PHILADELPHIA and RADNOR, Pa., June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Independence Blue Cross (IBC) and Jefferson Health System Inc., the largest health care system in the Delaware Valley, today announced that an agreement has been reached on terms of a new four-year contract.
The agreement, which became effective June 1, 2004, provides IBC (including Keystone East HMO and Personal Choice) members with access to covered services at all of Jefferson Health System's member institutions.
By mutual consent, other details of the contract will not be released.
"We are very pleased that our provider network includes health care institutions with the traditions of excellence that exist in the Jefferson Health System," said G. Fred DiBona, Jr., President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross. "In this time of rapidly escalating health care costs, our promise to provide our members with access to quality health care becomes harder and harder to keep. This new contract helps us deliver on our promise."
"Our new four-year agreement demonstrates that Independence Blue Cross supports the mission of the 13 member hospitals of the Jefferson Health System to provide high-quality health care in a cost-effective manner," said Joseph T. Sebastianelli, President and CEO of the Jefferson Health System. "We are also pleased that IBC members will have the peace of mind knowing that their health benefits will be available at Jefferson Health System member hospitals."
Based in Radnor, Pa., the non-profit Jefferson Health System has more than $2.5 billion in revenue, 27,000 full-time employees, 3,100 staffed beds and 4,500 medical staff members. Among other accolades, System member hospitals are ranked annually by U.S. News and World Report among America's best hospitals. The System consists of Main Line Health - including Bryn Mawr Hospital, Lankenau Hospital, Paoli Hospital, and Bryn Mawr Rehab; Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, including Albert Einstein Medical Center, MossRehab, and Belmont Behavioral Health; Frankford Hospitals - including its Frankford, Torresdale and Bucks campuses; Magee Rehabilitation; and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals - including Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, and Methodist Hospital. Thomas Jefferson University is the primary academic affiliate of the System.
Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania, providing coverage to more than 2.8 million members in Pennsylvania. The company contributes to the health and well-being of the region through its extensive health and community partnerships, sponsorships and educational programs.
Independence Blue Cross; Jefferson Health System Inc.CONTACT: Butch Ward, Independence Blue Cross, +1-215-241-2220, or DavidF. Simon, Jefferson Health System, +1-610-225-6298
