Bristol (CT) Hospital, Anthem in standoff over reimbursement rates

Beginning in 2010, Bristol (CT) Hospital could be out of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's network, meaning that Anthem members who use the hospital would be charged out-of-network rates for all but emergency care. Bristol hospital gave notice that it will terminate its contract with the insurer after the two sides were unable to agree on reimbursement rates. Unless they reach an agreement, the contract will end Jan. 1. The two sides are scheduled for more negotiations but representatives of both the hospital and the insurer said they remain far apart, the Hartford Courant reports.