Statement RE: BCBSMS and UMMC contract dispute

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 30, 2022 – 5:30 p.m. CDT

Statement by Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney regarding the ongoing
Contract Dispute between Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi (BCBSMS)
and University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)

“With the continuation of care period ending today, any future non-emergency care provided by UMMC to BCBSMS Insured and Self-Insured Members, BlueCard Members and Federal Employees will be fully out-of-network. It was my hope when I offered mediation several months ago that an agreement would be reached by close of business on June 30, 2022. Sadly that is not the case. However, mediation is ongoing and I remain optimistic that both parties can reach an agreement and not leave tens of thousands of consumers hanging in the balance.  

The Mississippi Insurance Department is here to assist any BCBSMS member and UMMC patient that has any questions concerning co-pays and out-of-pocket limits or needs assistance with obtaining estimates of services to be provided. You can reach us at 1-800-562-2957.   

I have received numerous emails and phone calls from concerned citizens wanting to continue their relationship with their provider as well as their current insurance carrier. 

This is a stark reminder that the only ones impacted by the dispute are the consumers. As your Insurance Commissioner, I am doing everything I can to ensure individuals continue to have access to the healthcare provider of their choice with minimal disruption.”