Blue KC Announce Affiliation Agreement With Highmark Inc.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City announced it has entered into an affiliation agreement with Highmark Inc. FILE PHOTO.

Posted December 17, 2025

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City announced plans to affiliate with Highmark Inc., a not-for-profit health insurer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

This affiliation is a significant step toward Blue KC’s long-term growth and expanding the value it delivers to its members, employers, providers and the broader community, according to a Blue KC release.

Following an evaluation process to find an affiliation partner, Highmark was chosen based on its capabilities, values as a not-for-profit, mission-driven healthcare plan and track record of successful affiliations with other regional plans. 

Highlights of the affiliation include: 

  • Blue KC will continue as a locally governed, not-for-profit company headquartered in Kansas City.  
  • Blue KC will continue to use its local brand. 
  • Blue KC will continue its unwavering support for the community. 
  • Financial reserves and earnings remain at Blue KC, ensuring continued local reinvestment. 
  • Highmark will provide administrative capabilities, leading technologies and innovative tools to enhance Blue KC’s product offerings and operational efficiencies. 

“Blue KC’s affiliation with Highmark strengthens our legacy of building healthier Kansas City communities,” Blue KC Chief Executive Officer Erin Stucky said in the release. “We explored a number of opportunities to build on our commitments to the Kansas City region and be responsive to market needs. Our evaluation process was comprehensive, and we are confident Highmark is the right partner to help us deliver greater value for our community.” 

Erin Stucky announced her plans to retire by the end of 2026 in October. Jenny Housley, Blue KC’s senior vice president and chief revenue officer, will succeed Stucky.

Together, Blue KC and Highmark will serve nearly eight million members nationwide.

“At Highmark, we have developed diverse, market-leading solutions to improve outcomes, reduce costs and drive growth,” Chief Executive Officer of Diversified Businesses for Highmark Inc. and Chief Growth Officer, Deb Rice-Johnson, said in the release. “Through this portfolio, we have partnered with leading Blues organizations from across the country.”