Florida Blue latest on Baptist Health Negotiations - Deadline Near

What’s the latest on negotiations between Florida Blue/Baptist Health?

Florida Blue continues to negotiate in good faith today, ahead of the deadline at 11:59pm.

Florida Blue’s goal remains to reach an agreement that keeps Baptist in network without any disruption in care for our members, and that ensures health care remains as affordable as possible for Northeast Florida.

-Is there any possibility a deal will be made by the end of the day?

See above – we continue discussions today.

-Even after the contract expires, can both parties continue to negotiate to come to some sort of deal? If that’s the case could customers have a lapse in coverage?

If an agreement is not reached before the deadline, Florida Blue will support our members with getting the care they need, answering any of their questions, or helping find a new provider through our strong network of area hospitals, doctors, specialists, and facilities. We will also continue to try and reach an agreement with Baptist Health.

-What are Florida Blue’s customers’ options if a deal doesn’t pan out? What would the change in costs be? If they can’t afford out-of-network, then what?

There are members who may qualify for Continuity of Care coverage and be able to continue seeing a Baptist doctor at in-network rates, for a period of time. This is for those members undergoing active treatment for certain serious and complex conditions, and for those who are pregnant. For continuity of care eligibility questions or to understand your individual in-network benefits or whether you have out-of-network benefits, please contact Customer Service. Not all health plans have out-of-network benefits.

-Explanation of Continuity of Care

Florida Blue has a list of all members who have sought care from Baptist, other than for routine preventive visits, in the past 90 days and will use that to determine and support those who are eligible for Continuity of Care.
In terms of how long Continuity of Care (COC) lasts, it depends upon a member’s plan.
- For PPO members, COC applies for 3 months (90-days) after the contract date.
- For HMO members, COC applies for 6 months (180 days) after the contract date.
This is also true for Medicare members
- Medicare Advantage PPO members: COC applies for up to 3 months (90-days) after the contract termination date.
- Medicare Advantage HMO members: COC applies for up to 6 months (180 days) after the contract termination date.