After the third request for these this week, I figured I'd post them to the blog. They're text instead of PDF for easy cut-n-paste action, imagine that. The supposition here is that this is to an insurance company you really don't want to get rid of if they'd only treat you properly. And these are sent as far in advance of your termination as possible.

Letter #1 - To the Patients

Fred and Wilma Flintstone
1 Main Street
Bedrock, NJ 05696

Our files indicate that your family has health insurance coverage through Bedrock Health Insurance. Regretfully, we have terminated our contract with this insurance company effective July 1, 2008. We will continue to be contracted with HealthCare Insurance, BCBS, and Tourists HMOs.

[If you want to explain why, it goes here.]

We have chosen to notify our patients' families to ensure that you are able to effect necessary changes. Notices from your insurance company can often be difficult to understand, so please call our billing department at 802-846-8177 us if you need assistance. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have. You may also wish to contact Bedrock direct at 800-456-789 or customerservice@americare.com. [Insert other direct contact information here.]

Of course, we will gladly continue to be your family's pediatricians unless you choose to transfer to another provider. However we will no longer be able to submit claims to Bedrock on your behalf. There may be options for you to change plans as some employers have several plans for you to choose from. Another option may be to submit your paid receipt for for reimbursement by Bedrock; we will be happy to help

We hope to continue as your children's pediatricians and we will endeavor to make all efforts to assist you in receiving uninterrupted care. Please do not hesitate to call us with any questions or concerns.

Pediatric Associates

[use the names of the docs, not just the practice name]

Letter #2 - To the Employers

Betty Rubble
Human Resources
Acme Gravel
Bedrock, NJ

Dear Ms. Rubble:

During the past 2 months, our practice has been in negotiation with Bedrock Health Insurance over matters related to their lack of appropriate reimbursement and high administrative costs. Unfortunately, these negotiations appear to be at an impasse and we have terminated our contract effective June 1, 2008.

Our records indicate that we provide important pediatric care for over 60 children whose parents are employed or otherwise contract their insurance through your company.

We are contacting Acme Gravel for two reasons. First, we would like you to be aware that Bedrock does not represent a wise partner, at least for a practice such as ours, and we believe that feedback is important to organizations choosing health insurance solutions for their employees. Second, should our negotiations fail, we do not wish to surprise you or your employees whose children we see with the news that we are dropping Bedrock.

Although we will make every reasonable effort to transition those families who would switch pediatric coverage to another practice, be assured that the disruption to you and your employees may be significant.

Please contact us at any time if you have any questions or concerns.

[this should definitely be signed by the physician who treats the most kids for this company]

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