ATLANTA — Bad news for Grady Health System patients who use Blue Cross Blue Shield. The hospital system says it no longer accepts the health insurance.
Grady says it's not being paid enough by Blue Cross Blue Shield, which says Grady is asking for too much in reimbursement.
Now policy holders will have to pay out of pocket for treatment at Grady's facilities.
Channel 2's Jessica Jaglois talked with Sheryl Rechtman at Grady Memorial Hospital. Rechtman was spending Thanksgiving with her mother-in-law, who is recovering from a stroke.
Rechtman has Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia and says she's terrified that Grady doesn't accept her family's insurance now.
"It's scary if something major happens, and you get rushed down to Grady and my insurance won't cover it. Then what, do I lose my house? Then they'll have to take them somewhere else?" Rechtman said.
Grady says it couldn't agree with the insurance giant over reimbursement rates, which means policy holders will have to pay out of pocket or potentially face a large bill if treated.
"By the time they transfer them and go from Grady to Northside or Piedmont or St. Joe's or one of the other hospitals, that could be a matter of life or death," Rechtman said.
In a statement, Blue Cross Blue Shield said, "We have submitted multiple proposals that offer an increase in the rates that we currently pay them. However, that doesn't seem to be enough."
But according to Grady, Blue Cross Blue Shield pays Grady far less than other hospitals, saying, "We are simply asking Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia to pay us fairly. Unfairly low payments threaten our ability to maintain the high quality of care that our community relies on."
Grady was clear it will not turn people away for treatment. Hospital physicians and employees are not affected by the change.
If you're a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia member and you're being treated at a Grady facility, the insurance company told Jaglois you should call the number on the back of your insurance card to talk about continuing your coverage.
WSBTV
