Anthem and Cleveland Clinic to Negotiate New Contract

Anthem and Cleveland Clinic are negotiating a new multiyear contract before their current agreement expires on Jan. 1, 2027.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Healthcare

Anthem and Cleveland Clinic to Negotiate New Contract

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Do you trust your health insurance provider to maintain your network access to preferred medical facilities?

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Cleveland Clinic are currently engaged in contract renewal discussions to prevent a disruption in network access. If an agreement is not reached by Jan. 1, 2027, over 113,000 patients on employer-sponsored and Medicare Advantage plans could lose in-network coverage.

Why it matters

The negotiations aim to establish a new multiyear contract that ensures continued coverage for patients across the Cleveland region. Both parties have expressed an expectation that a new agreement will be reached without disrupting member care.

The current two-year contract between the two entities covers more than 113,000 individuals on employer-sponsored and Medicare Advantage plans. These patients utilized Cleveland Clinic facilities within the past 12 months.

The players

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

This is a major health insurance provider that offers various employer-sponsored and Medicare Advantage plans to consumers.

Cleveland Clinic

This is a prominent nonprofit academic medical center that provides clinical care and hospital services to patients in Ohio.

The details

While negotiations are ongoing, the health system is actively seeking continuity-of-care provisions for certain patients beyond the contract deadline. Emergency medical services remain fully covered regardless of the contract status, and appointments scheduled prior to the expiration date will not be affected.

The current two-year contract between the two parties is set to expire on Jan. 1, 2027.

Market Landscape

This negotiation occurs within the framework of the Affordable Care Act's network adequacy standards, which govern how insurers must ensure patient access to providers. The outcome will influence the competitive balance for regional healthcare access in Northeast Ohio.

Patients with Medicare Supplemental, Medicaid, or MyCare plans will not see any changes to their coverage regardless of the negotiation outcome. Individuals on other Anthem plans should continue their medical care as scheduled for now, as emergency services remain unaffected.

The takeaway

Patients should monitor their plan communications closely for any official updates regarding network status. It is advisable to verify coverage with the clinic or insurer directly if you have upcoming appointments scheduled after Jan. 1, 2027.