The Lifetime Healthcare Companies, CDPHP Announce Planned Affiliation

Posted on May 22, 2024

Excellus BCBS

May 22, 2024 – Two of New York’s leading not-for-profit health care companies are teaming up to improve the quality, experience, and affordability of care for residents across the state.

CDPHP and The Lifetime Healthcare Companies, the parent company of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and Univera Healthcare, today announced plans to form an affiliation that will allow the health insurers to maintain their local brands and identities while gaining economies of scale through shared technologies, systems, processes, and resources as part of one corporate family.

If the affiliation is approved by state and federal regulators, The Lifetime Healthcare Companies would become the parent company of CDPHP, Excellus BCBS and Univera Healthcare.

“As we celebrate 40 years of CDPHP delivering high-quality, affordable health care – and as I mark 16 years of leading this great organization – it gives me tremendous pride to announce our plans to partner with The Lifetime Healthcare Companies,” said CDPHP president and CEO Dr. John D. Bennett. “It was important for us to partner with a not-for-profit health plan that shares in our mission of driving better health outcomes, increasing member satisfaction, and controlling the rising cost of care in the combined communities we serve.”

CDPHP, Excellus BCBS and Univera Healthcare are not-for-profit, mission-driven organizations whose names are synonymous with quality. Working together, they will combine resources, leverage best practices, and develop new and innovative ways to improve the quality, affordability, and experience of care for millions of New Yorkers. If the affiliation receives regulatory approval, each plan will remain local and highly responsive to the unique needs of their respective communities.

“I’m excited to partner with CDPHP to work together on quality, affordability, and access to health care in our respective regions,” said Jim Reed, The Lifetime Healthcare Companies president and CEO. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for the reputation CDPHP has built in the Capital Region and the work of the health plan. It just makes sense to partner with such a trusted, mission-driven not-for-profit whose culture aligns so closely to ours.”

CDPHP and The Lifetime Healthcare Companies have announced their intent to affiliate with the appropriate government agencies. While the plans await regulatory approval, it’s important to understand that services will continue as usual for members, providers, employers, and strategic partners.

The boards of directors of CDPHP and The Lifetime Healthcare Companies unanimously approved the affiliation.

“As a physician founded and guided health plan, the CDPHP board of directors knew it was important that we find a health plan that puts patient care first. I am pleased to say that we have found a likeminded partner with The Lifetime Healthcare Companies,” said chair of the CDPHP board of directors Dr. Michael DeVito. “We look forward to working alongside The Lifetime Healthcare Companies as we continue our mission of providing access to high quality, high satisfaction care in the communities we serve.”  

“We're confident that The Lifetime Healthcare Companies and CDPHP will accomplish even more together with this affiliation,” said Faheem Masood, chair of The Lifetime Healthcare Companies boards of directors. “The health insurers are likeminded in mission, and their shared commitment to our communities will help make health care better for us all.”

CDPHP, headquartered in Albany, NY, and The Lifetime Healthcare Companies, headquartered in Rochester, NY, serve largely different areas. CDPHP currently employs 1,400 people in the Capital Region and beyond and serves 400,000 members in 36 counties. The Lifetime Healthcare Companies employs about 4,500 New Yorkers and serves 1.5 million members in the 39 counties of upstate New York.

About The Lifetime Healthcare Companies

The Lifetime Healthcare Companies is a not-for-profit holding company that finances and delivers health care services in Upstate New York. Its affiliates include:

  • Excellus BlueCross BlueShield - A nonprofit health plan and independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association serving 31 counties of Upstate New York.
  • Univera Healthcare -  A nonprofit health plan serving the eight counties of Western New York.
  • Lifetime Benefit Solutions, Inc. - A full-service, third-party administrator offering reimbursement accounts, COBRA and other employee wellness-related plans.
  • MedAmerica Insurance Company - MedAmerica offers long-term care insurance to both individuals and employer groups.

About CDPHP®

Established in 1984, CDPHP is a physician-founded, member-focused, community-based, not-for-profit health plan that offers high-quality, affordable health insurance throughout New York. The CDPHP family of companies includes:

  • CDPHP & CDPHP Universal Benefits Inc. – A not-for-profit, community-based health plan serving 400,000 members in 36 counties across upstate New York.
  • CCP TASS – A management services organization (MSO) that provides the administrative, back-office services needed to support Community Care Physicians.
  • Strategic Solutions – A full-service medical billing and practice consulting company offering a comprehensive, sophisticated approach to physicians and hospitals.
  • ConnectRx – Full-service, community-based pharmacy offering superior customer service and free home delivery to patients in New York’s Capital Region.

###

CenterState CEO

Other Member News

2025 Central New York Real Estate Conference
October 21, 2025

2025 Central New York Real Estate Conference

This one-day event offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, lead generation, and brand visibility—whether through attending, tabling, or sponsoring.

October 20, 2025

Springbrook Expands in Central New York with New Syracuse Office

The expansion marks an exciting milestone in Springbrook’s ongoing mission to provide exceptional, person-centered support across the state.

Warm, hearty meals for casual friendly get-togethers
October 17, 2025

Fulton Dining and Activity Center Menu

Reservations are encouraged and bussing is available from participants homes to the center.

Oswego Jiu Jitsu & The Mix Women's Self-Defense Seminar
October 15, 2025

Oswego Jiu Jitsu & The Mix Women's Self-Defense Seminar

Find out more information and register here.

October 15, 2025

Join SUNY Oswego for A Showcase of Innovation, Collaboration and Impact!

RSVP to join us on October 23-24, 2025 at SUNY Oswego for any or all of the following four free events.

BCBS
October 14, 2025

Excellus BCBS 2026 Enrollment

Three simple steps to finding your new plan for 2026.

Shoulder Pain? Join SOS for a Virtual Community Talk on November 12 2025
October 14, 2025

SOS to Host Virtual Community Talk: “Your Shoulder Health: Exploring Arthritis Care and Surgical Advances”

The goal of the webinar is to empower patients and caregivers with evidence-based information, demystify the treatment process, and provide a forum for questions.

John Huhtala
October 7, 2025

Tompkins Community Bank Welcomes Commercial Banking Regional Manager

Huhtala, a 28-year industry veteran known for his leadership, mentorship and community engagement, will lead operations with the goal of driving growth and value for the bank’s clients.

shake shack pic
October 7, 2025

Shake Shack Grand Opening in DeWitt

We will be donating $1 from every burger and chicken sandwich purchased to the Food Bank of Central New York.