Fairview Health Services could leave Blue Cross (Minnesota) network

[dflprincess]

http://www.startribune.com/business/25601674.html?locat...

In a little over a month, Fairview Health Services no longer will be part of the medical provider network for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota unless they can resolve a standoff over prices.

The current contract expires Aug. 23. If a new one isn't signed, Blue Cross members then would have to pay out-of-network charges at Fairview clinics. The cut-off date for Fairview hospitals is later, Oct. 28. After those dates, Blue Cross members who want to go to a Fairview clinic or hospital would have to pay significantly more or find another medical provider.

It's rare for contract negotiations to come down to the wire, and the stakes are particularly high because of the players involved. Blue Cross is Minnesota's biggest health insurer, with 2.9 million members. Fairview is the third-biggest hospital and clinic group and owns the University of Minnesota Medical Center.

The contract involves Blue Cross' Aware PPO (preferred provider) network, which includes every hospital in the state and more than 90 percent of physicians.

But remember - a national health care plan would remember you can't pick your own physician.

[hvn_nbr_2]

1. I don't understand one thing you said

But remember - a national health care plan would remember you can't pick your own physician.
I can't figure out what that says. Are there extra words or missing words there?

[dflprincess]

2. I was trying to be snide and typing too fast

I was a work and, as it happens, BCBSMN is a big customer so I didn't take time to proof read because I wanted to get the post done before anyone came into my cube.

I was referring to one of the arguments used to scare people away from any kind of a national health plan - that you won't be able to choose your physcian. Fairview health systems is the third largest in Minnesota - if Blue Cross drops them (or vice versa) all of Fairview's physcians (which includes mine) will become out of network doctors. True, you can continue to see the doctor of your choice, but only if you can afford to pay more out of pocket.