MEMPHIS, Tenn. —
If you're insured by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, you may be among thousands worried about the insurance company's recent break-up with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.
But even though their relationship ended with the new year coverage some are saying you can still get an extension at Methodist locations.
THE QUESTION
Is there a 90-day grace period or extension for patients at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare locations that are insured by Blue Cross Blue Shield?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield has a protocol in place for reviewing requests to cover care at Methodist Le Bonheur Health as in network. But it is a process that varies and members must reach out.
WHAT WE FOUND
In total, 11 locations have been removed from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee networks, including Blue Network P, Bluecare Tennessee, TennCare Select, Cover Kids, and The Dual Special Needs Plan:
Methodist University Hospital - 1265 Union Ave, Memphis
Methodist Healthcare – Germantown - 7691 Poplar Ave, Germantown
Methodist Healthcare – North Hospital - 3960 New Covington Pike, Memphis
Methodist Healthcare – Olive Branch Hospital - 4250 Bethel Rd, Olive Branch
Methodist Healthcare – South Hospital - 1300 Wesley Dr, Memphis
Methodist Blood and Marrow Transplant Center - 2 Shorb Tower, 1265 Union Ave, Memphis
Methodist Comprehensive Breast Center – Germantown and Midtown locations - 1381 S Germantown Rd, Germantown & 1801 Union Ave, Memphis
Methodist Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital - 848 Adams Ave, Memphis
Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown - 7691 Poplar Ave, Germantown
Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Surgery Center - 1363 S Germantown Rd, Germantown
Wolf River Surgery Center (effective Oct. 23, 2023)
Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare referred us to Blue Cross Blue Shield for details on coverage and extensions for any patients.
BCBS says they have protocols in place for reviewing requests to cover care at Methodist or Le Bonheur as in-network. It’s a process they say they’ve used with some members so far.
But on a case-by-case basis, the insurer says members should reach out prior to any scheduled services so they can discuss those options.
BCBS didn’t specify any particular exceptions or exemptions but in a statement to ABC24 they said, in part, “... We are negotiating with the larger methodist system, we offered a separate contract to keep Le Bonheur in-network. And we aren’t asking for Methodist to accept lower payments for TennCare patients who are Bluecare members.”