Excellus simultaneously negotiating deals to continue member coverage with WellNow, St. Joseph’s Health and Family Care Medical Group

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The reactivation of negotiations between Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and WellNow Urgent Care means the largest private insurance company in Upstate New York is, at once, working out high-stakes deals with three different healthcare providers.

The contract between the companies ended at the end of 2023, which means Excellus members could not use insurance to pay for treatment at WellNow locations.

Neither company will say when their negotiations resumed, which means talks could have been happening all year or only resumed recently.

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Since the deal with WellNow expired, Excellus has had similar disputes with Family Care Medical Group and St. Joseph’s Health.

WellNow Urgent Care

Both Excellus and WellNow confirmed the resumption of their negotiations in identical statements, declining to share anything further.

Family Care Medical Group

Family Care Medical Group is a conglomerate of primary care doctors across Central New York, with more than 100 providers at 28 locations.

The company’s CEO, Dr. Mitchell Brody, said: “While we continue to meet on a regular basis at this stage there is nothing new to report. We have not reached an agreement with Excellus. We will keep our patients informed about any progress. FamilyCare Medical Group’s position remains that quality care is not negotiable.”

Excellus spokesperson provided a lengthy statement, including: “What Dr. Mitchell Brodey has alleged in letters to our members does not reflect the private conversations we’ve had regarding a new contract for 2025… We’ve been meeting regularly and believe progress has been made. We’re optimistic that we’re on track to a resolution.”

St. Joseph’s Health

St. Joseph’s Hospital and its subsidiaries were bought by Trinity Health in 2015.

An Excellus spokesperson writes: “St. Joseph’s has requested unprecedented double-digit rate increases that would add more than $160 million in additional health care costs for our Central New York communities, placing an even greater financial strain on our members and employers.”

A hospital spokesperson writes: “We are still actively negotiating with Excellus to reach agreement. We remain in network through 12/31/24 so patients should continue to see their St. Joseph’s Health providers as usual through the end of the year.”

She adds that patients can get more information on the hospital’s website or call its hotline.

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