Sarasota Memorial, Florida Blue indicate progress in talks

March 22--With a March 31 deadline approaching for contract talks between Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and Florida Blue, the state provider for Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurance, both sides say they are moving closer to an agreement.

But they are not specifying the sticking points that remain.

"We have made progress," hospital spokeswoman Kim Savage reported, "but are still working out a few important details. We remain optimistic that we can finalize an agreement before the end of the month."

Speaking for Florida Blue, senior director of public relations Paul Kluding had a similar statement Thursday: "We are continuing negotiations with Sarasota Memorial Hospital and are working collaboratively to come to an agreement soon that will be beneficial for our members in the area."

Florida Blue informed about 15,000 local members in early March of the possibility that the entire Sarasota Memorial system -- its First Physicians Group and urgent care centers, as well as the hospital -- could be out of network on April 1 if a new contract is not signed. The insurer sent out notices directing its customers to the six other hospitals in Manatee and Sarasota counties, and its online provider directory at floridablue.com.

Sarasota Memorial negotiators have asked the insurer for what the hospital calls "a modest rate increase" for its affiliated doctors, "their first in more than five years." They are also seeking language in the contract that allows for prompt resolution and payment of claims.

The Sarasota County School District's human resources and labor relations director, Roy Sprinkle, told School Board members Thursday afternoon that Blue Cross Blue Shield and Sarasota Memorial Hospital had reached a tentative agreement earlier in the day. He added that there would be no lapse in health insurance coverage for Sarasota County's almost 5,000 employees. He said he expected to have an announcement to staff soon.

But Savage, of Sarasota Memorial, later confirmed that there was not yet a tentative agreement to announce.

A hospital website, smh.com/bcbs, has been providing updates on the negotiations for patients who are worried about losing coverage. The hospital points out that possible out-of-network charges would not apply for patients who are pregnant or in treatment for certain ongoing conditions. Nor do these charges apply in emergency situations.

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