In response to the "Crow Wing County Board: Blue Cross Blue Shield denies contract with Nisswa-based clinic" story in the Jan. 24 Brainerd Dispatch, we were able to connect with the co-owner of Acquire Mental Health Clinic, Jennifer Vaughn, on Jan. 31, to better understand the situation and come to a resolution. Acquire Mental Health Clinic is-and has been-a contracted provider with Blue Cross. The recent contract request from Acquire Mental Health Clinic was denied following our standard process because the address listed on the request was the same as the existing practice's current address.
As you know, that is why Jennifer and Carlyn (Becker) requested a letter of recommendation from the board, as they were planning to appeal the denial and include the letter as part of the appeal.
After speaking with Jennifer, we learned that the reason for the additional request was that she and Carlyn are planning to grow Acquire Mental Health Clinic as a group practice, focused on the treatment of Substance Use Disorder. Jennifer and Carlyn are both licensed alcohol and drug counselors and Blue Cross fully supports their efforts to provide quality mental health care to those in need.
At this time, Acquire Mental Health Clinic does not need a separate contract from Blue Cross to provide treatment for substance use disorders, as these services are already within scope under their current contract.
Bryce Butzer
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Senior Public Relations Specialist
Blue Cross Blue Shield
