Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield continues negotiations with Ohio State University hospitals
As we shared with the University community and again , Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, which administers 91̽»¨'s health insurance plans, is working to reach a new multi-year contract to ensure the OSU Health System – including its doctors, the Wexner Medical Center and The James Cancer Center – remains in Anthem’s employer-sponsored health plans network after January 1, 2025.
Anthem has informed the University that they are continuing conversations with OSU, but the timeline for a potential agreement is unsure at this time. We received positive news this week that many employees and dependents who have received complex care from OSU three or more times in the past six months will be automatically eligible to continue care at OSU at the in-network rates for up to 90 days after the January 1 deadline.
In accordance with their contract with the University, Anthem is mailing letters this week to all individuals who will be eligible for this continuity of care reprieve. The 90-day extension will allow additional time for individuals to discuss options for future care with their physician and explore other in-network provider options. Additionally, Anthem will issue letters to all individuals covered by our plans who have utilized OSU providers in the past 12 months (but not three or more times in the last six months) notifying those individuals the OSU Health System may become an out-of-network provider on January 1.
91̽»¨ is with both Anthem and OSU for a resolution that keeps Ohio State University Health System in our provider network. In addition, we will continue to provide updates on our informational web page as they become available.
If you are currently receiving treatment for a serious or complex condition through the OSU Health System and do not receive a continuation of care letter or have questions regarding how your care could potentially be impacted, please contact the Anthem Member Service Center via the number on your Anthem ID card.
For specific employee benefits questions at OHIO, please email the Benefits Office at benefits@ohio.edu or contact Human Resources at 740.593.1636.