Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia and Southwell Partner to Expand Pathway Network Coverage Across South-Central Georgia
In a significant advancement for healthcare accessibility and affordability in South-Central Georgia, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (Anthem) and Southwell have announced a new partnership that will bring all Southwell facilities into Anthem’s Pathway Network. The move is poised to make quality healthcare more accessible for thousands of residents, particularly those enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans.
Under the agreement, Anthem members will now have in-network access to Southwell’s entire system, which includes two hospitals—Tift Regional Medical Center (TRMC) in Tifton and Southwell Medical in Adel—as well as the organization’s physician practices, specialty clinics, and outpatient centers across the region. This integration means patients can receive care closer to home while avoiding the higher costs and complexities often associated with out-of-network providers.
A Milestone for Access and Affordability
The inclusion of Southwell’s facilities in Anthem’s Pathway Network represents a targeted step toward addressing two persistent challenges in healthcare: affordability and access. For rural and semi-rural communities in Georgia, the combination of in-network hospital services, physician care, and outpatient resources within reasonable distance is often the difference between seeking care promptly and delaying treatment.
Robert Bunch, Plan President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, emphasized the organization’s commitment to improving the reach and affordability of care statewide.
We are committed to expanding access to quality care across Georgia,” Bunch said. “This partnership with Southwell means our members in South-Central Georgia can now receive care closer to home and at a lower cost—while benefiting from the trusted expertise of a leading local health system.
Bunch’s comments reflect Anthem’s broader strategy to align with well-established regional healthcare providers who have strong ties to the communities they serve. By incorporating these providers into its network, Anthem aims to ensure members can obtain care without financial uncertainty, while supporting continuity and coordination across all stages of treatment.
Southwell’s Mission in Action
For Southwell, joining Anthem’s Pathway Network aligns with its longstanding mission to improve the health and wellness of the people in its 12-county service area. Christopher Dorman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Southwell, underscored the significance of this agreement for patients and the health system alike.
Joining Anthem’s Pathway Network aligns with our mission to improve health outcomes for the communities we serve,” Dorman said. “We are excited to offer enhanced access and affordability to patients throughout our 12-county service area.
Southwell operates as an integrated healthcare system designed to meet the diverse needs of residents across South-Central Georgia. From advanced inpatient care and surgical services to preventive screenings and chronic disease management, Southwell’s network aims to deliver comprehensive care without requiring patients to travel far distances.
Counties and Communities Served
The agreement will primarily benefit Anthem Pathway members living in:
- Tift County – Home to TRMC, the county serves as a hub for regional healthcare, attracting patients from surrounding areas.
- Cook County – Served by Southwell Medical in Adel, which provides hospital and emergency services alongside outpatient care.
- Irwin County – Residents will now have direct in-network access to specialized and acute care services at Southwell facilities.
- Ben Hill County – Will benefit from proximity to Southwell’s network without the need to travel to larger metropolitan areas.
- Berrien County – Gains expanded referral and specialist options through the integrated network.
In addition to these core counties, the agreement extends benefits to residents in surrounding rural counties across South-Central Georgia, many of which face higher barriers to accessing affordable, high-quality healthcare.
Benefits for Anthem Pathway Members
By being in-network, Southwell facilities will now provide Anthem Pathway members with a range of advantages, including:
- Predictable Costs – Members can expect standard, in-network rates for services, reducing unexpected medical bills.
- Simplified Referrals – Coordination between primary care physicians and specialists within the network will be streamlined.
- Coordinated Access – Patients benefit from seamless transitions between different levels of care, from outpatient services to hospital admissions.
- Local Access – Care is available closer to home, which is especially important for those managing chronic conditions or requiring ongoing treatments.
These benefits are particularly impactful for ACA Marketplace members, many of whom choose plans based on cost predictability and access to trusted providers.
The Pathway Network and ACA Marketplace Plans
Anthem’s Pathway Network is designed specifically for individuals and families enrolled in ACA Marketplace plans, which provide affordable health insurance options with comprehensive benefits. These plans are often the primary coverage for people who are self-employed, between jobs, or not covered by employer-sponsored insurance.
For members, having a robust network of in-state providers is critical. Out-of-network care under ACA plans can result in significantly higher costs, or in some cases, no coverage at all. By including Southwell in the Pathway Network, Anthem strengthens its offerings in Georgia’s rural and semi-rural regions, reducing gaps in access and lowering the likelihood of residents facing the difficult choice between cost and care.
Addressing Rural Healthcare Challenges
Rural areas of Georgia—and much of the United States—continue to face unique healthcare challenges. These include physician shortages, limited access to specialty care, and hospital closures that leave residents traveling long distances for essential services.
By integrating Southwell’s facilities into its network, Anthem helps address some of these challenges in South-Central Georgia. Local access to in-network care not only benefits individual patients but also supports the financial stability of rural hospitals and clinics, which are vital to community health and economic sustainability.
A Model for Regional Healthcare Partnerships
The Anthem–Southwell agreement reflects a broader trend in healthcare: regional systems partnering with major insurers to align networks and services. These partnerships are particularly effective in areas where provider options are limited and where local systems have strong reputations for quality and community engagement.
For Southwell, the agreement reinforces its role as the go-to health system for its service area, ensuring that it remains competitive and accessible for a growing patient population. For Anthem, it strengthens the insurer’s footprint in Georgia while demonstrating its commitment to closing gaps in care across the state.
