Video: Amory, Other Hospitals Settle With BCBS

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Health Management Associates today announced it has reached an agreement with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, and all HMA hospitals have been fully re-instated as participating in-network providers effective January 1, 2014.

Blue Cross and HMA are important organizations – both to the economy of Mississippi, as well as to the families and neighbors who rely on the variety of services our hospitals and health plans provide. As such, both organizations pledge to work together going forward in a way that improves health, improves value, and reduces cost to the people who pay for these services.

The HMA Hospitals have agreed to dismiss their lawsuit permanently against Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi will not be required to pay any money to the HMA hospitals or to HMA as a result of the dismissal.

HMA regrets this dispute became so negative and impactful to the people at Blue Cross, its members, our own associates, and to our physicians and patients. This resolution comes after productive discussions, and we are mutually pleased to close this chapter. There are many positive things Blue Cross and HMA’s hospitals can do together, and that has always been the preference of both organizations.

The following HMA hospitals will be in-network providers for Blue Cross members starting January 1, 2014:

River Oaks Hospital in Flowood

Central Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson

Madison River Oaks Medical Center in Canton

Crossgates River Oaks Hospital in Brandon

Biloxi Regional Medical Center in Biloxi

Natchez Community Hospital in Natchez

The following HMA hospitals are currently in-network providers for Blue Cross members:

Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Center in Amory

Northwest Regional Medical Center in Clarksdale

Tri-Lakes Medical Center in Batesville

Woman’s Hospital in Flowood