We sincerely believe that access to quality health care services is vital for our communities. This new agreement protects our patients’ access to compassionate care close to home.”
Details of the agreement are not being released due to confidentiality provisions in the contract. As part of the agreement, Mercy Health has agreed to dismiss the Virginia lawsuit as the organizations form collaborative teams to address claims submissions and payment processes.
Anthem members may contact the Member Service phone number on their Anthem ID card for assistance with any questions. Mercy Health patients may also call 888-354-0205 for more information.
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