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Anthem, Augusta Health sign multi-year agreement, ensure access to care

Crystal Graham

Anthem and Augusta Health Augusta Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield have a new multi-year provider network agreement guaranteeing access to affordable healthcare services.

This is a three-year agreement that will remain in effect until Aug. 31, 2027.

The insurer and hospital have had numerous negotiations over the years leading to agreements signed at the last minute or pauses in coverage lasting up to six months.

In 2018, the lack of an agreement led Anthem patients to pay higher out-of-network rates at Augusta Health or find new doctors that were considered in network. The hospital went out of network on Jan. 1, 2018, and signed an agreement to get back in network on July 1, 2018, Augusta Health confirmed. That was the last lapse in coverage for the hospital and insurer.

“We are excited to share a renewed long-term partnership with Anthem, guaranteeing in-network access to the trusted physicians and caregivers that the community relies on,” said Mary N. Mannix, FACHE, president and CEO of Augusta Health. “We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate with Anthem to strengthen the health and well-being of all people in our communities.”

Anthem also issued a statement on the agreement. No length of term information was provided.

“We are pleased to continue our strong partnership with Augusta Health as we provide access to high quality, affordable healthcare for our members,” said Monica Schmude, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia. “Augusta Health provides community-based care we rely on as we strive to meet the needs of our members where they are across the Shenandoah Valley.”

Anthem members may contact the member service number on the back of the Anthem ID with questions.


Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.