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On October 1, 2017, Community Health Systems, Inc. (CHS) was acquired by a new parent company, Reading Health System, now Tower Health. As a result, the Independence Blue Cross contractual agreements with the hospitals, facilities, and the physicians they employ automatically ended as of the date of the acquisition.
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The former CHS/now Tower Health hospitals — which include Brandywine, Jennersville, Pottstown, Phoenixville, and Chestnut Hill hospitals — are no longer in the Independence network. However, we are committed to providing coverage for our members at in-network levels at the five (former CHS/now Tower Health) hospitals during the next 30 days.
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This grace period will allow members time to transition to an in-network provider. Independence has reached out to other hospital systems in the region to ensure they are prepared for supporting this transition of care for our members.
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This member Questions and Answers document provides more information about the transition.
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How will affected members and customers be notified?
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We are sending a notification letter to members who received care from these former CHS facilities or from a CHS physician in the last 12 months informing them of the steps they will need to take. It will include a list of questions and answers that further explain the change and what it may mean for members. Members who are digitally engaged with Independence will also receive the same message through IBX Wire text message and email. Members who need assistance in finding an in-network provider can also call Customer Service, and we’ve expanded service hours to assist them.
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Group customers who have impacted members will receive a letter by mail explaining the change; and a Customer Edge is also available.
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You can visit ibx.com/membersfirst for the most current information available.
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We are asking brokers to share the Customer Edge and linked member Questions and Answers with their customers to help ensure members hear about this transition as soon as possible.
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If you have questions, please contact your Independence account executive.
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