Fairview could leave Blue Cross network

[dflprincess]

http://www.startribune.com/business/25601674.html?location_refer=Business:highlightModules:3

In a little over a month, Fairview Health Services no longer will be part of the medical provider network for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota unless they can resolve a standoff over prices.

The current contract expires Aug. 23. If a new one isn't signed, Blue Cross members then would have to pay out-of-network charges at Fairview clinics. The cut-off date for Fairview hospitals is later, Oct. 28. After those dates, Blue Cross members who want to go to a Fairview clinic or hospital would have to pay significantly more or find another medical provider.

It's rare for contract negotiations to come down to the wire, and the stakes are particularly high because of the players involved. Blue Cross is Minnesota's biggest health insurer, with 2.9 million members. Fairview is the third-biggest hospital and clinic group and owns the University of Minnesota Medical Center.

The contract involves Blue Cross' Aware PPO (preferred provider) network, which includes every hospital in the state and more than 90 percent of physicians.

But remember - a national health care plan would remember you can't pick your own physician. :sarcasm:

[kickysnana]

1. Health Partners dropped Axis UCARE last January.

I dropped Axis UCARE when they dropped 50% of UCARE patients the year before while "negotiating" in order to stay with a doctor who has a clue about my complicated medical history rather than trying to re-educate someone else.