South San Francisco, CA February 4, 2015 Submitted by Blue Shield
Blue Shield and Sutter Health have reached agreement and have signed a new, two-year contract. Effective February 1, 2015, Sutter physicians and hospitals are again participating providers in the Blue Shield network.
We apologize to our members for the uncertainty and disruption that they experienced during this extended negotiation. We are pleased that members can now be certain of their access to Sutter providers for the next two years.
- What action do PPO and EPO members need to take to once again access Sutter providers and facilities?
PPO and EPO members do not need to take any action. Sutter will be considered an in-network provider for Blue Shield members on and after February 1, 2015. Blue Shield members with questions regarding their access to Sutter Health providers should call the Member Services number on the back of their Blue Shield member ID card for assistance. - What action do HMO members need to take to once again access Sutter providers and facilities?
HMO members who did not change their Sutter primary care physician (PCP) do not need to take any action. If an HMO member who selected or switched to a non-Sutter Health PCP would now like to select a Sutter Health PCP, they should call the Member Services phone number on the back of their Blue Shield ID card and we will help them make that change. - What if HMO members received services from a Sutter Health provider during the month of January 2015?
If a member received services from a Sutter Health provider during the month of January 2015, Blue Shield will pay the claims as in-network. If members need assistance with a claim, they can contact the Member Services number on the back of their Blue Shield ID card. - Will members have trouble seeing a Sutter doctor now that an agreement has been reached?
No, members should not have any issues accessing care. If a member does experience an issue, they should call the Blue Shield Member Services number on the back of their ID card. - How can members change their primary care physician to a Sutter provider?
If a member would like to switch to another provider group or select a different PCP, they should call Member Services at the number on the back of their Blue Shield member ID card. - When can members schedule an appointment with a Sutter Health provider?
Members can start scheduling appointments immediately. - Why did some members receive more than one letter from Blue Shield?
We are required by the Department of Managed Health Care to send impacted members a regulated communication. In addition, we are sending a letter to reassure members they will have access to Sutter Health effective February 1, 2015.