Editor’s Note: Anthem and Northeast Georgia Health System remain locked in a stalemate over a new contract to provide in-network services for patients. As a result, Anthem policyholders will no longer be in-network with NGHS effective midnight Oct. 1. Anthem released the following statement in light of the ongoing dispute:
“Anthem is committed to improving lives and communities, and simplifying healthcare. That is why we have been actively negotiating for months with Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) to reach an agreement that protects access to affordable, quality healthcare for our consumers in Gainesville, Braselton, Barrow, and Dahlonega.
Unfortunately, Anthem and NGHS have yet to reach a new agreement because we are standing firm for our consumers who need greater affordability. The latest proposals from NGHS were projected to increase costs well above other health systems in the state. Part of the negotiations are also focused on limiting escalating costs at facilities acquired by NGHS — a consolidation strategy intended to grow hospital revenues — many of which are delivering quality care at lower costs prior to acquisition by NGHS. These increases place a significant burden on consumers because any substantial price increase in the services at these facilities would be directly reflected in increases in medical expenses covered by employer-sponsored group health plans, as well as to member premiums and cost share amounts. This has an even greater impact on public and private employers who are self-funded and pay for medical services directly. What NGHS has proposed up until now is simply not sustainable for our members.
Although the contract deadline has now expired, we will continue to negotiate with NGHS in an effort to come to a new agreement that is fair, provides flexibility and protects affordability. In the meantime, Anthem has proactively reached out to members who may qualify for continuity of care from their current NGHS provider.. Anthem also continues to have a broad, statewide provider network that delivers access to other quality health care options that remain in-network for our consumers. Our consumers have placed their trust in us to deliver access to quality affordable healthcare, and that is a responsibility we take seriously. For the latest information on the status of NGHS, please visit www.anthem.com/nghs.”
