Insurance plans

CHI Memorial is in-network with BlueCross and BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) and will be until September 8, 2021. However, if we do not reach a fair and equitable agreement by September 8, 2021, CHI Memorial hospitals, outpatient facilities, CHI Memorial Medical Group physicians will be out-of-network with BCBST Commercial plans and BlueAdvantage (Medicare Advantage) plans.  In addition, Chattanooga Heart Institute physicians will be out-of-network on October 1, 2021, if an agreement is not reached.

Patients do not have to switch hospitals or find a new physician. CHI Memorial and CHI Memorial Medical Group will
continue to treat BCBST members as in-network through December 31, 2021. 

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR PATIENTS WITH BCBST COMMERCIAL PLANS?

CHI Memorial will allow patients with BCBST Commercial insurance to continue their care with CHI Memorial at NO
ADDITIONAL COST through December 31, 2021, regardless of the outcome of our negotiations. This means it will be the same as if we were in-network. Nothing will change for our patients. 

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR BLUEADVANTAGE (MEDICARE ADVANTAGE) PATIENTS? 
CHI Memorial will allow patients with BlueAdvantage (Medicare Advantage) insurance to continue their care with
CHI Memorial at NO ADDITIONAL COST through December 31, 2021, regardless of the outcome of our negotiations.
This means it will be the same as if we were in-network. Nothing will change for our patients. 

CERTAIN TREATMENTS ARE ALSO COVERED UNDER THE LAW
There are certain patients who will be granted in-network status by BCBST after the September 8th termination date. These patients are covered under their in-network Continuity of Care benefits. The following patients may qualify for Continuity of Care:

• Inpatients needing ongoing treatment
• Patients currently undergoing active treatment for an acute or chronic condition, such as chemotherapy
• Treatments previously authorized
  

Patients should contact BCBST to determine if their care or procedure will continue to be covered as an in-network benefit after September 8 because of their condition. 

EMERGENCY CARE IS YOUR RIGHT - AT NO ADDITIONAL COST
Whatever the outcome and regardless of your benefit plan, patients can always receive emergency care through our
emergency departments. By law, BCBST has to cover services rendered at a licensed emergency room at an in-network
level of benefits, regardless of whether that hospital participates in its network.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP - JUST CALL US 
Please call us at (423) 495-2583 to talk with a CHI Memorial representative.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Please call or write to BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee to encourage BCBST to reach an agreement as soon as possible. Or speak with your Human Resources Benefits Leader or your employer to ask what other health plans you may select to continue to receive care with CHI Memorial, CHI Memorial Medical Group and The Chattanooga Heart Institute physicians.   

Thank you for your continued loyalty and support.