Haywood medical providers saw uptick during Mission dispute with BlueCross

Dec. 07--A stand-off between Mission Health and BlueCross BlueShield over health insurance reimbursement rates was resolved this week. Mission will accept BlueCross insurance again starting Friday, Dec. 15.

For the past two months, patients with BlueCross insurance couldn't go to Mission facilities unless they were willing to pay the higher cost of out-of-network rates.

Meanwhile, medical providers in Haywood County saw an increase in patients that seems to stem from the Mission dispute with BlueCross. Patients who rediscovered the quality healthcare in their own backyard may end up making their switch permanent, local providers hope.

"We did receive many people transferring over to Haywood," said Breanna Hightower with Waynesville Family Practice. "The people who have come through really appreciated it and liked all the doctors they have seen."

Neither Mission nor BlueCross are talking about the settlement they reached beyond a simple joint statement.

"Both parties are pleased to reach agreement on the mutual goal of ensuring that the people of Western North Carolina receive the affordable, quality health care that they need," according to a joint statement released by BlueCross and Mission.

It isn't known which party was victorious or came out with the upper hand.

"Details of the contract are confidential therefore we will not be sharing additional details other than what we have shared in our joint statement and our FAQ's," Mission officials replied when asked about the resolution.

Mission claimed it wasn't being reimbursed fairly by BlueCross, while BlueCross claimed Mission should cut costs. During the two-month contract lapse, an exception was made for patients with ongoing care at Mission, for emergency room visits and for specialized care not available at any other medical facility in the region.

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