Deadlines are looming in some payer-provider contract disagreements, while other ongoing negotiations are leaving members out of network.
Here are four updates on ongoing contract negotiations.
- Johns Hopkins Health System will go out of network with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield if the two sides are unable to agree on a contract by Dec. 5. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is urging the Baltimore-based health system and CareFirst to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, Maryland Matters reported Oct. 18.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi and University of Mississippi Medical Center have been out of network since April 1. Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney suspended mediations between the two sides after six weeks without progress, NBC affiliate WLBT reported Oct. 11. He said he expects to see an agreement reached in the coming weeks.
- Raleigh, N.C.-based WakeMed has been out of network with UnitedHealthcare since June 1. The two sides have made progress in negotiations, CBS17 reported Oct. 12. UnitedHealthcare told the station its "top priority" is to move negotiations forward quickly.
- Amarillo, Texas-based Baptist St. Anthony Health System will go out of network with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas on Dec. 7 if the sides are unable to agree on a new contract. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas told Becker's in September it is negotiating in good faith and is committed to reaching an agreement.