Hospital continues fight with BCBS
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From The Knox County Hospital District—
KNOX CITY—Knox County Hospital Director Stephen Kuehler sent a letter out to the community recently, providing an update about the hospital’s dispute with Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
“Despite the fact that our hospital attorneys had worked with BCBS in good faith, seeking an extension to our contract until the current court action has been resolved, Blue Cross Blue Shield refused to grant the extension,” he said.
“I regret that Blue Cross has chosen to punish all Knox County and the surrounding area residents who rely on Knox County Hospital for their health care needs. I will not back down to this insurance giant but will continue to do what is in the best interest of Knox County Hospital District.”
Kuehler indicated that a meeting is scheduled Feb. 20 with BCBS and said he would continue to keep Knox citizens aware as the case moves forward.
Here’s what he also added in the letter:
“How Can You Help?
“Contact Blue Cross at: member.HCSC.net.
“Contact Texas Department of Insurance: 800.578.4677. Contact Your Elected Representatives in Austin: https://knoxcountyhealthcare.org/take-action/
“I encourage you to contact these people every day. If there are two people in your household, both people can contact them. Until they grow tired of hearing from us, they will not do anything.”
What does this mean to you?
Kuehler noted that Blue Cross Blue Shield has terminated only the Hospital contract which affects admissions to the hospital, laboratory, radiology, physical therapy, outpatient services, and cardiac rehabilitation. The Munday Clinic, Knox City Clinic, Home Health and Ambulance services continue to be Preferred Providers and will remain in network.
Blue Cross as Secondary to Medicare: If Medicare is your primary coverage (meaning it pays first) and you have Standard Option, Blue Cross will continue to provide secondary coverage. If you have Basic Option or FEP Blue Focus, Medicare will pay their portion of your service, however they will not pay as secondary.
ederal & State Blue Cross Plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield will continue to pay for covered benefits at the Preferred level until March 9, 2020.
Standard Blue Cross Plans: For hospital services, these plans will be out of network.
Emergency Room: Blue Cross will continue to pay for emergency services.
