In the newest contract breakdown between a health insurer and a South Florida provider, Florida Blue policyholders may end up facing higher costs.

Florida Blue has sent letters to 17,500 people in Broward County, notifying them that, as of July 1, Broward Health will become an out-of-network provider because of the contract dispute.

The insurer told its members that Broward Health is demanding contract terms with significantly higher rates that would have to be passed on to patients.

“Unfortunately, this could result in drastic increases in health care costs for our members,” the letter sent Thursday said. “This raises how much you pay for services at Broward Health and could drive up your health insurance each month. During these challenging economic times, such large rate increases are not sustainable.”

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