Highmark Delaware and Bayhealth reached an agreement in principle that will ensure Highmark Delaware members will continue to have in-network access to Bayhealth hospitals, outpatient facilities, and physicians.
The agreement in principle is binding and will be implemented through formal agreements to be completed by May 20. There will be no disruption for patients in central and southern Delaware who are seeking care at Bayhealth.
Highmark, the Blue Cross affiliate in Delaware had earlier informed members about the possibility of the end of coverage. The lapse of an agreement would not have affected emergency room services.
Highmark cited excessive costs as the reason for the lack of an agreement. Highmark accounts for a large percentage of the health care market in central Delaware. It operates Kent General and Milford Memorial hospitals.
“Bayhealth remains committed to investing in and providing quality care for the residents of central and southern Delaware,” said Terry Murphy, president and CEO of Bayhealth. “We are extremely pleased that we were able to reach an agreement with Highmark Delaware that allows us to uphold that commitment.”
“Highmark Delaware’s new contract with Bayhealth achieves the important balance of fairly reimbursing a community-based health system to provide high quality care to our members, while also recognizing the need to maintain comprehensive and affordable health benefit programs for our members and customers,” said Tim Constantine, president of Highmark Delaware.
