Staff Report
SARASOTA – Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and Florida Blue agreed late Thursday on a 90-day extension of their current contract, which would otherwise have expired April 1.
As part of the deal, Florida Blue agreed to add coverage of Sarasota Memorial’s radiation oncology specialty to its physician agreement during this extension, a Florida Blue spokeswoman said.
On March 2, Florida Blue sent 30-day notice letters to more than 15,000 members in the Sarasota-Manatee County area, notifying them that it was possible the agreement would expire, which would have put Sarasota Memorial outside of the insurer s member network.
SARASOTA – Florida Blue and Sarasota Memorial Health Care System are at a crossroads in contract negotiations that could ultimately result in Sarasota County’s public hospital and doctors affiliated with First Physicians Group becoming out-of-network providers.
Florida Blue sent letters to more than 15,000 members in the Sarasota-Manatee County area Tuesday, alerting them that their contract with Sarasota Memorial will technically end April 1.
On Wednesday, both sides indicated that the contract may be extended 90 days, through the end of June, based on what is currently, at least according to Sarasota Memorial, a verbal agreement.
Florida Blue spokeswoman Christie DeNave characterized negotiations as an ongoing discussion.
What happens if you or a loved one bring it home? Dr. Jack Rodman says keep your distance and mask up. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy, track your symptoms, and rest.