CHI Memorial Reaches Agreement with BCBST for Network P, Medicare and Medicaid

Updated June 14, 2024

CHI Memorial is pleased to share that we have reached a new agreement with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) for continued participation in their Network P, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid plans.

This means our patients with BCBST Network P, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid will maintain uninterrupted in-network access to the high-value CHI Memorial hospitals and providers they depend upon for their care. Patients will continue to see their providers as normal, with no changes to appointments or billing.

This agreement will ensure these patients’ continued access to CHI Memorial physicians, nurses, services, and hospitals including The Chattanooga Heart Institute, outpatient services, CHI Memorial Medical Group, and CHI Memorial Health at Home.

Our goal in working with BCBST has always been to reach an agreement that puts patients first and protects their access to the providers and services they know and trust. We are glad to have achieved that goal on behalf of our patients.

We deeply appreciate the trust patients have placed in our team and look forward to continuing to serve them.

Important Exclusion to Our New Agreement: Network S 

Unfortunately, in early May, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) announced their decision to remove CHI Memorial from Network S effective July 1, 2024.

OPTIONS TO REMAIN WITH CHI MEMORIAL AND ITS PHYSICIANS FOR NETWORK S PATIENTS:

The best option for Network S patients to remain with CHI Memorial and its physicians is to switch to a plan that includes CHI Memorial. These options include the following:

  • Cigna Local Plus which is the other competitive narrow network product in the community
  • BCBST Network P which is a broad network
  • View insurance plans offered that include CHI Memorial 

In many situations, employers may add these options to their insurance offerings as soon as July 1. Patients should discuss these options with their employer and employers should discuss these options with their broker.

We will be working diligently with each Network S patient and with their related employers to help find an option that allows them to remain with CHI Memorial and its physicians.

Continuity of Care Option

Some patients undergoing treatment for certain conditions may be able to continue receiving care at in-network rates for a period of time after July 1, 2024, through a Continuity of Care benefit. CHI Memorial physicians will assist patients in completing and submitting the Continuity of Care form. The Continuity of Care form can be found here. Please complete your portion with your Chattanooga Heart Institute or CHI Memorial Medical Group physician and then submit the form to BCBST. BCBST makes the final determination about eligibility for Continuity of Care benefits.

Emergency Care Coverage

Please remember, emergency care is always covered in-network. Insurance companies are legally required to cover true emergency department care at an in-network benefit level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

CHI Memorial is pleased to announce that we have reached a new agreement with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) that will allow BCBST Network P, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid patients to maintain in-network access to CHI Memorial physicians, nurses, services, and hospitals. This agreement also includes The Chattanooga Heart Institute, outpatient services, CHI Memorial Medical Group, and CHI Memorial Hospital at Home.

This is a win for our patients who deserve access to high-quality, high-value health care services close to home, and we appreciate their patience as we have worked through this agreement. 

Unfortunately, in early May, BCBST made the decision to remove CHI Memorial from Network S effective July 1, 2024 (see below for Network S options). 

Yes, BCBST members covered by Network P, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid plans are still able to access in-network care from CHI Memorial physicians, nurses, services, and hospitals. This agreement includes The Chattanooga Heart Institute Hospitals, outpatient services, CHI Memorial Medical Group, and CHI Memorial Health at Home.

For Network S Patients Only

Unfortunately, in early May, BCBST made the decision to remove CHI Memorial from Network S effective July 1, 2024. For these patients to remain with CHI Memorial and its physicians, the following solutions are available:

  • Cigna Local Plus which is the other competitive narrow network product in the community
  • BCBST Network P which is a broad network
  • View insurance plans offered that include CHI Memorial 

 

In many situations, employers may add these options to their insurance offerings as soon as July 1. Patients should discuss these options with their employer, and employers should discuss these options with their broker.

We will be working diligently with each Network S patient and with their related employers to help find an option that allows them to remain with CHI Memorial and its physicians.

Network S patients may always access CHI Memorial for emergency services per the No Surprises Act and we will work diligently with any patient who wishes to submit a request to BCBST for Continuity of Care.

This also impacts Out-of-State BlueCross BlueShield plans that access Network S. If patients have questions about which network they are in, they should contact the number on the back of their insurance card. 

Network P, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid patients insured through BCBST will have uninterrupted in-network access to CHI Memorial physicians, nurses, services, and hospitals.

From the beginning, our goal has been to ensure we can continue to meet the needs of our patients today and in the future. We know these negotiations were stressful for our patients, the communities we serve, and our own team. 

We are immensely grateful for your support throughout this process and as we continue to advance our mission.

We look forward to continuing to serve patients for generations to come.

Unfortunately, in early May, BCBST made the decision to remove CHI Memorial from Network S effective July 1, 2024. For these patients to remain with CHI Memorial and its physicians, the following solutions are available:

  • Cigna Local Plus which is the other competitive narrow network product in the community
  • BCBST Network P which is a broad network
  • View insurance plans offered that include CHI Memorial 

In many situations, employers may add these options to their insurance offerings as soon as July 1. Patients should discuss these options with their employer and employers should discuss these options with their broker.

We will be working diligently with each Network S patient and with their related employers to help find an option that allows them to remain with CHI Memorial and its physicians.

CONTINUITY OF CARE OPTION

Some Network S patients undergoing treatment for certain conditions may be able to continue receiving care at in-network rates for a period of time after July 1, 2024, through a Continuity of Care benefit. CHI Memorial physicians will assist patients in completing and submitting the Continuity of Care form. For your convenience, the Continuity of Care form is available here. Please complete your portion with your Chattanooga Heart Institute or CHI Memorial Medical Group physician and then submit the form to BCBST. BCBST makes the final determination about eligibility for Continuity of Care benefits.

EMERGENCY CARE COVERAGE

Please remember, emergency care is always covered in-network. Insurance companies are legally required to cover true emergency department care at an in-network benefit level.

Additional information about how to continue access to CHI Memorial and its physicians is available by  calling a billing office contact at (800) 276-3614.