Haywood Regional Medical Center Temporarily Suspends Agreement with North Carolina State Health Plan
Raleigh, N. C. (Feb. 29, 2008) Haywood Regional Medical Center has temporarily suspended its agreement with the North Carolina State Health Plan to provide care to Indemnity plan members while it addresses the concerns raised in the recent inspections by the federal Medicare program. This decision, effective March 10, 2008, aligns with the medical center’s decision to also withdraw from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) network.
Haywood Regional Medical Center is assisting the State Health Plan and BCBSNC in providing alternative arrangements for State Health Plan members for non-emergency services at the hospital.
“The State Health Plan is committed to providing continuous, high-quality care to its members in this community and across the state. We are working with both the Haywood Regional Medical Center and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, the Plan’s contracted claims administrator, to ensure that members receive the care they need,” said George C. Stokes, executive administrator. “I consider it vital for members and their families to have current information about all aspects of their care so that they can make informed decisions.”
Members who have already scheduled services with the hospital in the coming weeks, or who have questions about services, should call State Health Plan Customer Service. Indemnity plan members should call 1-800-422-4658. PPO members should call 1-888-234-2416.
The State Health Plan reminds all members that in the case of an emergency, they should seek care immediately at the nearest hospital. The State Health Plan will continue to update its members and the community regarding any developments. Information will be provided on the State Health Plan’s Web site at www.shpnc.org.
