November 9, 2016
Re: Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Information
Dear Patient,
Relf EyeCare Specialists, PA would like to thank you for choosing our facility for your health care needs. As your clinic, we feel that it is our responsibility to inform you of an on-going situation with one of our major health care insurers, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota (BCBS).
Relf EyeCare Specialists, PA is a part of an independent physician association named Integrity Health Network (IHN), who for the last 30 years has negotiated health insurance agreements on behalf of its members. The partnership with IHN allows each clinic to focus on patient care, providing the high-quality, low-cost care to which you are accustomed.
IHN, on behalf of member clinics, began negotiations with BCBS nearly two years ago. Recently, BCBS terminated our contract through IHN effective February 1, 2017. While IHN continues to negotiate on our behalf, we feel compelled to communicate with you, our patient, the uncertainty of our future status with BCBS.
What does this mean to you?
If we do not have a contract by February 1, 2017, BCBS will consider your care at Relf EyeCare Specialists to be out of network; we will be considered a non-participating provider. This affects all BCBS insurance such as Medicare Advantage and Supplements, BCBS products provided through an employer-sponsored insurance, and Medical Assistance.
What can you do?
Contact BCBS member services at the phone number located on the back of your current insurance card or 1-800-382-2000 to share your concerns.
Explore your options: Relf EyeCare Specialists is contracted with other insurance providers such as Medica, HealthPartners, PreferredOne, UCare, Humana, and many others.
If you have insurance through an employer-sponsored plan, ask if other options are available.
If you have a Medicare Supplement or Advantage plan, work closely with your insurance agent to explore and understand all options.
It is our privilege to be a part of your healthcare team. We will continue to provide you with the high quality care you trust. We also value our partnership with IHN, choosing to maintain an IHN contract with BCBS. Our ongoing status as an in-network or participating provider with BCBS, however, is currently uncertain.
In Partnership,
Dr. Susan Relf, Dr. Lisa Graham, Dr. Kayla Bechthold, Dr. Janelle Strom and all members of our healthcare team at Relf EyeCare Specialists, PA
Millerwoods Health Care Campus
