Network S Updates for CHI Memorial Patients
Updated June 19, 2024
Unfortunately, in early May, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) announced their decision to remove CHI Memorial from Network S effective July 1, 2024.
OPTIONS TO REMAIN WITH CHI MEMORIAL AND ITS PHYSICIANS:
The best option for Network S patients to remain with CHI Memorial and its physicians is to switch to a plan that includes CHI Memorial. These options include the following:
- Cigna Local Plus which is the other competitive narrow network product in the community
- BCBST Network P which is a broad network
- View insurance plans offered that include CHI Memorial
In many situations, employers may add these options to their insurance offerings as soon as July 1, 2024. Patients should discuss these options with their HR benefits department.
CHI MEMORIAL’S DECISION TO SUPPORT PATIENTS:
Network S Individual and Group PPO Plans: If the above options are not available to you until annual renewal, then CHI Memorial will support Network S PPO plan patients from July 1 through December 31, 2024, by accepting Network S patients at our hospitals and physician clinics in accordance with BCBST’s benefit coverage and prior authorization. This will include all CHI Memorial hospitals, The Chattanooga Heart Institute, and CHI Memorial Medical Group clinics.
Under the support arrangement, PPO Plan patients will be financially responsible for their out-of-pocket share at in-network benefit levels. CHI Memorial will accept BCBST’s lower out-of-network rates for our facility services. Again, we are accepting these lower rates for a six-month period of time to support our patients, in response to the overwhelming requests we have received to allow patients time to change to another insurance plan that includes CHI Memorial and its physicians.
Network S EPO/HMO Plans: If you have a plan that may not have out-of-network coverage such as an Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) or a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan, you may continue to receive care without BCBST out-of-network coverage from CHI Memorial and its physicians as a self-pay patient for a discount. CHI Memorial will bill the patient and then the patient may seek reimbursement from BCBST. Please call our hospital billing office at (800) 276-3614 or CHI Memorial Medical Group billing office at (833) 513-3903 for more information about payment obligations as a self-pay patient.
Out-of-State BlueCross BlueShield Plans: This also impacts Out-of-State BlueCross BlueShield plans that access Network S. If you have questions, please contact the number on the back of your insurance card.
CONTINUITY OF CARE OPTION
Some patients undergoing treatment for certain conditions may be able to continue receiving care at in-network rates for a period of time after July 1, 2024, through a Continuity of Care benefit. CHI Memorial physicians will assist patients in completing and submitting the Continuity of Care form found here. Please complete your portion with your Chattanooga Heart Institute or CHI Memorial Medical Group physician and then submit the form to BCBST. BCBST makes the final determination about eligibility for Continuity of Care benefits.
EMERGENCY CARE COVERAGE
Please remember, emergency care is always covered in-network. Insurance companies are legally required to cover true emergency department care at an in-network benefit level.
While we are disappointed in BCBST’s decision to exclude CHI Memorial from Network S, we remain committed to our patients. The options above have been carefully vetted to ensure we are doing everything we can to continue providing care to our patients who have trusted us with their care for many years. Call (423) 495-2583 to speak with someone about the options above.