Anthem encourages insurance carriers to seek other providers and care

While Reid Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield are still attempting to reach an agreement, Tony Felts, spokesman for ABCBS, said there are other locations patients can begin to look at that accept their insurance.

"Despite receiving an increase of nearly 5 percent on January 1 to account for the effects of inflation, Reid insists on raising healthcare costs by millions of dollars over the next three years, which is unaffordable and unacceptable for Anthem's employers and members," Felts said. "Anthem has presented a proposal that offers fair rates in line with those accepted by other health systems in the state, including Ascension, which operates Ascension Health St. Vincent Randolph hospital in Winchester."

Felts said they remain committed to securing affordable access to care for Hoosiers and will continue to negotiate, however, they recommend members schedule elective procedures at one of the other health systems in their network to avoid potential out of network costs that would begin on March 18 if an agreement is not reached.

"We are actively working with our in-network provider partners outside of Richmond to ensure that our members health needs are met. A list of in-network providers can be found at anthem.com or on the Sydney mobile app. They are actively preparing to take on new patients if an agreement with Reid isn't reached."

Other hospitals in the area are ready to provide reliable access to high quality, in-network care to Anthem members, including:

IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, IN

Henry Community Health, New Castle, IN

St. Vincent Randolph Hospital, Winchester, IN

McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital, Oxford, OH

Wayne Hospital, Greenville, OH

Felts also said they will continue to negotiate on their customers' behalf to help keep health costs affordable and hope that Reid Health will compromise to find an acceptable resolution for healthcare consumers in the community.

"This contract termination would affect members in individual, employer-sponsored, Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans."

Below are frequently asked questions, answered by ABCBS:

Why is Reid Health choosing to leave the Anthem network?

Reid Health is the only major health system in Wayne County and the surrounding counties of east central Indiana. Over the years, they have used this to their advantage by demanding unreasonable contract terms. As a result, Reid has become one of the costliest health systems in the state.

What if I am currently being treated at Reid Health?

We know this is especially concerning for our members currently receiving care from Reid Health. If you are receiving treatment for a serious or complex condition that will continue past March 18, 2024, please contact our Member Service Center at the number on your Anthem ID card. You may be able to continue your care at these facilities for a limited time after that date under certain medical circumstances.

Who will be affected if Reid Health leaves Anthem's network?

All Anthem members receiving healthcare services from Reid Health will be affected, including those in employer-sponsored, Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans. If Reid Health leaves our network on March 18, 2024, as they have stated, Anthem members will experience much higher costs for non-emergency care received from Reid facilities and physician groups. This is why we always recommend seeking care from in-network providers.

Where can I go for care if Reid Health leaves Anthem's network? Will I need to find a new primary care physician?

Anthem offers a broad network of hospitals and physicians. You can use the Sydney Health mobile app or anthem.com to find the nearest in-network care providers. You can also contact Anthem Member Services through Sydney Health or by calling the number on your Anthem ID Card.

What should I do if I need emergency medical care from Reid Health?

It is important to remember that their facilities and physician groups will remain in Anthem's network until at least March 17, 2023, the date the current contract expires. Even if they leave our network, if you need emergency care you should immediately go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1. Coverage will be provided according to the member's policy benefits and in-network cost shares.

Answers provided by: https://www.anthem.com/reidhealth/