I have an out of-state Blue Cross policy, but why does Sacred Heart continue to file my claims thru Blue Cross of Florida?
Sacred Heart Hospital has a contractual agreement with Blue Cross of Florida (BCBSFL) specifically that allows for discounts to your hospital bill(s). We do not have contracts with other out-of-state Blue Cross plans other than Alabama. Therefore, by filing your claims thru the local Blue Cross plan, your out-of-state Blue Cross plan can take advantage of our BCBSFL contract rates. We file the claim to BCBSFL. Then BCBSFL will coordinate with your home plan to determine coverage and BCBSFL for the payment made to the hospital. If we filed directly to your home plan, they would likely deny payment altogether or pay at a non-contracted rate, which would ultimately result in more out-of pocket expenses to you.
