By: Michaela Gibson Morris
Daily Journal
TUPELO -For the second time in a year, a BlueCross BlueShield insurer is cutting ties with North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo.
After Sept. 30, NMMC-Tupelo will no longer be a part of the preferred provider network for BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama, apparently because of national BlueCross rules. NMMC-Hamilton will not be affected by the change.
The change could force West Alabama residents to drive twice as far to receive specialized care, said David Graham, executive director of the Community Development Foundation in Hamilton, Ala.
“It could substantially impact people financially,” Graham said. “I’m certain they’re going to be very agitated.”
The Alabama organization had not been a part of the discount rate disagreement between NMMC and BlueCross BlueShield of Mississippi.