CHATTANOOGA – Ballad Health and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BlueCross) announced today they have reached a new multi-year agreement that will enable members in northeast Tennessee to continue receiving in-network care with Ballad Health’s providers after Dec. 31.
With the new agreement, BlueCross and Ballad Health will move forward in serving members and patients, providing peace of mind to people throughout the region. The three-year deal, which is subject to regulatory review, covers all Ballad Health facilities and affiliated providers for all BlueCross plans including BlueCare Tennessee and Medicare Advantage.
“We’re pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with Ballad Health in support of members and employer customers throughout northeast Tennessee,” said Scott Pierce, executive vice president and chief operating officer for BlueCross. “Contract negotiation is an important process which allows both parties to adapt to the changing health care environment. Our new agreement allows us to balance affordability with the access and quality that people expect and deserve. Together, we’ll maintain our pursuit of exceptional, high-value health care.”
“Ballad Health has a long history of working closely with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee to provide high-quality care, and we appreciate the focus on continuing this journey together,” said Alan Levine, president and CEO of Ballad Health. “With the conclusion of contract negotiations, Ballad Health and BlueCross will continue to pursue opportunities to further the positive impact of our relationship.”
Several Ballad Health facilities hold Blue Distinction Center status for their demonstrated commitment to high-quality, cost-effective specialty care, including Johnson City Medical Center, Bristol Regional Medical Center, Holston Valley Medical Center, Sycamore Shoals Hospital and Franklin Woods Hospital.
“We are grateful so many of our Tennessee hospitals have earned designation as Blue Distinction Centers, and we are eager to continue working with BlueCross to continue providing these great results for its members,” said Levine.
Ballad Health and BlueCross leaders expressed appreciation for the patience and support of their customers and community members as they worked through the negotiations.
About BlueCross®
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is a taxpaying, not-for-profit health plan serving more than 3.4 million members in Tennessee and around the country. The Chattanooga-based company was founded in 1945 and has brought peace of mind to its members and local communities for more than 75 years. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company’s news center at bcbstnews.com.
About Ballad Health
Ballad Health is an integrated community health improvement organization serving 29 counties of the Appalachian Highlands in Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Northwest North Carolina and Southeast Kentucky. A system of 20 hospitals, post-acute care and behavioral health services, and a large multi-specialty group physician practice works closely with an active independent medical community and community stakeholders to improve the health and well-being of close to one million people. By leading in the adoption of value-based payments, addressing health-related social needs, funding clinical and health systems research and committing to long-term investments in strong children and families in the region, Ballad Health strives to become a national model for rural health and healthcare. Learn more at www.BalladHealth.org.