Humana patients lose access to in-network care to Baptist medical providers

Rae Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal
·2 min read

Patients covered by Humana Medicare Advantage plans no longer have in-network access to Baptist Health Medical Group providers.

Baptist announced Friday the organizations were not able to reach an agreement after previously attempting to negotiate to renew a contract. Employer-sponsored commercial plans will be affected, according to a statement from Baptist.

Medicaid patients, however, will not be affected, and Baptist Health hospitals are still considered in-network for all patients, the release said. In-patient services, such as physical and occupational therapy, housed in hospitals will be considered in-network.

"As caregivers, nothing is more important than ensuring our patients have access to the care they need, when they need it. We understand this process has been frustrating for our community, but we will continue to advocate for those we serve," Baptist said in a statement.

Baptist patients can visit its site to find out if the services they need are covered.

What Humana plans will be affected?

Some common plans that could be affected are:

  • Medicare PPO/Employer PPO Plus

  • Humana Gold Choice Network PFFS

  • National Medicare HMO or SNP

  • Medicare PPO

  • Gold Plus HMO KY

  • Gold Plus Dual Eligible SNP KY

  • HMO - Kentucky Public Pension Authority and Humana POS

  • Central States Teamsters H&W

  • USW-UAW Retiree VEBA

Continuity of care

Some folks may be eligible for out-of-network benefits or have access to coverage via supplemental networks through a program called Continuity of Care, the Baptist site read.

Continuity of Care is a program that patients can use to continue to see their doctor for at least a temporary period of time if their insurance coverage is disrupted, though the process can be arduous, the site stated.

Humana said in a statement it would continue to have discussions with Baptist in hopes of reaching an agreement.

"We understand that changing healthcare providers can be difficult. Humana maintains a large network of highly-rated providers in Kentucky. Humana will work with our Medicare Advantage and Commercial Group members to help them select new in-network providers to ensure their care is not interrupted," the group said. "In some cases, it may be beneficial for a member to request a period of continued care with their current Baptist Health Medical Group provider for a transition period. If this becomes necessary, Humana members will continue to receive their same level of in-network benefits during this transition period. We encourage our members to call Humana Customer Care if they need personal assistance."

Contact reporter Rae Johnson at RNJohnson@gannett.com. Follow them on Twitter at @RaeJ_33

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Humana patients lose access to some Baptist facilities