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.