Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield change raises concerns from specialists

Blue Cross & Blue Shield’s new reimbursement payment plan to specialists in Arkansas has put some fear in the state's health care industry, according to Arkansas Business.

Led by Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, some predict specialists won’t want to treat patients who have insurance purchased through the exchange or the physicians won’t practice in Arkansas because of the low rates.

Starting Jan. 1, Arkansas Business reports ABCBS will pay physician specialists 15 percent less for the same procedures done by non-specialists, such as family practice doctors, for patients who bought policies through the new health insurance exchange. The new fees won’t apply to the carrier’s current commercial policies or group plans.

Read more from Arkansas Business.