Anthem and Mount Sinai Reach Agreement to Restore Health Insurance Access
In a significant relief for thousands of patients across Modern York, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Mount Sinai Health System have reached a three-year agreement to restore in-network health insurance coverage. The deal, announced Tuesday, April 14, 2026, ends a disruptive contract dispute that had limited patient access to care since the start of the year.
- Who is affected: Approximately 90,000 New Yorkers, including more than 20,000 patients on Long Island.
- What is restored: In-network access to Mount Sinai hospitals (including those in Manhattan and Oceanside) and 17 Mount Sinai offices on Long Island.
- Coverage types: The deal includes access to Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Essential Plan coverage.
- Duration: The new agreement is set for three years.
Understanding the Impact of the Coverage Lapse
The disruption began on January 1, 2026, when the previous contract expired. This expiration immediately limited in-network insurance access to more than 9,000 Mount Sinai doctors. Even as a 90-day “continuity of care” clause allowed some patients—particularly those treating complex conditions like cancer—to maintain access to their providers, that window expired on March 31.
The situation escalated on March 1, when inpatient hospital coverage ended. This left many families and patients scrambling to find new in-network providers or facing the prospect of paying for medical services out of pocket.
Immediate Restoration of Services
According to Mount Sinai officials, access to their medical network will be restored immediately. This ensures that patients can return to their trusted physicians and facilities without the fear of unexpected out-of-network billing.
Dr. Brendan G. Carr, CEO of Mount Sinai Health System, acknowledged the difficulty of the period, stating that the organization is pleased that Anthem beneficiaries will once again have access to the system’s medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which locations are included in the deal?
The agreement restores coverage for patients visiting Mount Sinai hospitals, including facilities in Manhattan and Oceanside, as well as 17 specific Mount Sinai offices located on Long Island.
What happens if I was seeing a doctor during the lapse?
With the new three-year deal in place, coverage is being restored immediately. Patients should contact their providers or Anthem to confirm their current in-network status.
Does this deal cover government-sponsored plans?
Yes. The agreement specifically includes access to Medicaid, the Essential Plan, and Child Health Plus coverage.
Looking Ahead
The three-year contract provides a period of stability for both the healthcare provider and the insurance carrier, preventing further disruptions for the nearly 100,000 affected New Yorkers. For patients who were forced to seek alternative care during the dispute, this agreement allows for a return to their established care teams at Mount Sinai.