Mercy, Anthem Reach Agreement for Medicare Advantage, Medicaid

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Mercy Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio announced this morning that they have reached a multi-year agreement providing Anthem members with continued access to care at all Mercy Health hospitals, outpatient care centers and physician offices.

As a result, all 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.

“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.”

Added John Luellen, MD, and president of Mercy Health – Lorain and Youngstown: “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. 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.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.