Sinema and Kelly encouraged both parties to continue negotiations and maintain in-network coverage for patients
WASHINGTON – Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly applauded the announcement that Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona (BCBSAZ) and Dignity Health reached an agreement to protect access to health care for thousands of Arizona patients.
The highly-anticipated agreement, which came after contract negotiations broke down earlier this year, ensures that Arizonans in Maricopa and Pinal County with BCBSAZ health insurance can continue seeing Dignity Health providers. Sinema and Kelly helped secure this agreement by encouraging good-faith negotiations between both parties.
“I’m relieved that both parties heard our calls and struck an agreement to continue providing health care coverage to thousands of Arizona patients enrolled in BCBS plans receiving care at Dignity facilities,” said Sinema.
“Every Arizonan deserves access to quality and affordable health care without fear of unexpectedly losing coverage. I’m relieved that Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona customers will once again be able to receive in-network care at Dignity Health facilities across Maricopa and Pinal counties,” said Kelly.
As of February 1, 2024 thousands of BCBSAZ members in Maricopa and Pinal counties were newly out-of-network at Dignity Health and Dignity Health-related facilities – causing great concern about patients’ continuity of care.
Following the news, Sinema and Kelly urged BCBSAZ President Pam Kehaly and Dignity Health President Tim Bricker to extend negotiations to reach an agreement and maintain current coverage for all impacted enrollees until negotiations are concluded.