Anthem and CommonSpirit Resolve Dispute That Caught Coloradans in the Middle
“A contract is what Coloradans needed,” says Colorado Insurance Commissioner.
DENVER - Late on Friday, May 17, the health insurer Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the health care system CommonSpirit Health reached an agreement on a five-year contract that will put CommonSpirit hospitals, outpatient centers and physicians offices in-network for Anthem policyholders. This agreement is retroactive back to May 1, meaning consumers should not see out of network bills for care incurred while the parties were working to get a new contract in place.
“I’m happy to see this finally happen - a contract between Anthem and CommonSpirit is what Coloradans needed,” said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. “Each day this dispute continued was another day of disruption, worry and work for consumers as they scrambled to find care. Each side had legitimate concerns, but it was the people of Colorado who were caught in the middle.”
Anthem members who still have questions - especially those members who made alternate plans for continuity of care in the following situations: pregnant, undergoing a course of treatment for a serious and complex medical condition, undergoing a course of inpatient care, terminally ill, scheduled to undergo nonelective surgery, or had already obtained a prior authorization for services - should contact Anthem through the phone number listed on the back of their insurance ID card, by calling member services at 855-837-8536, or by logging into their online account and sending a request electronically.
Anyone experiencing issues with Anthem regarding their insurance should contact the Colorado Division of Insurance Consumer Services Team - 303-894-7490 / DORA_Insurance@state.co.us / doi.colorado.gov (click on “File a Complaint”).
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About the Division of Insurance:
The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), regulates the insurance industry and assists consumers and other stakeholders with insurance issues. Visit doi.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7499 / toll free 800-930-3745.
About DORA:
DORA is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. Consumer protection is our mission. Visit dora.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7855 / toll free 800-886-7675.
