TAMPA, Fla — Florida Blue says members who received care at BayCare Health System in the past six months will be getting notices in the mail. The notices, which were mailed earlier this week, let Florida Blue members know that BayCare may choose to exit Florida Blue’s networks on Oct. 1, 2022.
Florida Blue says more than 85,000 people in the Tampa Bay area will be receiving the letters this weekend.
Florida Blue and Baycare are negotiating a new contract. If the two companies do not reach an agreement, all BayCare hospitals, doctors and other facilities will be considered out-of-network for anyone insured by Florida Blue starting on Oct. 1.
That means you could be forced to pay higher out-of-pocket costs for each visit or find a new doctor who accepts Florida Blue insurance.
There is a provision called "Continuity of Care" available for Florida Blue-insured patients who may be undergoing treatment for a serious or complex medical condition at BayCare. Eligible patients would receive coverage for their treatments for anywhere from 90 days to six months even if the contract expires.
“Our Florida Blue team continues to work tirelessly on finding a resolution that will keep BayCare Health System in our networks," Florida Blue Market President David Pizzo said in a statement. "Currently there is a significant gap that we are trying to bridge.
“We hope BayCare Health System will reconsider some of the unrealistic terms and costs they are demanding and work with us on an agreement that is in the best interest of Florida Blue members and the Tampa Bay community.”
To read more on the ongoing situation between the two healthcare giants and to figure out what you need to know as a patient, click here.