Millions of patients in Virginia subscribe to Anthem Blue Cross for insurance. It's why Bon Secours representatives say they're hoping to arrive at a deal soon. But if not - current subscribers could soon pay the price.



As a bitter battle heats up, the news is hitting both company's customers hard.



"I work three jobs right now to afford to pay them so I can go to the doctor," said Lasondya Caraballo.



She is just learning her insurance provider is in a squabble with one of the region's leading health systems.



"I pay a lot of money to go see those good doctors at St. Francis," Caraballo said.



Co-pays could go even higher for Anthem-insured patients who use Bon Secours' facilities. To get around it, patients would have to find new health care providers. It's all because after more than 15 years in partnership, Anthem Blue Cross and Bon Secours are now in a contract dispute. Anthem just received a letter of termination from Bon Secours come November of this year.



"It's to both parties interest, both Bon Secours and Blue Cross to come to an agreement – and they will. It just takes a while, kind of, to make sure that everybody's needs are being met," said Doug Gray with the Virginia Association of Health Plans.



Health leaders say this process is all a part of routine negotiations Monday, both sides met again. Bon Secours says it wants patients to have the right to choose when and where they get care. If no deal is reached, leaders from Anthem say they will do all they can to help keep customers' out of pocket costs down.



"Sometimes it takes a while for both parties to understand each other's concerns and come to a mutual beneficial arrangement. Generally, they get worked out," Gray added.



Countless patients are relying on it.