JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida Blue is the state’s largest health insurer, and it may soon be rejected at Baptist Health facilities.
Florida Blue Insurance continues to negotiate with Baptist Health, the two sides have been at it since February but have not agreed to a deal.
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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.
On Thursday, Baptist Health patients received a letter that reads in part:
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
Florida Blue issued this statement Thursday:
As negotiations continue, Baptist Health is still demanding rate increases totaling hundreds of millions of dollars and their latest proposal seeks to exclude seniors, those with disabilities, children, and ACA-covered individuals from accessing their facilities.
Agreeing to these terms would be irresponsible, leading to higher costs for health care across Northeast Florida.
We remain committed to negotiating a fair agreement and hope Baptist Health will offer a reasonable proposal.
As discussions continue, Florida Blue members have in-network access to Baptist Health providers through September 30. If members are turned away by Baptist providers before October 1, please call the number located on the back of the Florida Blue member ID card for support.
Florida Blue Spokesperson
If the calendar turns to October without a new contract, the hospital system says Florida Blue members will have the option to change doctors, choose a different insurance plan or ask for an estimate to continue on a self-pay basis with their Baptist or Wolfson Children’s provider.
Patients can find answers to their questions at baptistjax.com/florida-blue and at floridablue.com/negotiation/baptisthealthjax.