Update

Dear Space Coast Families,

You may have recently heard that Health First and Florida Blue are involved in a negotiation regarding our health system contract. These contract renewals are typically a routine event, although in the current negotiation, Florida Blue has been unwilling to agree to terms that are fair to Health First.

While Florida Blue is trying to exert negotiating leverage over Health First through the media, do not be misguided by their narrative. This is being done in an effort to completely negotiate in favor of their profit margin, not in the name of providing quality healthcare at a fair price.

Florida Blue recently rejected our last counter-proposal despite the fact that it fell within market-level standards. Florida Blue is unwilling to negotiate on fair terms with Health First and is demanding rate adjustments that are less than the cost increases experienced by our hospitals and physicians.

As a not-for-profit healthcare system, we must ensure that the rising costs of healthcare are met or we will not be able to continue to serve you in the manner that you are accustomed to. Health First cannot accept contract terms that result in less than fair market payments for our services.

At Health First, we will always put customers first and are committed to you, not insurance companies' profit margins. It will be unfortunate if Florida Blue allows our current contract to terminate as they will have rejected terms offered by Health First that fit within reasonable market standards. We will continue our efforts to fight for accessible, affordable quality healthcare in Brevard County.