JACKSON, Miss.–The Executive Order that mandated Blue Cross and Blue Shield reinstate in-network coverage to ten HMA hospitals around the state has been modified by Governor Phil Bryant.
It no longer requires action on the part of Blue Cross or the hospitals, but the Department of Insurance is still required to conduct a hearing or to submit a report to the Governor on why no hearing is necessary.
Because of the modification Blue Cross has voluntarily dropped its lawsuit against Bryant that kept him out of the fight.
“I appreciate Blue Cross’s willingness to re-engage in discussions with the hospitals to see whether there is room for a compromise that will benefit all involved, including most importantly the patients that Blue Cross insures and these hospitals serve,” said Bryant. “I am also encouraged that four of the affected hospitals were recently readmitted to the Blue Cross network.”
In his release, Bryant stated he still thinks his Order would have been upheld eventually by the courts but it would have stretched out past the 60-day expiration.
“In light of the cost and time associated with protracted litigation, and because I believe more progress can be made on this issue outside of litigation, I am amending my order to remove those portions contested in federal court,” he said.
He closed saying that if no private or administrative solution was found between Blue Cross and HMA hospitals he expects legislative action during the 2014 session.
