Dive Brief:
- A new agreement drops the lawsuit filed by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York against Catholic Health and provides access for BCBS membership to Catholic Health's hospitals and services through 2018.
- HealthNow New York, the owner of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, filed a lawsuit last year against Catholic Health for what it called false, misleading, and defamatory advertisements. As part of the new agreement, the lawsuit has been withdrawn.
- Also covered in the agreement is Catholic Medical Partners, a network of 1,000 physicians in Western New York affiliated with Catholic Health hospitals.
Dive Insight:
Ronald Mornelli, senior vice president and chief network officer for BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York said, "At a time when rising medical costs drive health insurance premiums for individuals and employers across Western New York, BlueCross BlueShield has negotiated a fiscally responsible contract and rates with Catholic Health and physicians of Catholic Medical Partners."
The insurer also expects to have agreements with other area providers finalized in the next few weeks.
President and CEO of Catholic Medical Partners, Dennis Horrigan, said the agreement benefits patients in the region and enables providers to provide better quality care, improve patient satisfaction and lower costs.