For the past several months, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) negotiated with Tenet Health System to keep its facilities among the hospitals in BCBSGa’s network, and available to members.
Commissioners voted at a recent meeting to change to Cigna's coverage for all county employees.
Blue Cross responds to Tenet charges
Tenet Health System is comprised of several healthcare providers including five (5) hospitals: Atlanta Medical Center, North Fulton Hospital, South Fulton Medical Center, Spalding Regional Medical Center and Sylvan Grove Hospital.
"BCBSGa values the care Tenet Health System provided to our members and we made considerable effort to keep them in our network," said a statement issued by the company. "In that Tenet Health System has terminated its contract, effective 7/1/2010, BCBSGa has ensured that services rendered by Tenet providers are available from other in-network area providers. This termination does not impact any other of the over 185 hospitals that make up the extensive BCBSGa networks throughout Georgia."
In the past months, many county employees have complained about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia coverage and providers. Following a workshop to hear their concerns, commissioners voted to change plans to Cigna, which offers health care access at more local providers.
"The biggest complaint we heard was there was no access to Thomaston providers," said Matt Bidwell of MSI Benefits Group. "The Cigna plan is almost 6% lower cost, the benefits are comparable and you get access to Thomaston providers."
As of June 30, Spalding Regional Medical Center issued a statement saying they may be considered 'out of network' for those insured by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia.
"For the last six months, we have made significant efforts to reach an agreement so that you and your employees can continue to have access to affordable, quality healthcare," said a statement from Spalding Regional Medical Center. "As one of the county’s largest employers, we know healthcare costs are top of mind for you. Throughout this negotiation, we have worked to identify a compromise that will benefit both organizations and keep costs lower for you and other employees."
"BCBSGa values the care Tenet Health System provided to our members and we made considerable effort to keep them in our network," said a statement issued by the company. "In that Tenet Health System has terminated its contract, effective 7/1/2010, BCBSGa has ensured that services rendered by Tenet providers are available from other in-network area providers. This termination does not impact any other of the over 185 hospitals that make up the extensive BCBSGa networks throughout Georgia."
In the past months, many county employees have complained about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia coverage and providers. Following a workshop to hear their concerns, commissioners voted to change plans to Cigna, which offers health care access at more local providers.
"The biggest complaint we heard was there was no access to Thomaston providers," said Matt Bidwell of MSI Benefits Group. "The Cigna plan is almost 6% lower cost, the benefits are comparable and you get access to Thomaston providers."
As of June 30, Spalding Regional Medical Center issued a statement saying they may be considered 'out of network' for those insured by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia.
"For the last six months, we have made significant efforts to reach an agreement so that you and your employees can continue to have access to affordable, quality healthcare," said a statement from Spalding Regional Medical Center. "As one of the county’s largest employers, we know healthcare costs are top of mind for you. Throughout this negotiation, we have worked to identify a compromise that will benefit both organizations and keep costs lower for you and other employees."
IN GOD WE TRUST
I had to go to Griffin hospital because Upson hospital didn't have the kind of doctor they said I needed. They give me the name of a doctor in Griffin so I went to him.
He ordered a CT scan and said I had to see another doctor because I have more going on than just what he was looking at. The other doctor said I had to get a MRI at Griffin hospital.
So I got both at Griffin hospital.
I thought it would be like Upson, so I took proof of my income and I come to find out it is based on income. Every dime you make in a years time! I wasn't in the hospital 3 hours time for both the CT scan & the MRI.
I have the feeling if my tax record's had said I made 50 thousand a year the Bill would have been 48 thousand of it.
I was sitting here with out lights for a couple of months, and Tenet got mad because I had a phone.
I think they ask how I paid my other bills 2 or 3 times. I had to tell them I don't have lights over and over. Then they said, " Well you have a phone!" When I told them a friend had helped me with the phone bill because of my health issues, it was like I set off a bomb.
The reason I put this here is to let people know who donate to the hospital. As I said I wasn't there 3 hours and the bill will take 80 to 90 % of my income for a year.