Naples, FL., August 27, 2024 Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) continues to proactively negotiate with Florida Blue Cross Blue Shield (Florida Blue) in an effort to come to a resolution regarding contract terms with the insurance company. Following on-going financial challenges stemming from inflation and external economic factors, the system is seeking fair payment from the insurance company to cover the rising cost of patient care and preserve local access to doctors and vital services for families across Southwest Florida.
Florida Blue is the third most profitable Blue Cross program in the nation yet pays NCH a lower rate than other insurers that the community hospital is contracted with, meaning NCH is reimbursed less than other hospitals in the region for the exact same services, even though the cost to provide patient care is similar. NCH is asking Florida Blue to be accountable partners and pay fair rates that keep pace with inflation and prioritize the best interests of patients.
“If Florida Blue forces NCH out of network and refuses to pay our community hospital fairly, thousands of patients will be without access to local doctors and specialists,” said Betsy Brothers, MD, NCH North Hospital Chief Medical Officer and Section Chair for OB/GYN. “As the only birthing center in Collier County and the only Comprehensive Stroke Center in Southwest Florida, it’s critical that Florida Blue recognizes the role NCH plays in community health, and listens to the patients and their customers, who depend on us when they say they want – and need – to keep their doctors in-network. We hope Florida Blue recognizes that and does the right thing.”
NCH reached out to Florida Blue months ago to begin negotiations with the goal of coming to a resolution without having to cause concern for, or impact patients. Florida Blue took over three months to respond to NCH’s initial proposal.
“We’re disappointed Florida Blue has not shown they share our sense of urgency in reaching a resolution” said Jon Kling, Chief Operating Officer for NCH. “We’re also disappointed they continue to prolong the negotiation and choose to prioritize profit over their members. Florida Blue reported over $14 billion in revenue in the first half of 2023 alone. We know the company can afford to pay our non-profit healthcare system fairly without passing costs to patients. For us, this is about ensuring the health of our organization so we can continue to serve our community and take care of people.”
If an agreement is not made by September 30, 2024, NCH will be considered out of network for individuals and families with Florida Blue insurance plans. During the negotiation, patients with Florida Blue insurance coverage should continue to access their NCH doctors and services as usual.
Community members can learn more at www.standwithnch.com.
About NCH
NCH (Naples Comprehensive Health) is an Advanced Community Healthcare System™ serving Southwest Florida with premier routine, critical, and specialty care. NCH, a locally governed non-profit, is recognized as one of Healthgrades America’s Top 100 Hospitals which puts it in the top 2% in the nation for clinical excellence, in addition to being named a Top 50 Hospital for Surgical Care. The system is more than just two hospitals (referred to as the NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Hospital) with a total of 713 beds – NCH is an alliance of over 750 physicians and medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida and is the region’s only Joint Commission accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center. NCH cardiac care is ranked top-3 in the state by Healthgrades. NCH collaborates with the Hospital for Special Surgery for orthopedics, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for pediatrics, and ProScan Imaging for radiology services, ensuring top-tier medical care is available in Southwest Florida. With the largest provider network, urgent/immediate care centers, diagnostic facilities, and two hospitals, NCH is always advancing the quality of care near you. For more information, visit www.NCHmd.org.