The Medical Center of Central Georgia, Affiliated Hospitals and Physicians Prepare for Contract Termination with Blue Cross Blue Shield
The Medical Center of Central Georgia, Affiliated Hospitals and Physicians Prepare for Contract Termination with Blue Cross Blue Shield
MACON, GA (Wednesday, April 23, 2014) – After almost nine months of negotiations with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBS), Central Georgia Health System (CGHS) and its affiliated entities are now preparing for contract termination. The current contract is scheduled to terminate on Thursday, April 24, 2014.
If the contract is allowed to terminate, CGHS will continue to accept BCBS insurance, but will do so as an out-of-network provider as of April 25, 2014. Affected CGHS entities include:
- Central Georgia Health Network's 841 physicians
- Central Georgia Rehabilitation Hospital
- The Medical Center of Central Georgia
- The Medical Center of Peach County
"Throughout this process, Central Georgia Health System has offered to continue substantial discounts to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia in hopes of continuing our contract renewal seamlessly. However, in order to achieve optimal patient care, we must address medical inflation and substantial declines in reimbursement. We are also sensitive to concerns about future premium increases and have kept our proposals well within range for the Georgia market," said Rhonda Perry, Chief Financial Officer for CGHS.
CGHS strongly believes in providing the central Georgia community with a continuity of care. CGHS has established a dedicated call center to address questions and concerns. The call center may be reached at 478-633-8888 or for more information, please visit www.mccg.org. In the event of contract termination, CGHS is committed to creating financial arrangements for out-of-network care during this transition period.
CGHS continues good faith efforts at negotiations with BCBS, and remains hopeful that terms may be reached before contract termination.