Steward Health Chief Medical Officer's advice after changes for Anthem Medicare Advantage Patients

Mahoning Valley - In just about a week, Mercy Health will no longer accept Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans, which affect more than 15-thousand Valley patients.
Mercy Health is moving Anthem to out-of-network on October 1 due to what it's calling "significant inflationary, labor and supply cost challenges" over the last few years. The change primarily affects patients over the age of 65.
We spoke with Steward Health Trumbull Regional Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gary Goncz on 21 News Five about the move.
He gave advice to those who are going through the transition.
"I think it creates a lot of confusion for folks in the Valley so I think the sooner they can address the issues, get the information they need, whether it's from other local hospitals or their insurance carrier, the better," Dr. Goncz said.
Dr. Goncz says Steward Health's call line has been busy over the last several weeks with people who have questions about getting coverage and switching insurances before October.
If you're in the same situation, you can call the Steward Health Help Line at 330-841-1941.