In recent weeks, thousands of individuals and families in the greater Jacksonville area have received troubling news about potential changes to their health insurance that could affect the doctors they regularly see. Negotiations over a new contract between Baptist Health and Florida Blue appear to have stalled.
If the two organizations do not reach an agreement by September 30, Baptist Health would no longer be part of Florida Blue’s provider network, disrupting lives throughout Northeast Florida.
Negotiations with hospitals and doctors are routine for insurance companies and providers and are usually concluded without impact or interruption to care. While we all know that health care is complex, the current situation makes us especially concerned for thousands of our neighbors who were previously uninsured, self-insure, or work part-time without coverage through an employer.
Health insurance plans under the Health Insurance Marketplace-Affordable Care Act have opened the door to many people who previously could not afford insurance.
During the course of these negotiations, Baptist Health has indicated that many Florida Blue members may no longer be able to receive care under these Marketplace plans if their demands for higher rates are not met – rates that would make health care unaffordable and result in higher costs that would be passed on to consumers.
We have worked too hard to make health care more affordable and accessible to address the inequities in our society. We cannot take a step back now.
Many who could lose access to Baptist Health’s doctors, nurses, facilities and hospitals live in underserved neighborhoods. They have faced health hurdles for generations and, like many Floridians, are struggling to make ends meet in today’s difficult economic climate. The last thing they need is the possibility of facing unreasonable cost increases or having to find new physicians.
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The Northeast Florida Medical Society Foundation – physicians, pharmacists, physician assistants and dentists – have worked tirelessly for decades to ensure everyone in our region can find and receive the health care they need. Our mission is to provide quality care to medically vulnerable people in the community, including many who have Marketplace plans.
Baptist Health and Florida Blue are both mission-driven organizations with deep roots in Jacksonville. Both have demonstrated a sincere commitment to the health and well-being of our communities for decades.
As physicians, friends and neighbors, we urge the good people at Baptist Health to reconsider their demands and the associated consequences for our community, especially when they could jeopardize care for the patients who need it most. We encourage these two institutions to work toward a mutual solution that keeps costs down and does not compromise the care our patients deserve.
Rogers Cain, MD, President, and Kenneth W. Jones, MD, Treasurer, Northeast Florida Medical Society Foundation, Jacksonville
This guest column reflects the opinions of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Times-Union. We welcome diversity of opinion.
