Blue Shield and Sutter Health kiss and make up for 2015.
Blue Shield apology
Sutter Health Information
Blue Shield and Sutter sign a new two-year contract
We are pleased to announce that Blue Shield and Sutter Health have signed a new two-year agreement effective February 1, 2015. This means that Sutter hospitals and doctors will continue to be participating providers in the Blue Shield network.
We apologize to our customers who experienced uncertainty or disruption of care due to the termination of our previous agreement with Sutter Health. Blue Shield negotiates with providers with the goal of obtaining rates that help us keep healthcare coverage affordable. While the specifics of the new contract are confidential, we are pleased to say that the existing legal rights of Blue Shield and our customers have been protected. The principles Blue Shield fought for in this negotiation with Sutter have been preserved.
Blue Shield will issue a press release regarding this news. In addition, we will also be communicating this announcement to employer groups located in the Sutter Health regions (central and northern California) and to impacted Blue Shield members.
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Press Release
Blue Shield of California and Sutter Health Sign Two-Year Contract
Members have access to Sutter providers and facilities as in-network providers effective February 1, 2015
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (January 30, 2015) — Blue Shield of California today announced the signing of a new, two-year contract with Sutter Health. Blue Shield is pleased to offer members access to Sutter Health providers and facilities as participating providers effective February 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016. Blue Shield apologizes that the contract negotiation took longer than expected and that customers and members experienced uncertainty or disruption.
Blue Shield negotiates with providers with the goal of obtaining rates that help us keep healthcare coverage affordable. While the specifics of the new contract are confidential, Blue Shield is pleased that our existing legal rights and those of our customers have been protected. The principles Blue Shield fought for in this negotiation with Sutter have been preserved.
Background on Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health plan with 3.4 million members, 5,000 employees and more than $13 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 and headquartered in San Francisco, Blue Shield of California provides health, dental, vision, and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company’s mission is to ensure that Californians have access to high quality care at an affordable price. For more information, please visit www.blueshieldca.com.
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Blue Shield and Sutter Health Update
Blue Shield and Sutter Health Have Reached An Agreement
Blue Shield and Sutter Health have reached agreement and have signed a new, two-year contract. Effective February 1, 2015, Sutter physicians and hospitals are again participating providers in the Blue Shield network.
We apologize to our members for the uncertainty and disruption that they experienced during this extended negotiation. We are pleased that members can now be certain of their access to Sutter providers for the next two years.
- What action do PPO and EPO members need to take to once again access Sutter providers and facilities?
PPO and EPO members do not need to take any action. Sutter will be considered an in-network provider for Blue Shield members on and after February 1, 2015. Blue Shield members with questions regarding their access to Sutter Health providers should call the Member Services number on the back of their Blue Shield member ID card for assistance.
- What action do HMO members need to take to once again access Sutter providers and facilities?
HMO members who did not change their Sutter primary care physician (PCP) do not need to take any action. If an HMO member who selected or switched to a non-Sutter Health PCP would now like to select a Sutter Health PCP, they should call the Member Services phone number on the back of their Blue Shield ID card and we will help them make that change.
- What if HMO members received services from a Sutter Health provider during the month of January 2015?
If a member received services from a Sutter Health provider during the month of January 2015, Blue Shield will pay the claims as in-network. If members need assistance with a claim, they can contact the Member Services number on the back of their Blue Shield ID card.
- Will members have trouble seeing a Sutter doctor now that an agreement has been reached?
No, members should not have any issues accessing care. If a member does experience an issue, they should call the Blue Shield Member Services number on the back of their ID card.
- How can members change their primary care physician to a Sutter provider?
If a member would like to switch to another provider group or select a different PCP, they should call Member Services at the number on the back of their Blue Shield member ID card.
- When can members schedule an appointment with a Sutter Health provider?
Members can start scheduling appointments immediately.
- Why did some members receive more than one letter from Blue Shield?
We are required by the Department of Managed Health Care to send impacted members a regulated communication. In addition, we are sending a letter to reassure members they will have access to Sutter Health effective February 1, 2015.