Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield has sent out important hospital termination notices to Greenburgh residents who are members of Empire Blue Cross advising that effective January 1, 2007 that they will no longer be a participating provider with Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield. As a result, area residents will no longer be able to obtain services from Lawrence Hospital, Northern Westchester Hospital, Phelps Memorial Hospital and White Plains Hospital Center.
I will be contacting the NY State Dept of Health and Insurance and others to object. This decision will create great inconveniences for residents who have health needs.
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exceptions for new plann include emergencies
The letter said that they "anticipate" no longer allowing members to use these hosptials. It reads like a bluff. United HEathcare did the same thing 2 years ago and it came to nothing.
I think this is another reason to contest state closing CH.
also -- CIGNA is also threatening cuts
Yea, this is nothing to worry about at all. It's just a negotiations scare tactic that's used to get people riled up.
I'm surprised that town management didn't have the foresight to realize that by posting this on the blog and sending a mass e-mail, the desired response by the insurance company is being served.
Additionaly, this is certainly not a matter needing town government's response. Current leaf pick-up (or lack thereof), for example, is of much greater immportance for the town to spend its efforts on.
Individuals subscribers may express their concerns to consumers@ins.state.ny.us but it's really not worth the effort to feed the drama/fire.
I'm glad that the Town Board and Supervisor agreed to make changes in the leaf collection. They appropriated $20,000 in additional funds for leaf collection for 2007. Good job! I am pleased that the town is fighting this Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield notice. It may be a bluff--it may not be a bluff. Better safe than disappointed.
We need to save the Community Hospital at Dobbs Ferry. Hope Empire Blue Cross isn't serious. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Paul,
This is very bad. Not only does the insured lose the hospital entitlements but also the doctors who are affliated with the hospital. I just called the Scarsdale Medical Group where all doctors are affliated with the White Plains Hospital. From 1 January 2007, the Scarsdale Medical Group will also not accept Empire Blue Cross and all tests cannot be covered by Empire Blue Cross. We would appreciate the efforts of Paul Feiner to have this contract deal straightened out. This is serious.
PAUL: I'm glad you're our advocate. Keep fighting for the people.
Oh please. It's just a ploy to create frenzy to pressure the hospitals to sign. It's done all the time.
And Feiner's publicity of the silly matter stating that he will save us all makes me suspcicious of his motives - promoting the drama to make himself look good?
I have nothing against the Supervisor, but this posting was drama for drama's sake, as if he could have had any influence on the situation.
Anyway, the positioning ploy is all resolved, just as we knew it would be from the start:
"Empire BCBS and Westchester hospitals reach agreement"
http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061230/UPDATE/612300384
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