News and Announcements

OHIO continues to monitor ongoing negotiations between Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, OSU Health System

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield – which administers Ohio’s health insurance plans – and the OSU Health System are continuing their efforts to reach a new multi-year contract and ensure that the OSU Health System – including its doctors, the Wexner Medical Center and The James Cancer Center – remain in Anthem’s employer-sponsored health plans network after January 1, 2025.

Sharing further information

As part of the University’s ongoing efforts to ensure our employees remain informed and prepared as necessary, Human Resources has developed an informational website that contains specific information for University employees, including answers to many of the frequently asked questions received by our Benefits Office. We will continue to update this page to ensure employees remain informed of the situation and their options if an agreement is not reached by January 1, 2025.

Additionally, Anthem has continued to provide updates regarding its ongoing negotiations with the OSU Health System through its informational page.

Advocating for OHIO employees

OHIO’s efforts have not been limited to keeping our community informed – we have also remained in contact with both negotiating parties to advocate on behalf of our employees for a resolution that enables the OSU Health System to remain part of Anthem’s list of in-network providers.

The University remains hopeful that an agreement will be reached, and we will continue to urge all parties to prioritize their collective arrival to an agreement that maintains access to affordable, high-quality care for the families who depend on it.

Reaching out for further support

Like you, we will continue to monitor this situation as it progresses. If you are currently receiving treatment for a serious or complex condition through the OSU Health System and have questions regarding how your care could potentially be impacted after December 31, 2024, 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.

Published
December 12, 2024
Author
Staff reports