Haywood Regional Temporarily Withdraws from BCBSNC Networks
Effective March 1, 2008, Haywood Regional Medical Center has voluntarily withdrawn from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC family of networks on a temporary basis. The withdrawal was prompted by Haywood Regional as it addresses issues raised during recent inspections by the federal Medicare program.
As a result of the withdrawal, any customers who have scheduled procedures or services at the hospital are urged to contact their physicians. Haywood Regional is assisting BCBSNC in helping customers make alternative arrangements for non-emergency services scheduled at the hospital. Members can continue using Haywood Regional for emergency services without prior authorization and at in-network benefit levels.
Affected BCBSNC products include Blue Care®, Blue OptionsSM, Blue Options HRA, Blue Options HSA, and Blue Advantage®. The withdrawal also affects members of the North Carolina State Health Plan participating in Blue Options PPO plans, as well as members of the BCBS Federal Employee Program.
BCBSNC currently has eight participating hospitals within about 40 miles of Haywood Regional, with the closest being Mission Hospitals in Asheville and Harris Regional Medical Center in Sylva. Members may seek service at one of these facilities while Haywood Regional is out of BCBSNC’s networks.
Haywood Regional is expected to rejoin the BCBSNC networks once its issues have been resolved and it has secured Medicare certification.
Should you feel the absence of Haywood Regional from the BCBSNC networks will infringe upon your employees’ ability to access proper care, or if you have other concerns about disruption of services, please contact our office at 919-403-1986.
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March 4, 2008
Hill, Chesson & Woody
Employee Benefit Services
194 Finley Golf Course Road, Suite 200,
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Phone: 919.403.1986
Fax: 919.913.0237
www.hcwbenefits.com