NPs Will Be Empaneled on Florida's Blue Cross Blue Shield
Whereas previously NPs were only accepted as part of a new discount family insurance plan, (New Discount Plan to Include NPs), now the company plans to include and reimburse NPs directly. This is a great move toward full recognition of NPs' abilities in Florida, one of two remaining states that does not allow nurse practitioners to prescribe medications. Florida NPs were asked to send in registration information by July 15.
A letter was sent to providers in Florida by BCBS that tells the good news, with one frustrating twist: the company is calling the group of new accepted providers (which includes physician assistants and all advanced practice nurses) "physician extenders." Florida NP groups have started talks about creating an educational letter for BCBS requesting that the language be changed. Get involved! Contact the Florida Nurse Practitioner network by visiting www.fnpn.org.