Key Takeaways
- BlueCross has released a request for proposal (RFP) to CHI Memorial and Parkridge Health System
- CHI Memorial has every opportunity to keep participating in Network S by making a strong bid that prioritizes affordability and health care quality
- We’ll keep everyone updated as responses come in and CHI Memorial makes its position known
CHI Memorial is competing to retain a spot in this high-value Chattanooga network
A few weeks ago, we shared how the aggressive requests and behavior patterns of CHI Memorial and its parent company, Illinois-based CommonSpirit, led BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee to reconsider provider options for our popular Blue Network S in Chattanooga. As BlueCross continues to hold the line on affordability for our customers and members, we wanted to share some key dates regarding our timeline for that Chattanooga-area Request for Proposal (RFP).
Why we issued an RFP for Network S
BlueCross agreed to significantly higher rates with CHI Memorial less than three years ago, and we don’t think it’s fair to our members to do so again, despite CommonSpirit’s demands. The RFP allows us to identify the best Chattanooga-area partner for Network S, in addition to Erlanger Health System, to maintain affordability for our members.
Key dates in the RFP process:
January 22, 2024: BlueCross released the Network S RFP for the Chattanooga market to CHI Memorial and Parkridge Health System, which is part of Nashville-based HCA Healthcare. This marked the beginning of the formal process to explore potential partnerships within our network.
March 1, 2024: RFP responses from CHI Memorial and Parkridge Health System are due.
April 2024: BlueCross will make and announce a decision on the Chattanooga Network S partner. This final step will determine the future direction of our network and the partnerships we form to ensure the best possible outcomes for our members.
Key criteria we’re evaluating for the Network S RFP include:
- Accountability for the quality of the health care patients receive,
- Patient experience,
- Civic engagement/community support,
- Willingness to partner with BlueCross in new and innovative ways with an eye to preserving value and lowering costs for the people and communities we serve.
We’re committed to transparency and engagement
Throughout this process, we remain committed to transparent, open communication with our members and business customers, answering questions and addressing concerns. Their feedback and input are invaluable as we navigate these important decisions.
We’ll continue to provide updates as the RFP process unfolds – and as we await a response to our offer for Blue Network P, as well as our BlueCare Tennessee and Medicare Advantage networks, from CommonSpirit, CHI Memorial’s parent company.
In the meantime, it’s important to remember that BlueCross and BlueCare members can still seek in-network care at CHI Memorial facilities and affiliated providers through the end of June. Information about the status of negotiations and our support for members is available at our BCBSTNetworkUpdates site. If you have specific questions about your own benefits or how this may affect your own access to care after June 30, please call the number on the back of your Member ID.
Get all the details on the Network S RFP and why we can’t accept CHI Memorial’s rate increase demands.
Robin is responsible for strategic operations and service delivery for all BlueCross commercial lines of business. Her oversight includes sales and account management, group and member customer service, claims administration, and commercial financial management.