Geisinger and Highmark Reach Agreement on Four-Year Contract

DANVILLE, Pa. and CAMP HILL, Pa., Dec. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Geisinger Health System and Highmark Inc. announced today an agreement on a new, four-year contract effective January 1, 2011. The current agreement had been set to expire on December 31, 2010.

Under the new contract, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville and Geisinger Clinic physicians will remain network providers for Highmark's indemnity and managed care members, and will continue to participate in networks currently under contract in 2010. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"We're very pleased that a new contract has been reached that is fair and equitable to both parties," said Mike Fiaschetti, Highmark Senior Vice President, Provider Services and Strategy. "Importantly, this agreement will enable us to maintain our long-standing relationship with Geisinger Health System and provide our members with continued access to Geisinger's excellent medical facilities and physicians."

"It is certainly good news that we were able to come to agreement," said Geisinger Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Albert Bothe, MD. "We are pleased that all of our patients with Highmark coverage would be able to continue to benefit from the quality and value Geisinger delivers."

Beginning this week, Geisinger will notify patients of the new contract and Highmark will issue direct communications to its members, group customers, healthcare providers and producers to inform them that Geisinger Medical Center and Geisinger Clinic physicians will remain network providers and that covered healthcare services from these providers will continue to be paid at the network level of coverage.

About Highmark Inc.

As one of the leading health insurers in Pennsylvania, Highmark Inc.'s mission is to provide access to affordable, quality health care enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives. Based in Pittsburgh, Highmark serves 4.7 million people through the company's health care benefits business. Highmark contributes millions of dollars to help keep quality health care programs affordable and to support community-based programs that work to improve people's health. Highmark exerts an enormous economic impact throughout Pennsylvania. A recent study states that Highmark's positive impact exceeded $2.5 billion. The company provides the resources to give its members a greater hand in their health. Highmark is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.

About Geisinger Health System

Geisinger is an integrated health services organization widely recognized for its innovative use of the electronic health record, and the development and implementation of innovative care models including advanced medical home and ProvenCare ("warranty") program. The system serves more than 2.6 million residents throughout 42 counties in central and northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.geisinger.org.

SOURCE Highmark Inc.