Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield / OSU Health System Negotiations

If an agreement is not reached the OSU Health System including its doctors its other health care providers and facilities such as the Wexner Medical Center, and The James Cancer Center will be considered non-network providers effective January 1, 2025.

If an agreement is not reached, Anthem will send patients utilizing the OSU Health System letters alerting them to the change to non-network status and options patients may have regarding their care needs. It is anticipated that patients may begin receiving letters on or around December 15.

We have received positive news 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.

If the OSU Health System is considered a non-network provider, medically necessary claims will be covered only up to the “allowed amount” determined by Anthem and the non-network copays, deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses of the University’s plan will apply. Any amounts above the “allowed amount” determined by Anthem will not be covered by the University’s health plan and will be the responsibility of the patient. 

If you are a current utilizer of the OSU Health System we advise you to contact your physician’s office directly, alert them that you are covered by an Anthem plan, and request their assistance in reviewing your options including assistance in transitioning your care to an in-network provider.  You may also want to encourage them to reach an agreement with Anthem so that you can continue your care with them.

If you are currently receiving treatment for a serious or complex condition that will continue past December 31, 2024, please contact the Anthem Member Service Center at 1-844-995-1752 and request assistance regarding your care.  You may be able to continue your care at OSU for a limited time after that date if you are receiving certain types of care.  Anthem may also assist you in transitioning your care to an in-network health care provider.

You may also call HealthNavigator by Pinnacle Care, a cost free service provided by the University’s EAP program, at 888-352-4969. Health Navigator Information [PDF]

HealthNavigator by Pinnacle care may also be able to assist you in finding an in-network provider for your specific care needs.  When contacting HealthNavigator, let them know you are an Ohio University employee seeking assistance from HealthNavigator to find in-network options for your care needs.

You can search for in-network provides using Anthem’s Find Care resource.

You can search for care via the “Use Member ID for Basic Search” option and enter OHP as the ID number or prefix (first three values) requested.

If you decide to continue to receive care at OSU after any limited time of in-network benefits are provided, all claims at an OSU Health System provider or facility will be paid as an out-of-network claim.  See the “What is the impact on claims coverage if the OSU Health System is considered non-network” question listed above for details.

The University is reviewing all its options including whether to change insurance companies. The University’s current contract with Anthem is in place at least through June 30, 2025. 

Anthem has a website dedicated to the negotiations with OSU Health Systems.

Select this link to view the official correspondence from the University to Anthem and the OSU Health System.

Please contact the HR-Benefits Office at 740.593.1639 if you have any additional questions or concerns.