Highmark has announced that its current agreements with Jefferson Health and Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health (LVHN), are scheduled to end on December 31, 2026.
This change affects Highmark Commercial, ACA, Federal Employee Program, CHIP, and Medicare Advantage members. D-SNP and Medicaid members are not impacted.
If new agreements are not reached, affected Highmark members would also lose in-network access to Rothman Orthopedic Specialty Hospital and New Jersey-based Kennedy University Hospital.
Important Transition Dates
The network transition timeline differs between LVHN and Jefferson Health:
- LVHN hospitals: A three-month run-out provision will keep hospital facilities in network through March 31, 2027. They would become out of network on April 1, 2027.
- LVHN practices: The run-out provision does not apply to professional practices. These providers would become out of network on January 1, 2027.
- Jefferson Health: There is no run-out provision. Jefferson facilities, ancillary providers, and professional services would become out of network on January 1, 2027.
Highmark reports that negotiations are continuing and that it remains focused on reaching an agreement that protects both members’ access to care and affordable coverage.
What Agents Should Know
Agents should make clients aware of the potential network changes and carefully verify provider and facility participation when discussing 2027 plan options. Because negotiations remain ongoing, continue using the latest Highmark-approved resources before advising or enrolling a client.
Network participation is subject to change. Agents and members should confirm current provider and facility status directly through official Highmark resources.
The information on this website is for agent use only and not intended for the general public. If you have questions about this post, please call 800.562.7733 or email nf_sales@neishloss.com.
