Gov. Deal Sets Meeting With Blue Cross, Piedmont As Contract Obstacles Remain

Gov. Nathan Deal, continuing his efforts to push for a resolution, announced via Twitter that he will meet with the leaders of Piedmont Healthcare and Anthem, the parent company of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, on Monday.

David Goldman / Associated Press file

State health officials said Thursday that they believe Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia and Piedmont Healthcare — which are deadlocked without a new contract — have moved closer to agreement on reimbursement rates.

But Department of Community Health leaders say other issues have emerged as important obstacles to striking a deal. The health officials did not identify the remaining issues to resolve.

The state has a big interest in the negotiations. More than 570,000 state and University System employees and family members have Blue Cross as their insurer, and many of them go to Piedmont physicians and facilities.