Jackson-based University of Mississippi Medical Center and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi extended their contract until July 31 and agreed to a mediator in their dispute, according to Mississippi News Now.
A 28-year-old contract between UMMC and BCBS was set to expire July 1. Some Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi members could have paid 29 times more for the same procedure at UMMC if the provider left the insurer's network, according to the Clarion Ledger.
Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney said, "I am pleased to report that both BCBSMS and UMMC have now agreed to a mediator suggested by the Department of Insurance in their contractual dispute. The mediation proceedings will take place sometime during the month of July 2018."
"In the meantime, UMMC has agreed to proceed under the contract terms through the month of July," he added, "pending the outcome of the mediation. BCBSMS will continue to pay in-network rates as they are now doing."
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