Highmark Inc. announced today that its affiliation first unveiled in June 2020 with HealthNow New York Inc. has become effective.
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.
Highmark is committed to maintaining a local presence in Western and Northeastern New York. The newly affiliated organization will have a community-based Board of Directors, largely comprised of the former HealthNow’s Board members.
In the near term, there will be no changes in product designs for members with coverage from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York or Blue Shield of Northeastern New York.
Throughout 2021 and beyond, Highmark intends to bring its resources, tools and advanced technologies to Western and Northeastern New York to enhance the products and services offered to members in those areas. This will follow both state and federal regulatory guidelines and timelines. Additionally, Highmark is planning to make available new and enhanced administrative capabilities and technologies focused on improving the member, broker and provider experience.
This affiliation expands Highmark’s health plan footprint to four states and continues its successful track record of affiliations with the Blue Plans in Delaware and West Virginia and its merger with Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The affiliation brings Highmark health plan membership to more than 6 million people – making it the fourth largest Blue Plan in the nation – and will add to Highmark’s strong financial position.