At midnight on Saturday, the contract expired between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia and Piedmont Healthcare.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is the state’s largest health insurer, providing coverage for over half a million State of Georgia and University System of Georgia employees and their family members. The contract expiration with Piedmont Healthcare over the weekend means that any Piedmont doctors or hospitals are now considered out of network for those with Blue Cross insurance.
UGA Human Resources sent out an email on Monday morning informing faculty, staff and retirees of the change. There is an option to request continuation of care for in-network coverage for certain medical conditions, including those who are being treated for cancer, have a terminal illness, or are pregnant. Any UGA employee who receives emergency care at a Piedmont facility will also be covered as in-network.
UGA Human Resources is planning to have resources benefits counselors on-hand to help with any questions on both Tuesday and Wednesday of this week from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Training and Development Building, Room K.
Piedmont and Blue Cross have issued statements indicating that they are still working on negotiating a new contract.