200,000 New York patients lose Mount Sinai access after Anthem contract collapse

Thousands of patients in New York will lose in-network access to Mount Sinai Health System after contract talks with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield collapsed. The breakdown means around 200,000 Anthem members can no longer receive health care at Mount Sinai under their current health insurance terms. Both sides have blamed each other for the failure to reach a deal.

Negotiations between Mount Sinai and Anthem ended without an agreement on Tuesday night, despite an extended deadline. The original contract had expired on December 31, 2025, but state law temporarily preserved in-network status until March 1, 2026. Now, roughly 9,000 Mount Sinai doctors are officially out of network for Anthem patients.

Mount Sinai executives claimed Anthem owes the health system over $450 million for services already provided. They also stated that, while progress was made in talks, Anthem refused to accept key contract terms. Meanwhile, Anthem officials accused Mount Sinai of demanding the removal of basic consumer protections before finalising any deal.

The fallout has left patients frustrated. Queens resident Massiel Lugo and Upper West Side resident Susan Kim both expressed concerns about losing access to their preferred health care providers. However, Mount Sinai did secure a separate agreement with the union 32BJ, ensuring its members retain in-network coverage.

Anthem has pointed out that its network still includes every other major health system in New York City, though specific names were not disclosed.

The failed negotiations leave about 200,000 Anthem patients without in-network access to Mount Sinai's facilities and doctors. The health system will continue serving 32BJ union members under a direct contract. For now, no further talks between Mount Sinai and Anthem have been announced.