Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Terminates Agreement with Mount Sinai Health System : Shared by Doreen Lobo

Hi - I R\received the below from an XUNICEF friend who is a member of AFICS. Doreen Lobo

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Terminates Agreement with Mount Sinai Health System

Sudershan Narula and Jay Karia, Co-Chairs, AFICS/NY Health Insurance Committee

AFICS Association of Former International Civil Servants

January 22, 2026

Click here for the article

Summary:

The provider agreement between Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Mount Sinai Health System expired on January 1, 2026, affecting UN retirees enrolled in the Anthem PPO plan. Mount Sinai physicians are no longer in-network providers as of January 1, 2026, while Mount Sinai hospitals and facilities will remain in-network until March 1, 2026, in accordance with New York State law requiring a 60-day continuation period. 

Participants currently undergoing treatment may qualify for continuity-of-care coverage for up to 90 days after January 1, 2026, or until treatment completion, for conditions including current hospitalization, serious and complex conditions, scheduled urgent surgeries, pregnancy-related care, and terminal illness treatment. 

The UN Health and Life Insurance Section (HLIS) reports that Anthem and Mount Sinai have resumed negotiations to reach a new agreement. Participants covered under After-Service Health Insurance (ASHI) are reminded that plan transfers require two years of continuous coverage under the current plan before changes can be made, as specified in ST/IC/2025/4, article 21.

Quotes:

"While the agreement between Anthem and Mount Sinai has expired, we understand that both Anthem and Mount Sinai have resumed active discussions with the aim of reaching a new agreement."

"Participants are therefore strongly encouraged to make an informed decision after carefully reviewing the Aetna PPO plan design, coverage levels, premium rates, and provider network."