Christ Hospital and Anthem reach agreement over insurance after contract dispute

The Christ Hospital Health Network has reached an agreement with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, the healthcare system and insurance company announced on Friday, the same day a contract between the two was set to expire.

“We are very pleased to have come to agreement with Anthem/BCBS so that we can focus on what matters most, our patients,” Debbie Hayes, president & CEO of The Christ Hospital Health Network, said in a statement. “We will continue to provide access to the highest quality of care in our region, all in an affordable way."

The agreement follows a contract dispute between Anthem and Christ Hospital that threatened to put more than 100,000 patients insured by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield out of network at Christ Hospital.

Anthem said the new agreement "ensures continued access to quality care for all of Anthem’s members at all The Christ Hospital Health Network facilities and physician groups."

Medical centers, outpatient locations and urgent care centers associated with the Christ Hospital Health Network would've been considered out of Anthem's network beginning April 1 if a contract wasn't renewed before the March 31 expiration date. Christ's physician practices were also under threat of becoming out of network through Anthem if a renewal wasn't met before another contract expiration on April 30.

"We’re pleased to have worked in good faith with The Christ Hospital Health Network to ensure our members can continue to access the care they need," Jane Peterson, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, said in a statement.

Enquirer reporter Brooks Sutherland contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Christ Hospital and Anthem reach agreement after contract dispute