CHS Will Remain in ABCBS Network

Community Health Systems of Brentwood, Tenn., has reached a contract agreement with Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield to remain in its health insurance network.

CHS said earlier this month that it would leave the network Friday after failing to reach an agreement with ABCBS over rate increases.

But representatives rekindled negotiations on Aug. 22, and reached an agreement a day later to stay in the network.

“The termination notices received recently from CHS have been rescinded,” ABCBS said in a letter to its agents dated Aug. 23. “Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage and Blue Advantage will continue to process claims and reimburse these hospitals and clinics under the current agreements.”

The letter didn’t say what the terms of the contract were.

“The terms of the contract have not changed,” ABCBS spokeswoman Max Greenwood said. “They just rescinded their notification to terminate. Both sides look forward to serving our members.”

CHS officials were unavailable for comment on Aug. 27.

CHS operates eight hospitals in Arkansas including Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville and Springdale,  and the Medical Center of South Arkansas in El Dorado. It also operates seven physician clinics, which have about 140 physicians and include Northwest Benton County Physician Services in Bentonville and South Arkansas Physicians Services in El Dorado.