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Almost 60,000 people can keep their doctors in St. Francis now that they have entered into an agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield, just three days before coverage expires.
Patients have been worried since May, but now that there is an agreement, they no longer have to worry about finding a new doctor.
Related stories: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma to terminate contract with Saint Francis healthcare system
Logan Bellew had surgery Monday morning, trying to get him back in before the contract deadline between Blue Cross Blue Shield and St. Francis.
“I was really worried last week, until my surgeon had this opening because we were getting so close to that deadline, and I hadn’t heard from Blue Cross about whether my continuity of care was approved or not, ”Bellew said.
Bellew is so relieved that there is a deal, and he is grateful that he can continue to see the same doctors he has used since he was 17.
Related story: Patients Left in Limbo as Deadline Looms for Blue Cross Blue Shield and St. Francis Coverage Agreement
“Kind of like in limbo, just trying to figure out which vendor you want to switch to, which specialist you want to switch to, so it’s just not a straightforward process,” he said.
With the new agreement, Blue Cross Blue Shield patients will continue to have networked access to all departments at Saint Francis hospitals and facilities.
Blue Cross Blue Shield and St. Francis sent the following statement:
“We are pleased to enter into a new agreement that allows our members to continue to receive networked care in Saint Francis,” said Joseph R. Cunningham, MD, President of BCBSOK. “We take our role as stewards of our members’ health insurance premiums very seriously. This agreement demonstrates our commitment to members by providing them with access to quality, cost-effective health care, while protecting them from unforeseen future costs. We look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with Saint Francis.
“The future of health care is changing, as are the relationships between hospitals and health plans. We need to work together to improve the way care is delivered and the way patients are served. During the last few months of negotiations, both sides have been working on this agreement which offers value to BCBS members and patients of the Saint Francis healthcare system. Saint Francis is committed to leading the region into a future where care is comprehensive and costs are affordable, ”said Cliff Robertson, MD, president and CEO of Saint Francis Health System. “We are Oklahoma’s health leader; our commitment is to be a leader not only in delivering high quality care, but also in terms of value, innovation and collaboration.
Bellew said he just wanted the deal done sooner, but he’s happy that he doesn’t have to make any changes.
“That’s why I’m glad this is resolved; I can stay in the network that I have entrusted for so long,” Bellew said.
This new contract is for a period of three years.
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