Catholic Health System and Catholic Medical Partners have reached a long-term contract agreement with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, the region’s largest health plan.
The three-year deal, announced Wednesday, ensures Highmark members continue to have in-network access to care at Catholic Health’s facilities, the Buffalo News reports.
The two sides were able to reach a new agreement before the current contract expires Saturday. Catholic Health and Highmark had been negotiating since February, and talks were difficult, at times, as they struggled to come to terms on mutually agreeable reimbursement rates.
So difficult, in fact, that Catholic Health had launched a campaign this fall that included billboards, newspaper advertisements and videos, raising awareness around the high-stakes negotiations that typically stay behind the scenes. Read more.
