Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield avoided going out of network with Fredericksburg, Va.-based Mary Washington Healthcare as the sides were able to reach a new contract ahead of the March 1 split date.
The agreement covers multiple years and begins March 1, according to a Feb. 20 news release from the health system. All of Mary Washington Healthcare facilities will remain in the network, which is the state's largest commercial insurer.
Anthem's plans covered by the agreement include its commercial insurance, affiliated-HMO, HealthKeepers Medicaid and Medicare Advantage networks.
The sides had been at odds over reimbursement rates. Anthem alleged the health system was requesting rate increases at more than three times the rate of inflation. Mary Washington, meanwhile, alleged that Anthem was paying healthcare facilities and doctors in the region 24 percent less than its average payment rates.