BlueCross chooses Parkridge over CHI Memorial in hospital negotiations
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The leading insurance company in the Chattanooga area is shaking up the hospital wars.
BlueCross has chosen to go with Parkridge Health System over CHI Memorial for its popular Blue Network S.
Parkridge would join Erlanger as BlueCross’ in-network options.
BlueCross posted that it expects the deal will save customers more money than CHI Memorial was willing to offer.
But CHI Memorial claims the insurance company did not have to bargain shop.
“It is very disappointing. BCBST has $4.1 billion in cash reserves that could be used to pay providers fairly without raising premiums,” CHI leaders said. They added that other insurance plans were willing to do so.
The switchover happens this summer.
So, what does this mean if you have a CHI Memorial doctor, now under Blue Network S?
BlueCross says it will not raise your rates, at least for now.
“We’ve made the decision to keep paying for our members’ care from CHI Memorial’s doctors at current rates. This means members can continue to see their current doctor without any added cost from BlueCross,” the company explained.
However, CHI Memorial officials are asking their customers to take action.
CHI wants customers to either call or email BlueCross asking for a new agreement.
They provided these contacts to voice your concerns:
- Commercial networks (S and P) 1-800-924-7141
- Medicare Advantage 1-800-924-7141
- Medicaid (BlueCare) 1-800-468-9736
- Email: leadership@bcbst.com
