Florida Blue NCH Media Update – September 24

SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 –

Quote from Phillip Lee, Florida Blue’s West Florida Market President:

“Florida Blue will continue working to reach an agreement with NCH before the Sept.30 deadline. We value their doctors, nurses and medical personnel, and want NCH to remain in our network. However, if NCH leadership choose to exit our network, we are ready to support our members with finding other high-quality, in-network providers in the region.” 

Latest Updates:

1. Despite what members and the community may be hearing, negotiations do continue. Florida Blue’s current contract with Naples Comprehensive Health expires in 6 days (Sept. 30, 2024). NCH is continuing to stand firm on its latest proposal, which still adds up to a 30% increase in rates over the next several years. We have offered NCH fair and reasonable rates that exceed medical inflation. NCH has continued to reject this offer.

1. NCH refuses to consider an agreement that would tie any portion of their revenue to improvements in efficiency or patient outcomes. Florida Blue has similar arrangements with many other top health systems across the state.
2. We want to continue working with NCH. There is a fair deal on the table that includes an annual rate increase for inflation for NCH, keeps care as affordable as possible for residents of Southwest Florida, and allows individuals, families, and businesses to maintain access to NCH.

1. If NCH chooses to leave our network, we still have our members covered. Florida Blue has strong, in-network relationships with all other major health care systems in the area and with other leading providers, primary care doctors, and specialists. Even if they choose to leave the network, we will keep negotiating in good faith with NCH
2. We also are calling upon NCH leaders to agree to continuity of care for pregnant women. Florida Blue has asked NCH to protect any woman who delivers at NCH through June 30, 2025 (nine months). We can and should take this step now, even as we continue to negotiate the broader contract.

1. 1. Phillip Lee: “It’s troubling that executives at NCH are stalling on an agreement that can eliminate uncertainty for pregnant women. Our offer is clear: if you’re pregnant today, and you want to deliver at NCH, we believe you should be able to do so. Even as we work toward a broader agreement before Sept.30, this is common sense and would give expecting families’ peace of mind.”