Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC), which has campuses in Prescott and Prescott Valley, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBS) resolved a contract disagreement which briefly ended coverage of hospital services for some of the insurer’s clients, forcing them to seek treatment at out-of-town facilities or pay out of pocket.
A new network agreement retroactively effective to April 1 was announced at the end of April, negotiations having broken down in February over the amount YRMC would have been paid by BCBS to provide care to about 11,500 patients, a number which could have grown over time.
The organizations said in a joint statement: “The goal was always to continue to provide patients and members with quality, convenient and affordable health care in Yavapai County. Both organizations thank the community for their patience throughout the negotiations.”
Several large Greater Prescott employers were affected by the breakdown in talks, including the City of Prescott and Yavapai County. Local officials and business leaders encouraged the entities to continue to work toward a solution and negotiations restarted in mid-March, leading to the eventual accord.
“After many months of negotiations, we are very pleased that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has agreed to a new contract that will put our patients first and keep health care local,” said Anthony Torres, MD, President and CEO of Dignity Health YRMC and YRMG.
“Providing local high-quality health care services is a top priority and we look forward to furthering our mission of improving the health of those who call Yavapai County home,” he added
Dr. Cara Christ, Chief Medical Officer at BCBSAZ said, “Standing up for our members has always been our priority, and we are thankful that Yavapai Regional Medical Center joined us in this effort.
“Together, we can ensure those in Yavapai County have access to the care they need while protecting affordability.”
YRMC’s outpatient service arm, Yavapai Regional Medical Group, was not affected by the dispute. Patients and BCBSAZ members with questions about the new agreement can contact BCBSAZ or
its affiliated health plan using the
phone number on the back of their insurance card or reaching out to
memberhelp@azblue.com. Patients and members can also call YRMC at 702.616.5789.
