Economy

Cleveland Clinic, Anthem still without a deal as 113,000 patients face out-of-network risk

Cleveland, Ohio • October 25, 2026 • By Press Pass USA

Editorial illustration: a large hospital campus in Cleveland on a bright autumn day

Illustration: Press Pass USA

Cleveland Clinic and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield remain without a new contract after months of negotiations — and if no deal is reached by December 31, the Clinic would become out of network for Anthem employer-sponsored and Medicare Advantage plans on January 1, 2027.

According to Anthem, 113,000 people on those plans visited Cleveland Clinic at least once in the past 12 months, the Canton Repository reported. For patients receiving ongoing treatment — chemotherapy, dialysis, physical therapy or management of chronic conditions — losing in-network access mid-treatment could mean paying full out-of-pocket rates, switching providers mid-course, or delaying follow-ups. Emergency care would remain covered regardless of network status.

Cleveland Clinic has begun notifying affected patients, and both sides say talks continue. Clinic spokesperson Angela Smith told Ideastream Public Media that "nothing is changing right now" and that patients should keep seeing their doctors, while acknowledging the two sides are in what she called "sustained, good-faith discussions."

Anthem public relations director Stephanie DuBois said it is "rare" that negotiations fall apart and that the provider is looking for another multiyear contract. "Our priority is to protect our members' access to care while lowering healthcare cost trends for northeast Ohio families and employers," DuBois said. "We're optimistic we can reach a new agreement without disrupting our members' care."

The timing matters: open enrollment begins November 1, when many Ohioans choose next year's coverage. Cleveland Clinic is one of the largest health systems in the country — 23 hospitals, 300 outpatient facilities, and more than 83,000 employees — so an out-of-network break would ripple across northeast Ohio families and employers.

Sources: The Canton Repository (Oct 21, 2026); Ideastream Public Media, via reporting on the contract talks.