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Highmark and Rothman Orthopaedics reach agreement to maintain in-network access for patients and members. PHILADELPHIA (September 22, 2026) - Rothman Orthopaedics and Highmark have reached an agreement that ensures Rothman will remain in network with Highmark Blue Shield and Federal Employee Program (FEP) plans. The agreement follows productive discussions between the organizations focused on addressing outstanding concerns while ensuring patients continue to have access to the orthopedic care they need from the providers they know and trust. "Throughout these discussions, our shared priority has been the patients and members we serve," said Dan Tropeano, segment president of Highmark Blue Shield. "Working collaboratively, we were able to reach a resolution that maintains continuity of care, minimizes disruption, and supports continued access to high-quality, affordable orthopedic services across the region." As part of the agreement, Highmark has rescinded its previously issued termination notice, and Rothman physicians and services will remain in Highmark's Pennsylvania networks. While discussions regarding other aspects of the contractual relationship may continue, both organizations have agreed to maintain Rothman's in-network participation, avoiding unnecessary disruption for patients and providing continuity of care for Highmark members. "While our organizations had differing perspectives on certain issues, we remained committed to finding a path forward that put patients first," said Alexander R. Vaccaro, MD, PhD, MBA, President of Rothman Orthopaedics and Richard H. Rothman Professor and Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedics at Thomas Jefferson University. "We appreciate the efforts of both teams to work through those issues respectfully and reach an outcome that benefits the communities we serve." Patients currently receiving care from Rothman providers can continue to do so without changes to their in-network access. Additional information will be shared directly with patients as needed. Highmark and Rothman have worked together for many years in support of the health and well-being of communities across Pennsylvania. This agreement reflects a mutual commitment to collaboration, accountability, and ensuring that patients continue to have access to coordinated, affordable, high-quality orthopedic care without interruption. About Rothman Orthopaedics Rothman Orthopaedics is a world-leader in the field of orthopedics, providing communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Florida with high-quality, compassionate, and affordable musculoskeletal care that is grounded in evidence-based medicine - the results of which will exceed expectations. Rothman Orthopaedics providers treat patients at 32 office locations and have surgical privileges at over 70 facilities. With experts in ten orthopedic specialties, including spine, hip and knee, foot and ankle, shoulder and elbow, hand and wrist, sports medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedic oncology, trauma and fracture care, Rothman Orthopaedics is recognized for excellence in clinical treatment methods, research, education, and technology. Consistently recognized as national and regional "Top Docs," Rothman Orthopaedics is proud to be the official team physicians for the Philadelphia Phillies as well as over 40 college and high school teams, including Drexel University and Villanova University. Center City District and the Philadelphia Marathon are among the more than 100 corporate and community organizations that Rothman partners with annually. For more information about Rothman Orthopaedics, please call (800) 321-9999 or visit www.RothmanOrtho.com. About Highmark Blue Shield Highmark Inc., doing business as Highmark Blue Shield - the only statewide Blues plan in Pennsylvania and with its affiliated Highmark Blue Plans collectively comprises the 3rd Iargest Blue Plan - protects Pennsylvania individuals and families with a range of high-quality, affordable and reliable health insurance solutions. As the only Blue Shield licensee in Pennsylvania, Highmark Blue Shield has a long and successful history of delivering remarkable experiences in Southeastern Pennsylvania through the Federal Employee Program. Highmark Blue Shield earned a Brand Excellence Award from the national Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, in recognition of its efforts in building brand strength and providing superior customer service, solid financial performance and enrollment growth. Highmark Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.

Health insurers turn to technology, preventive care to contain rising costs. Health insurers are looking beyond traditional plan design to help employers contain rising health care costs, turning to technology, preventive care, mental health programs and new approaches to how members access care. "Employers continue to face increasing cost pressure," said Ed Shellard, DMD, president and CEO United Concordia Dental. "They know that benefit plans are something that can make them more competitive in attracting employees, but they also want to ensure that they're offering plans that are not only affordable for the business, but also for employees." "We hear it across all segments-everybody wants to ensure affordability," added Joe Haddock, Eastern Pennsylvania Market President Highmark Inc. Preventive care becomes a cost-control tool Shellard said employers are taking a more balanced approach with the health care plans they're offering. "Rather than continuing to increase the employee share of health care, employers are encouraging preventive care to help manage costs," he said adding that dental care is a bit ahead of the curve since traditionally, dental is focused on cleanings every six months. "Employers today are looking for more than a health plan," said Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, Chief Medical Officer at Capital Blue Cross. "They deserve to work with a trusted partner that can help them navigate rising healthcare costs while supporting the health and well-being of their workforce. That's where Capital is focused. We continually invest in care models, technology, and personalized support that make it easier for employees to access care, stay engaged in their health, and address issues before they become more serious and costly." Shellard and Haddock, along with Capital Blue Cross President and CEO Todd Shamash, are among the insurance executives featured in the Central Penn Business Journal's 2026 CPBJ 300. Shellard said controlling costs is about engaging consumers and educating employers about the importance of dental health and preventive care so that care is delivered earlier. It may also need to be more frequent for people with ongoing health issues such as diabetes. "It's less costly to take care of an issue with a cavity; delayed treatment could result in more costly issues such as root canal and/or a crown," he said. "The mouth is not a separate entity. Oral health contributes to good health overall and it also relates to productivity." he said. According to information published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in May 2024, over $45 billion in US productivity is lost each year due to untreated dental disease. Insurers invest in technology, new plan options Haddock said for Highmark, helping employers contain costs centers on a few areas such as providing great service, adding new options and programs and finding ways to increase engagement with our members. We've also invested significantly in technology to enhance our member platform and app," he said. For Highmark, one of the new options is CopayGo, a co-pay only health plan designed to help businesses control costs. The plan features no deductibles-members pay a flat fee at the time of service; a tiered provider network with providers in Enhanced and Standard tiers based on quality, appropriateness, and cost efficiency; and access to digital tools. Haddock said Highmark has also worked with providers, who meet certain criteria, to streamline the pre-authorization process for medical services. "For providers, there's less paperwork, and for members, it means they often leave the provider's office with an appointment for further care," he said. Wigginton said Capital Blue Cross's approach combines value-based care arrangements that reward quality and outcomes, digital health solutions, whole-person care programs, and data-driven insights that help connect members to the right care at the right time. "We also recognize that every workforce is different, so we work closely with employers to tailor the right mix of coverage, resources, and support for their employees," he said. "Ultimately, our goal is to help employers get greater value from their healthcare investment by improving health outcomes, enhancing the member experience, and helping manage costs over the long term." Virtual health visits such as telehealth are also part of the mix for both Capital Blue Cross and Highmark. Wigginton said virtual health visits have become increasingly important and, in many cases, are now an expectation among employers looking to make healthcare more accessible, convenient, and engaging for their employees. "It's not just about clinical visits; it's also about giving people more ways to manage their health between appointments and outside the traditional health care setting," he said. "That's why Capital offers a range of digital solutions. The common thread is helping people access care, stay connected to their health, and address concerns earlier, which can lead to better outcomes and lower costs over time." Mental health gets a bigger role in cost containment Both Highmark and Capital Blue Cross have increased the focus on mental health. Haddock said two years ago Highmark launched its partnership with Spring Health to offer mental health services for members age six and up. "We have a whole suite of programs we launched to try to meet the members where they are," he said. Highmark's program covers a variety of issues including substance abuse. Members typically have an appointment in two- to three- days, and there's 24/7 crisis support through the Highmark app." "We know mental health affects not only a person's health, but often their work, family, and overall quality of life," Wigginton said. Since early 2025, Capital has expanded its our behavioral health provider network by 40%, making it easier for members to find care and support. He said the insurer has seen promising results, including a 9% decline in behavioral health-related emergency department visits in 2025 compared with 2022 through 2024. "To us, that's a strong reminder that when people can get help earlier, they often avoid more serious health challenges later, which benefits both employers and employees," he said. One other component to containing costs is helping to identify and prevent fraud. Haddock said Highmark has invested in technology and training to ensure payment integrity-ensuring that the right level of service is reimbursed at the right amount. Rochelle A. Shenk is a freelance writer This is the first in a monthly series of in-depth stories on specific topics featuring insights from leaders featured in our CPBJ 300.