Anthem and MemorialCare Hospital Terminations
Anthem Blue Cross has been engaged in discussions to renegotiate the terms of its Commercial Hospital Agreement with Memorial Care Health System (“Memorial Care”). Anthem Blue Cross and Memorial Care were unable to reach agreement and the contract terminated effective August 15, 2017. From that date forward, Anthem Blue Cross will generally no longer authorize or approve scheduled or elective admissions to Memorial Care for Anthem Blue Cross or Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company members. Please note that Vivity members are not affected by this termination. Memorial Care includes the following hospitals:
- Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
- Community Hospital of Long Beach
- Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital of Long Beach
- Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center
- Saddleback Memorial Medical Center
Anthem Blue Cross notified physicians who admit to Memorial Care of this development so that they can arrange for admission of all Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company members to alternate facilities. For a complete list of all Anthem Blue Cross contracted providers, please reference their Website at www.anthem.com/ca.
Please be aware that there are limited benefits for Anthem Small Group and Individual PPO members who receive care at Memorial Care on or after the above listed termination date, except for medical emergencies. Members who are pregnant, currently undergoing a course of treatment, have a current authorization for health care services or are otherwise concerned about disruption of treatment, should be directed to call an Anthem Blue Cross Customer Service Representative using the toll-free telephone number located on their identification card.
For questions, please contact a member of your B&P Sales Team - 888.722.3373.