Negotiations Could Affect Medi-Cal, Healthy Families Coverage
Blue Cross of California has begun informing Medi-Cal and Healthy Families beneficiaries who receive benefits through Blue Cross that they will not be able to undergo treatment at Children's Hospital Oakland if the insurer does not reach a contract agreement with the hospital by June 1, the San Francisco Chronicle reports (San Francisco Chronicle, 5/25). About 17,000 children in Alameda and Contra Costa counties would have to switch health plans or seek treatment at other facilities that contract with Blue Cross if no agreement is reached.
Doug Myers, chief financial officer at Children's, said the hospital would treat children affected by the situation if they present at the hospital emergency department.
Blue Cross would cover surgeries already scheduled at Children's after June 1, Blue Cross spokesperson Leslie Porras said.
Officials for Blue Cross and Children's have been negotiating contract terms since January. Children's officials say that Blue Cross reimbursements are inadequate.
Blue Cross members who receive coverage through group, employer or individual policies can continue to receive treatment at Children's, according to hospital officials (Vesely, Oakland Tribune, 5/25).