Change is the new normal as I have been told the last couple years.  We sure agree when it comes to the new ACA – affordable care act – that has been passed in 2010.  I call the ACA “the good, the bad, and the ugly.”  Yes, there are sure some great things about the new health care law that I applaud.  Benefit increase, maternity coverage for all, automatic acceptance, and pre-x fully covered to name a few.  But with the better benefits comes the “bad and the ugly” of higher premiums as we as more taxes and penalties.

Now add to that the changes of medical facilities.  We have not heard the last of it so there will be a lot more changes to health care networks in the next few months and years. 

But in the end you can’t go wrong with both Blue Cross of Arizona and Health Net of Arizona. Both companies are top notch companies for your medical care here in the Phoenix Metro area for individuals and families.  Good Neighbor Insurance has been in business since 1997 and have enjoyed working for these two medical insurance companies since our start.

Here is an update on Blue Cross Blue Shield about a hospital being taken off of their network.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona’s (BCBSAZ) mission is to provide the best value in health insurance and improve the quality of life of Arizonans. One way we strive to achieve that mission is by negotiating medical claims discounts with hospitals and physicians. Without these discounts, it is not feasible for BCBSAZ to provide access to affordable healthcare services for our members.

Gilbert Hospital is a contracted provider with BCBSAZ. However, Gilbert Hospital has notified BCBSAZ of its intent to terminate the agreement as a contracted provider effective Feb. 15, 2014. We will continue to negotiate in good faith through this date, but we have not yet reached an agreement on financial terms.

BCBSAZ remains open to any discussion with Gilbert Hospital that will preserve affordable, quality and efficient healthcare for our members. In our aim to maintain prudent buying practices on behalf of our clients and members, we are willing to pay fairly for healthcare services that are delivered in a cost-efficient, effective and quality manner.

Gilbert Hospital is requesting an 85 percent increase to the current contracted rate with BCBSAZ. This request far exceeds that of other contracted area hospitals and is much more than what will enable us to maintain affordable coverage for members.

While we are disappointed Gilbert Hospital may leave the BCBSAZ network, our ultimate responsibility is to those who rely on the BCBSAZ network.