MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – After a federal judge denied an emergency request for Jackson Hospital to be paid higher reimbursement rates by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Montgomery’s city council president and the county commission chairman are still confident a deal will be reached to keep the financially troubled hospital afloat.
In fact, Commission Chairman Doug Singleton said that he’s more confident in the hospital’s future than he has been in the last three years.
“Blue Cross Blue Shield and Rick Jackson both are all working and doing everything they possibly can, they do not want this hospital to close. It’s very important that people know that,” Singleton said. “We’ll continue negotiations and hopefully we’ll have a resolution in the next couple of days to sustain this hospital and keep it operating.”
Montgomery City Council President “CC” Calhoun shares that optimism, and says he’d be open to discussions about the city committing more money to Jackson. The city has already dished out $15 million to Jackson, and the county has dished out $10 million, both with more in future commitments.
“We are committed to keeping Jackson Hospital open, so whatever I need to do from my position and leadership, to talk with my council members on what we need to do, we are committed,” Calhoun said.
Singleton said he doesn’t anticipate the county committing any more money and believes any deal that would sustain Jackson Hospital would be centered around higher reimbursement rates.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and Jackson Hospital CEO John Quinlivan released statements following the ruling.
BCBS Statement:
“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama appreciates the court’s ruling. This decision supports our responsibility to protect our customers – the nearly two million members here in Alabama who depend on us for access to high‑quality, affordable healthcare. That said, we very much want Jackson Hospital to remain open and continue providing care to patients, and we remain hopeful that a solution can be found.”
Jackson Hospital CEO John Quinlivan’s statement to employees following the decision:
“Good morning. Last night, the judge in our breach of contract case with BCBS denied our request for a temporary injunction. This was expected based on his comments at the end of the case.
I don’t think this will impact our discussions with BCBS. Both parties are acting in good faith. Both want to save the hospital. I am hopeful we can reach agreement very soon on a reimbursement arrangement that can sustain us. You will be the first to know when and if this happens.
Thank you for continuing to provide the best care possible to our patients. This is what we and our predecessors have done in this hospital and on this campus for 132 years. It will remain our focus and that of those who follow us as Jackson Hospital continues to serve Montgomery and the Alabama River Region well into the future.”
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