|
|
|||
|
|
||
Anthem Blue Cross Plans to Significantly Reduce Provider Reimbursement and to Increase Enrollee Premiums
by Laura Stewart, M.A., OTR/L, CHT
OTAC Third Party Reimbursement Committee Chair
|
|
Time to Take Action! There are federal and state hearings this week on Anthem Blue Cross actions. Let your voice be heard today!See contact information below for U.S. Representative Henry A. Waxman and Assemblymember Dave Jones.
While WellPoint (parent company to Anthem Blue Cross) saw profits grow eightfold in the fourth quarter of 2009, it is proposing to increase individual policy premiums by as much as 39 percent. This proposed significant increase has generated widespread criticism from subscribers and brokers, and now from the federal and state governments. There has been extensive negative media coverage of Anthem Blue Cross over last few days. Anthem Blue Cross is planning to significantly reduce the reimbursement rate for rehabilitative services (occupational, physical and speech/hearing therapy) by 30 percent to 45 percent to a flat rate of $75. The three rehabilitation services professional associations reached out to Anthem Blue Cross several times as well as sent hundreds of letters generated by their members, but Anthem ignored our data and efforts stating that "the train has already left the station." We have been able to generate some interest by the California Department of Managed Healthcare, California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner and the media, but the need for our advocacy efforts continues.
This week, both federal and state legislators are holding hearings about Anthem's planned actions. This may be our best opportunity to make our voices heard. OUR TIME IS NOW. Click here for suggested talking points, and as always, we ask you to share examples of how Anthem's proposed actions will specifically affect services to consumers and their quality of life.
Please contact the two elected officials below by Tuesday, February 23 at 9:00 a.m. as they are conducting hearings:
Assemblyman Dave Jones http://legplcms01.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.aspx?district=AD09&
U.S. Representative Henry A. Waxman 8436 West Third Street, Suite 600, Los Angeles, CA 90048 Telephone 1 (310) 652-3095 Telephone 2 (818) 878-7400 Telephone 3 (323) 651-1040 Fax (323) 655-0502
Please also reach out immediately to these elected and government officials, and news media:
Secretary of Health and Human Services: Kathleen
Sebelius http://www.healthreform.gov/communityreports/comments.html
California Insurance Commissioner: Steve Poizner
Department of Managed Healthcare: Richard Martin,
Deputy Director
U.S. Representative Bart Stupak http://www.house.gov/stupak/IMA/issue2.htm
Senator Barbara Boxer http://boxer.senate.gov/en/contact/policycomments.cfm
California Attorney General Jerry Brown http://ag.ca.gov/contact/complaint_form.php?cmplt=CL
Anthony Wright, Health Access California LA Times
Sacramento Bee Bobby Calvan bcalvan@sacbee.com (identified as a health care reporter)
San Francisco Chronicle Bernie Beck bbeck@sfchronicle.com (identified as a health care reporter)
San Diego Tribune
Your local newspaperWork together, we can make a difference! |