September 4th, 2008

Altoona Regional Health Sytem and health insurance company HealthAmerica are at odds over a new contract agreement, meaning HealthAmerica subscribers may no longer be covered at the hospital before the end of the month.

As per usual in many disputes between health insurers and hospitals, HealthAmerica is saying that Altoona Regional is asking for too much of an increase in reimbursement, while Altoona Regional says that it is seeking fair payment.

In the event that their contract is terminated, HealthAmerica subscribers who want to continue to receive care at Altoona Regional would either have to pay out-of-network fees, or opt for another health plan.  Or, they could get treatment at  Memorial Medical Center and Good Samaritan Medical Center in Johnstown, J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital in Huntingdon, Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Nason Hospital in Roaring Spring, Tyrone Hospital, UPMC Bedford Memorial Hospital and Select Specialty Hospital in Camp Hill.

For more on the dispute, check out the Altoona Mirror’s report.