I previously reported that NYU Langone is in negotiations with Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield and should those negotiations be unsuccessful, the facilities will no longer participate in the Empire Plan effective July 15th. In the latest update, we were informed that the agreement between these facilities and BCBS has been extended through August 31st; therefore, if negotiations fail, the facilities will be out-of-network effective September 1st. Notification letters to affected members will begin on August 1st.
As you know, negotiations with the Westchester Medical Center Health Network were unsuccessful and those hospitals became out-of-network facilities effective June 1st. Be advised that negotiations are continuing (some newspapers indicated otherwise).
I will inform you on any further updates I receive.
Sharon Smith, Health Benefits Specialist