CommonSpirit Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado Reach Agreement
New five-year contract restores Anthem members’ access to affordable health care at all CommonSpirit physicians and hospitals.
Last updated: May 20, 2024
CommonSpirit Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado have reached a five-year agreement providing Anthem members with continued access to affordable, high-quality care at all CommonSpirit hospitals, outpatient care centers, and physician offices across Colorado. Both organizations also agreed that any health care services Anthem members may have received at CommonSpirit since May 1, 2024, will be covered at in-network benefit levels.
With the new contract, Anthem members covered by Anthem employer-based, Medicare Advantage, and individual health plans in Colorado will have in-network access to CommonSpirit Health providers and care sites through April 2029.
Anthem members may contact the Member Service phone number on their Anthem ID card for assistance with any questions. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Anthem if you have any concerns or need further information.
More information about this change can be found at Anthem.com.
Optum Colorado may be leaving the Anthem network on July 1, 2024
The CU Health Plan is aware of ongoing negotiations between Anthem and Optum Colorado. Anthem has been working closely with Optum — which includes the provider group formerly known as New West Physicians — but they have notified Anthem of their intent to leave Anthem’s network if a new agreement is not reached by June 30, 2024. Their doctors may leave Anthem’s network on July 1, 2024.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Seeing a doctor or choosing a healthcare facility in the plan’s network keeps costs down – It’s up to plan members to choose which doctor to see and which healthcare facility to use, but selecting one in your plan will cost less. Members can find healthcare providers and facilities in your plan using the Sydney℠ Health app or by logging in to anthem.com/find-care. You also can call Member Services at the number on your Anthem ID card.
- Plan Members may pay more if they decide to keep receiving care from Optum – Starting July 1, 2024, employees may pay more, or all, of the costs for the care received from this Optum providers. Some plans only cover care from doctors and facilities in the network, except in emergencies. Check your plan documents to learn more.
- There may be exceptions – A plan member may be able to keep receiving care from Optum for a limited time if they are receiving certain types of care there. Plan documents include more information about Continuity of Care.
For questions or assistance regarding continuity of care, network adequacy, or balance billing, please contact the member services number on your Anthem member ID card. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Anthem if you have any concerns or need further information.