As you know, there has been a lot of recent National attention and pressure put on Anthem BC to change their ways. They are making too much money while others are suffering ($2.7b in Q4 2009) and they are now trying to raise patient premiums 40%. However, the last part of the story needs to be told by us. That is, Anthem BC is cutting ancillary services to their members by attempting to force providers to accept a contract that we know will destroy medically necessary quality care. We must get this message out so the full story about BC is known. A demonstration is being held at the Anthem WellPoint Blue Cross headquarters in Woodland Hills. It was necessary to move this date up because there is a Congressional Hearing Feb 25th and a State Assembly Hearing Feb 23/24. Our CPTA should be providing valuable testimony at this hearing. These hearings are really putting pressure on Anthem BC to conform to the laws so this is our best chance to get our message across.
Date: Tuesday, Feb 23, 2010Time: 10:00am Place: Meet in the mall parking lot on the Northwest corner of Oxnard and Owensmouth in Woodland Hills. The Anthem headquarters is on the Northeast corner of Oxnard and Owensmouth 21555 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367.
Anyone with an interest in this demonstration can attend. Attached are suggestions for your message and instructions on how to make signs etc. Remember, as ancillary service providers we each need to make our own choice to join this demonstration. It is not being organized by the CPTA, APTA or any other organization. We’re exercising our first amendment rights to voice our concerns over a one sided contract so that we can provide medically necessary care to BC members who pay for these benefits. 1. ANTHEM BLUE CROSS IS BAD FOR CALIFORNIANS2. ANTHEM BLUE CROSS IS UNFAIR TO PHYSICAL THERAPIST3. ANTHEM BLUE CROSS DISCRIMINATING AGAINST PHYSICAL THERAPIST4. ANTHEM BLUE CROSS DOES NOT CARE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH If you can’t make it to Woodland Hills, plan a demonstration in your area at the court house or other government area to coordinate the efforts in Woodland Hills. We can all get our local media involved and make our message known across the State.