New York City-based Mount Sinai Health System and EmblemHealth have come to an agreement that allows continued access for new patients with some government-backed coverage.
“Based on recent productive discussions with EmblemHealth, we have decided to reopen our panels to new patients with EmblemHealth,” Mount Sinai told Becker’s Sept. 2. “We have begun updating our online scheduling platforms and this work should be complete in the coming days.”
Politico first reported that an archived version of Mount Sinai’s website indicated the health system would not see new patients with Medicaid, Essential Plan, Health and Recovery Plan, and Child Health Plus coverage from EmblemHealth, effective Aug. 1. There were also notices for new patients with Centene’s Fidelis Care plans, as well as those using Wellcare Medicare Advantage.
While Mount Sinai had removed the notices, the health system confirmed the new-patient changes to Becker’s Aug. 19. EmblemHealth said it had not been aware of the updates until a news reporter reached out.
The insurer then issued Mount Sinai a cease-and-desist letter, accusing the health system of violating the existing agreement.
“As a result of conversations between the parties, EmblemHealth members enrolled in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan will continue to have access to Mount Sinai’s health system providers,” an EmblemHealth spokesperson told Becker’s Sept. 2.
An EmblemHealth source previously told Becker’s that the organizations are in negotiations ahead of their current contract’s expiration on Jan. 1, 2027.
Becker’s contacted Fidelis and Wellcare and will update this story if more information becomes available.
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