‘Handshake Agreement’ Reached In Blue Cross Blue Shield And Piedmont Negotiations

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal announced on Twitter Tuesday that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia and Piedmont Healthcare reached a handshake agreement.

The agreement comes a day after Deal gave the two side until the close of business Tuesday to come up with a new deal. If it was not agreed upon by then, he said he would take executive action.

The contract between the insurer and healthcare provider expired on April 1 and left more than half-a-million Georgians who receive healthcare from Piedmont to pay out of network costs.

Deal said the state would cover any additional costs for up to 30 days while the two sides negotiated.

A handshake agreement between @AnthemInc & @PiedmontHealth was made in the governor’s office late this afternoon. Announcement of an agreement in the form of a contract will be made by the contracting parties as soon as possible. (1/2)

— Governor Nathan Deal (@GovernorDeal) April 17, 2018

This deal ensures no interruption of coverage for Georgians using Piedmont Healthcare as a provider during the contract dispute. (2/2)

— Governor Nathan Deal (@GovernorDeal) April 17, 2018