Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Georgia and CHI Memorial Forge Multi-Year Agreement to Enhance Access, Affordability, and Community Health
In a significant development for healthcare accessibility and affordability in the Southeast, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Georgia—the state’s largest health insurer—and CHI Memorial, a premier healthcare system serving Northwest Georgia and Southeast Tennessee, have announced a new multi-year provider agreement. This strategic partnership ensures that Anthem members across a wide range of coverage types—including employer-sponsored plans, individual policies, Medicaid, and Medicare Advantage—will continue to receive uninterrupted, in-network access to CHI Memorial’s comprehensive suite of high-quality hospital, physician, and ancillary care services.
The agreement underscores a mutual dedication to advancing patient-centered care, expanding access to essential health services, and reinforcing community health infrastructure across the region. Both organizations emphasized that the partnership is rooted in a shared vision: to deliver affordable, high-quality care while removing barriers that often prevent individuals and families from receiving timely and effective treatment.
A Commitment to Continuity and Quality
For Anthem members in Georgia, the continuation of this in-network relationship with CHI Memorial means peace of mind. Patients can continue to rely on CHI Memorial’s network of hospitals, clinics, specialists, and advanced practice providers without fear of unexpected out-of-network costs or disruptions in care. This stability is especially critical in today’s evolving healthcare landscape, where cost transparency and access to trusted providers are top concerns for consumers.
Robert Bunch, President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Georgia, highlighted the importance of this agreement in fulfilling the insurer’s mission. “We are committed to providing affordable access to care for our members, and this agreement ensures members can continue to access CHI Memorial’s growing network of services,” Bunch said. “Along with offering affordable access to care, CHI Memorial is investing in a new hospital and expanded service offerings, which reflects their dedication to patient-centered care and community health.”
Indeed, CHI Memorial’s ongoing investments—including the construction of a new hospital and the expansion of specialty services—demonstrate its long-term commitment to meeting the growing and diverse healthcare needs of the communities it serves. These enhancements align closely with Anthem’s strategic focus on supporting providers who prioritize innovation, quality outcomes, and equitable access.
Strengthening Community Health Through Collaboration
The newly signed contract is more than just a business arrangement—it represents a collaborative effort to address systemic challenges in healthcare delivery. By maintaining a strong in-network relationship, Anthem and CHI Memorial are working together to reduce financial strain on patients, improve care coordination, and support preventive health initiatives that keep communities healthier over the long term.
Janelle Reilly, Market President of CHI Memorial, emphasized the patient-first philosophy that guided the negotiations. “This renewed partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Georgia ensures that individuals and families who rely on Anthem can continue to receive the comprehensive, high-quality care they expect from CHI Memorial and its physicians and advanced practice providers, without disruption or added financial burden,” Reilly stated. “Our commitment is always to our patients, and this agreement provides them with the peace of mind that their health needs will be met, right here in their community.”
This sentiment resonates deeply in a region where access to specialized care can sometimes be limited. CHI Memorial’s presence as a leading healthcare provider in Northwest Georgia and Southeast Tennessee has long been a cornerstone of local health infrastructure. By securing this multi-year agreement, both organizations are reinforcing their roles as essential partners in community well-being.
Broad Coverage, Inclusive Impact
The agreement encompasses a wide spectrum of Anthem members, reflecting the insurer’s diverse membership base across Georgia. Employer-sponsored plans, which cover a significant portion of the state’s workforce, will benefit from continued access to CHI Memorial’s full range of services. Similarly, individuals who purchase coverage directly through Anthem can rest assured that their care options remain robust and affordable.
Importantly, the contract also includes Medicaid and Medicare Advantage members—populations that often face the greatest barriers to accessing quality care. For these vulnerable groups, in-network status with a trusted provider like CHI Memorial can be life-changing, ensuring they receive necessary treatments without the added stress of financial uncertainty or care delays.
Driving Affordability Without Compromising Quality
Affordability remains a central pillar of the agreement. Both Anthem and CHI Memorial recognize that high-quality care must also be financially sustainable for patients. The contract includes provisions designed to control costs while maintaining—or even enhancing—the standard of care delivered. This balance is achieved through value-based care models, efficient care coordination, and shared accountability for health outcomes.
Value-based care, which ties provider reimbursement to patient outcomes rather than volume of services, is a key component of Anthem’s broader strategy in Georgia. CHI Memorial’s alignment with this approach signals a forward-thinking mindset that prioritizes prevention, chronic disease management, and patient satisfaction—all of which contribute to lower long-term costs and better health results.
