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Important Announcement Concerning Temple Health and Keystone First Family Health Plans

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Updated July 26, 2024

Temple Health and Keystone First Family Health Plans have reached a new contract agreement.

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Updated July 10, 2024

Temple Health’s (providers and hospitals) provider agreement with health insurance company, Keystone First Family Health Plans, is scheduled to end on July 31st.   

While both Temple and Keystone are working hard to work out a new agreement, we have not yet been able to do so. Pending changes apply to the following Keystone plans:

  • Keystone First Physical Health HealthChoices (Medicaid)
  • Keystone First Community Health Choices (Medicaid)
  • Keystone First VIP Choice Medicare Advantage  

If no agreement is reached, Temple Health providers/facilities will no longer be participating providers with the plans listed above beginning August 1st. 

If the contract between Temple Health and Keystone First expires, patients under age 21 will still be able to receive services from Temple for 60 days even if they stay enrolled with Keystone First.

 Patients over age 21 will still be able to receive services that does not require prior authorization or that are part of an ongoing course of treatment from Temple for 60 days even if they stay enrolled with Keystone First.

Patients who are pregnant, may continue to receive care through the post -partum period.

 

  The Temple Health sites include:  

  • Temple University Hospital (Broad and Ontario Streets)  
  • Temple University Hospital - Episcopal Campus  
  • Temple University Hospital - Northeastern Campus  
  • Temple University Hospital - Jeanes Campus  
  • Temple Women & Families Campus
  • Fox Chase Cancer Center  
  • Temple Ready Care sites  
  • Temple Physician Offices (including Chestnut Hill providers)   

If we are unable to reach an agreement, you can continue to receive care from Temple Health providers by switching your PA Medicaid Managed Care/Community Health Choices plan from Keystone to another health plan listed below.   

As a PA Medicaid/Community Health Choices Recipient, You Have the Right to Change Plans at Any Time

Available PA Medicaid Managed Care Plans

Temple Health is contracted with the following PA Medicaid Managed Care/Physical Health HealthChoice plans. Choosing one of these plans will ensure that you continue to have access to Temple Health doctors and hospitals. 

  • Health Partners Plan: 1-800-553-0784
  • UPMC for You: 1-800-286-4242 

You can easily make this switch by contacting the PA Enrollment Center at 1-800-440-3989 or via www.enrollnow.net. Enrollment Assistance Counselors can answer any questions you may have about selecting a new plan.

Your new plan will become effective within 30-45 days.   A Temple Health Financial Counselor can also be reached at 215-707-7771 to assist you with making a change and/or answer any questions you may have about changing plans.

Available PA Community Health Choices (CHC) Plans

Temple Health is contracted with the following PA Community Health-Choices Plans. Choosing one of these plans will ensure that you continue to have access to Temple Health doctors and hospitals.

  • UPMC Community Health Choices: 1-844-833-0523
  • PA Health and Wellness Community Health Choices: 1-844-626-6813

You can request to change to one of these plans by calling 844-824-3655 or contacting the Independent Enrollment Broker.

Temple Health Financial Counselors are also available to assist you with changing plans at 215-707-7771. 

Do You Have Keystone VIP Choice Medicare Advantage?

If you have the Keystone VIP Choice Medicare Advantage plan and wish to continue to receive care at Temple Health, please go to the Medicare.Gov website (www.medicare.gov) or call Temple Health Financial Counseling at 215-707-7771 to discuss your options for switching plans.

Temple Health has a long-standing commitment to the health of our community and we wish to continue to treat you and your neighbors. Thank you for choosing us for your health care.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Keystone First?

Keystone First is a health insurance company that provides managed care plan services for Pennsylvania Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and Medicare recipients.

Is Temple Health accepting patients who are covered by Keystone First Health Plans?

Temple Health’s contract with Keystone First Medicaid, Keystone First Community Health Choices, and Keystone VIP Choice Medicare plans is scheduled to expire on July 31st. Temple Health will no longer be participating with these plans beginning August 1st. 

What does this mean for me? My health insurance is with Keystone First/Keystone First CHC.

This means that beginning August 1st Keystone First may not cover care at Temple Health hospitals and doctors’ offices, except for emergency services.   

Why did this happen?

This decision follows months of negotiations and was a step that Temple Health did not take lightly. Temple provides a vast variety of quality services to all of its patients. It is essential that Keystone First fairly reimburse Temple for these services. If we are not able to come to a fair and sustainable agreement on reimbursement for treating patients, then our agreement will end starting August 1, 2024.

Will I still be able to get my care at Temple?

Yes, as a PA Medicaid/Community Health Choices recipient, you have the right to change managed care plans at any time. You can switch to another health plan listed below. Choosing one of these plans will ensure that you continue to have access to Temple Health doctors and hospitals.  See the plans listed above. 

If the Temple/Keystone First contract expires, will I have to pay out pocket/be charged more if I receive services at Temple after 07/31?

No. PA Medicaid patients can never be charged any more for care received by an out-of-network provider than they would by an in-network provider. Temple is committed to your care will work diligently to obtain approval for any services you require during the 60 day continuity of care period and we can assist you in changing to an in-network plan for your future care should you choose to remain with Temple.

 

I am currently a Temple patient and have services scheduled for this month (July 2024). Can I keep my appointments? Will these services be covered?

Yes, please do keep all scheduled appointments you have in July 2024. Temple Health and Keystone First remain contracted until July 31, 2024 regardless of the outcome of the negotiations.  

I am currently a Temple patient receiving ongoing care for a chronic condition or disease. Will I be able to continue to receive care at Temple after August 1st if I still have Keystone First coverage?

Yes. Your health is extremely important to us and we want to ensure that you do not encounter any delays in care. Keystone First has an obligation to ensure continuity of care for a period of time for any members who become out of network due to a contract termination. Please call your provider or Temple Health Financial Counseling at 215-707-7771 if you have questions or concerns.

I am currently a Temple patient and have services scheduled for August 2024. Will I still be able to receive my scheduled service(s)?

Please call 215-707-7771 to speak with a Temple Health Financial Counselor. 

What happens in an emergency?

We are focused on ensuring a smooth transition of care with minimal disruption. Keystone First members can still access our services directly through the Emergency Department regardless of the status of their insurer contract.

I want to stay with Temple Health. What do I need to do?

Thank you for choosing us for your health care. Temple Health has a long-standing commitment to your health and we wish to continue to treat you and your neighbors. You can easily switch your health plan by contacting the PA Enrollment Center at 1-800-440-3989 or via www.enrollnow.net. Temple Health Financial Counselors can also assist you with making a change and/or answer any questions you may have about changing plans—they are available at 215-707-7771. 

How will this affect my costs? Do these other PA Medicaid/CHC plans have the same benefits as Keystone First plans?

All PA Medicaid and CHC Managed Care Plans must offer the standard level of Medicaid/CHC benefits, however, there are plans that  may offer additional benefits that may be beneficial to you and your family.  Our Temple Health Financial Counselors can answer any specific questions you may have about changing plans at 215-707-7771.