CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – “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.

We regret that the hospital’s executives and Board chose to reject our proposal rather than agreeing to reasonable terms that would have helped Wayne County families afford their care.

For more than 18 months, we worked to reach a new contract with Wayne Memorial that would rein in the cost of outpatient care.

At the end of the day, Wayne Memorial’s best offer demanded that our customers pay guaranteed annual increases higher than any other hospital in the state on prices for outpatient services that are already far in excess of the statewide average. That’s not the way to work toward affordable health care.

From today forward, eligible out-of-network services provided by Wayne Memorial will be paid directly to the patient by BCBSNC at the out-of-network benefit rate.

BCBSNC will communicate directly with our members about in-network hospitals in the area, or how we can help transition care.”


About BCBSNC:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.74 million members, including approximately 1 million served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For generations, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina was recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute in 2012 and 2013. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit BCBSNC online at bcbsnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

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