Wayne Memorial Hospital and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina today announced a new, three-year contract effective immediately.

"Our employees have worked with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Department of Insurance over the past week to update our plans in order to make family coverage available sooner. Those whose policies have been cancelled can reenroll in family coverage, and we’ll work with these families to make this process as easy and seamless as possible."

“Small businesses are the backbone of North Carolina’s economy, and we understand the concern businesses have about the changes associated with the ACA and its effect on their employees,” said Brad Wilson, President and CEO of BCBSNC. “We continue to work with companies to provide them with the time to review plan options and help them make the best decision for their employees and organization.”

Today Wayne Memorial Hospital became an out-of-network facility for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) customers except those with Blue MedicareSM and those receiving emergency care.

“By taking this action, we are giving approximately 230,000 customers an additional option to consider as they weigh their health insurance choices for 2014,” said Brad Wilson, President and CEO of BCBSNC. “These are high-quality health plans that have provided great value and peace of mind for our customers. We believe many of them will welcome the opportunity to renew these plans for another year.”

“We were in discussions with the Department of Insurance about this option even before the President’s announcement on November 14,” said Brad Wilson, President and CEO of BCBSNC. “We understand that many of our customers are frustrated and confused by difficulties accessing the federal exchange, and we want to do everything we can to help them maintain quality health coverage that they can afford.”

“We had already been actively exploring options to provide some relief to customers who were faced with losing a plan they liked. This additional flexibility could help insurers take steps to protect their customers for another year.”

“We’re working hard to make health care better across North Carolina and what better place to start then at home,” said Fara Palumbo, senior vice president and chief human resources officer. “Our employees again embraced the challenge and showed their determination not to give up. Like any weight loss journey, we will build upon our successes and learn from our setbacks as we continue our company’s ongoing commitment to improving health.”

Joint statement from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina President and CEO Brad Wilson and Wayne Memorial Hospital President and CEO Bill Paugh

“Offering on-site customer service allows patients to focus on healing rather than dwell on concerns about medical bills and what their health insurance will cover.” said Alan Hughes, BCBSNC executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Offering support where the member needs it most is a way to help them get back to their normal lives as quickly as possible.”