Blumenthal
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced on Monday that he is urging Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut to allow Bristol Hospital to remain on its provider network during negotiations.
The health insurer and hospital have been negotiating on rates, with Anthem threatening to end Bristol Hospital's provider status on Oct. 1 if an agreement is not reached.
If that happens, many of those who depend on Bristol Hospital for treatment would need to find other solutions, Blumenthal says.
"This termination would have a profoundly serious impact on residents of Bristol and its surrounding communities who depend on Bristol Hospital's services," Blumenthal said.
"The proposed termination-affecting a substantial portion of the hospital's commercial insurance revenues-could permanently undermine its financial stability."
Blumenthal is not seeking to interfere in the ongoing negotiations, but stresses that continued coverage at Bristol Hospital is critical, and he has offered his assistance if the parties believed he could help them come to an agreement.
"In light of the potentially devastating impact on the Bristol area and the hospital's compliance with Anthem, this termination should be immediately reversed as the companies continue to work towards a resolution," Blumenthal said.
Blumenthal is running for U.S. Senate.