Press Releases - Kennedy Continues to Fight to Protect Medical Care for Northern Rhode Islanders

Kennedy Continues to Fight to Protect Medical Care for Northern Rhode Islanders
Friday, September 22, 2006

"As we move closer to the end of September, I am increasingly troubled by the health threat thousands of northern Rhode Islanders would face if they were to suddenly lose access to critical medical care because of Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Rhode Island's unwillingness to resolve its contract dispute with Landmark Hospital. I have been working for months on this issue, meeting with members of both parties, in an effort to encourage a compromise. This week, I sent a letter to Administrator Dr. Mark McClellan of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services asking for his advice and assistance on this critical healthcare issue. I sent him a list of questions regarding what might transpire if Landmark Medical Center were not part of the Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plan. Among many other problems, this would create a very sudden and substantial gap in service area coverage. It is my hope that he may be able to help avert this crisis, as well as provide some guidance to ensure that the appropriate steps are taken and plans put into place, to minimize the impact on Rhode Islanders.

Last week, I personally discussed my concerns with Governor Carcieri who has a keen understanding of the unique and vital role this community hospital plays in serving the northern part of our state. Today, I commend his decision urging Blue Cross-Blue Shield to immediately settle on a reimbursement rate that is both fair and reasonable so that Landmark can continue providing quality care to Rhode Island residents.

I too believe Blue Cross has an obligation and a responsibility to recognize the essential services Landmark is providing to the coverage area involved. If this contractual dispute is not resolved in a timely manner, thousands of my constituents, many who are elderly and disabled, will be left without adequate access to acute hospital care. My concerns are particularly grave given the fact that this section of the Blackstone Valley has the lowest average annual family income in the state and many families lack the ability to travel to other medical facilities. The area also has a very high proportion of new immigrants who have difficulty negotiating public systems and processes. In short, rather than stepping to the plate with solutions, Blue Cross is turning its back on our most vulnerable citizens.

In closing, I once again urge Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Rhode Island to find an equitable way to resolve this matter immediately. As Blue Cross continues to accumulate subscriber's dollars and build up millions in reserves, it's time for them to remember they are a non-profit corporation formed for the public good. There is a social tenet that Blue Cross is obligated to bear in mind while negotiating competitive rates."

http://patrickkennedy.house.gov/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC={A6F23F13-7599-4DE6-BEE4-9C727ECF5EA0}&DE={8E910864-04A0-4331-9B27-7E0A2863669D}