Thousands of Lake County patients could face the harsh reality of having to change their health coverage provider due to stalled contract negotiations between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.

According to Condell Vice President of Business Development Jodi Levine, the hospital has being trying to renegotiate its contract with Blue Cross since January, but Blue Cross representatives have not been willing to bargain.

Neither party is sure when a resolution will be reached. In the meantime, Blue Cross and Condell are urging patients to contact their primary physician to explore their options.

"We have been working with them the last 60 years, and the hospital can't understand why they won't sit down and have discussions with us," Levine said. "We are just a phone call away."

One of the reasons Blue Cross might not be in a bargaining mood is the hospital's decision to terminate its contract with HMO Illinois and Blue Advantage HMO, effective Aug. 31. Blue Cross learned that Condell might terminate its PPO and MRC plan contracts Dec. 31.

Blue Cross also claims that Condell hired a public relations firm to pressure them into meeting their demands.

Condell officials have denied that claim.

Condell terminating Blue Cross contract :: News Sun :: News ::

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