Network Status Update: University of California Health System

Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem) and University of California Health System (UC Health) are actively engaged in good faith contract discussions, as their current facility and professional contract agreements were set to expire at the end of the year.

Anthem and UC Health have mutually agreed to extend their contract agreements to March 1, 2024, avoiding any care disruption and ensuring Anthem members continued in-network access to UC Health System hospitals and doctors. Both Anthem and UC Health are working collaboratively and have committed to reaching a new agreement by the end of the year.

These discussions, which began more than a year ago, are a standard, normal and routine part of the healthcare industry and something we take very seriously.

Anthem and UC Health have a long history of partnership, and we recognize that having in-network access to UC Health facilities and doctors is important to our members and customers. That’s why we continue to work in good faith to negotiate a new agreement that helps protect affordability and continued access to care at UC Health for our members and customers.

It is important to note that as these negotiations continue, there is no impact to Anthem members who continue to enjoy in-network access to UC Health System hospitals and doctors.

FAQs

Q: Why are Anthem Blue Cross and UC Health renegotiating a new contract?

A: The current facility and professional contract agreements between Anthem and UC Health System are set to expire on March 1, 2024. Both Anthem and UC Health are currently engaged in active negotiations and have committed to reaching a new agreement by the end of the year. As these negotiations continue, there is no impact to Anthem members who continue to enjoy in-network access to UC Health System hospitals and doctors.

Q: What are Anthem Blue Cross and UC Health System talking about in your discussions?

A: These contract discussions, which began more than a year ago, are a normal and routine part of the health care industry. Discussions are broad and include both financial and nonfinancial elements and something both Anthem and UC Health have done several times in the past. We regularly negotiate contracts with hospitals and doctors across California to help keep health care costs affordable and ensure you have access to high-quality care. It’s a critical part of what we do with the goal of limiting your out-of-pocket costs and keeping premiums affordable for you and your family. The contracts we hold with partners like UC Health are key to ensuring our members receive the highest quality care at an affordable cost. It is our goal to reach an agreement that achieves that – providing predictability for members – while also ensuring costs remain affordable and we’re paying care providers fairly.

Q: Why did Anthem and UC Health extend the current contract agreement?

A: Anthem and UC Health have mutually agreed to extend their contract agreements to March 1, 2024, avoiding any care disruption and provide certainty for Anthem members who continue to enjoy in-network access to UC Health System hospitals and doctors while negotiations continue. The contract extension reflects a strong, collaborative working relationship between Anthem and UC Health. Anthem leaders recognize the importance of reaching an agreement well in advance of the contract expiring, helping provide members with a sense of comfort and to strengthen the partnership and collaboration between the two organizations. Both Anthem and UC Health have committed to reaching a new agreement by the end of the year.

Q: Does this impact Anthem members who are being treated for ongoing conditions such as cancer or other long-term conditions at UC Health facilities?

A: There is no immediate impact to those currently receiving care or who have pre-authorized services through UC Health. For those being treated for certain serious and complex conditions like pregnancy or cancer, we will work to ensure they continue their care with their current doctor if an agreement cannot be reached by March 1, 2024. If an Anthem member is actively undergoing a medically necessary course of treatment with UC Health prior to March 1, 2024, they may be eligible to receive continuity of care. This includes members receiving treatment for cancer, a pregnancy, and other chronic conditions.

Staying Informed

For the most up-to-date information continue to refer to this site. Anthem members who have questions or need assistance can call the toll-free member number listed on their Anthem member ID card.