Longmont Leader received a guest column from Debra Mohesky, interim chief executive officer for Longmont United Hospital concerning negotiations with Anthem.
I am not new to Colorado however I am new to the Longmont community. During my short time here serving as an Interim Chief Executive Officer, I have quickly realized how important our hospital is to this community. Longmont United Hospital has had a presence in this community since 1906 and we have the privilege of serving the people of this community when they are at their greatest need. We also realize that this particular area of Northern Colorado is rapidly growing and is the second fastest growing community in all of Colorado. People choose to move here because of the beauty of the mountains, the outdoor activities, and what this community has to offer even new residents, like myself and my family.
I chose to make Longmont United Hospital my home because, as a not-for-profit health system, we are committed to putting the needs of patients first and building healthier communities. We firmly believe that everyone deserves safe, accessible, high-quality health care from their chosen doctors and nurses, which is why we’re fighting for a more responsible agreement with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Colorado.
Our negotiations, which started in December of 2023, are focused on safeguarding patient care and protecting your choice of doctors by keeping our healthcare services in-network for Anthem members. Despite soaring inflation, Anthem proposals have failed to offer terms that fairly reimburse for the services provided to its members, and equitably cover the burden to get reimbursed timely and accurately.
Without fair and responsible rates, we cannot adequately support our physicians, advanced practice providers, and nurses, as well as our hospitals and clinics. We need Anthem to acknowledge what is at stake for patients and agree to contract terms that will allow us to retain healthcare professionals, ensure access to providers, invest in technology, and introduce new services at our facilities across Colorado, especially here in Longmont.
As a not-for-profit health system, we improve community health by reinvesting resources in our communities. We collaborate with local initiatives, community nonprofits, and health care partners to create reliable and versatile community resources. Our investments enable access to specialized services and compassionate care, regardless of an individual’s ability to pay.
CommonSpirit Health invested more than $45 million in financial assistance in Colorado, and more than two out of every three patients we treat do not have commercial insurance or have no insurance at all.
If no agreement is reached by May 1, 2024, Anthem will classify CommonSpirit as out-of-network in Colorado, leading to increasing costs for members receiving nonemergency services from CommonSpirit physicians and hospitals. Additionally, some patients may be forced to travel great distances to receive care – especially specialized care – and our ability to treat underserved or underinsured patients will be jeopardized.
I understand this is a stressful time if you rely on Anthem for your health insurance, but please know that I, along with everyone at CommonSpirit and Longmont United Hospital, am advocating for an agreement that protects your health care now and into the future. We need a contract that enables us to continue to build resilient communities, advocate for the poor and vulnerable, and innovate how and where health can happen — both inside our hospitals and throughout our communities.
Debra Mohesky, MBA, MS, ACPEC, BCC, FACHE
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Longmont United Hospital
The Longmont Leader accepts contributions, photos, letters to the editor, or LTEs, and op-eds for publication from community members, business leaders and public officials on local topics. Publication will be at the discretion of the editor and published opinions do not represent the views of the Longmont Leader or its staff. To submit a contribution, email [email protected].
