Frequently Asked Questions
Regarding Boulder Community Health (BCH) and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue
Shield (Anthem) Contract Renewal Negotiations
Q: What is happening between BCH and Anthem?
A: BCH and Anthem have been negotiating a new contract renewal since February
of 2018. Both BCH’s and Anthem’s senior leadership teams are
working diligently to come to a new arrangement. Meaningful discussions
are taking place on a regular basis. BCH and Anthem both want to continue
serving Boulder-area patients, but we have not yet been able to agree
upon acceptable terms for a multi-year deal.
Q: What does this termination notification mean right now?
A: For now, patients with Anthem insurance continue to have in-network
access to care with BCH.
Q: Why has BCH sent a termination notification and when will the termination
be effective?
A: BCH reviews our contracts with health plans to assure we are adhering
to the provisions of the agreement and that the terms of the contract
allow us to continue providing our patients and community with high quality,
cost effective health care. BCH sent a termination notification to Anthem
since neither party can agree to acceptable terms for services provided
at BCH. BCH is a not-for-profit independent community resource and is
dependent on fair rate increases to remain financially stable.
The termination will take effect on July 1, 2018 for the following facilities:
• Boulder Community Hospital
• Foothills Hospital
• Boulder MRI, LLC
• Endoscopy Center of the Rockies (Boulder, Lafayette, and Longmont)
• Foothills Surgery Center
• Boulder Surgery Center
Q: Will this termination also include BCH employed physician practices?
A: No. All BCH employed physician practices will still be in-network on
and after July 1, 2018.
Q: Why is this happening? Why is BCH negotiating a new contract?
A: Contract negotiations are part of the normal working relationship between
health insurance plans and BCH. We are working in good faith to reach
an agreement that will allow us to operate more efficiently, reduce costs
for all involved — patients included — and continue providing
top-quality patient care while meeting the increasing demands of the health
care industry.
Q: What will happen to patients’ benefits if the contract is terminated?
A: All BCH locations/services are in-network until July 1, 2018. On and
after that date, the locations listed above will be out of network and
Anthem’s members will be subject to higher out-of-pocket fees to
use those BCH facilities.
If you would like to speak to someone further about this issue, please
call Director of Marketing & Public Relations Richard Sheehan at
303-415-4271.