MEMPHIS, Tennessee — Some parents in the Mid-South are panicking after receiving a letter saying TennCare won’t pay for their child at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital on New Year’s Day.
The first line of the letter reads, “From December 31st of this year, TenCare will not pay for your visit to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.”
Sarah Marbury is a mother of four. Her four-year-old daughter, who was born with Down syndrome, received the letter this week.
“I’m heartbroken. Talking to the BlueCare representative brought tears to my eyes,” Marbury said. “We are very dependent on her doctors and Le Bonheur specialists and not being able to be there for her care would be detrimental to her.”
WREG turned to Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare for answers. We received the following statement from spokesperson Sarah Farley:
“Contract negotiations with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee are underway. Our goal is to achieve by the end of the year a balanced and equitable solution that benefits both parties and meets the needs of our system, providers, and the patients and families we serve. is.“
An upset Marbury posted a post on Facebook that was shared by more than 100 family members.
Hardeman County resident Marbury said Le Bonheur is the only major children’s hospital in the area. She and others may have to drive to Vanderbilt, which is expensive.
“Many of the children on BlueCare are children with disabilities, low-income families and children in foster care,” she said.
In a statement, Blue Cross Blue Shield said it understands the concerns.
“Tennessee employers and BlueCross members are constantly seeking help with rising health care costs. BlueCross remains committed to ensuring that its members have access to affordable, quality care and hopes to reach a new agreement with Methodist Le Bonheur to support this goal. I’m here.”
“Insurers want to make more money. Hospitals and healthcare providers want to make more money,” Marbury said. “I understand that, but I don’t think our children should suffer in the process.”
If no agreement is reached by the end of the year, TennCare says it will help patients transition care. Agency Communications His Director Amy Lawrence released the following statement:
“BlueCare, TennCare’s health insurance, is in active contract negotiations with Methodist/Le Bonheur. We have sent the necessary letter informing members that Methodist/Le Bonheur will not be joining Blue’s network after the 1st.If the parties are able to reach their term before 1/1, there will be no impact on members. .
TennCare health plans are contractually mandated to provide ongoing care, and work to transition care when no contract is in place. “
