Bon Secours

Bon Secours is pleased to announce we have reached a new, multi-year commercial insurance agreement with Cigna that keeps all Bon Secours physician practices, acute care hospitals, urgent care centers, ambulatory surgery centers and additional care sites in-network effective April 1. Having access to the providers you know and trust is critical for the health of our community, and we are grateful to our patients who entrust us with their care. We look forward to serving you for years to come. We understand the possibility of Bon Secours being out of network with Cigna has been challenging for our patients and we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for their grace and support as we diligently worked through these negotiations. We remain focused on continuing to invest in the health and well-being of our communities, while preserving our continued ability to provide compassionate and accessible care to patients. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/gtx-Nvac.

To help prevent health care disruption for Bon Secours patients in Virginia, Bon Secours and Cigna have agreed to a 24-hour contract extension to allow for extra time in hopes of reaching an agreement that keeps Bon Secours physicians practices, acute care hospitals, urgent care centers, ambulatory surgery centers and additional care sites in-network. This agreement extends our in-network status until 11:59 pm on April 1 and applies to patients with Cigna commercial (employer-sponsored) health insurance plans in Virginia. We are negotiating fervently in order to reach an agreement with Cigna, so our patients who have Cigna commercial insurance will continue to receive quality care from the compassionate care providers they know and trust. We ask our patients to call Cigna at the number on the back of their insurance card to let Cigna know how important it is to keep your Bon Secours providers in network. More information can be found at www.bonsecours/com/cigna-updates.

Today, we recognize National Doctors’ Day—a time to honor the dedication, expertise, and compassionate care that Bon Secours Mercy Health physicians provide to patients and families every day. This year’s theme, “Be Fulfilled,” highlights the incredible impact our physicians have in the communities we serve. To our more than 1,700 BSMH physicians—thank you for your unwavering commitment to patient care and for making a difference every day. Watch this video to hear our associates say 'Thank You' in celebration of Doctors' Day.

If you’re a patient in Virginia with Cigna commercial (employer-sponsored) health insurance, we want to help answer some questions you may have about your health care coverage as Bon Secours may be out of network on April 1. What if I have a medical emergency on or after April 1? You should always go to the closest emergency room if you’re experiencing an emergency. Access to our emergency department facilities remains available to patients for covered emergency services, regardless of network status. Should I cancel my appointment? It’s important to note that for now, nothing changes, and you should continue to see your doctor and care team as you normally would. If we are unable to reach an agreement before March 31, 2025, please call Cigna before any scheduled appointments on or after April 1, 2025, to verify your benefits coverage. What can I do? 1. Talk to your employer’s HR department and ask them to explore their options. Bon Secours remains in-network with all other major commercial (employer-sponsored) health plans in Virginia. 2. Call Cigna at the number on the back of your insurance card and tell them how important it is for you to keep your uninterrupted in-network access to Bon Secours. What if I have other questions? If you have questions about your benefits coverage, you should contact Cigna directly at the customer service number located on the back of your insurance card. You can also reach out to us with questions by calling 833-706-1471.

A message to patients in VA with Cigna commercial (employer-sponsored) health insurance from C. Bart Rountree, MD, Executive Medical Director, Women’s & Children’s Services, Bon Secours Richmond: I have been fortunate to serve my community for 13 years, and I’m honored to work with scores of patients to help ensure they have access to compassionate, high-quality care at every step of their health care journey. I work to help prevent illness and ensure good health for my patients, and I will be at their side if additional care is needed. This is why I’m concerned about the challenge Bon Secours is having with its ongoing negotiations with Cigna. Our team has been negotiating in good faith for several months, working to secure fair reimbursements for the care we provide every day. Despite meeting regularly, we have been unable to reach an agreement, and nearly 30,000 of our Cigna commercially insured patients in VA may be out of network on April 1. If Bon Secours is forced out of the Cigna network, our patients will need to find new doctors or be forced to pay higher out-of-network costs. I understand this can be a hard decision and know that the relationship between a patient and provider is unique, built on years of trust and understanding. It is painful to hear patients are now worried about finding new doctors when the care they need and expect is already here. My colleagues and I are here to help our patients and the communities we serve to ensure they can continue seeing their Bon Secours providers well into the future. To help us reach a resolution with Cigna, we ask our patients take two important steps – call Cigna and let them know how important it is for you to keep Bon Secours doctors in network and work with your provider to see if you might be eligible for Continuity of Care. I’ve been a member of the Bon Secours family since 2012, and our commitment to caring for the community has existed long before that. We’re always here to improve your health and well-being, and that will never change. Doctor-patient relationships are key to good health, and I sincerely hope we can move forward with Cigna to serve our patients for years to come. We will keep you updated on this situation through our website at https://lnkd.in/gtx-Nvac Sincerely, C. Bart Rountree, MD Executive Medical Director, Women’s & Children’s Services Bon Secours Richmond

At Bon Secours, we understand that insurance negotiations can be complex, but our goal is always to ensure that our patients have access to the highest quality care they need. Negotiating fair and sustainable contracts with insurance providers is essential in making sure that our services remain affordable, accessible, and of the highest standard for everyone in our communities. Jen Benroth is a part-time RN whose family has Cigna commercial health insurance through her husband's employer. Jen shares why it's so important for her and her family to keep their health care providers in network with Cigna. “My family has developed a strong rapport with our primary care physician. Our PCP has been taking care of my family and I for over 15 years. He has known my kids since they were born. There is no substitute for someone who takes a genuine interest in getting to know our family over the years and has always provided excellent care. I trust him completely and have felt comfortable with the specialists I've seen as well. I feel that continuity of care is very important, and I have confidence in my providers.             The thought of starting over in establishing care is my biggest concern. I feel you can’t put a price on trust in providers and great care, and that is what I feel my family with our health care providers.   If I could speak to Cigna, I'd ask them to think about all of the people this affects. Imagine it's one of their family members going through cancer treatment and having to stop, possibly miss lifesaving treatment, and start over somewhere else. Time really does matter. Patients need to be heard and valued. I really do hope both parties can come to an agreement here, for the sake of all who are affected. Let’s prioritize people, not money.” If you’re a Bon Secours patient in Virginia with Cigna commercial (employer-sponsored) health insurance, visit bonsecours.com/take-action for next steps you can take.

Cigna commercial (employer-sponsored) health insurance may be out of network for our Virginia patients on April 1. This does not include patients in South Carolina or patients with Supplemental Medicare plans. Bon Secours is continuing to work to reach a resolution with Cigna before April 1 to keep our patients in-network, however, Cigna has yet to come to a sustainable agreement with us. We want to ensure that we can continue to offer you and your family the high-quality care you expect and deserve. As the agreement deadline quickly approaches, here is what you can do if you have Cigna commercial (employer-sponsored) health insurance: -Talk to your employer's HR department and ask them to explore their options. Bon Secours remains in-network with all other major commercial (employer-sponsored) health plans in Virginia. Contact Cigna today. Join fellow patients who have voiced their frustrations with Cigna and let Cigna know how important it is for you to keep the Bon Secours providers you know and love. Call the number listed on the back of your insurance card or tag Cigna's social media accounts to help spread your message. -Work with your provider to request a Continuity of Care provision from Cigna. If your plan does not include out of network benefits and you have any ongoing treatment or procedures after March 31, call Cigna immediately to request that Cigna approve your treatment for Continuity of Care. Cigna alone will decide whether to approve or deny your request.    We promise to continue doing our part to reach an agreement with Cigna on behalf of our patients and the communities we serve – so nothing comes between you and the caregivers you rely on.    Visit our website at https://lnkd.in/gHwbQ87V for details about what you can do, and if you'd like to share why keeping Cigna in-network is important for the care you receive from the Bon Secours providers you trust and value, please provide your feedback at https://lnkd.in/gdPUxgy6.

Bring your best. Share your heart. Be fulfilled. More than just words, this is who we are at our ministry. We believe your best is yet to come. Here, we celebrate the human side of health care, uniting individuals from all walks of life in giving good help to those in need. We'll ask a lot of you, but we'll give a lot back too. We promise to grow your gifts and champion your unique needs – so you are supported and empowered to serve our patients and fulfill our Mission. Whether you’re called to bedside care, patient support, community service or operations and administration, there’s a place for you here. Because if there's one thing we know for certain, it's that good works start with great people.

A message to our patients with Cigna commercial (employer-sponsored) health insurance in Virginia: Bon Secours is committed to providing you and your family the high-quality care you expect and deserve, which is why we’re sharing an important update regarding current negotiations with Cigna that may affect you or your loved ones. It has been six years since Cigna’s pay rates have increased to account for the cost of providing safe, quality care and their current pay rates for your health care needs are not adequate to account for these rising costs. If we are unable to reach an agreement with Cigna by April 1, Bon Secours will be considered an out-of-network provider for our patients in Virginia who have Cigna commercial (employer-sponsored) health insurance. We are committed to reaching a resolution, however, and will continue to negotiate in good faith to protect our patient community from this type of disruption in care. What can you do? ·Call Cigna and urge them to fulfill their responsibility to you by keeping Bon Secours in network. ·Ask Cigna if you qualify for Continuity of Care. Your Bon Secours care team will help you apply, but Cigna will make the decision to approve your request. ·Talk to your employer’s HR department and ask them to explore their options for another health insurance provider. Bon Secours remains in-network with all other major commercial health plans in Virginia. For more details and updates on the status of this negotiation, along with answers to frequently asked questions, please visit our website at https://lnkd.in/gtx-Nvac. 

Bon Secours St. Francis is pleased to announce Michael Kelley, MD as the new Chief Medical Officer for the Greenville Market, effective February 24. With more than 25 years of healthcare experience, Dr. Kelley has an extensive background in private practice, medical education, and healthcare leadership. He most recently served at Owensboro Health in Owensboro, Kentucky, where he held several physician leadership roles, including Vice President of Medical Affairs, Chief Medical Officer, and Chief Physician Officer. In his new role, Dr. Kelley will provide clinical and operational oversight, drive growth initiatives, and serve as a liaison between the medical staff and the executive team. His leadership will play a key role in advancing patient care and strengthening the Bon Secours St. Francis community. Dr. Kelley holds a medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine and a Master of Science in Clinical Service Operations from Harvard. He also completed a Physician MBA program at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and earned his bachelor’s degree from Boston University. We are excited to welcome Dr. Kelley to Bon Secours St. Francis and the Greenville community!