Some Insurers Expanding Networks to Provide Greater Access to Care

Many health insurers have recently expanded their healthcare provider networks to provide patients with greater access to care, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Although the insurers claim the network expansions are not due to consumer complaints, many new health plans have drawn extensive criticism from plan members for offering a limited choice of physicians and hospitals through narrow networks.

The insurers that have expanded their networks said the expansion has been possible due to more healthcare providers being willing to join the new networks, according to the report.

In California, WellPoint, Anthem Blue Cross, Health Net and Blue Shield of California have all expanded their healthcare provider networks.

Dayton, Ohio-based CareSource has also expanded by adding more than six hospitals to its network this year and has plans to add more medical facilities by the end of 2014.

Additionally, Fidelis Care in New York City has added 13 hospitals to its network this year.

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