New Multi-year Agreement Restores In-network Access to CHI Memorial
CHATTANOOGA, TN – CHI Memorial and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee announced today they have reached a new three-year agreement. The new contract allows BlueCross members with commercial and Medicare Advantage plans to use services at CHI Memorial, CHI Memorial Medical Group, and The Chattanooga Heart Institute on an in-network basis.
The two parties have been negotiating for the past several months on a new contract. The new agreement enables BlueCross and CHI Memorial to move forward together in serving members and patients, providing peace of mind during the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency.
“Our focus remains where it has always been – on the people of this community who trust us to provide for their healthcare needs. This new agreement with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee will ensure we can continue providing cost-effective, high-quality, award-winning healthcare our patients expect and deserve,” shares Janelle Reilly, market CEO, CHI Memorial. “While these negotiations were difficult at times, especially in the midst of another COVID-19 surge, we are glad to come together and prevent a disruption.
“We always strive to balance quality, access, and affordability in our networks, and sometimes that can be challenging. We’re pleased to continue our relationship with CHI Memorial, who has provided quality care to our Chattanooga area members for many years,” said Todd Ray, senior vice president of corporate provider network management and Medicare products.
CHI Memorial and BlueCross leaders expressed appreciation for the patience and support of their patients, customers and community members as they worked through the negotiations.
Patients can continue using CHI Memorial, CHI Memorial Medical Group, and The Chattanooga Heart Institute for services on an in-network basis without interruption of coverage.
About CHI Memorial
CHI Memorial is a not-for-profit, faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to the healing ministry of the Church. Founded by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and strengthened as part of CommonSpirit Health, it offers a continuum of care including preventative, primary and acute hospital care, as well as cancer and cardiac care, orthopedic and rehabilitation services. CHI Memorial is a regional referral center of choice with 4,600 associates and more than 600 affiliated physicians providing health care throughout Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, and Northwest Alabama. To learn more, visit memorial.org.
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.