The Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield have resolved their contract dispute.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Connecticut Children’s announced on Tuesday that they have reached a multi-year agreement on contracts with Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and Connecticut Children’s Specialty Group and the two groups will immediately rejoin Anthem’s network, according to a news release from Anthem.
The terms of the contracts have not been released.
The dispute took its toll on local families, including the Colellas, whose daughter was born with Cystic Fibrosis as well as Esophageal Atresia, which means she's constantly hooked up to IVs.
Anthem said CCMC and Specialty Group have worked out an arrangement so that claims for Anthem members who received services from either site from April 16, the day the contract expired, to June 11 will be paid under the member’s in-network benefits. The members will still be responsible for in-network cost shares related to such claims.
“We are pleased our members will again have access to Connecticut Children’s and its Specialty Group. We believe we have reached the right deal, including initiatives that support our collective efforts to improve quality and outcomes,” said David Fusco, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, said in a statement.
“We truly understand the impact that this situation has had on children and families and we are pleased to have reached a resolution,” Martin Gavin, president and CEO of Connecticut Children’s, said in a statement. “We greatly value the relationships we have with Anthem’s members and we are glad that they once again have access to the high-quality care we provide.”
Gov. Dannel Malloy called this "excellent news" for the families who rely on both Anthem and the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center to care for their children.
“These discussions were difficult for both sides, and I applaud all the players who worked diligently to find a solution that meets a common goal: ensuring high quality care for the state’s children," Malloy said in a statement. "This agreement highlights the importance of continued discussion and open dialogue, and it goes a long way to reducing the burden on parents and guardians who are focused on getting their children healthy again.”
“It’s been a long time coming but I am extremely glad that the two sides have finally reached a fair, responsible agreement that will continue to serve the children of Connecticut with quality medical care,” Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said.
