SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — A Western New York health plan is affiliating with Schenectady–based MVP Health Care. Independent Health will join MVP’s family of companies, subject to regulatory approvals. The boards of directors of both organizations unanimously approved the transaction, per MVP’s Nov. 18 announcement. Neither health insurer released financial terms of their agreement. In their […]
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — A Western New York health plan is affiliating with Schenectady–based MVP Health Care.
Independent Health will join MVP’s family of companies, subject to regulatory approvals. The boards of directors of both organizations unanimously approved the transaction, per MVP’s Nov. 18 announcement. Neither health insurer released financial terms of their agreement.
In their affiliation, MVP and Independent Health will serve nearly 1 million members and employ more than 3,000 people across the region with $7 billion in annual revenue.
“As our family grows, we remain steadfast in our purpose: putting people at the center of their health journey,” Chris Del Vecchio, CEO of MVP Health Care, said in the announcement. “This is not just about aligning organizations; it is about creating a future-focused health care system that empowers individuals to live their healthiest, most vibrant lives. By accelerating innovation, rethinking the care experience, and embracing bold changes, we are taking a critical step forward to meet the growing needs of our members and communities.”
As MVP Health Care explained it, the health-care industry continues to face “significant” challenges, including rising medical and pharmaceutical costs, regulatory pressures, and the “complexities of delivering care in a rapidly changing landscape.” Recognizing these realities, MVP Health Care and Independent Health say they are working proactively to “shape a system that prioritizes individuals over processes.”
“Independent Health has long been recognized for our focus on delivering the highest quality care and service to our members and our community,” Dr. Michael Cropp, president and CEO of Independent Health, contended in the MVP announcement. “Joining the MVP Health Care family allows us to innovate further while staying true to the communities we serve. By aligning our strengths and shared values, we are not only preparing for today’s challenges — but we are designing health care for the future, where every person feels empowered and supported to achieve their best health.”
About the health plans
Besides its Schenectady headquarters, MVP Health Care also operates an office in Rochester. It previously operated an office in Syracuse.
MVP Health Care serves customers in Central New York counties that include Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Seneca, Tioga, and Tompkins, per the 2025 Book of Lists.
Established in 1980, Buffalo–based Independent Health offers HMO, POS, PPO and EPO products, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans, individual Exchange products, consumer-directed plans, health savings accounts, and coverage for self-funded employers.
Its subsidiaries and affiliate companies include a third-party administrator of health benefits, pharmacy-benefit management, specialty pharmacy, and the Independent Health Foundation.
In all, Independent Health and its affiliates serve a total of more than 550,000 customers across the country.
