Frequently Asked Questions about Anne Arundel Medical Center Negotiations

Baltimore, MD (July 27, 2017) - CareFirst members have contacted us with questions about Anne Arundel Medical Center’s recent announcement. Listed below are a few common questions and answers. Feel free to fill out a form using our CareFirst Ask Form if you have additional questions.

You may also want to read CareFirst President and CEO Chet Burrell's open letter to the community.

What does Anne Arundel Medical Center’s (AAMC’s) announcement mean?

AAMC has said it plans to terminate its contract with CareFirst – effective October 1, 2017, for physician services and January 1, 2018, for hospital services.

A termination could impact our individual members who buy coverage directly from CareFirst, as well as employees of businesses for whom CareFirst administers their medical benefits.

If the contract is terminated, CareFirst members who seek care from AAMC or its physicians may be subjected to out-of-network fees for care.

However, we hope it doesn’t reach that point. We are diligently negotiating with AAMC on behalf of our members.

Does this impact all of Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) practices and programs?

Yes, all of AAMC’s hospital services, diagnostic imaging services, outpatient practices, behavioral health services and community clinics would be impacted if the contract terminates, but not until October 1, 2017 for Anne Arundel Medical Group practices, Anne Arundel Diagnostics Imaging, Inc. and Pathways and January 1, 2018 for Anne Arundel Medical Center.

Members may still use these practices and programs, but should call the number on the back of their member ID card to find out if it will be covered at the in-network or out-of-network cost.

How do I know if my provider will be impacted by this change?

If a provider who treated you and/or a covered family member during the past year no longer participates in the CareFirst network, you will be notified.

If I have a surgery, delivery, extended treatment plan or any other procedure or on-going treatment scheduled or underway at AAMC or by an AAMC provider, will the potential contract termination affect me?

Not at this time. CareFirst’s contract with Anne Arundel’s physician groups may end effective October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2018 for hospital services. It is our hope that we will resolve our disagreement before these dates.

Because insurance contracts vary there is no one answer. However, it is common for insurance carriers to provide for continuity of care, meaning you will likely have access to your provider beyond the termination date. If your appointments occur after these dates and the contract termination goes into effect then call the number on the back of your member ID card to find out specific information regarding your insurance contract.

Will I need to find new facilities for imaging and diagnostic tests?

Not at this time. CareFirst’s contract with Anne Arundel’s physician groups may end effective October 1, 2017 and January 1, 2018 for hospital services. It is our hope that we will resolve our disagreement before these dates.