JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida Blue, the state’s largest health insurer, may soon be rejected at Baptist Health facilities if the two can’t negotiate a new agreement.
The deadline is one month away on Sept. 30.
The two sides have been at it since February but have not agreed to a deal.
If the parties can’t reach an agreement before October, Baptist would be considered out-of-network for thousands of patients, making care unaffordable for many.
They would be left with the choice to pay more to access health care, switch providers or change insurance companies -- although those with health insurance through their employment often do not have a choice of insurer.
A statement on Florida Blue’s website says:
We want to assure you, the community and our members — individuals, families, seniors, businesses large and small, as well as our sales and other partners — that we are doing everything we can to try and resolve this situation. Our goal is to reach a fair agreement that preserves access to affordable, in-network care without raising health care costs for our members.
Florida Blue
Baptist Health’s website shared the following statement:
We remain committed to good faith negotiations, as we have since this process began back in February. There is nothing more important than ensuring our patients can continue to see their trusted Baptist Health and Wolfson Children’s doctors and use our hospitals — now and for generations to come.
Baptist Health
Both groups are making claims about their proposed rate increases.
Florida Blue says that “while Baptist Health has been a longstanding provider partner, the group is demanding double-digit annual rate increases that are well above inflation.”
Baptist Health has since responded with this statement:
After months of little progress, we recently had a flurry of negotiations activity with Florida Blue including a demand from them to approve a one-year increase with a promise to figure out the rest of the contract later. In response we proposed single-digit increases over several years that would gradually bring us up to market-based rates. The amount of increase we have proposed is a fraction of what they have publicly claimed. We continue to urge Florida Blue to work with us in updating contract terms and to agree on a long-term agreement with fair payment rates. The win-win outcome we strive for is a fair, long-term agreement that provides us with certainty, provides Florida Blue with network stability and ensures our patients have continued access to the quality care they rely on.
Michael Mayo, Baptist Health President & CEO
READ ENTIRE LETTER: Baptist Letter to Florida Blue patients
Patients can find answers to their questions at baptistjax.com/florida-blue and at floridablue.com/negotiation/baptisthealthjax.