SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and St. Joseph’s Health have agreed to extend their in-network contract for both the hospital and physician practices through Feb. 28, 2025.
The organizations extended their current contract while they continue to meet “regularly to work towards a mutually agreed upon provider contract,” Excellus said in a statement forwarded to CNYBJ.
“We believe that progress has been made and feel optimistic that we are on a track to resolution,” Rochester–based Excellus declared.
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In a separate statement, Dr. Steven Hanks, president and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health and St. Peter’s Health Partners, acknowledged the extension of the current agreement, but contended that the two sides “remain far apart” in their negotiations and the extension is “only a temporary solution.”
“As a not-for-profit health care system, we rely on fair payment from health insurers to provide the services and invest in the high-quality care patients depend on. Excellus continues to delay meaningful progress, and the rates they have proposed to-date do not adequately cover the true cost of care our hospitals and medical staff provide,” Hanks asserted in the statement. “While we have agreed to extend in-network access for affected patients, Excellus is simply refusing to do their part to ensure St. Joseph’s Health and certain St. Peter’s Health Partners Medical Associates practices can continue providing high-quality care to our communities for years to come. St. Joseph’s remains available and committed to reaching an agreement as soon as possible, but Excellus must now make a good faith effort to meet us at the table with fair rates that keep local care sustainable.”
