Every patient and the quality of their health care matters. 
The issue has left some patients in Yavapai County confused about what this means for their coverage. Emergency services will continue to be covered, but some of the medical services may be considered out of network and would cost patients more money. In some cases, the patients may not be able to afford the extra costs.
Another option is traveling to another Blue Cross Blue Shield provider, but some patients don’t have the capacity to do that.
The two sides have been negotiating since September regarding the amount of increases the hospital wants the insurance group to pay. This impacts the two hospital campuses in Prescott and Prescott Valley. Dignity Health Regional Medical Center is the only full-care hospital in Western Yavapai County.
Patients who have medical appointments can contact BCBSAZ to find out about their coverage.
BCBSAZ Public Relations Specialist Amanda Siedler said that while the insurance provider continues to help members get the care they need, affordability remains a focus as they work to find a middle ground with Dignity Health Regional Medical Center.
“Regardless of the outcome of the negotiations, all members in Yavapai County can go to any emergency services because they are always covered regardless of the facility’s network status. Primary care providers at Yavapai Regional Medical Center community clinics remain in network. The YRMC Medical Group Clinic providers have separate agreements and are still in-network,” she said in an issued statement.
Siedler said if a member is facing a life-altering condition or diagnosis, the Clinical Rapid Response Team is ready to help.
“We can move fast to get the member the testing, treatment and care they need,” she said.
Clients can email RapidResponse@azblue.com. BCBSAZ also will help find new in-network providers in the area for future appointments. Members can email MemberHelp@azblue.com.
Sara Patterson, manager of external communications for Dignity Health YRMC, said in an issued statement that for nearly a month, Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) has been eager to have BCBSAZ return to the negotiating table and reach a fair agreement on behalf of its members.
“We are pleased that BCBSAZ has agreed to re-engage in negotiation discussions, as both organizations have a responsibility to address this matter professionally, fairly and with a sense of urgency in the best interests of those who are directly impacted,” she stated. “Every patient and the quality of their health care matters. And, every patient should have access to health care that is close to home while also having financial protection from their health insurance plan.”
Patterson said it is their hope to work together toward an equitable contract that will put patients first and allow them to continue providing their full range of healthcare services. “We apologize for the inconvenience this situation has created and sincerely appreciate the community’s patience as we continue to work through this negotiation.” QCBN
By Stan Bindell and Ray Newton, QCBN
Photo by Stan Bindell: While discussions continue about coverage and costs, BCBSAZ officials say all Yavapai County members are covered for emergency services in YRMC community clinics.
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