It’s official, Horizon BC/BS of New Jersey and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have come to terms on a new contract!

<from CHOP’s website- http://www.chop.edu/consumer/news/story.jsp?id=89783>

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ) and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) announced on January 16, 2009, they reached an agreement that will keep the facility in-network for Horizon BCBSNJ members. The agreement also ensures that CHOP’s physician groups and its facilities in New Jersey will remain in Horizon BCBSNJ’s network.

“This agreement is a victory for the children of New Jersey. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey has worked with The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to preserve treatment for thousands of children who rely on our unique services. The agreement also preserves the system of care CHOP has established throughout New Jersey,” said Steven M. Altschuler, MD, President and CEO, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

“With this agreement, our members will continue to have in-network access to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and their physician groups in New Jersey,” said Christy Bell, Senior Vice President Healthcare Management. “Everyone wins with this agreement because it will keep costs affordable and will include CHOP in our hospital network.”

This agreement is a huge relief to our family and I imagine to countless other families in our region.  I am not embarrassed to tell you that I shed a tear or two when I found out -- it means that much to Arden.  

Thank you to everyone that took the time to write a letter, pass the word on to a friend or signed our petition.  I have a good source who told me that the internal email that CHOP sent to it’s employees specifically states that this contract happening largely because of the pressure Horizon got from outraged citizens.  If I can obtain a copy of that email I’ll post it.  Thank you for being an advocate for Arden!