Since completing the affiliation between Highmark Inc. and HealthNow New York Inc. earlier this year, our organizations have been working together to find new ways to support our members, customers, providers and communities. In a drastically changing health care landscape, our affiliation links two mission-driven organizations that believe in the power of community-based care. This will allow the newly affiliated company to deliver Highmark's innovative insurance products and technological capabilities to new customers.

While the plan name has changed – Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York – our commitment and service to our providers and members remains at the same high level to meet your needs.

As you may already know, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York members will gradually move onto Highmark’s systems. As members transition, you may need to learn new processes for determining eligibility, filing claims or seeking out medical policies, etc.

Please familiarize yourself with the available provider tools, including this bimonthly newsletter full of network news and information. To receive this newsletter directly in your inbox, don’t forget to e-subscribe.

Highmark’s Provider Resource Center is also a critical platform to assist you in your interactions with Highmark. The sites contain information such as important announcements and updates, medical policies, provider newsletters, administrative manuals, forms, and much more.

Lastly, Highmark’s provider portal, NaviNet^®, is central to its payer-provider transactions such as authorization submission and checking claims status.

We recognize and appreciate the key role you have in providing service to our members in Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York.