What you need to know about Independence Blue Cross (IBX) and Jefferson Health
September 29, 2026
Jefferson Health (including Lehigh Valley Health Network, which is part of Jefferson Health) is negotiating with Independence Blue Cross (IBX) for fair reimbursement for care provided at our healthcare facilities. If an agreement is not reached, IBX will be out-of-network with Jefferson Health on January 1, 2027.
While we are working to reach an agreement with IBX, we realize you have questions. Please review the FAQs below, as well as visit the Jefferson Health website for additional information.
You received the correspondence because our records show you have insurance through Independence Blue Cross (IBX). We want to keep patients informed about ongoing contract discussions that could affect Jefferson Health's participation in the IBX network beginning January 1, 2027.
Yes. Jefferson Health and LVHN are in-network with IBX through December 31, 2026. Patients can continue seeing their Jefferson Health clinicians and receiving in-network care as they do today.
No changes are in effect at this time. Patients can continue receiving care from Jefferson Health/LVHN clinicians under their current IBX coverage through December 31, 2026.
If a new agreement is not reached, Jefferson Health and LVHN could become out-of-network with IBX beginning January 1, 2027. We are working actively and in good faith to reach an agreement that protects patients' access to Jefferson Health physicians, hospitals, and services.
Jefferson Health is seeking a fair agreement that better reflects the cost of providing care. Hospitals in Pennsylvania receive significantly lower payments from commercial health plans than hospitals in many other parts of the country. Jefferson Health believes patients' premium dollars should more directly support the doctors, nurses, hospitals, and services they rely on.
No. Jefferson Health is not asking IBX to increase patient premiums. We are seeking fair reimbursement for the care we provide and are not asking to be paid more than comparable health systems.
Fair reimbursement helps Jefferson Health:
Recruit and retain physicians, nurses, and other caregivers
Invest in advanced treatments and specialized services
Maintain access to care in the communities we serve
Continue providing high-quality care close to home
No. Patients should continue scheduling and keeping appointments as usual. Jefferson Health/LVHN remains in-network with IBX through December 31, 2026.
Patients may contact IBX using the phone number on their insurance card to express the importance of maintaining in-network access to Jefferson Health and LVHN clinicians and hospitals.
Yes. Patients may want to let their employer know that continued in-network access to Jefferson Health/LVHN is important to them and their family.
Medicare Advantage members should be aware that the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15, 2026 through December 7, 2026. During this period, patients can review their coverage options. Jefferson Health and LVHN participate with multiple Medicare Advantage plans.
No. Jefferson Health cannot recommend or advise patients on which insurance plan to choose. Patients should review available plan options carefully and contact insurers directly with benefits and coverage questions.
Patients can find the most current list of accepted insurance plans on these pages:
Jefferson Health will continue to provide updates as discussions progress. Patients can visit JeffersonHealth.org/ibx for the latest information.
Patients should contact Independence Blue Cross directly using the phone number on their insurance card for questions about benefits, coverage, or network participation. For questions about appointments or services, patients can contact their Jefferson Health clinician’s office.
