The acquisition of Lake Forest Hospital by Northwestern Memorial Health System was formally announced on Jan. 29, 2010. For the time being, the Northwestern Memorial Healthcare System parent company will have two separate subsidiaries: Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital.

At this time, each hospital will maintain separate agreements with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) and there is no plan to renegotiate agreements with BCBSIL. Lake Forest Hospital will remain in the provider network for the remainder of its contract with BCBSIL.