Fresno, Calif.-based Community Health System is back in network with Anthem Blue Cross after a split lasting six months.
The four-hospital system went out of network with UnitedHealthcare, Cigna and Anthem Blue Cross at the end of 2022. The system inked contracts with UnitedHealthcare and Cigna earlier in 2023.
"Thank you to our physicians, staff and patients for your patience and support while we worked through our negotiations," the system said on its website. "It is extremely important to our health system's future that we have fair and equitable agreements with all health plans so we can continue to meet the healthcare needs of our diverse region."
"We are pleased Community Health System has rejoined our care provider network and we look forward to continuing our long-term partnership," John Pickett, regional vice president provider solutions at Anthem Blue Cross said. "This multi-year agreement provides certainty for our members and customers throughout the Central Valley and allows us to deepen our relationship and collaborative efforts to ensure access to high-quality, affordable care."
The contract disputes took place as healthcare in California's Central Valley region is strained. Madera (Calif.) Community Hospital shut its doors at the beginning of 2023. Both Madera County and neighboring Fresno County had declared states of emergency by Jan. 3 over care access issues stemming from the hospital closure.