Buffalo, NY (WBEN) HealthNow New York announces it is affiliating with Highmark which will bring together the two not-for-profit Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance plans. Highmark is based out of Pittsburgh.
“The objectives driving this affiliation are focused on our shared desire for better health solutions for HealthNow members that can increase customer and clinician engagement, create better health outcomes, manage costs and improve affordability,” said David Holmberg, chairman of Highmark. “This affiliation will also enable HealthNow to take advantage of Highmark’s resources, tools and advanced technologies.”
Under the terms of the affiliation agreement, Highmark’s parent company, Highmark Health, will become the primary licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association for HealthNow’s 8-county Western New York and 13-county Northeastern New York service areas, pending regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other closing conditions.
“This affiliation is good for the people and communities we serve. Highmark has a unique business model, organized around the principles of partnership between payers and providers,” said David Anderson, president and CEO of HealthNow. “In addition, Highmark has been a leader among the Blues and in the broader industry in developing new capabilities and innovative Blue Cross Blue Shield products from which our members and customers will benefit.”
HealthNow will maintain its headquarters in WNY.
“Highmark has a strong track record of successful relationships and affiliations with other Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies,” said Deborah Rice-Johnson, president of Highmark. “This affiliation will preserve the strong presence of a not-for-profit Blue organization that is committed to the health and vitality of the local communities it serves.”