COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State announced Monday that they have reached an agreement with Anthem on a new network participation contract to continue caring for thousands of patients at in-network rates.
The new multi-year agreement for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance takes effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
The deadline to reach the agreement was Dec. 31.
Patients who have canceled or rescheduled any appointments are encouraged to schedule online with MyChart or call the patient information line at 614-293-8000 to resume care.
"We thank our patients and communities for their patience, and for entrusting the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and The James Cancer Hospital with their health. We’re honored to care for patients and families across Ohio," a release from the hospitals said.
Anthem and Ohio State did not reach an agreement on the health system remaining in the Anthem Medicare Advantage network for 2025.
Ohio State patients with Anthem Medicare Advantage coverage will lose in-network access to care beginning Wednesday.
Patients who want to continue their care at Ohio State through Medicare Advantage will have an opportunity to switch to another Medicare Advantage plan during the open enrollment period that begins January 1, 2025.
Visit wexnermedical.osu.edu/anthemMA to learn more.
"In this day and age all it takes is one catastrophic illness without insurance to literally bankrupt you,” said Michael Gallaugher, a patient and former Anthem Medicare policyholder.
Gallaugher said he and his wife were left scrambling when they were notified in mid-November that Wexner Medical Center would no longer accept Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance, with an open enrollment deadline fast approaching.
The second week of December, Gallaugher said he received a notice from Anthem.
"Their
statement was, well, basically we might come to an agreement by the end
of the year, but it's like, after December 7th, the deadline, the
window closes to be able to find a new insurance,” Gallaugher said.
Gallaugher was not willing to risk it, so a friend put him in touch with a broker who specializes in Medicare.
"It
was very hard to get an appointment 'cause they were swamped, because
not only was Anthem and Ohio State having an issue, there were two other
insurers that were having issues in the area,” Gallaugher said.
The broker helped Gallaugher and his wife find a new insurance
provider because they were not willing to give up the doctors they came
to know and trust at Ohio State. This is especially true for
Gallaugher’s wife, who has some health conditions that require
specialists.
"You find a doctor you like, you don't want to lose them because two people can't come to an agreement,” Gallaugher said.
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