Recently, you may have received a notice from Independence Blue Cross regarding changes to their network of providers. This was due to the recent acquisition of several local hospitals and medical offices by Tower Health* (formerly Reading Health System). This nullified existing contractual agreements between the acquired facilities and Independence, and effectively removed many providers and locations from the plan network. If you had received treatment from any of these providers, you would have received a letter and/or email advising you of the change and how to go about selecting a replacement physician. Understandably, this caused some issues for many subscribers.
Thankfully, as of October 6th, Independence and Tower Health have reached a new three-year agreement. Its doctors and facilities have been added back to the network provider listings and there is no expected interruption in service. However, we recommend you confirm your doctors and providers by checking Independence’s network at www.ibx.com/providerfinder. If you changed primary care physicians in preparation for this change, you can contact Independence Blue Cross customer service at the number on your ID card (1-800-ASK-BLUE) to change it back.
With the annual open enrollment period right around the corner (November 1st – December 15th, 2017), now may be a good time to start thinking about your medical needs for the new year. We will send out a reminder once we receive 2018 plan forms and materials. In the meantime, if you have any general questions regarding health insurance, Randy Riegner, Blake Kneeland, and Brad Riegner are available to answer them.
* Tower Health now includes Jennersville, Pottstown, Phoenixville, Brandywine, and Chestnut Hill hospitals, physicians, and facilities.
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