At least two payers and providers have split in recent weeks. Others are trying to agree to contracts ahead of looming deadlines or working to negotiate expired contracts.
Here are six ongoing disputes Becker's has reported since Jan. 13.
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Christ Hospital, based in Cincinnati, could split if the two sides cannot reach a contract agreement by April 1. According to a statement on the Christ Hospital's website, the negotiations affect Anthem commercial, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid members.
- Empire BlueCross and Ellis Medicine will split May 1 unless the two sides can agree to a new contract. The Schenectady, N.Y.-based health system said it will terminate its contract with the payer March 1 if the organizations cannot agree on a new contract.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is out of network with Prescott, Ariz.-based Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center after the sides were unable to reach a new contract. Yavapai Regional Medical Center CEO Dr. Anthony Torres said the hospital was asking for an increase that was under the rate of inflation for its costs.
- UnitedHealthcare's Medicaid managed care plan is out of network with Philadelphia-based Temple Health after the two sides were unable to reach a new contract by Feb. 1.
- Community Health System is continuing to negotiate contracts with Anthem Blue Cross and Cigna. The Clovis, Calif.-based health system is back in network with UnitedHealthcare.
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center announced it will drop Humana and Wellcare of Tennessee Medicare Advantage plans effective April 1. The Nashville, Tenn.-based system said in a statement the change is necessary because health systems "need to [be] paid fairly for services they provide and continue to contend with higher costs for personnel, supplies, equipment, and medications necessary to provide high quality care."