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Anthem has considered CommonSpirit Colorado hospitals, clinics and practices as out-of-network.
DENVER — The contract between CommonSpirit, formerly Centura health, and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield expired as of midnight Wednesday.
The contract between the two companies expired at the end of April. Now CommonSpirit facilities are listed as “out-of-network” for Anthem customers. Only St. Elizabeth Hospital in Fort Morgan will remain in-network for patients until at least July 11.
Patients currently in active treatment or who have appointments or procedures scheduled after May 1 may qualify for protected in-network access through Continuity of Care benefits from Anthem. Information on how to apply for those benefits can be found here.
CommonSpirit released a statement on Wednesday morning:
“As of midnight, Anthem now considers 12 Colorado hospitals and dozens of clinics and practices out-of-network. CommonSpirit is doing everything possible to reach agreement with Anthem, and we continue to be engaged in good-faith negotiations. In our continued effort to protect patient access to care, we have asked Anthem for a temporary contract extension, which would allow us to provide in-network services to Anthem members while we work to reach agreement. Anthem has not yet responded to this request for extension. We will provide additional updates as they become available.”
Anthem said the contract dispute is because of CommonSpirit’s reimbursement rates.
“Anthem has offered CommonSpirit Health a multi-year agreement that includes reasonable reimbursement rates,” the company said in their statement. “Unfortunately, CommonSpirit has chosen to leave Anthem’s network in Colorado. Anthem continues to collaborate with CommonSpirit to reach a new agreement. This negotiation is about healthcare affordability. CommonSpirit wants to unacceptably increase costs for Colorado consumers and employers. Healthcare cost increases of this magnitude would directly impact our members and local employers. Anthem members with questions can visit our website or call member services at the phone number on the back of their member ID card.”
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