Blue Cross, Goldsboro hospital agree to new contract

The new contract means Blue Cross customers can resume receiving care immediately at the hospital and with their in-network physicians.

The two sides were at odds for months prior to reaching a deal, and the hospital was booted from the network on Dec. 5, 2013. 

"As with any extended negotiation, neither side is totally satisfied, but you can be sure that Wayne Memorial Hospital's commitment to serving our patients is as strong as ever," William Paugh, president and CEO of the hospital, said in a statement. "These negotiations were frustrating for the hospital and for our community, yet they were important in our ability to provide Wayne County residents access to clinical excellence and patient-centered care well into the future."

The hospital and insurer negotiated for 18 months to try to rein in costs, which had trended higher at Wayne Memorial than comparable hospitals, BCBSNC said. Citing cost information from the North Carolina Hospital Association, hospital officials said Tuesday that prices for medical procedures at Wayne Memorial were comparable or even lower than many other local facilities.

BCBSNC President and CEO Brad Wilson said in a statement that the company appreciated the community's patience during the stalemate. 

"These efforts reflect BCBSNC's commitment to keep healthcare as affordable as it can be for our customers while working to support independent community hospitals," he said.