Memphis, Tennessee — One of the largest health insurers has to sign a contract with one of the largest Mid-South healthcare providers by the end of the year.
Otherwise, thousands of families could end up incurring much higher costs or neglecting care.
Like many parents, Shana Lowell entered the last week of the year with some uncertainty. Her family has health insurance through her Blue Cross Blue Shield, but most of the time she doesn’t know if she can use it. Her son’s doctor will come next week.
She has been to a Methodist hospital in the past and my son sees a lot of Crohn’s specialists.
“I’m very, very scared,” Lowell said. “What if God forbid an emergency? Can’t you take me to the main children’s hospital in the city?”
Blue Cross Blue Shield has been stuck in negotiations with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare for months. Insurance company members make up more than half of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital’s patients, but pay more premiums, according to the insurance company.
On Tuesday, the insurer issued a statement to WREG saying, “We appreciate the care provided by Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Facility and hope to reach an agreement.”
They also added, “Finding ways to make care more affordable is more important than ever.”
Officials at Methodist Le Bonheur also told WREG that negotiations were ongoing.
“This is more than just revenue. There are people affected behind this, real people trying to put food on the table,” Lowell said.
Lowell spent weeks searching for the best options for her family. She says they’re sticking with Blue Cross Blue Shield, and all she can do is hope for good news by New Year’s Eve.
Blue Cross Blue Shield has over 3.5 million members in Tennessee.
Not all Methodist-Le Bonheur related providers are affected. If you’re worried about your New Year’s coverage, check with your doctor.
