Agreement ends insurance impasse: NE Ga patients now covered

The northeast Georgia insurance impasse is over: Anthem Insurance and the Gainesville-based Northeast Georgia Health Systems have reached an agreement to extend coverage to thousands of patients around the region, coverage that had been in question since September.

Northeast Georgia Health System's previous agreement with Anthem expired and negotiations broke down after that. For months, it looked like there would be no new deal, but the two sides came back to the bargaining table last month. The deal means patients with Anthem coverage will now be charged the in-network rate for all visits. The insurance provider praised the agreement, saying it will drive quality, affordability and accessibility to its customers.