Mercy Health and Anthem reach deal to continue coverage and cover claims made since July 1

Mercy Health has reached an agreement with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio so Anthem Medicare and Medicaid patients can continue to use Mercy services under their plans.

Anthem and Mercy were negotiating reimbursements for health plans over the summer. Last-minute efforts to reach a deal failed, and Mercy Health became an "out of network" provider for Medicaid Anthem members on July 1.

In the deal announced Friday, Anthem has agreed to cover any claims that Medicaid patients may have had since July 1 and will continue to cover Mercy Health. The new contract extends to 2028. The agreement also extends coverage for Anthem employer-based and Affordable Care Act plans.

“We understand that being out of 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,” said Brian Gwyn, Mercy Health President in Cincinnati.

Mercy Health sued Anthem in Virginia over the earlier disagreement, but the care provider agreed to dismiss the case as part of the new agreement.

“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."

Any details on changes to reimbursements between the companies are confidential, officials said.

Mercy Health operates 23 hospitals in Ohio and Kentucky.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Mercy Health and Anthem reach deal to continue in-network coverage