At Western Reserve Hospital, our commitment has always been simple: to provide high-quality, compassionate medical care right here in the community we serve. As a physician-owned hospital, we take pride in being an asset to our neighbors—investing in advanced medical technology, supporting dedicated specialists, and offering convenient, high-caliber care close to home.

To keep our healthcare system strong and modern, we must ensure our hospital is reimbursed fairly by the insurance providers we work with.

Why We Are Negotiating

For several months, we have been in active dialogue with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Ohio to establish a new, fair contract.

Currently, the reimbursement rates Anthem pays for our physician services, emergency care, imaging, therapy, and lab work are significantly lower than the local market average. We are not asking for top-of-the-market rates; we are simply asking for reimbursement that brings us closer to the fair market standard that our regional peers already receive.

Fair compensation allows us to:

  • Sustain Local Access: Keep advanced specialists, therapists, and other care providers right here in our community.
  • Invest in Healthcare: Continually update our state-of-the-art medical equipment and facilities to deliver exceptional patient outcomes.
  • Ensure Long-Term Stability: Maintain an independent, high-performing healthcare system that puts patient care first.

What This Means for You Today

Nothing has changed today. As a patient with Anthem insurance, you remain fully in-network for all services, imaging, lab work, and physician visits.

  • Keep Your Scheduled Appointments: You can continue to see your doctors and receive care at Western Reserve Hospital at your normal in-network rates.
  • Emergency Care: As always, emergency care at Western Reserve Hospital is always available to everyone, regardless of insurance network status.

Anthem is legally required to send notices during contract negotiations, so you may have received a letter from them stating that our network status could change on September 1, 2026. We wanted to give you the complete picture. We are negotiating in good faith, and our primary goal is to reach an agreement that prevents any disruption to your care.

How You Can Help Protect Your In-Network Access

We value the trust you place in us, and we believe our community deserves access to exceptional care at fair rates. If keeping Western Reserve Hospital and your doctors in-network is important to you, your voice can make a difference:

  1. Speak with Your Employer: If you receive insurance through your job, let your HR or Benefits Department know that you rely on Western Reserve Hospital and want your care to remain in-network.
  2. Call Anthem Directly: Call the member services number on the back of your Anthem insurance card and express your desire to keep Western Reserve Hospital doctors and services fully in-network.

We Will Keep You Updated

We remain deeply grateful for your continued trust and support. As negotiations progress, we will continue to keep our patients and community informed.

If you have questions or would like more information, please call/email XXXXX