Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield and Connecticut Children”™s Medical Center reached a multi-year coverage agreement, ending an impasse that reportedly had left some families scrambling to get care at other hospitals.
The companies did not release terms of the new contract, which will cover claims for Anthem members who received services from Connecticut Children”™s Medical Center since April 16, when the previous contract expired.
In the interim, Anthem had handled claims as out-of-network costs, resulting in higher payments by members who chose to continue receiving care at Connecticut Children”™s Medical Center. Anthem continued to cover emergency room and neonatal intensive care unit patients as in-network.
Connecticut Children”™s Medical Center runs hospitals in Hartford and Waterbury and clinics and smaller offices elsewhere, including in Shelton, Danbury and Stamford.
“This is excellent news for the many families who rely on both Anthem and the Connecticut Children”™s Medical Center to care for their children,” said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, in a prepared statement. “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. 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.”