Frequently Asked Questions
Over the last several months, we have been working with Florida Blue to reach a new, responsible contract agreement. Our goal in reaching a new agreement with Florida Blue is to protect patients’ ability to choose the high-quality care offered at our hospitals and facilities. If we are unable to reach a new agreement with Florida Blue, our hospitals, laboratory services or BayCare Medical Group physicians and providers will no longer be included in Florida Blue’s network after September 30, 2022.
Florida Blue claims the negotiation is happening because BayCare cancelled its contracts. Is this true?
No. We began the negotiation because we have contracts with Florida Blue that expire on September 30, 2022, so we must negotiate a new contract in order to stay in the Florida Blue network. We are also working to bring our BayCare Medical Group physicians into the same contract cycle as our hospitals so they can be aligned going forward. We very much want to remain in network with Florida Blue for our patients, and we have been working for many months in an earnest effort to reach an agreement on hospitals, physicians and laboratory services.
BayCare’s number one priority is our patients, and we are working hard to protect their access to essential services and their ability to choose the physicians and facilities they trust.
What happens if no agreement is reached?
If an agreement is not reached, Florida Blue will no longer consider our hospitals, laboratory services or BayCare Medical Group physicians and providers part of its network. This has the potential to be a real hardship for patients, forcing them to find new physicians and providers and potentially travel further to find in-network care.
Which insurance plans would be affected by a network termination?
If Florida Blue removes BayCare from its network, the termination would affect patients with Florida Blue insurance and other BlueCross plans that use the Florida Blue network. This includes Florida Blue, BlueCard, Florida Blue Medicare Advantage, and all out-of-state BlueCross plans.
When would Florida Blue consider BayCare services and facilities out-of-network?
If Florida Blue is unwilling to work with BayCare on a new agreement, our contracts for commercial and Medicare Advantage plans will end on September 30, 2022. Should that happen, BayCare will be considered out-of-network on October 1, 2022.
Will patients still be able to receive care from BayCare if a new agreement is not reached?
If a new agreement is not reached, patients will lose in-network access to BayCare. This means while patients could still receive services from BayCare, Florida Blue might make patients responsible for a significantly greater portion of the cost of their care. Emergency care is always covered as in-network. Patients undergoing active courses of treatment may qualify for Continuity of Care benefits to continue that care on an in-network basis; contact Florida Blue at the number on the back of your insurance card to find out if you may qualify for Continuity of Care benefits.
How can I protect my access to BayCare?
Remember that nothing changes before October 1, 2022.
- Keep all your scheduled appointments and procedures with BayCare, and don’t delay routine health screenings, procedures or tests important to your health.
- Call Florida Blue at the number on the back of your insurance card and urge them to work with BayCare on a new agreement.
- If you receive your insurance through your employer (including out-of-state BlueCross plans), talk to your Human Resources or Benefits Department and urge them to contact Florida Blue.
- For any other questions, call BayCare at 813-443-8070.
Have a question that’s not answered here? Contact us.
NOTE: Please do not include personal medical information. If you have questions about your individual health plan or your medical care, please contact Florida Blue at the number on the back of your insurance card or call BayCare at 813-443-8070.
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What You Can Do
Nothing changes today. Keep all your scheduled appointments and procedures with BayCare, and don’t delay routine health screenings, procedures or tests important to your health.
Call Florida Blue at the number on the back of your insurance card and let them know you want to keep access to our hospitals, laboratory services and BayCare Medical Group physicians and providers you know and trust.
If you receive your insurance through your employer (including out-of-state BlueCross plans), talk to your Human Resources or Benefits Department and urge them to contact Florida Blue.
BayCare will keep you informed throughout the process. If Florida Blue does not agree to a new, fair agreement, we’ll let you know.