Boulder Community Health recently announced its intention to terminate its Facilities Agreement with Anthem and leave the network on July 1. While we hope an agreement can be reached, if Anthem and BCH are unable to reach an agreement by July 1, Boulder Community Health’s facilities will be out-of-network for CU employees.

Anthem negotiates facility contracts on behalf of CU. CU Health Plan Administration has been in direct contact with Anthem during this process and has emphasized that CU employees need affordable and accessible health care in the Boulder area.

If a new contract is reached, CU Health Plan members will experience no disruption in services. If negotiations are unsuccessful, BCH will leave the Anthem network on July 1.

Access to care

CU Health Plan members’ access to Anthem’s network of physicians and specialists will remain unchanged. Many doctors have admitting privileges to multiple facilities, giving patients options for where to get care. 

If BCH leaves the network, employees on CU Health Plan – High Deductible can still use their out-of-network benefits, meaning they can still use BCH facilities at a 35 percent coinsurance rate compared to the 15 percent rate for in-network providers. BCH facility services for employees on all other CU Health Plans (except for CU Health Plan – Medicare) would not be covered.

Emergency services remain covered at any hospital regardless of plan.

BCH facilities:

• Boulder Community Hospital
• Boulder MRI, LLC
• Endoscopy Center of the Rockies (Boulder, Lafayette, and Longmont)
• Foothills Hospital
• Foothills Surgery Center
• Musculoskeletal Surgery Center

Physicians who admit to BCH hospitals and facilities are being notified of this development.

Anthem facilities available to you: (Click here for a complete list of 21 Boulder area facilities.)

• Centura Avista Hospital
• Good Samaritan Medical Center
• HealthONE – North Suburban Medical Center
• Longmont United Hospital
• McKee Medical Center
• UCHealth Broomfield Hospital, LLC
• UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital

Transitional care

In the event BCH leaves Anthem’s network, CU Health Plan members will be allowed a transitional care period. If a course of treatment is approved by Anthem prior to July 1, the treatment will be covered for up to 60 days. Depending on the member’s condition, the transitional period could potentially be extended for up to 90 days.

Find out more

CU Health Plan members can stay informed about this potential transition by visiting Anthem’s network updates website or Boulder Community Health’s website.

The University of Colorado recommends that CU Health Plan members call Boulder Community Health with questions and concerns and encourage them to remain in the Anthem network at 303-415-4271.

If you have questions, please contact Anthem at 1-800-735-6072.