INSURANCE CHANGES Update: Humana Decides To Continue Services At Thomas And St. Francis
Reported by: Rachael Tarr
Web Producer: Bethany Simmons
Also Contributing: Mamie Buoy
Reported: Jan. 3, 2012 11:38 AM EST
Updated: Jan. 4, 2012 8:25 PM EST
Eyewitness News Photo
Charleston
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
Humana Medicare members can breath a sigh of relief. The company has decided to continue services with Thomas Health System.
Humana said they made the decision late Wednesday night and are in the process of notifying all impacted members in the state that they will still be able to receive services at St. Francis and Thomas Memorial Hospitals throughout 2012.
The company had previously sent letters saying they would stop paying for services at the hospitals for everyone, expect PEIA members.
Thomas had been urging their patients to contact Humana and elected officials about staying in their plan.
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A supplemental medicare plan will no longer pay for medical visits at two Charleston area hospitals. According to published reports, Humana will no longer pay for visits or care at Thomas Memorial or Saint Francis Hospitals.
No word on why the Kentucky based company is dropping the Thomas healthcare system. Patients will have to find new hospitals starting February 1st. Senator Jay Rockefeller is looking into the issue. PEIA members will not be affected by the change.
Humana spokesperson, Jeff Turner issued this statement:
"Humana is working quickly to explore available options to resolve this issue for all of our members in the Charleston area. We are in communication with key parties including appropriate state and federal regulatory agencies. It’s our hope to continue uninterrupted in-network access to these hospitals (and the four-hospital CAMC system) for our West Virginia Medicare members in 2012. It’s important to note that PEIA members are not impacted by this situation."
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Rachael Tarr
