SALINA— Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) and Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC) are at an impasse in contract negotiations.
After two months of having a BCBSKS offer in hand, and multiple in-person visits and phone calls between the two organizations, SRHC is insisting on an additional increase on top of the new offer they were already presented, according to a media release from the insurer.
If fulfilled, this requested increase would come from higher premiums, co-insurance and deductibles for BCBSKS members and SRHC patients.
This is not a move BCBSKS is willing to make.
“What Salina Regional is demanding is unreasonable and unsustainable for the hard-working Kansans we serve,” said Matt All, BCBSKS president/CEO. “When they demand more from us, they’re really demanding more from you and the employers in your community.”
If SRHC chooses to leave the BCBKS network, they would be the only eligible hospital in Kansas considered out-of-network. They have until Sept. 3 to notify BCBSKS if they plan to leave.
The hospital issued a statement on the impasse, "Salina Regional Health Center has been consistent in asking for an offer from Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas that mirrors hospitals similar to ours."
"We have asked for parity and for a fair deal. BCBSKS presented SRHC with an offer in May far from this goal. Our counter offer in early July made considerable concessions in the spirit of good faith negotiation and countered at less than parity."
" Unfortunately, BCBSKS has made it clear they are unwilling to compromise and will ultimately choose profitability over access for their customers. This is coming at a time of renewals for many employers in our communities."
"We will continue to keep the community informed as we make a decision, and ultimately hope BCBSKS decides to treat SRHC and our providers in a fair manner, consistent with the expectations we have for all of our healthcare partners."
If the hospital decides to leave the network, members will still be able to access in-network care at the hospital and its clinics through Dec. 31, 2023.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, members may be able to continue regular care and services with their local hospital and providers, but the process for reimbursement would look different than it does today.
It is also important to note that emergency care will always be covered by BCBSKS with no out-of-network penalties. BCBSKS will continue to leave the lines of communication open in hopes that SRHC will not decide to leave the network.
There would be no changes to the way Medicare Supplement members access in-network care through SRHC. Members who purchased individual coverage on healthcare.gov will no longer have coverage at SRHC unless it is an emergency service. If members choose to receive out-of-network care at SRHC, they would have to pay 100% of the cost of care.
Click here for more information on the impasse from Salina Regional health Center