Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) and Florida Blue have reached a multi-year agreement to keep NCH’s facilities in the Florida Blue network, ensuring continued care for 40,000 Southwest Florida patients.

After months of negotiations, Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) and Florida Blue have finalized a multi-year agreement to keep NCH’s doctors, hospitals, and facilities within the Florida Blue network, a decision that ensures continued care for approximately 40,000 patients in Southwest Florida.

The previous contract between the two organizations was set to expire at midnight on Monday, which would have forced many patients to face higher out-of-pocket costs or seek new healthcare providers. NCH had considered ending its partnership with Florida Blue, citing concerns over reimbursement rates.

According to NCH, Florida Blue had been reimbursing the health system 40 percent less than other healthcare facilities, prompting NCH to negotiate for fairer compensation amid rising patient care costs. The health system sought a 9.5 percent increase in annual payment rates from the insurance company.

On Tuesday morning, Florida Blue confirmed that services would continue uninterrupted for members using NCH providers. Additional information for members, clients, and stakeholders will be released in the coming days.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with NCH to serve the healthcare needs of Southwest Florida and ensuring our members have access to high-quality, affordable care,” Florida Blue said in an official release.

NCH is a locally governed nonprofit healthcare system that operates NCH Baker Hospital, NCH North Hospital, and various other medical facilities throughout Southwest Florida.