Letter from Office of Labor Relation, Renee Campion, Commissioner.
September 17, 2024
Dear City of New York employee,
You may have recently received a letter from Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) regarding their
negotiations with the City’s insurer for hospital benefits, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem). It was disturbing to the City and the Municipal Labor Committee that MSK chose to involve patients in their negotiations with an insurer, and we are writing to clear up some of the misinformation and confusion caused by the letter.
Anthem is negotiating with MSK to continue their agreement for 2025 and beyond. Provider contract renewals are a routine and normal part of the health care industry, and typically, these negotiations settle close to the renewal date. The City is optimistic that Anthem and MSK will reach a new agreement before the current contract ends on January 1, 2025. However, you should be aware that MSK failed to mention in their letter that New York law requires both Anthem and MSK to honor the terms of their contract until at least March 1, 2025. Additionally, in the unlikely event that MSK exits Anthem’s network, there is an agreement that ensures that all patients who begin treatment before March 1, 2025, will maintain their benefit coverage at MSK for the entire duration of their treatment.
You should also be aware that these negotiations do not apply to retirees in the Senior Care plan since Medicare is the primary payor.
If you are undergoing treatment at MSK please continue as you have in the past. Anthem has set up a website at Anthem.com/MSKCONY with information on the negotiations. That site will be updated as negotiations continue. You can also contact Anthem Member Services at the number on your ID Card.
Be assured that we are monitoring the situation closely and will keep you informed.
Sincerely,
Renee Campion
This is the website LINK or www.anthem.com/mskcony/