East Orange General Hospital has terminated its hospital contract with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Under state law, the terms of Horizon BCBSNJ’s hospital contract with East Orange General Hospital are extended for four months through October 29, 2009 and Horizon HMO members may continue to use East Orange General Hospital as a network hospital through October 29, 2009 (prior authorization must be obtained when required).

Under the terms of Horizon BCBSNJ’s contract, other Horizon BCBSNJ members may continue to use East Orange General Hospital at an in-network level of benefits through October 29, 2009 (prior authorization must be obtained when required) as a period for transition of care. Beginning October 30, 2009, East Orange General Hospital will no longer be a Horizon BCBSNJ network hospital for any Horizon BCBSNJ members.

As always, Horizon BCBSNJ is focused on ensuring that their members have access to needed care. They are working with our large network of hospitals and physicians to minimize the disruption caused by East Orange General Hospital’s actions. They are also in the process of sending letters to affected subscribers and physicians explaining the ramifications of this termination and how it affects the members’ benefits.

Please click the attached Horizon Broker Brief for answers to questions you may have about these changes in Horizon's network.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your Stratford representative.