Patients caught in TN hospital, insurer power struggle to drive down costs

When it comes to debate about the facts between BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and Memorial Health Care System, not much is black and white. Since the two failed in contract negotiations last week, both sides have leveled accusations about who is at fault. In an editorial board meeting with Times Free Press editors and reporters Friday, Memorial executives said they have only asked for enough money to operate their hospital and serve patients. Earlier in the week, BlueCross leaders said Memorial has asked to be the highest-paid health system in Chattanooga, which would drive up already-high costs.