St. Francis - Anthem Update

St. Francis, Anthem contract ensures continuum of care for patients

2009-08-31T21:22:00.000-04:00

INDIANAPOLIS – The Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Inc. and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana today (Aug. 31) announced a new multiyear contract that will maintain in-network healthcare benefits for policyholders and employer groups throughout Indiana.

The previous contract was set to expire Sept. 1.

The agreement covers the following SSFHS medical facilities and physicians:

· St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers (Indianapolis)
· St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers (Beech Grove)
· St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers (Mooresville)
· St. Elizabeth Regional Health (Lafayette)
· Home Hospital (Lafayette)
· St. Anthony Medical Center (Crown Point)
· St. Anthony Memorial Health Center (Michigan City)
· St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center (Hammond)
· St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center (Dyer)
· St. Clare Medical Center (Crawfordsville)
· Franciscan Physicians Hospital (Munster)
· Indiana Bone and Marrow Transplantation Unit (Beech Grove)
· More than 300 physicians throughout the SSFHS service areas

Health insurance plans covered are Anthem Blue Access PPO, Anthem Blue Preferred HMO, Anthem Traditional, Anthem Medicare Advantage PPO, Lumenos, Hoosier Healthwise (Indiana Medicaid) and Anthem Healthy Indiana Plan.

“We recognize how difficult this has been for our patients and appreciate their support and patience during the negotiations,” said Jay Brehm, SSFHS regional chief financial officer and chief negotiator for the hospital system. “The agreement we have forged, in the end, ensures our mission to provide patients with the timely and compassionate care they expect and deserve.”

“We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Sisters of St. Francis Health Services because it ensures that our customers will have uninterrupted, in-network access to medical care at SSFHS facilities across Indiana,” said David Lee, M.D., vice president of health services for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. “This contract achieves our number one goal of keeping health care affordable for our members.”

St. Francis, Anthem reach contract agreement in principle

2009-08-29T11:04:00.000-04:00

INDIANAPOLIS – Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Sisters of St. Francis Health Services, Inc. today (Aug. 29) announced they have reached an agreement in principle on a contract that will maintain in-network health care benefits for policyholders and employer groups throughout Indiana.

Final details are being ironed out, and we hope to have an official announcement soon.

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Frequently asked questions about the Anthem contract situation

2009-08-03T09:30:00.004-04:00

Will Anthem’s contract terminate and when?

Unless a new contract is finalized before the effective date, St. Francis Hospital will be out of Anthem’s network effective September 1, 2009. The pending termination of the contract is the result of Anthem sending a termination notice to St. Francis Hospital earlier this year.

Are St. Francis and Anthem in contract discussions?

St. Francis and Anthem have been meeting over the recent months to work on issues that exist with Anthem’s proposed contract. Meetings have continued and we continue to pursue a new agreement before the deadline.

Is the “Billing Under Arrangements” mentioned by Anthem a violation of our existing contract?

St. Francis, like most hospital systems across the nation, provides a number of hospital services to patients living some distance from St. Francis’ three main hospital campuses by entering into business agreements with other healthcare providers, most notably with our employed physicians. In this way, St. Francis extends its healing ministry and exceptional medical services to patients throughout central and south-central Indiana.

Charges for hospital services provided in these outpatient and clinical facilities are billed at standard hospital rates in full compliance with all federal and state regulations. These services should not be considered physician services and, absent such arrangements, would not exist in outlying offices.

Anthem believes that that many of the health services provided by hospitals should only be available in the traditional hospital setting. Physicians and patients have asked St. Francis to provide these hospital services in communities and clinical settings beyond our three main campuses, and Anthem has been aware of these arrangements for several years. Anthem’s proposals would drastically reduce reimbursement for outpatient services provided by St. Francis Hospital and force us to withdraw many locations where outpatient services and testing are performed. This will create inconvenience for patients and physicians and will impact where St. Francis offers services.

Which health plans are being affected by Anthem’s notice?

Anthem is terminating all patient health care plans in which St. Francis Hospital is contracted to participate, including the following plans:

Blue Traditional
Blue Access PPO
Blue Preferred HMO
Lumenos
FEP
Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP)
Medicare Advantage PPO plans.

What if I have another Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan? Am I affected?

Members of any Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan nationwide who come to Indiana hospitals (including St. Francis) are accessing these hospitals only through an Anthem contract. Without an Anthem contract, all BCBS plans will be accessing St. Francis Hospital out-of-network.

Are St. Francis employed physicians, St. Francis Medical Group (SFMG), being terminated?

At the moment, the contract terminations do not include SFMG but we do expect this to change. Insurance companies often require network physicians to have privileges at an in-network hospital. If St. Francis Hospital is out of Anthem’s network, our physicians that have privileges only with St. Francis Hospital may be terminated by Anthem as well.

Should patients cancel appointments?

Patients should maintain their appointments with the Hospital. The pending termination does not take effect until September 1st and dates of services before that date will all be considered in-network.

Could Anthem stop me from coming to St. Francis?

Anthem’s insurance benefit plans allow patients to use Anthem’s out-of-network benefits. If for any reason and at any time your request for services at St. Francis is being denied by Anthem, you should voice your objection to Anthem and your employer. As always, you should follow your insurance plan’s pre-certification requirements.

What can patients do?

Anthem patients can contact their employer or the Indiana Department of Insurance to voice their concerns. Patients can also contact Anthem and voice concerns directly by calling the toll-free customer service phone number found on the identification card or by contacting David Lee, Vice President of Health Care Management with Anthem.

David Lee, M.D.
Telephone: (317) 287-6260
Vice President of Health Care Management
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
220 Virginia Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Email: David.Lee@Anthem.com

Indiana Department of Insurance Consumer Helpline: 1(800) 622-4461

What phone number may patients use to directly call St. Francis?

Anyone can call St. Francis Hospital’s Toll-Free Anthem Hotline at (866) 576-3590. St. Francis Hospital is also posting timely updates to a page linked from its public Web site at www.stfrancishospitals.org. Information on the many other health plans that St. Francis Hospital participates with is available upon request.

updated Aug. 5, 2009, 12:25 p.m.

St. Francis health system remains in Anthem network; negotiations continue

2009-03-31T15:27:00.000-04:00

The following is a SSFHS/Anthem joint news release:

INDIANAPOLIS – Based on a ruling yesterday (March 30) from the Marion County Superior Court-Civil Division in Indianapolis, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield will continue to recognize facilities operated by the Sisters of St. Francis Health Services (SSFHS) as in-network until the contracts between Anthem and SSFHS expire Sept. 1, 2009.

Although Anthem had sought to terminate the contracts early, the court ruling means that members of Anthem health plans can continue to receive in-network services at SSFHS facilities after May 1.

The hospitals include:

St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers in Beech Grove, Indianapolis and Mooresville
St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Home Hospital in Lafayette
St. Clare Medical Center in Crawfordsville
St. Anthony Memorial Health Centers in Michigan City
St. Anthony Medical Center in Crown Point
St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center in Hammond and Dyer
Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster.

The current Anthem-SSFHS contracts expire Sept.1, 2009. But leaders from both organizations emphasized they are committed to continuing contracts talks and securing a new long-term agreement to ensure that Anthem-insured patients receive in-network benefits at the highest level of care at all SSFHS hospitals.

Frequently asked questions about the Anthem contract situation

2009-03-11T15:57:00.001-04:00

Will Anthem’s contract terminate and when?

St. Francis has received two termination notices from Anthem. The first notice of termination for an alleged breach of contract is effective May 1, 2009. St. Francis adamantly asserts that there is no breach of contract, and St. Francis is taking immediate steps to prevent this Anthem termination action from taking place.

The second Anthem termination notice pertains to the renewal of St. Francis’ contract with Anthem, and its termination is set for September 1, 2009. This contract is currently being negotiated and was set to renew unless either party served 180 days notice, which Anthem has now done. September 1, 2009 is the new deadline for completing a new contract with terms agreeable to both parties.

Are St. Francis and Anthem in contract discussions?

St. Francis hopes Anthem is willing to continue negotiations in a fair and honest fashion. But Anthem’s actions make it difficult for St. Francis to determine how Anthem plans to continue our discussions. Clearly, Anthem has pursued a course of action detrimental to ongoing negotiations.

Is the “Billing Under Arrangements” mentioned by Anthem a violation of the contract?

St. Francis, like most hospital systems across the nation, provides a number of hospital services to patients living some distance from St. Francis’ three main hospital campuses by entering into business agreements with other healthcare providers. In this way, St. Francis extends its healing ministry and exceptional medical services to patients throughout central and south-central Indiana. Charges for hospital services provided in these outpatient and clinical facilities are billed at standard hospital rates in full compliance with all federal and state regulations. Anthem wants to limit how and where Indiana patients can access hospitals care. Anthem believes that that many of the critical health services provided by hospitals should only be available in the traditional hospital setting. Physicians and patients have asked St. Francis to provide these hospital services in communities and clinical settings beyond our three main campuses, and as Anthem has been aware of these arrangements for several years.

Which health plans are being affected by Anthem’s notice?

Anthem intends to terminate all patient health care plans in which St. Francis is contracted to participate, including Blue Traditional, Blue Access PPO, Blue Preferred HMO, Lumenos, FEP, Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) and Medicare Advantage PPO plans.

Are St. Francis employed physicians, St. Francis Medical Group (SFMG), being terminated?

No, the contract terminations do not include SFMG.

Should patients cancel appointments?

Patients should maintain their appointments with the Hospital. Anthem’s unwarranted and unfair negotiation tactics should not keep patients from seeking quality health care wherever they want Anthem’s actions are intended to do nothing more than bring patients and employers into the fray once again in an effort to pressure St. Francis into unfavorable and unreasonable business terms.

What can patients do?

Anthem patients should contact their employer or the Indiana Department of Insurance to voice their objections to Anthem’s unwarranted use of a contract termination as a way to force St. Francis Hospital into accepting extremely unfavorable and unfair new contractual terms.

Indiana Department of Insurance Consumer Helpline: 1 (800) 622-4461

What phone number may patients use to directly call St. Francis?

Anyone can call St. Francis Hospital’s Toll-Free Anthem Hotline at (866) 576-3590. St. Francis Hospital is also posting timely updates to a page linked from its public Web site at www.stfrancishospitals.org.

St. Francis ‘deeply disappointed’ by Anthem threat to terminate contracts

2009-03-05T16:29:00.001-05:00

INDIANAPOLIS – After months of contract negotiations, the Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Inc. (SSFHS) is dismayed by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana’s notice that it would terminate contracts with SSFHS as early as May 1.

Anthem announced the termination in a March 3 communication to its insurance brokers and employer groups.

"We are deeply disappointed by Anthem’s action," said Kevin Leahy, SSFHS president and chief executive officer. "While progress throughout our negotiations has been slow and painstaking, there is a clear understanding between Anthem and SSFHS regarding the issues that keep the parties from agreeing to new contracts."

Leahy added, "Our patients remain our primary concern, and we will continue – as we have done throughout all phases of these discussions – to ensure Anthem-insured policyholders receive the level of benefits and quality of care they expect at all of our medical facilities."

Leahy emphasized that specifics of the negotiations fall under a mutually agreed upon confidentiality agreement, which SSFHS has strictly observed.

During negotiations last fall, SSFHS announced that it had rescinded the termination of the SSFHS contracts with Anthem because progress was being made in discussions. This action also guaranteed that Anthem-insured patients would continue to be served at St. Francis medical facilities throughout the state.

SSFHS officials believe Anthem’s termination announcement is a reaction to the hospital system’s filing of a lawsuit last November in Marion County Superior Court. The litigation, in part, pertains to the use of arbitration under current contracts between St. Francis and Anthem.

SSFHS’ other concerns are related to Anthem’s lack of timely claims reimbursement and the denial of claims related to their processing problems, a situation that has persisted since the fourth quarter of 2007.

The Indiana State Medical Association also has investigated similar problems with Anthem on behalf of its membership.

In a January 2009 report to its shareholders and posted on its Web site, Anthem said it generated net income of $2.5 billion in 2008. In 2007, Anthem generated $3.3 billion in net income for its shareholders. Anthem/WellPoint’s CFO predicts that Anthem will "generate significant positive cash flow in 2009" – standing in stark contrast to the struggle for financial survival facing every other Indiana business, working families and mission-driven hospitals like St. Francis.

Any inquiry into the causes of today’s health care crisis must consider the harmful impact of diverting multiple billions of premium dollars away from providing vital health services for working families.

A Feb. 22 Indianapolis Star article details the growth WellPoint/ Anthem has experienced and anticipates for its future. The article states: "WellPoint’s grip on its hometown health insurance market has more than doubled in the past five years, with nearly 70 percent of common policies now issued by the Indianapolis-based insurance giant… The growing market share gives WellPoint increasing clout in negotiating fees paid to doctors and hospitals throughout the region, contributing to a string of public feuds between WellPoint’s Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and local health-care providers…"

Contracts currently cover the following SSFHS medical facilities and physicians:

St. Francis Hospital & Health Center (Indianapolis)
St. Francis Hospital & Health Center (Beech Grove)
St. Francis Hospital & Health Center (Mooresville)
St. Elizabeth Regional Health (Lafayette)
Home Hospital (Lafayette)
St. Anthony Medical Center (Crown Point)
St. Anthony Memorial Health Center (Michigan City)
St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center (Hammond)
St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center (Dyer)
St. Clare Medical Center (Crawfordsville)
Franciscan Physicians Hospital (Munster)
More than 300 physicians in the different SSFHS service areas

The affected plans are:

Anthem Blue Access PPO
Anthem Blue Preferred HMO
Anthem Traditional
Anthem Medicare Advantage PPO
Lumenos
Anthem Healthy Indiana Plan.

Contract termination rescinded; patients will continue to receive in-network care

2008-11-07T20:49:00.000-05:00

INDIANAPOLIS – The Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Inc. today (Nov. 7) announced it would rescind plans to terminate its contract with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana, thereby ensuring patients will continue to receive in-network benefits.

St. Francis and Anthem officials say they have made progress in negotiating a new multi-year contract and will continue their discussions until an agreement is reached.

An agreement would cover the following SSFHS medical facilities and physicians:

St. Francis Hospital & Health Center (Indianapolis)
St. Francis Hospital & Health Center (Beech Grove)
St. Francis Hospital & Health Center (Mooresville)
St. Elizabeth Regional Health (Lafayette)
Home Hospital (Lafayette)
St. Anthony Medical Center (Crown Point)
St. Anthony Memorial Health Center (Michigan City)
St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center (Hammond)
St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center (Dyer)
St. Clare Medical Center (Crawfordsville)
Franciscan Physicians Hospital (Munster)
More than 300 physicians in the different SSFHS service areas

The affected plans are Anthem Blue Access PPO, Anthem Blue Preferred HMO, Anthem Traditional, Anthem Medicare Advantage PPO, and Anthem Healthy Indiana Plan.

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About Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Inc.
Headquartered in Mishawaka, Ind., the Sisters of St. Francis Health Services is a network of 13 growing hospital campuses in Indiana and Illinois is one of the largest health-care systems in the state. The system’s health-care ministry in Indiana was established in 1875. More information about SSFHS is at www.ssfhs.org.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana is available at www.anthem.com.

Anthem discussions ongoing

2008-11-06T15:24:00.001-05:00

As you aware, the St. Francis health system and Anthem have been involved in negotiating a long-term contract. Discussions are ongoing at this time. We hope to update you soon.

St. Francis, Anthem agree to extension; long-term contract possible

2008-11-03T09:25:00.000-05:00

The Sisters of St. Francis Health Services, Inc. (SSFHS) late last night announced it has agreed to postpone its contract termination with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana until Friday, Nov. 7.

After a weekend of intense discussions, both organizations reported that “significant progress in negotiations had been made and both SSFHS and Anthem are confident that a long-term contract extension will be completed in the next few days.”

The contract was scheduled to terminate midnight, Sunday, Nov. 2.

Both parties indicated optimism that final details of a long-term contract extension would be finalized by Nov. 7.

Update on hotline for Anthem questions

2008-10-27T16:28:00.001-04:00

Last week, the Sisters of St. Francis Health Services, Inc., set up a new system-wide hotline to provide help for those with concerns about their insurance coverage with Anthem.

The new TOLL-FREE hotline phone number is: (866) 576-3590. This number replaces the one that was previously provided. The initial hotline number will continue to be live through Nov. 7.

We have included a list of common questions and answers on our site, however, you can call the hotline number above to speak directly to a St. Francis representative who can answer your specific questions and concerns.

Hours for the hotline are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central time.

The Sisters of St. Francis Health Services, Inc., sincerely hopes to resolve the situation before the Nov. 2 termination date. We will continue to keep you updated as information becomes available.

Telephone hotline established

2008-10-21T12:03:00.001-04:00

The Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Inc. recently announced a contract termination with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana effective Nov. 2. This is largely due to Anthem's lack of timely and accurate payment of claims reimbursement.

We know this causes concern and confusion to our patients, physicians and staff, and we are hoping to address these concerns with a toll-free telephone number, 1 (866) 576-3590. [Phone number updated Oct. 24, 2008]

Callers will be asked to provide their contact information, which will be forwarded to St. Francis insurance representatives who can answer their questions more directly and with more specific detail. As we are anticipating a high level of calls, our goal to respond to your questions within 24 to 48 hours.

You also can find answers to many common questions on our Q&A section at http://stfrancis-anthem.blogspot.com/2008/10/questions-and-answers-regarding-anthem.html.

Questions and answers regarding Anthem coverage at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers

2008-10-16T18:30:00.001-04:00

Questions and answers regarding Anthem coverage at St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers:

Why is St. Francis ending its contract with Anthem?

St. Francis has sent a notice of termination to Anthem that is effective Nov. 2, 2008. The reason for the termination is due to serious claims issues with Anthem that have not been resolved over the past year.

Is St. Francis in negotiations with Anthem?

[updated 10/23/08] No meetings are planned at this time. It is our hope that a resolution will be reached.

Which Anthem plans are affected by this?

The affected plans include:

Anthem Blue Access PPO
Anthem Blue Preferred HMO
Anthem Traditional
Anthem Medicare Advantage PPO
Anthem Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP)

What if I have another Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan? Am I affected?

Members of any Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan nationwide who come to Indiana hospitals (including St. Francis) are accessing a contract only through Anthem. Without an Anthem contract, all BCBS plans will be accessing St. Francis out-of-network.

St. Francis is working to develop options so that Anthem patients are not adversely affected by out-of-pocket costs through the rest of 2008.

If I have Anthem insurance, what does this mean for my health care choices?

If you have Anthem insurance, you can continue to receive care at St. Francis as an in-network patient until Nov. 2, 2008. Recent correspondence from Anthem to its patients suggests that Anthem will continue to process St. Francis claims for an additional 30-day period at in-network benefit levels, but we currently are learning more about this. We suggest that Anthem patients call Anthem to learn more about this advice.

St. Francis is working to develop options so that Anthem patients are not adversely affected by out-of-pocket costs through the rest of 2008.

As always, you should follow your insurance plan’s pre-certification requirements.

Could Anthem stop me from coming to St. Francis?

Anthem’s insurance benefit plans allow patients to use Anthem’s out-of-network benefits If for any reason and at any time your request for services at St. Francis is being denied by Anthem, you should voice your protest to Anthem and your employer.

As always, you should follow your insurance plan’s pre-certification requirements.

What if I have an emergency? Can I still come to St. Francis for emergency services?

Medically necessary emergency services are not subject to the in-network or out-of-network rules of a health plan and will not be impacted by any termination.

I am currently in the middle of treatment. What happens to my care?

Most of Anthem’s benefit plans have an out-of-network benefit available, allowing you to use non-contracted providers. Benefit plans also have continuation of services benefits that allow patients currently in treatment for a condition to continue receiving some services at a terminated provider.

Call your benefits administrator or Anthem about continuation of care benefits provided in your benefit plan.

St. Francis is working to develop options so that Anthem patients are not adversely affected by out-of-pocket costs through the rest of 2008.

As always, you should follow your insurance plan’s pre-certification requirements.

I am currently pregnant. What happens to my care?

Most of Anthem’s benefit plans have an out-of-network benefit available, allowing you to use non-contracted providers. Benefit plans also have continuation of services benefits that allow patients currently in treatment for a condition (including pregnancy) to continue receiving some services at a terminated provider.

Call your benefits administrator or Anthem about continuation of care benefits provided in your benefit plan.

St. Francis is working to develop options so that Anthem patients are not adversely affected by out-of-pocket costs through the rest of 2008.

As always, you should follow your insurance plan’s pre-certification requirements.

Will patients be able to get in-network levels of benefits for other services at St. Francis after Nov. 2, when the contract ends?

Most of Anthem’s benefit plans have an out-of-network benefit available allowing you to use non-contracted providers. Benefit plans also have continuation of services benefits that allow patients currently in treatment for a condition to continue receiving some services at a terminated provider.

Patients who are currently seeking services at St. Francis, such as for pregnancy and serious medical conditions, should call their benefits administrator or Anthem about continuation of care benefits provided in their benefit plans.

St. Francis is working to develop options so that Anthem patients are not adversely affected by out-of-pocket costs through the rest of 2008.

As always, you should follow your insurance plan’s pre-certification requirements.

If the St. Francis termination with Anthem goes into effect in November, what does this mean for my bill? Will Anthem send payments to St. Francis or directly to me?

It is likely that payments from Anthem will be sent directly to the patient’s home address. Payment ultimately is the patient’s responsibility, and any money paid directly to you should be forwarded immediately to satisfy your bills with St. Francis.

Who can Anthem participants in Indianapolis contact for more information?

Staff at St. Francis is available to answer many of the questions you may have during this unfortunate development. Patients, as always, are welcome to call us directly, send an e-mail or call a dedicated hotline for concerns specific to Anthem.

Specific questions about benefits and claims should be addressed to your plan’s benefit administrator (Anthem).

St. Francis health system opts out of Anthem network Nov. 2

2008-10-13T23:47:00.001-04:00

INDIANAPOLIS – The Sisters of St. Francis Health Services, Inc. (SSFHS) announced today (Oct. 13) that its contract with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Indiana is set to end Nov. 2, 2008.

Reasons for the termination include Anthem’s lack of accurate and timely claims payment and the inability to secure contract terms comparable to other hospitals in the area, SSFHS officials said.

The termination will cover the following SSFHS hospitals and physicians:

St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers (Indianapolis)
St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers (Beech Grove)
St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers (Mooresville)
St. Elizabeth Regional Health/Home Hospital (Lafayette)
St. Anthony Medical Center (Crown Point)
St. Anthony Memorial Health Center (Michigan City)
St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center (Hammond)
St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center (Dyer)
St. Clare Medical Center (Crawfordsville)
Franciscan Physicians Hospital (Munster)
More than 300 physicians in the SSFHS service areas

“SSFHS is a good partner that works closely with payers to resolve claims problems when they occur,” said Greg Yust, SSFHS vice president of managed care contracting. “We recently forged successful long-term agreements with Aetna, Humana, Saga more and CIGNA. The Anthem claims issues have been ongoing for more than a year with no progress whatsoever.”

St. Francis hopes to work out a new agreement with Anthem. In the event SSFHS is unable to reach an agreement, it will continue to work with Anthem, patients and employers to limit the impact the contract dispute might cause.