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[Janetplanet]

Received my letter the other day from Highmark telling me that they will or will possibly not have relationship with Meadville Medical Center.  Great timing, just sent my check for $629 the day before.  That is for individual - just me.  Boy did I feel like the chump.  Anyone else get this letter.  Anyone have any experience in the industry and want to tell me what is going on?
Janet

[Amidala]

Seems to be the contract negotiation process, in process.  In the past, both Highmark and the Hospital have played "hardball" with each other until close to the deadline.  I am planning on calling on Monday to see if I can learn anything. Will let you know.

[stablepitandpub]

Janet & Ami, I called my insurance carrier right away, as I pay for my family of three.  They just
said that there is nothing to worry about, that
we can still get taken care of when necessary.
 
My question, if so, then why send the letter to
scare the hell out of us? 

[Amidala]

contract hardball.  If people start calling MMC then that will put pressure on the hospital to capitulate. Highmark struck first, that's all.

[gator]

Perhaps one of two things is happening here, either Obama Care or the new Facility that will be built at the Old Meadville Mall Land. Yes I did recieve that letter twice, once in the mail and once with my pay voucher. 57% increase? You have got to be kidding me..

[gore range]

....yes, but-



 "...your taxes will not go up one thin dime...."

[jimmyt]

contract hardball.  If people start calling MMC then that will put pressure on the hospital to capitulate. Highmark struck first, that's all.

or, if enough people start calling Highmark to complain, they'll have to bend a little...
 

[Amidala]

Anyone heard anything about this topic's resolution??

[NightmarePatrol]

Here's the last article from the trib on the matter.

[Amidala]

Oh thanks very much NP. I haven't been reading the local rag these days...

[Janetplanet]

I saw first hand what will happen - had a bone density test (my primary care physician recommends it) - and the insurance covers it yearly.  After the test I received a bill from MMC for $16.80.  Never was billed in years past.  I am thinking that this will be the way it is now.  At least it was affordable, would have been shocked if it had been a large bill and I wasn't expecting it.
Janet

[Jayhawk]

Oh thanks very much NP. I haven't been reading the local rag these days...

Though, curiously, you have no problem with reading the "rag" when you can get news of importance to you without having to pay for it.

As for highmark, it was pretty obvious than a company that insures 1/3 of the local population wouldn't hold that many customers for much longer if the policyholders weren't covered at the biggest hospital in town.

[lifefeedsonlife]

As for highmark, it was pretty obvious than a company that insures 1/3 of the local population wouldn't hold that many customers for much longer if the policyholders weren't covered at the biggest hospital in town.

Hooray free market!

[Amidala]

Oh thanks very much NP. I haven't been reading the local rag these days...

Though, curiously, you have no problem with reading the "rag" when you can get news of importance to you without having to pay for it.

As for highmark, it was pretty obvious than a company that insures 1/3 of the local population wouldn't hold that many customers for much longer if the policyholders weren't covered at the biggest hospital in town.

You ARE a vulture, aren't you?  (A TURKEY vulture... lol)

[grandmother77]

I got one of those letters about a month ago.  I told my pain clinician about it and she said they oft send these out to get people to call the hospital and demand negotiations etc.  So that's all I know about it.  Sorry if you've already been told this but, I'm new to this site.