Agreement Keeps Jefferson Health in Network Through Mid-2029
HARRISBURG – Capital Blue Cross and Jefferson Health have extended their network agreement through June 2029, reinforcing their shared commitment to providing Capital members and Jefferson Health’s patients in the Lehigh Valley with access to high-quality healthcare close to home.
“This extension carries forward the longstanding relationship Capital Blue Cross established with Lehigh Valley Health Network and reinforces our shared commitment with Jefferson Health to support the people and communities of the Lehigh Valley,” said Capital Blue Cross President and CEO Todd Shamash. “We thank Jefferson Health for its partnership in reaching this agreement. As a trusted health insurer in the region, we value strong provider partnerships that help ensure our employer group customers and members can get the care they need through a stable, comprehensive network.”
As healthcare costs continue to challenge employers, consumers, and communities, Capital Blue Cross remains focused on negotiating provider agreements that preserve access to high-quality care while helping maintain affordable coverage. Finalizing the Jefferson Health extension provides long-term network stability and helps Lehigh Valley employers and consumers plan ahead with confidence as they make workforce and benefit decisions.
“This agreement shows what is possible when a health plan works in good faith with providers to reach a fair and sustainable outcome,” said Jefferson Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Mike Harrington. “We appreciate how Capital Blue Cross recognizes the importance of investing in patient care, preserving access to the physicians and hospitals members rely on, and giving patients, families, and employers greater certainty.”
The agreement extension applies to Jefferson Health providers and hospitals within Capital Blue Cross’ 21-county service area. Capital members may also access participating Jefferson Health providers outside Capital’s service area through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s BlueCard program.
About Capital Blue Cross
Capital Blue Cross serves a 21-county region in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley by offering health insurance products, services and technology solutions that provide peace of mind and promote health and wellness for our members. We focus on simplifying and personalizing the healthcare experience and using innovative solutions – including patient-focused care models, actionable data, and digital health technologies – to create healthier lives and lower healthcare costs. Our Capital Blue Cross Connect health and wellness centers provide in-person service and inspiration to help people reach their health goals. Capital Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
About Jefferson
Jefferson is reimagining health care and higher education to create unparalleled value throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. More than 65,000 people strong, Jefferson is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate clinical care for patients; making our communities healthier and stronger; preparing tomorrow’s professional leaders for 21st-century careers; and creating new knowledge through basic/programmatic, clinical, and applied research. Thomas Jefferson University, home of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Jefferson College of Nursing, the College of Business, the College of Fashion & Textiles, and the College of Architecture, Design & Engineering, dates back to 1824 and today comprises 11 colleges and one school offering 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 8,700 students. Jefferson Health, nationally ranked as one of the top 15 not-for-profit healthcare systems in the country and the largest provider in the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas, serves patients through millions of encounters each year at 33 hospital campuses and more than 700 outpatient and urgent care locations throughout the region. Jefferson Health Plans is a not-for-profit managed healthcare organization offering a broad range of health coverage options to more than 400,000 members for more than 40 years.
Information provided to TVL by:
Jeff Wirick
