Important HealthAlliance Update: Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance

June 1, 2016
UPDATE: October 21, 2016

Dear Community member,

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 disappointed Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield has not recognized the contractual reimbursement terms for HealthAlliance that it previously agreed to with WMCHealth. As a result, Empire considers HealthAlliance Hospitals "out of network" as of today. We are equally disappointed Empire will require its members to seek elective healthcare outside the community.

As you may have heard, ALL other WMCHealth hospitals, including nearby MidHudson Regional Hospital located in Poughkeepsie, are in network with Empire (this information was omitted in Empire's communications to its members). WMCHealth is vigorously pursuing a legal remedy to ensure we are fairly compensated for the quality care our talented staff provides.

We are doing many things to ensure all patients have access to the fine care and services they are used to and deserve, including access protected by law to HealthAlliance Hospitals (including the Emergency Department at the Broadway Campus, maternity at the Family Birth Place, the Infusion Center, and pre-scheduled surgeries); HealthAlliance facilities (such as the Dialysis Center and Bridgeback); as well as other high-quality WMCHealth hospitals, and even the Kingston Ambulatory Surgery Center (845-338-4777).

Additionally, the HealthAlliance Medical Staff Office is working directly with our community's physicians to ensure they have the information and support they need to care for their patients. Physicians not on staff at another in-network facility with Blue Cross Blue Shield were contacted and are in the credentialing process with a comparable, high-quality facility we have confidence in. This will ensure that physicians will continue to provide the same great care by seeing their patients both in the hospital and in their offices.

For Patients with Empire as their primary insurance:

• Empire must cover all emergency cases at all HealthAlliance facilities.
• Patients/members will not be required to file claims with Empire.

For Patients with Medicare as their primary insurance and Empire as supplemental:

• Patients will continue to be covered for ALL care, emergent and non-emergent, at HealthAlliance facilities.
• Patients/members will not be required to file claims with Empire.
• Empire may send payments for HealthAlliance claims directly to Patients. 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.

For Patients of Margaretville Hospital:

• Patients with Excellus Blue Cross will continue to be covered for ALL care, emergent and non-emergent, at Margaretville Hospital. All other Blue Cross plans must cover All emergency cases.

We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause, but we are here to help. If you have questions about coverage, care and services, please call us directly at 800-613-6617 so we can assist you while we continue to pursue a fair and equitable arrangement with Empire.

Sincerely,

David Scarpino
Chief Executive Officer
HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley
A Member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network

We're here to help 24/7, please call us at 800-613-6617

Westchester Medical Center Health Network

Westchester Medical Center
Behavioral Health Center
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital

100 Woods Road
Valhalla, NY 10595

HealthAlliance: Broadway Campus

396 Broadway
Kingston, NY 12401

MidHudson Regional Hospital

241 North Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Bon Secours Community Hospital

St. Joseph's Place
160 E Main Street
Port Jervis, NY 12771

HealthAlliance: Mary's Avenue Campus

105 Mary's Avenue
Kingston, NY 12401

St. Anthony Community Hospital

15 Maple Avenue
Warwick, NY 10990

Good Samaritan Hospital

255 Lafayette Avenue
Suffern, NY 10901

Margaretville Hospital
Mountainside Residential Care Center

42084 State Highway 28
Margaretville, NY 12455

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