Let’s hope area health care remains top notch
When it comes to providing health care for Warren County residents, and residents in surrounding counties, River Park Hospital does an exceptional job.
We only hope that’s able to continue at its current level if HCA, River Park’s parent company, and Blue Cross Blue Shield cannot work out their financial differences and settle on a contract. If Blue Cross is booted off River Park’s insurance network, it could mean a 30 percent increase, for example, in the patient’s share of the hospital bill.
How many people will this affect? Estimates say around 60 percent of all River Park patients have Blue Cross Blue Shield as their insurance provider.
Thus far, River Park has been as accommodating as possible. Even though the contract between River Park and Blue Cross has expired, River Park gave all Blue Cross patients a one-month grace period.
That means the impact won’t begin to be felt until Feb. 1, which is only 13 days away.
Our own state Sen. Jerry Cooper has been given authority from the governor to try and work out a compromise between the two. Thus far, there hasn’t been much progress because the two sides have yet to formally talk this year. That is disappointing news.
If HCA and Blue Cross don’t come to an agreement, we can’t help but think both sides will be adversely affected by the stalemate. If 60 percent of all River Park patients are forced to pay out-of-network fees at the hospital, it’s safe to say a substantial number of those people will seek hospital care elsewhere. Patients who normally make the drive from Smithville or Spencer or Altamont would likely make the trip to a hospital other than ours if it’s more affordable.
A reduction of patients would also bring with it a reduction in hospital staff. That would also lead to a reduction in services. That’s the wrong road to take.
River Park is a vital part of our community. It’s a place where we watch our loved ones nurse their way back to health. It’s where we go when we’re in need of emergency medical attention. It’s where we go for care.
The Standard is hopeful both sides, HCA and Blue Cross Blue Shield, can give just a little and meet in the middle. We hope a compromise is somewhere in the cards because it’s in the best interest of both sides — and this community.