MOUNT VERNON — As the Oct. 1 deadline looms, the negotiation stalemate between Knox Community Hospital and the physicians employed by KCH and insurer Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield continues.
The News contacted both parties on Friday to see if any progress in the negotiations has been made since the first part of September.
Kim Ashley, public relations director for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio, said there is nothing new to report.
“I do want to reiterate we want to keep these physicians in our networks and we remain open to negotiating with both the physicians and the hospital,” she said. “They continue to ignore our requests.” Ashley also said the specific terms of negotiations with providers are confidential.
Bruce White, CEO of KCH, said Knox Community Hospital has made Anthem an offer that is in line with rates currently being paid by the hospital’s other large payer partners.
“It is not fair for Anthem to demand a below-market rate and expect the other insurance companies (and their beneficiaries) to subsidize the care being given to Anthem enrollees,” he said. “In response to the hospital’s proposal, Anthem stated that they did not care what the other insurance companies are paying. Anthem offered an insignificant increase which did not come close to the fair market reimbursement rates paid by other payer sources.
