The Latest Update
We’ve been engaged in good-faith discussions with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to reach a new contract agreement. If an agreement isn’t reached, Cleveland Clinic facilities and providers in Ohio will no longer be in-network for certain Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans starting Jan. 1, 2027.
Plans affected:
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield employer-sponsored plans
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans
Right now, nothing changes. You can keep all your appointments and continue receiving care as usual. Our goal is to reach an agreement that keeps Cleveland Clinic in network.
As part of these negotiations, we’re working to address issues with denied insurance claims, which can create delays in care and uncertainty about whether your care will be covered.
We’re committed to you and your care and will continue working to reach an agreement that keeps Cleveland Clinic in network for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield members in Ohio.
What You Can Do Today
- Keep your appointments. Don’t delay health screenings, procedures or tests.
- Advocate for your care. You can call Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and ask them to prioritize your continued access to Cleveland Clinic. See the number on the back of your insurance card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening between Cleveland Clinic and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield?
We’re negotiating a new contract. If an agreement isn’t reached, Cleveland Clinic facilities and providers in Ohio will no longer be in-network for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield members starting Jan. 1, 2027.
What is Cleveland Clinic doing to reach an agreement?
We’re committed to you and your care. We’re actively working with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to try to reach an agreement that keeps Cleveland Clinic in network.
Who is affected?
Patients with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield employer-sponsored and Medicare Advantage plans in Ohio are affected. You’ll be notified directly if you’re affected.
Which Cleveland Clinic locations are included?
If we don’t reach a new agreement, all Cleveland Clinic facilities and providers in Ohio will be out of network for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield employer-sponsored and Medicare Advantage plans starting Jan. 1, 2027.
Will my upcoming appointment be affected?
Nothing changes before Jan. 1, 2027. If an agreement isn’t reached, your in-network coverage for appointments or care on or after Jan. 1, 2027, will be affected.
Will emergency care be affected?
No, emergency care won’t be affected by these negotiations.
Do you have an appointment after January 1, 2027?
Cleveland Clinic is working with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to seek continuity-of-care coverage for eligible patients.
If approved, continuity-of-care coverage may allow certain services to continue in-network at Cleveland Clinic for a limited time. Eligibility and covered services are determined by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Prior authorization may be required for some services before care is received. Cleveland Clinic's patient financial advocates can provide support throughout the authorization process.
Are Medicare Supplemental plans included in this change?
Medicare Supplemental plans aren’t included in these negotiations.
Are Medicaid and MyCare plans included in this change?
The Anthem Medicaid and MyCare plans are not impacted by these negotiations.
How can I stay up to date on the negotiations?
We’ll post the latest updates on this website as new information becomes available. If you have questions in the meantime, call 216.444.9437 to speak with a representative.
I have coverage through a Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan outside Ohio. Am I affected?
If Cleveland Clinic and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield do not reach an agreement, members enrolled in certain out-of-state Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans that access care through the BlueCard® program may be affected. Examples may include:
- All Out-of-State Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
- Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Eastern New York
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield Missouri
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
- BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
- BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
- Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York
- Capital Blue Cross
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Empire BlueCross
- Highmark
- Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey
- Independence Blue Cross
- Premera Blue Cross
- Regence BlueCross BlueShield
- Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
This list is not all-inclusive. If your insurance ID card displays a Blue Cross and Blue Shield logo, call the number on the back of your card to confirm whether your plan may be affected.
Helpful Definitions
- Out-of-network: Care received from providers or facilities not contracted with your insurance plan.
- Continuity-of-care coverage: Temporary in-network coverage for certain ongoing treatments, even if a provider is out of network.
- Copay: The fixed amount you pay toward the cost of covered medical services.
- Insurance network: The group of providers and facilities contracted with your plan.
- Insurance plan: The coverage you buy (or receive through an employer or government program) that helps pay for your healthcare costs. An insurance plan may pay providers directly or reimburse you for covered services.
- Out-of-pocket cost: The amount you pay directly for your care, which isn’t reimbursed by insurance.
- Open enrollment: The yearly period when you can sign up for or change health insurance plans.
- BlueCard®: A national program that allows members of participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans to receive in-network health care services when they are outside their home plan's service area. Through BlueCard®, members can access participating providers across the United States while their home Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan coordinates benefits and claims.
