BUFFALO (WBEN) - Highmark Inc. announced Monday that its affiliation with HealthNow New York Inc. has become effective.
"We look forward to bringing our resources, tools and advanced technologies to Western and Northeastern New York," said Deborah Rice-Johnson, president of Highmark Inc. "With this affiliation, we begin our path forward to enhance customer and clinician engagement, create better health outcomes, control costs and improve affordability for members in Western and Northeastern New York."
In the coming months, the newly affiliated organization will be rebranded Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York.
As a part of the affiliation approval, certain employment commitments were made to ensure job stability in the New York market. In addition, Highmark Western and Northeastern New York will commit $2 million annually for five years in support of programs, services and initiatives aimed at addressing health disparities throughout communities in the health plan's 21-county New York service region.
"Today's announcement that we are affiliating with Highmark is a shining moment for our members in Western and Northeastern New York and our employees. As the integration of our companies begins, I will plan my departure knowing that we've positioned this organization for tremendous success in the years ahead," said President and CEO of HealthNow Dave Anderson, who's retiring at the end of 2021. "During my tenure, we have always embraced improving health care for everyone we serve, and this affiliation will enable us to accelerate our efforts in improving health care while continuing to focus on our mission to serve the community."
