About one-third of patients at a health care provider practicing throughout Cayuga County will be affected by planned changes to insurance policies.
On July 15, FamilyCare Medical Group sent a letter to patients informing them that, as of Jan. 1, it plans to end its relationship with insurer Excelus Blue Cross Blue Shield.
The company wants to expand its services and hire more staff, President and CEO Dr. Mitchell Brody told The Citizen. But Excellus won’t adjust compensation to reflect those changes, he added. FamilyCare said in its letter that the company “has not delivered on its commitment to support clinical programs that lead to positive patient outcomes.”
“Quality is something we can’t compromise on,” Brody said. “Our concept of quality is about providing better service to patients and keeping them out of hospital.”
Anyone else reading this…
In response, Excellus issued a statement to The Citizen saying contract negotiations are common at this time of year and that FamilyCare’s failure to renew its contract next year would end the more than 23-year relationship. The company operates in Auburn, Skaneateles, Illa and Elbridge.
“It is unfortunate that (FamilyCare) has notified its members and caused unnecessary anxiety when there are still more than five months to reach an agreement,” Excellas said.
FamilyCare’s letter said it continues to work toward a new contract with Excellus, but that “there are significant issues in the relationship that need to be resolved.”
The health care provider’s move comes after Auburn-based WellNow Urgent Care ended its partnership with an insurer in November, citing rising costs.
Brody said FamilyCare experienced delays on its contract with Excelus three years ago, a situation he described as “very hectic and hectic,” and that the provider did not want to repeat that.
Changes to insurance policies typically come with a 90-day notice, and Brody stressed that it’s important to notify patients now, as this gives them more time to find new coverage if they choose.
FamilyCare Medical Group will remain in network with MVP, Humana, Aetna and United Healthcare.
“There are several insurance companies that have worked with us,” Brody said, “but Excelus has not.”
Still, Brody said FamilyCare won’t deny care, but some people may experience higher copayments or out-of-network copayments.
“We are giving patients time to consider their options,” he said. “Patients can communicate their concerns to Excellus.”
Staff writer Christopher Malone can be reached at (315) 282-2232 or [email protected].
