Reid Health and Anthem insurance still have yet to reach agreement

Reid Health and Anthem insurance are trying to reach an agreement by March to keep Reid in their network but a negotiation is still in the works, according to Reid Health.

For several months, Reid Health has been working with Anthem insurance to reach a new agreement on contracts for hospital, clinic and physician and provider services.

Unless they achieve a new contract soon, all Anthem plans will be out of network with Reid Health hospital and medical providers beginning on March 18, 2024.

While Reid has stated they are still waiting on an agreement, Anthem has sent letters out to those they provide insurance for.

On February 16, many Anthem insurance carriers received a letter in the mail, reading:

"We want to give you some important information about your provider network. On march 18, 2024, Reid Hospital, an affiliated physicians located in Richmond, is leaving the Blue Cross Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan Preferred network.

After March 18, this provider my not submit your claims for you anymore. You might need to pay your provider upfront then submit a claim to us. You can download the claim form at feeble.org/forms.

After March 18, you will need to request approval for any planned inpatient hospital stays. If you don't, we'll reduce your benefits to $500."

The letter went on to read what happens after May 16, 2024.

Standard Option members

This provider doesn't have to accept our payment (allowance) as payment in full anymore. This could mean much higher out-of-pocket costs for you. Here's why: You'll pay your deductible (if you have met it yet) plus your portion of the non-preferred provider allowance (coinsurance) plus the remainder of what the provider charges (balance-bill-charges). The coinsurance and balance bill charges can be significant.

Basic options and FEP Blue Focus members

You don't have benefits for care provided by non-preferred providers. That means you'll pay the full cost when you visit this/these providers unless you're visiting an emergency situation.

Extending your care past May 16

If you're currently seeing this provider for ongoing treatment of a chronic or long-term condition, we may extend preferred coverage of your care. Pregnant members: if you are pregnant, we will extend this benefit until you've completed your postpartum care.

To see if you qualify for this kind of extension call us at 800-382-5520.

For additional information, please visit fepblue.org/ provider.

As of Tuesday, Reid Health Media Relations Specialist Jason Truitt said, "There is no update at this time other than we continue to negotiate with Anthem."

He did state: "We're now scheduling patients who have Anthem past the March 17 out-of-network date."

Here's what you can do today to help protect your in-network access to Reid Health:

Call Anthem or your health plan at the number on the back of your Anthem identification card. Ask Anthem to protect your in-network access to the Reid Health services and providers who you know and trust.

If you have employer-sponsored health insurance, talk to your employer and/or human resources representative about your need for continued in-network access to Reid Health's services and providers. Ask them to reach out and encourage Anthem to ensure that Reid Health remains in-network for your plan.

Those with anthem insurance who use Reid Health should visit (reidhealth access.org) to get daily updates on the negation.