Florida Blue Cross/Blue Shield T

Florida Blue Cross/Blue Shield Terminates Providers

In early August 2011 Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida sent letters to all of its psychologist and psychiatrist providers in Florida advising them that they would be terminated without cause but could reapply under a new contract at significant rate cuts. The Parity Implementation Coalition composed of some thirteen mental health consumer and provider organizations has responded with letters to the CEOs of the BCBS companies and to federal agencies interested in implementing mental health parity. Members may read these letters on the members only portion of the website. Related materials are also available including the New Directions manual, a summary of portions of the manual, and the letter from the Florida Insurance Commissioner to Florida Psychological Association regarding New Directions' actions.

Material Below is Not from the Parity Implementation Coalition

Additional material which may be of interest to members is included below. These items include the New Directions Provider Manual, a Partial Summary of that Manual and the letter from the Florida Insurance Commissioner's office to the Florida Psychological Association responding to their complaint about the BCBSFL/New Directions changes.

Provider Manual Summary of Manual Insurance Commissioner Letter

BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF FLORIDA CORNER
ATTENTION: MEMBERS, PATIENTS, PROVIDERS, AND FAMILIES:

In late 2011, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida (BCBS FL) terminated its contracts with mental health and addiction service professionals in Florida. BCBS FL brought in New Directions Behavioral Health to contract with them. BCBS FL also turned over management of mental health and addiction recovery benefits to New Directions.

We have heard many complaints about how these changes affect patient access to care and provider practices. We would like you to answer a few questions below if you are:

A patient or insured who has been negatively impacted by the transition
A professional whose patients report negative impacts, or
A professional who has been negatively impacted by the changes BCBSFL has made. See More