After announcing that they couldn’t come to terms on a new contract, Hartford Healthcare and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield aren’t splitting up after all.
The two jointly announced Thursday night — just one day after their previous agreement expired — that they had agreed to terms. Anthem customers, including those who received care at Hartford Healthcare on Oct. 1 or Oct. 2, will be billed in-network prices.
Anthem had criticized Hartford Healthcare for seeking “double-digit” rate increases, which Hartford Healthcare denied. The two didn’t disclose financial details or say what compromises were reached since Wednesday, when state officials pressured both sides to keep negotiating.
But they said the contract includes an expansion of their accountable-care arrangement to include specialists and hospitals. There are 40,000 Anthem members included in the arrangement.
The contract will also expand a chronic care aimed at lowering the cost of treating patients with complex conditions and improving their health. And the two will work on models to better detect behavioral health needs.
On Wednesday, Gov. Dannel Malloy, Attorney General George Jepsen and other state officials criticized Anthem and HHC for not reaching a deal and called on them to continue working towards a bargain.
Anthem President Jill R. Hummel acknowledged that criticism in Thursday’s statement.
“Anthem would like to thank state, federal and municipal government officials, for encouraging the parties to stay at the table and continue negotiations,” Hummel said. “We also acknowledge our largest customer, the State of Connecticut, for strongly supporting the continued evolution of Anthem’s current value-based arrangement with HHC.”
