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- Anthem policy threatens patient care
Medical organizations are speaking out against a potentially harmful policy proposed by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield targeting nonparticipating care providers.
- The proposed plan would penalize hospitals with a 10% reimbursement cut for using out-of-network physicians.
- Hospitals might pass these cuts onto physicians, pressuring them to join networks or become employees.
The policy has sparked significant concern among physician organizations, who warn it could disrupt independent practices and limit patient access to care.
The big picture: The policy further threatens to undermine reforms in the No Surprises Act, which protects patients from unexpected medical bills.
- The Act ensures patients pay in-network rates for out-of-network care at participating hospitals.
- Anthem's move is seen as sidestepping this bipartisan policy, raising concerns over patient care and costs.
What's next: In a joint letter, physician groups urge Anthem to rescind the policy and consider alternatives that better support physician networks and patient care.