Gov. Deal calls meeting with Piedmont, Anthem CEOs

ATLANTA - Gov. Nathan Deal has called a meeting with a Georgia hospital and popular insurance company in the hopes that they can make a deal in the two groups' contract dispute.

In a tweet, Deal said that the meeting between Piedmont and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield will be held on Monday, April 16. 

"I expect an update on the progress both sides have made in reaching a resolution to this dispute," Deal said.

Earlier this month, the governor said the state and the University System of Georgia will absorb any out-of-network claims for up to 30 days to ease the impact caused by the dispute, but he emphasized that the two need to reach a long-term solution.

MORE: Gov. Deal directs Piedmont, Anthem back to negotiation table

Piedmont and Blue Cross had been negotiating new terms but failed to reach a contract agreement by the April 1 deadline. Those affected are current state employees, retirees and their families who are eligible to use Blue Cross at a Piedmont provider.

Deal is urging both companies to continue their negotiations.

"Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia and Piedmont Healthcare must return to the negotiating table, and Blue Cross Blue Shield must honor the contractual obligations made to the state," Deal said in a statement.

For more information on the negotiations, visit KeepPiedmont.org or bcbsga.com/Piedmont.   

The Associated Press contributed to this report.