Bristol Hospital and Health Care Group Successfully Renews Network Agreement with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

BRISTOL and NORTH HAVEN, Conn., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Bristol Hospital and Health Care Group announced today they have reached an agreement on the continuation of their network arrangement.  Specifically, this agreement guarantees that Bristol Hospital and Health Care Group will provide Anthem's members with continued access to the highest quality of care at a cost that is fair and reasonable.

"We believe that both parties maintained an unwavering commitment to a settlement that places the health care needs of the community first," noted Kurt Barwis, President and CEO of Bristol Hospital and Health Care Group. "During almost fifteen months of active negotiations, both parties engaged in good faith to reach an agreement that ensures the greater Bristol community access to the quality services and physicians that they have come to rely on for many years."

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Bristol Hospital and Health Care Group that allows Anthem and the hospital to continue our valuable relationship. This long-term arrangement will continue to provide our members with access to quality health care at a market competitive cost," said David R. Fusco, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. "Both parties were very sensitive to the impact that these negotiations can have on Anthem members and Bristol Hospital patients and worked hard to minimize unnecessary anxiety for the community while the contract was being negotiated."

About Bristol Hospital and Health Care Group

Founded in 1921, Bristol Hospital is committed to providing the best patient experience in the region and enhancing the well being of the greater Bristol, Connecticut community.  Bristol Hospital and Health Care Group is an integrated health care delivery system with a full continuum of services including a 134-bed acute care hospital, a skilled nursing facility, a multi-specialty physician practice, a home health care and hospice program, physical therapy and wound care center, counseling and wellness centers and an emergency response company.  Additional information about Bristol Hospital and Health Care Group can be found at www.bristolhospital.org .

 About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.  Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut is available at www.anthem.com.

SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut