Negotiation Update
Since Blue Cross forced UMMC out of their commercial health plan provider network on April 1, 2022, we have been working diligently to negotiate with Blue Cross to reach a new agreement. While we’re disappointed that Blue Cross has made no movement in good faith to bring us back in network, it does not mean we’re giving up.

To further show our commitment to reaching an agreement with Blue Cross, both sides will continue negotiations and we remain committed to working with Blue Cross to finding a resolution that prioritizes our patients.

Coverage Update for Continuing Care Patients
Unless an agreement is reached by July 1, 2022, patients who are receiving in-network continuing care coverage according to federal guidance may face higher out-of-pocket costs when seeking care through UMMC facilities and providers. The continuing care provision ends on June 30, 2022.

When the continuing care period ends, all care provided by UMMC to Blue Cross commercial health plan members after June 30, 2022, except for emergency services, will no longer be processed as in-network care. Beginning July 1, 2022, UMMC will not accept any assignment of benefits, written direction of payment or any means of payment from Blue Cross that are not directly solicited by UMMC, except for any care you may need for emergency services. Patients who have Blue Cross commercial insurance will be responsible for the full bill for items or services provided by UMMC, less applicable UMMC discounts.

Please remember, for emergencies, you can access UMMC at any time to receive the care you urgently need and deserve.

UMMC will require a signed patient-responsibility acknowledgment form before any services are provided. After scheduling your appointment, we will send you the form through MyChart, our electronic health records system to your confirmed e-mail. This form acknowledges your understanding that UMMC will not accept payment from Blue Cross for any elective services and that we will not accept assignment of benefits or written direction of payment from Blue Cross.

Please note that patients with Blue Cross insurance through the Mississippi State and School Employees’ Health Insurance Plan are not impacted by this change.

Our ongoing out-of-network status has far-reaching implications beyond Jackson, affecting our patients’ care statewide. UMMC-connected care is provided at approximately 200 hospitals, clinics and telehealth sites across the state, as outlined in the map below.