Q: Why is Empire going out-of-network with HealthAlliance?
A: Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (Empire) is refusing to honor previously agreed upon terms relating to HealthAlliance. ALL other Westchester Medical Center Health Network hospitals, including nearby MidHudson Regional Hospital, are in-network with Empire (Please be aware that this information was omitted in Empire's communications to its members and physicians).
Q: What is HealthAlliance doing about this?
A: HealthAlliance is working hard to ensure that high-quality healthcare is provided directly in our communities. A vision for expanded care and financial strength is why we chose to partner with the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth). This includes being part of a larger network umbrella. We are vigorously pursuing a legal remedy to secure a contract and ensure we are fairly compensated for the quality care that our talented staff provides. If we are unable to resolve this, Empire has notified us that they will consider the HealthAlliance facilities out-of-network beginning June 1, 2016.
Q: HealthAlliance is a member of WMCHealth Network. Can WMCHealth help ?
A: Yes. ALL other Westchester Medical Center Health Network hospitals, including nearby MidHudson Regional Hospital, are in-network with Empire (this information was omitted in Empire's communications to its members and physicians). Unfortunately, Empire is refusing to honor previously agreed upon terms relating to HealthAlliance and now we are vigorously pursuing a legal remedy to secure a contract and ensure we are fairly compensated for the quality care that our talented staff provides.
Q: What happens if Empire considers HealthAlliance facilities out of network?
A: There are many things that we are doing to ensure that our patients have access to the fine care and services they are used to and deserve, including access protected by law to HealthAlliance facilities, as well as other high-quality Westchester Medical Center Health Network Hospitals and even the Kingston Ambulatory Surgery Center (845-338-4777).
Q: What if I need emergency care?
A: Empire must cover all emergency care provided at all HealthAlliance facilities.
Q: What if I am currently being cared for by HealthAlliance?
A: Patients currently undergoing treatment and care (for example pregnant women, including post-partum care, or recurring services for treatment of chronic conditions or diseases), will continue to be covered for care at HealthAlliance facilities. All services that have been previously pre-authorized must be covered by Empire.
Q: Empire said that I might be required to bill Empire directly.
A: This is not correct. HealthAlliance patients/members will not be required to bill Empire directly.
Q: Empire said that I might be required to file claims with Empire.
A: This is not correct. Patients/members will not be required to file claims with Empire.
Q: What if I or my doctor has a question about services at HealthAlliance?
A: We are available 24/7 to assist you. Please call us any time at 800-613-6617.
Q: Do I have other options for high-quality care?
A: Yes. All Westchester Medical Center Health Network hospitals are currently in-network with Empire, including nearby MidHudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie (this information was omitted in Empire's communications to its members).
Special additional information for our patients who have Medicare as their primary insurance and Empire as their supplemental insurance:
- Should you be in need of any care at one of our facilities, please know that as Medicare members with Empire as your supplemental insurance you remain covered at HealthAlliance.
- Patients who have Medicare as their primary insurance and Empire as their supplemental insurance will continue to be covered for ALL care, emergent and non-emergent, at all HealthAlliance facilities.
- Patients/members will not be required to bill Empire directly.
- Patients/members will not be required to file claims with Empire.
- Empire may send payments for HealthAlliance claims directly to patients who have Medicare as their primary insurance and Empire as their supplemental insurance. Patients can bring these payments to the registration desk of any HealthAlliance facility or mail them to: HealthAlliance Billing Department 741 Grant Avenue, Lake Katrine NY 12449.
Important HealthAlliance Update: Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance
We're here to help 24/7, please call us at 800.613.6617
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