1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am a constituent and a patient of Michigan Medicine, and I am writing to ask for your attention to the contract dispute between Michigan Medicine and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Michigan Medicine serves patients across our state, including those with highly complex medical needs. If Blue Cross Blue Shield allows Michigan Medicine to go out of network, thousands of patients could face disruption of care, increased costs, and loss of access to trusted physicians. Patients should not become leverage in contract negotiations. Blue Cross Blue Shield continues to raise premiums for members but offered Michigan Medicine a 30% reduction in the rates they reimburse for care. Blue Cross Blue Shield has a responsibility to ensure that its members have access to essential providers, especially a leading academic medical center that plays a vital role in research, specialty care, and statewide health services. I respectfully urge you to encourage Blue Cross Blue Shield to reach a fair agreement that keeps Michigan Medicine in-network and protects patients from financial and medical harm. Thank you for your leadership and for standing up for patients in our community.