Since I'm not normally a customer of GCH, it didn't really bother me much. I know that insurance companies work hard at putting the squeeze on medical providers, and BCBS squeezes harder than most. My only concern was that this might be the start of a trend. Would Wamego City Hospital or Mercy Regional decide to do the same?
In yesterday's mail, another letter arrived from BCBS. This one had all the tone of a Mafia boss announcing that a business owner had decided to continue paying protection money after all. It was all sweetness and light, but the tone between the lines was ominous. It comes down to this: GCH has agreed to BCBS's original proposal. And what will BCBS do in return? Well, read it for yourself:
We always wanted Geary Community Hospital to remain in our network and were disappointed to receive their cancellation letter. Rather than hold them to that letter, we decided to give them an opportunity to reconsider our original offer. I firmly believe it was in the best interest of our members in Geary County, and the surrounding counties, and the people of Junction City to be flexible in allowing the hospital to withdraw its cancellation letter.
--Part of a letter from Andrew C. Corbin, President/CEO, BCBS of Kansas
Can't you almost see the smiling Mafia boss, one arm around the GCH man, patting him on the cheek (but almost slapping)? Subtly hinting that everyone else had better keep toeing the BCBS line, or there would be trouble. If anybody else tries this, they might not be so kind in allowing them to withdraw their letter.
PS: As I mentioned, I carry a BCBS card, so don't anybody tell them I said this! :)
