Phoenix Children’s, Blue Cross Blue Shield ‘optimistic’ over agreement

PHOENIX — Phoenix Children’s Hospital and one of its insurers, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, have been in negotiations over coverage, but both companies said they are “optimistic” that they will reach an agreement before next month’s deadline.

In a joint statement released to KTAR News 92.3 FM on Thursday, both companies said they are “currently working through a network agreement” before the contract ends Nov. 30.

“Phoenix Children’s and BCBSAZ have a long standing partnership and we are optimistic that we will reach agreement before December 1, 2018,” the joint statement read.

“Patient care is our number one priority, and we will continue to update BCBSAZ members regarding the network status.”

If an agreement is not reached by Dec. 1, that would mean Phoenix Children’s would no longer be a contracted provider with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.

Phoenix Children’s Hospital spokeswoman Erica Sturwold said 31,000 families were notified that their coverage would be impacted if the hospital was dropped from the network.

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