Grady Hospital Ends Contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield

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Because of a long-standing contract dispute, Grady Memorial Hospital will no longer be in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia’s network when the current contract ends Nov. 24 at midnight due.
Grady execs released a statement to Atlanta Business Chronicle.
“Grady is a lifesaving and essential resource in Atlanta, yet Blue Cross Blue Shield pays our health system up to 70 percent less than it pays other Georgia hospitals,” the hospital said. “By paying us unfairly low rates, Blue Cross Blue Shield has long put Grady at a disadvantage and threatens our long-term sustainability. Throughout our negotiations, we proposed several compromises but Blue Cross continually refused to move in their position in any meaningful way.”
For it’s part, Blue Cross said it did not cease contract negotiations with Grady and remains willing to negotiate an agreement “that will not force health care costs to increase substantially for our employer groups” and members.
A BCBSGa spokesperson said Grady decided to leave the network if a new agreement could not be reached by Nov. 24.
“… [BCBSGa is] concerned about increases in the cost of health care that would have a negative impact on our customers’ ability to access the care they need,” said Tony Felts, spokesperson for BCBSGa. “We pay fair reimbursement to Grady Health System for the care they deliver, consistent with our arrangements with other Level 1 Trauma hospitals in the state. Unfortunately, Grady is seeking a reimbursement increase that is significantly higher than the rate of inflation. We are hopeful that an agreement can be reached. If we are not successful, our members will continue to have other options…”

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