A major health insurer and Yavapai County’s only large hospital have failed to agree on contract terms, leaving more than 11,000 members out of network care for many services.

The Arizona Blue Cross Blue Shield and Yavapai Regional Medical Center failed to reach a contract agreement earlier this month and have not been at the negotiating table since.

But state senator Ken Bennett, who represents the Prescott area, said the companies seem to want to meet again, saying, “Either or both companies, one way or another, are not that far away. I heard no,” he said. ,” He said.

In a statement to ABC15, Yavapai Regional Medical Center said it hopes to reopen soon:

The Arizona Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBSAZ) has not rejoined the negotiations since it rejected our offer on February 8th. We made it clear to BCBSAZ that we would welcome them back to the table to either accept our proposals or provide counterarguments. This proposal is fair and allows us to continue providing the essential services that Yavapai County residents deserve. We believe that both sides have a responsibility to the community to reach an agreement, and we have always welcomed further discussion. We hope that BCBSAZ will quickly resume negotiations, put patients first, and agree to a fair contract that will allow us to continue to provide all types of medical services.

Regarding BCBS AZ, a spokesperson wrote in an email:

No further development has taken place. During negotiations, we offered to negotiate more with the intermediate Yavapai Regional Medical Center on fees, and he offered two future contract options. Yavapai Regional Medical Center may change its decision to remain in the network and welcomes you to come to the table with us at any time to discuss any agreements.

ABC15 reported earlier this month that the measures would not affect all members and emergency care, including the Yavapai Regional Medical Center, which are still covered by in-network charges.

This does not apply to many members of Yavapai County, including members listed below.‍

• BCBSAZ Health Choice (AHCCCS or DSNP)
• Federal Employee Program (FEP) not impacted until end of 2023
• HMO plans using the Neighborhood Network will not be affected until the end of 2023.
• Senior Security Medicare Supplement

Beginning February 8th, if a plan uses any of the following networks, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) hospital facilities, and the hospital-based physician group, the plan is considered out of network: increase.

• PPO or EPO plans using the statewide/national PPO network
• HMO planning using the statewide HMO network
• Medicare Supplement Plan with Senior Preferred Medicare Supplement Network
• Plans using the BCBSAZ Workers Compensation Network

BCBSAZ emphasized that member ER visits remain in-network status.

Some people may be affected if they own a Senior Security Medicare Supplement.

How to check your member ID is as follows.

• If the member ID begins with “R”, “NNJ”, or “NNG”, “HC”, or “MZH”, this Agreement will not be subject to cancellation.
• If your member ID card starts with “XBS”, please check the product name on the card.
• If your card said Medicare Supplement Senior Security Plan Termination of this contract isn’t it It applies to you. If the card says Medicare Supplements Senior Preferred Plan, this applies.
• If your member ID begins with any other combination of characters, This termination may also apply to you.

ABC15 has reached out to both Arizona senators and issued the following statement:

Senator Kirsten Cinema:

“I remain concerned about people in Arizona who are unable to access hospital care and preferred care teams closer to home without risking high out-of-pocket costs to go off-network. I am urging the leaders of the Arizona Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Yavapai Regional Medical Center to continue negotiations to maintain access to treatment for affected Arizona residents and patients.”

Senator Mark Kelly:

“Senator Kerry has urged both sides to reach an agreement, but is disappointed that no agreement has been reached. Instead, he worries about a gap that may force them to travel long distances for treatment. I continue to encourage you to find