U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce
Statement
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact:
Edmund Byrnes |
Statement by OPM's Assistant Director for Insurance Programs Abby L. Block on CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Children's Hospital PPO Contract
"The contract between CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) and Children's Hospital is currently scheduled to expire on December 31, 2002. Negotiations between CareFirst BCBS and Children's Hospital recently ended without an agreement. While CareFirst BCBS is willing to continue to work toward a mutually acceptable agreement, BCBS is preparing to notify participating physician/practitioners and members that Children's Hospital will no longer be in the PPO network, effective January 1, 2003. For federal enrollees, there will be a transition period to allow for continuity of care after the contract expires, as required under the FEHB Patient Bill of Rights provisions described in your plan brochure."
"We understand that a situation such as this can cause a great deal of anxiety, particularly when people are making decisions about their future coverage during the open enrollment period. While agreements between health plans and providers are outside the scope of our authority and affect all plan members, not just federal enrollees, we hope that a settlement can still be reached. "
"In the event that the parties cannot reach agreement, BCBS provided the following list of alternative BCBS hospitals that will be in the CareFirst network in 2003: INOVA Fairfax, Georgetown, Shady Grove, Washington Hospital Center (pediatric heart procedures only), Suburban, Holy Cross, Howard, Sibley, and Montgomery General. "
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OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.
United States Office of Personnel Management
Theodore Roosevelt Building
1900 E Street, NW, Room 5347
Washington, DC 20415-1400
Phone: (202) 606-2402
FAX: (202) 606-2264
U.S. Office of Personnel Management 1900 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20415 | (202) 606-1800 | TTY (202) 606-2532