Sides Remain "Far Apart": Negotiations Continue Between Memorial Hospital and Anthem

FROM LOCAL SOURCES 

JASPER -- Memorial Hospital in Jasper has released an update on the ongoing contract negotiations with insurance giant Anthem.  

The two sides have been working on a deal for nearly three years, but, according to the statement released Wednesday, "While Anthem provided Memorial Hospital with a proposal as recent as Monday, it is acknowledged that both sides remain far apart."   The current contract expires November 27.

The hospital has established a resource center to support patients with Anthem insurance plans.  The free service will allow staff to work one-on-one with patients to evaluate solutions including payment plans and financial assistance.  

Anthem released the following statement to WITZ Radio News .... 

 "We continue to negotiate with Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center on a new contract that would keep them in Anthem’s provider network. 

 A national study indicates that insurers currently reimburse MHHCC at a higher level than similar size hospitals in Indiana. But on top of these already high rates, MHHCC is requesting a 9% increase, or $5 million more per year. 

 Anthem is mindful about the rising cost of health care and the negative impact this has on our customers, who remain our number one priority as these talks continue."

You can read the full statement from Memorial Hospital below...... 

"Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center continues to engage Anthem in contract negotiations.  While Anthem provided Memorial Hospital with a proposal as recent as Monday, it is acknowledged that both sides remain far apart.  Two face-to-face meetings are scheduled over the next 10 days.  Memorial Hospital is hopeful that Anthem will bring a proposal that they can respond to.

Memorial Hospital has established the Memorial Health Resource Center to support patients with Anthem insurance plans. Memorial staff will provide this free service and work one-on-one with patients to evaluate their unique health care needs and situations, payment plans, and financial assistance options. Staff will be able to assist patients with chronic conditions, currently in a course of treatment, in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, or who are terminally ill by completing and submitting continuation of care forms to Anthem. 

The paperwork and forms to be completed vary by patient situation, so patients are encouraged to contact the Memorial Health Resource Center to discuss their specific circumstances.  To schedule an appointment, call 812-996-6399."