Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's contract with Wausau, Wis.-based Aspirus Health is on uncertain terms as the deadline to negotiate a new contract approaches, CBS affiliate WSAW reported Oct. 26.
Aspirus sent a letter to Anthem members Oct. 19, warning enrollees negotiations between the health system and Anthem were "stalled." The health system operates 17 hospitals across Wisconsin and Michigan, along with 75 clinics.
Aspirus Chief Financial Officer Sid Sczygelski told the news station it terminated its contract with Anthem to prevent auto-renewal and has been negotiating with the payer since June.
The system wants to see higher reimbursement rates as inflation increases.
"We think we're making some progress, but there's a lot more progress to make," Mr. Sczygelski said.
An Anthem spokesperson told the station the payer is "concerned" that Aspirus will not accept Anthem Medicare and Medicaid members as part of a new agreement.
"Additionally, Aspirus is demanding double-digit price increases over the next two years for individuals and people covered through their employer, putting further financial pressure on people and businesses," the spokesperson told WSAW.
The two sides must reach an agreement by Dec. 31 for Anthem to remain in-network with Aspirus.