A deadline is looming in a contract dispute between CHI St. Vincent and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arkansas that could affect thousands of patients across the state – including patients at St. Vincent Morrilton. The two sides are negotiating reimbursement rates, or how much Blue Cross pays CHI St. Vincent for patient care. CHI St. Vincent says current rates are not keeping pace with rising healthcare costs, while Blue Cross says it wants to balance access to care with keeping costs affordable for members and employers…
If an agreement is not reached by next Tuesday, September First, CHI St. Vincent Morrilton and other St. Vincent hospitals in Little Rock, Sherwood and Hot Springs, along with more than 80 clinics and 300 providers, could leave Blue Cross provider networks. That could mean higher out-of-pocket costs for some patients who continue seeing St. Vincent providers. Patients currently receiving certain ongoing treatments, including maternity care and chemotherapy, may qualify for continued coverage……