Hackensack Meridian Hospitals announced they are leaving Horizon’s network as of 6/1/25
Hackensack Meridian and Aetna had a similar issue last year and were able to resolve the dispute at the last minute
We expect Horizon and Hackensack Meridian to form a new deal before 6/1/25
Horizon NJ's 3.8 million members face potential disruption as Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) announced its exit from Horizon's network effective June 1, 2025. As one of New Jersey's largest healthcare networks, HMH's decision impacts access to crucial medical facilities and providers across the state. (1)
Note: This only pertains to the HMH “hospital” network. This does not affect the other care locations, primary care facilities, or specialty groups owned by HMH.
It also would not affect people on Braven, Medicare or Medicaid. (1)
Recent History: Aetna and Hackensack Meridian
In 2024, HMH and Aetna faced a similar situation. They were set to no longer work with each other as of 7/1/24. As public anxiety reached an all-time high, both parties reached a multi-year agreement just before the deadline. (2) Patients were able to rest easy knowing they would have no disruptions to their healthcare.
What to Know Going Forward
HMH operates 18 hospitals and hundreds of care locations statewide (3)
Horizon Blue NJ serves approximately 3.8 million members (4)
Negotiations typically intensify closer to deadlines
Both organizations have strong financial incentives to reach an agreement
Final Thoughts
Given the scale of both organizations and their significant market presence in New Jersey, we anticipate a resolution before the June deadline. However, members should prepare for uncertainty through May 2025, as negotiations often extend to the final hours.
This situation mirrors the Aetna-HMH dispute, suggesting a similar successful outcome is likely. We'll update this post as new developments emerge.
1. NJ’s largest hospital system could drop major insurer (2025) pbs.org. Available at: https://www.pbs.org/video/vo-horizon-1738350492/.
2. Hackensack Meridian Health and Aetna® reach multi-year agreement, ensuring continued in-network coverage for patients (2024) Hackensack Meridian Health. Available at: https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/news/2024/06/18/hmh-and-aetna-reach-multi-year-agreement-ensuring-continued-in-network-coverage-for-patients (Accessed: 13 February 2025).
3. About Us: Hackensack Meridian Health: NJ’s leading Healthcare Network (no date) Hackensack Meridian Health. Available at: https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/about-us#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20our%2018,lifesaving%20air%20medical%20transportation%2C%20urgent (Accessed: 13 February 2025).
4. Our company (no date) Our Company. Available at: https://www.horizonblue.com/careers/our-company#:~:text=We%20are%20the%20state’s%20largest,more%20than%203.8%20million%20members. (Accessed: 13 February 2025).
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