Fishersville, Va.-based Augusta Health's contract dispute with Anthem BlueCross BlueShield evoked discussions on possible legislative intervention, the NewsLeader reports.
Here are four things to know about the parties' impasse.
1. If Augusta Health and Anthem fail to negotiate a new contract, Anthem policyholders will no longer be able to access Augusta Health's hospital and Augusta Medical Group physicians at in-network rates after Dec. 31, 2017, and Jan. 31, 2018, respectively.
2. State Sen. Emmett Hanger, R-Mount Solon, told NewsLeader more oversight from the Virginia Bureau of Insurance should be considered in disruptive payer-provider disputes, such as forced mediation.
3. Another state regulator said implementing a "framework" to address contract impasses between payers and providers should be considered.
4. Augusta Health and Anthem are still attempting to negotiate a new contract, according to the report.
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