WellStar and Blue Cross Reach Agreement on Health Insurance Exchange Product

MARIETTA, Ga., Dec. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the past year, numerous insurers have left the federal health insurance exchange, which has left many Georgians with few options for health insurance and made their preferred providers and hospitals out of network.  For some patients, they would see the impact on January 1, 2017.  WellStar Health System has reached an agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia to participate in a federal insurance exchange product that will provide access to care for our patients.

Effective January 1, 2017, all 11 WellStar hospitals and employed providers of WellStar Medical Group will be participating in all Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia federal health insurance exchange products, including all Bronze, Silver and Gold "Pathways X" and "Multi-State Direct Access" products.

"This news gives patients the ability to keep their WellStar physicians and providers," said Barbara Corey, senior vice president of managed care for WellStar Health System.  "As a not-for-profit, WellStar is focused on improving the health of our patients and community."

According to a traditional enrollment timeline, patients had only until December 15, 2016 to enroll for coverage effective January 1, 2017.  With this new option, they will be able to enroll through January 31 for coverage effective after that date or to make changes to any prior federal health insurance exchange selection made through healthcare.gov previously.  Therefore, if patients haven't chosen a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia plan for 2017, which includes WellStar Medical Group provider or WellStar hospital, they still have time to make a change.

If patients have any questions about the plans WellStar participates with, please contact 770-956-STAR (770-956-7827).  For specific questions regarding current insurance coverage, please call the number on the back of your insurance card. 

About WellStar Health System
WellStar Health System, the largest health system in Georgia, is known nationally for its innovative care models, focused on improving quality and access to healthcare. WellStar consists of WellStar Medical Group, 240 medical office locations, outpatient centers, health parks, a pediatric center, nursing centers, hospice, homecare, as well as 11 hospitals: WellStar Atlanta Medical Center, WellStar Atlanta Medical Center South, WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center (anchored by WellStar Kennestone Hospital), WellStar West Georgia Medical Center, and WellStar Cobb, Douglas, North Fulton, Paulding, Spalding Regional, Sylvan Grove and Windy Hill hospitals. As a not-for-profit, WellStar continues to reinvest in the health of the communities it serves with new technologies and treatments.  For more information, visit wellstar.org.

SOURCE WellStar Health System

Related Links

http://www.wellstar.org