After months of protracted negotiations, Northeast Georgia Health System has reached an agreement with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield on a new contract that covers members of Anthem’s employer-sponsored health care plans.
The multiyear agreement restores in network access for patients at all NGHS locations, including hospitals, urgent care and physician’s offices, Steve McNeilly, vice president of managed care, said Monday in a news release.
“Negotiations are complex, and we recognize that they are often frustrating to members,” McNeilly said. “We appreciate the support and patience of our community.”
The previous agreement between NGHS and Anthem expired Sept. 30, but hospital officials agreed to treat Anthem patients as in-network through Dec. 31.
Shortly after the old agreement ended, hospital officials told AccessWDUN that the two sides had stopped talking.
But near the end of December, the two sides appeared close to a deal, and the health system’s statement on Dec. 28 indicated the two sides were in active negotiations.
In the release, Anthem officials praised the new agreement, which they said would drive quality, affordability and accessibility to its customers.
“We value the relationships we have with the providers in our network, which are absolutely critical to creating options for our consumers and fulfilling our mission of improving the lives of the people in the communities we serve,” Pam Stahl, president of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, said.
Two members of the Georgia General Assembly who have been pushing for the two sides to reach an agreement said they were pleased with today’s announcement.
“The hard-working men and women of northeast Georgia deserve reliable, affordable health coverage for themselves and their families – and this agreement meets that need for years to come,” Sen. Butch Miller, R-Gainesville, and Terry England, R-Auburn, said Monday in a joint statement. “Both NGHS and Anthem worked around-the-clock to keep people informed and reach an agreement that protects the community’s access to high-quality healthcare without leaving this area.”
Miller and England had planned a public hearing on Dec. 30 in Gainesville to discuss the situation. But they cancelled the meeting when it became clear the two sides were nearing an agreement.
Patients can visit NGHS's website or call the Patient Information Line at 770-691-3588 for more information and answers to frequently asked questions. Patients can also call the number on the back of their Anthem insurance card for further assistance.
“For 68 years, NGHS has grown as Northeast Georgia has grown, and partnerships like this are integral to that success,” Carol Burrell, president and CEO of the health system, said. “Our goal is always to maintain fair agreements like this that provide our patients with the coverage they need and ensure they have high-quality health care close to home.”
