The recent decision by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee to anoint Parkridge Medical Center as a preferred provider over CHI Memorial has left me -- and many others -- rightfully incensed. It's not merely about a change in status; it's about the erosion of patient autonomy and the stark reality of profit-driven healthcare. By limiting options, BCBST is effectively stripping away our freedom of choice, leaving us at the mercy of corporate interests.
BCBST's choice isn't about improving patient outcomes or enhancing the quality of care. It's about the dollars and cents that line their pockets. They are undoubtedly cutting deals that benefit their bottom line, all while disregarding the needs and preferences of their customers. As patients, we've all seen what the hospitals and doctors have to charge to get the maximum payment allowed by health insurers – which is a mere fraction of what is billed.
It's particularly galling when you consider the obscene profits these insurance giants rake in year after year. With profit margins soaring into the billions, one would think that ensuring comprehensive coverage and ample choices for their customers would be a given.
However, BCBST's actions are emblematic of a larger issue plaguing the healthcare industry -- prioritizing profits over patients. Instead, this is a blatant display of nickel-and-diming tactics aimed at short-changing those of us who keep these insurance behemoths afloat.
The repercussions of this decision are far-reaching and deeply concerning. Patients who trust CHI Memorial to provide quality healthcare now find themselves faced with a stark choice: either shoulder exorbitant out-of-network costs or abandon the doctors and facilities they trust. It's a lose-lose situation engineered by BCBST, and we are left bearing the brunt of their profit-driven machinations.
Certainly, CHI Memorial bears some responsibility for this. Because they are a not-for-profit entity, I do have a little more empathy for them trying to stand up to the insurance company that is just raking in the dollars.
Overall, in the face of such blatant disregard for patient well-being, it's imperative that we hold BCBST accountable. We cannot stand idly by as their corporate interests trample over our rights and dictate where, when, and how we receive care. It's time to demand transparency, accountability, and above all, a healthcare system that prioritizes patients over profits.
Lori Myers Montgomery
* * *
As a former CFO at CHI Memorial, I would suggest that she review the tax-exempt tax returns for Memorial and Common Spirit available at either irs.gov or GuideStar and review the salaries paid hospital executives and “corporate” execs at Common Spirit before criticizing Blue Cross Blue Shield.
This matter is not a one-way street. I also have healthcare experience in a number of states and Tennessee BCBST is one of the best managed and most financially sound health care organizations in the US, which helps secure the health care future of Tennesseans.
Common Spirit and Memorial, in my opinion, thought they were the elephant in the room and then learned that they were the mouse.
Based on my experience some years ago at Memorial, it will now be very difficult for Memorial to survive. During my time at Memorial, it was this contract that kept Memorial operational. Let’s hope that opinion will not come true.
Ron Peterson, CPA
* * *
I use Memorial providers for all of my healthcare needs and BlueCross for my Medicare insurance coverage. Open enrollment is in a few months. The consumer, or in this case, the patient has the final say. I will decide whether to change doctors or insurance before then.
I know this isn't practical for everyone, but it's what we have. Memorial and BlueCross must decide what's in their best interest and so do I.
David Blancett