UPDATE: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Hartford HealthCare have reached a multi-year agreement to allow Hartford HealthCare’s hospitals and clinics to rejoin Anthem’s networks as a participating provider.
The agreement actually broadens the care to include specialists and hospitals, allowing for more integration across the network and an easier way for multiple doctors to coordinate care for a patient. The companies will also create a chronic care program that focuses on special needs of those who have complex conditions.
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The failure of Hartford HealthCare and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to reach a contract deal by midnight on Oct. 1 has forced five hospitals to back out of participating in Anthem’s insurer network. The hospitals effected are Hartford Hospital, the Hospital of Central Connecticut, MidState Medical Center, William W. Backus Hospital, and the Institute of Living and Jefferson House.
The development could cause some patients to pay higher out-of-pocket prices for medical care, or force them to make tough decisions such as delaying elective care.
"Let's say that they have an elective surgery that's scheduled for today or later. They have no idea if there's going to be a contract reached between now and the time that their surgery comes. So, do they want to pay higher out of network rates?" Hartford Courant insurance columnist Matthew Sturdevant said.
Hartford HealthCare has released a list of answers to questions that may be bothering patients who are on Anthem insurance. For example, if there is an emergency, patients will still receive emergency medical care. Also, those patients receiving continuing care for chronic illness or who are in their third trimester of pregnancy will have no change to their coverage.
If a patient has questions about rescheduling a procedure, they are encouraged to contact their doctor.
On Wednesday, Hartford HealthCare released a statement saying in part, “We remain open to discussions with Anthem to resolve this impasse. Hartford HealthCare is committed to reaching a fair agreement with Anthem--one that is sustainable for both parties and puts patients first.”
