Q. Why is Wilmington Health not accepting BCBSNC Blue Medicare in 2014? I have two specialists that I won’t be able to see next year.
A. We posed the question to Jeff James, CEO of Wilmington Health. In two responses, he didn’t directly address the question of exactly why Wilmington Health decided not to accept BCBSNC Medicare. Here is his second, slightly less vague response:
“There are a number of factors that go network decisions. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out this year to stay in-network with Blue Cross’ Medicare Advantage product, but it’s something we’ll consider in future years. We do remain in-network for their other products (BCBS) and we are in-network for other Medicare Advantage plans. We are making every effort to ensure a smooth transition for our patients.”
For more information, you can call Wilmington Health billing and insurance at 395-4188.
RELATED LINKS:
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What is the difference between New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Wilmington Health?
Date posted: November 27, 2013
User-contributed question by:
Chuck Harrill
I’m one of the patients getting the boot… have been with WHA for many years and now am faced with changing my plan or changing my doctor. A lousy choice. Not happy with WHA at this point. I was told by BCBS that some of the specialists are staying with BCBS Medicare Advantage but the primary care group is not.
Can you say Obamacare?
It’s going to get a lot worse.
I understand new hanover medical group made a deal with bc bs to be a provider for all their plans if they deny Wilmington health coverage for bc bs advantage. nhmg is trying to get Wilmington health patients and put wh out of business. nhmg. wants full control of all medical aspects in Wilmington.
To those who want to blame this on “ObamaCare”, get your facts straight:
1) There is no such thing as ObamaCare. There is, however, legislation passed by the Congress of the United States entitled the Affordable Care Act, that has NOTHING to do with this issue;
2) Medicare Advantage plans were created by the REPUBLICAN George W. Bush administration in 2005!
As with all issues related to healthcare in this country, if you want to know the real answers, “follow the money…”. It always comes down to a financial decision.