Usually my blogs are fun little quips about my kids' hysterical happenings. Today I am writing on a much more serious note. Recently, Horizon BCBS informed us they were terminating contracts with CHOP and University of Pennsylvania Health System. I thought they were playing chicken as a part of their ongoing contract negotiations. Then we got a letter from CHOP confirming this news. As of March 2009 , Horizon will no longer pay CHOP or UPHS claims.
I am utterly outraged. My children both see CHOP doctors and I have always felt secure knowing that we had the NATION'S NUMBER ONE PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL at our disposal. Now where will we go for this level of care?
The reason this incenses me is that my family, along with over 200,000 other New Jersey teachers, has Horizon insurance because that is who New Jersey has a contract with. We don't have a choice to change providers and now we are being told that our level of health care is being compromised.
I can't seem to make heads or tails if it is really a contract dispute or if it's a political thing. Are NJ lawmakers being pressured to force the insurance companies to keep their business in-state? I'm not sure, but let's write our congressmen and find out! Visit https://writerep.house.gov and find out who your representative is and send him this letter: (there is also an email version that doesn't mention being a teacher at the bottom)
Dear Congressman ________,
I am writing to implore you to get involved with the contract negotiations between Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield. As I am sure you are aware, Horizon announced that as of March 2009 they will no longer pay CHOP claims.
My family utilizes CHOP’s services both in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We have always felt secure knowing that CHOP, the number one pediatric hospital in the nation was at our disposal. We have always received superior care from them and have now come to expect it. I will not send my children to inferior health care facilities all because two money making conglomerates cannot settle a contract dispute.
Horizon justifies CHOP’s recent dismissal by saying it “wants to get New Jersey residents to use New Jersey-based hospitals,” and there is pressure among New Jersey lawmakers to enforce such a thing.
CHOP’s Philadelphia hospital is the single largest provider of inpatient care to sick children in New Jersey. Their total economic impact across New Jersey was $593 million last year, supporting 3,434 New Jersey jobs. Their Kids First primary care practices see 122,000 children a year. Where will these children get medical care? They will be forced to seek it from the already overcrowded New Jersey practices and hospitals. Yet, these facilities are also beginning to drop certain insurance plans.
Horizon is currently seeking state approval to allow it to convert to a for-profit company. I urge you to oppose this. How can we feel safe that our insurance company is making decisions that are best for its patients when it must also answer to shareholders?
I am a New Jersey teacher and I receive benefits from my employer. I am not in a position to change my health care provider. Being an educator does not pay particularly well, but the health care, pension and job stability have always surpassed the lack of monetary compensation. I feel proud to be contributing the education system in New Jersey. I am looking out for the future of our children’s education. I am asking you to please look out for their health.
Please contact:
Mr. William J. Marino
Horizon BCBS of NJ
Three Penn Plaza East
Newark, NJ 07012
973-466-4000
Ms. Meg Jones
Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, CHOP
34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-590-6900
There are thousands of children’s lives hanging in the balance. Please help us continue to receive the superior care New Jersey families deserve.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
YOUR NAME HERE
YOUR ADDRESS HERE
YOUR PHONE NUMBER HERE
_____________________________________________________________
Or you can email the congressman. Here is a condensed version of the above letter:
Dear Congressman _________,
I am writing to implore you to get involved with the contract negotiations between Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield. As I am sure you are aware, Horizon announced that as of March 2009 they will no longer pay CHOP claims.
Horizon justifies CHOP’s recent dismissal by saying it “wants to get New Jersey residents to use New Jersey-based hospitals,” and there is pressure among New Jersey lawmakers to enforce such a thing.
CHOP’s Philadelphia hospital is the single largest provider of inpatient care to sick children in New Jersey. Their total economic impact across New Jersey was $593 million last year, supporting 3,434 New Jersey jobs. Their Kids First primary care practices see 122,000 children a year. Where will these children get medical care? They will be forced to seek it from the already overcrowded New Jersey practices and hospitals.
Horizon is currently seeking state approval to allow it to convert to a for-profit company. I urge you to oppose this. How can we feel safe that our insurance company is making decisions that are best for its patients when it must also answer to shareholders?
Please contact:
Mr. William J. Marino Horizon BCBS of NJ
Three Penn Plaza East
Newark, NJ 07012
973-466-4000
Ms. Meg Jones
Executive VP and Chief Administrative Officer, CHOP
34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-590-6900
There are thousands of children’s lives hanging in the balance. Please help us continue to receive the superior care New Jersey families deserve.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
YOUR NAME HERE
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