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Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield / OSU Health System Negotiations

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, which administers Ohio鈥檚 health insurance plans, has informed the University that they are working to reach a new multi-year contract to ensure that the OSU Health System 鈥 including its doctors, the Wexner Medical Center and The James Cancer Center 鈥 remains in Anthem鈥檚 employer-sponsored health plans network after January 1, 2025.

Anthem has expressed optimism about the negotiations, and the University has remained in contact with both negotiating parties to advocate on behalf of our employees [PDF] for a resolution that enables the OSU Health System to remain part of Anthem鈥檚 list of in-network providers.

The University will continue to work with Anthem to ensure our employees are prepared as necessary, and we will update this page as new information becomes available to keep employees informed of the situation and their options if an agreement is not reached by January 1, 2025. Anthem has also created that includes details about their negotiations and answers to frequently asked questions.

For an ADA-accessible version of President Gonzalez's advocacy letter, please contact news@ohio.edu.

What if an agreement is not reached by January 1, 2025?

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.

What is the impact on claims coverage if the OSU Health System is considered non-network?

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

What are my options or next steps if I am a current utilizer of the OSU Health System and/or am currently receiving care from the OSU Health System?

If you are a current utilizer of the OSU Health System we advise you to contact your physician鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 51社区 employee seeking assistance from HealthNavigator to find in-network options for your care needs.

How do I find Anthem in-network providers?

You can search for in-network provides using .

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

What if I decide to continue using the OSU Health System when they are a non-network provider?

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 鈥淲hat is the impact on claims coverage if the OSU Health System is considered non-network鈥 question listed above for details.

If Anthem and the OSU Health System do not reach an agreement, will the university change health insurance companies?

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

Where can I learn more about Anthem鈥檚 plans for Continuity of Care?

Anthem will continue to take the necessary steps to and ensure those currently in treatment for certain serious and complex conditions may continue their care at OSU in the event a new agreement is not reached by January 1, 2025.

Anthem has also created an informational document that provides additional, specific insight into many frequently asked questions regarding Continuity of Care: OSU Continuity of Care FAQ [PDF]

For an ADA-accessible version of the Continuity of Care FAQ document, please contact news@ohio.edu.

Where can I find any additional information regarding this issue?

Anthem has a website dedicated to the .

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. 

  • Employee Assistance Program


    Offered through IMPACT Solutions, OHIO employees, spouse/partners, dependents (26 and younger), household members and parents/parents-in-law are eligible to use this program鈥檚 numerous, confidential support resources.

  • Health Navigator


    A free service that can offer a broad range of health advisory support 鈥 from help with accessing medical specialists to assisting those who might want to explore a shift in health care providers in the event Anthem and the OSU Health System are unable to reach an agreement before the end of the calendar year.

  • Contact OHIO's Benefits Office


    We鈥檙e here to help. For specific employee benefits questions at OHIO, please email the Benefits Office at benefits@ohio.edu or contact Human Resources at 740.593.1636.