DURHAM, N.C. – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) announced it will speed up payments to providers as they deal with potential short-term cash flow challenges from COVID-19. The company is also fast-tracking proactive steps to support hospitals, physicians, nurses and thousands of other health care providers across North Carolina as they mount a heroic response to COVID-19.

“The COVID-19 pandemic requires everyone in the health care community to work together and do their part,” said Rahul Rajkumar, chief medical officer at Blue Cross NC. “For Blue Cross NC, supporting our members means supporting our front-line health care providers. The steps we’re taking will increase cashflow, remove administrative tasks and reduce strain on the system. We will continue to respond to this crisis to best serve our members and support doctors, nurses and hospitals.”

Blue Cross NC has put the following measures into place to assist doctors, hospitals and other health care providers:

 

  • Reinforcing the health care workforce
    Blue Cross NC is speeding its credentialing process to help meet the demand for clinicians related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will credential physicians and physician assistants applying due to COVID-19 treatment needs within 72 hours of receipt of the necessary application, consistent with the North Carolina Medical Board’s processes.
     
  • Offering paid time off for medical staff
    Blue Cross NC is offering two weeks of paid time off (PTO) for its medical staff to volunteer to help with COVID-19 care. 

In addition to the above measures, Blue Cross NC has already taken the following steps:

Blue Cross NC has already taken multiple steps to help members during this public health crisis, including waiving cost-sharing for testing and treatment related to COVID-19, expanding virtual care coverage, and increasing access to medication. Details on these measures can be found at www.BlueCrossNC.com/Coronavirus.

 

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is committed to making health care better, simpler and more affordable. We have been driving better health in North Carolina since 1933, working to tackle our communities’ greatest health challenges. Blue Cross NC serves its customers and communities of more than 3.8 million members, including approximately 1.1 million on behalf of other Blue Plans. Blue Cross NC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit Blue Cross NC online at www.bluecrossnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

 

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[i] Changes apply to in-network, non-elective emergent inpatient admissions and post-acute care services and will be in place for 14 days beginning April 9. Some plans may be excluded.

[ii] Self-funded employer groups will be given the option to apply these changes to their employees’ plans.

[iii] Direct payment of any amount is not an acceptance of the assignment of a member’s benefit or any other member rights under their benefit.