Latest on Dignity’s Decision to Leave the AZ Blue Network
- It looks like Dignity’s corporate owner, CommonSpirit, reached a new low last week when they placed an ad with so much false propaganda, it was hard to know where to start. See below for the latest fact check.
- Multiple physician practices have advised AZ Blue that they are securing privileges with providers other than Dignity, so care for AZ Blue patients can remain in network.
- We are hopeful that by this Friday, Dignity will accept the $49 million raise and return to the network.
- If Dignity doesn’t accept the $49 million this week, we are committed to starting a fresh negotiation in another attempt to keep them in network.
Setting the Record Straight
While we continue to redirect patients to other providers, we remain hopeful that Dignity accepts the $49 million offer and returns to the AZ Blue network.
Fact Check:
Dignity prices are higher than the rest of the County.
Comparing all Dignity hospitals to the average of all other hospitals in Maricopa County, including expensive hospitals like Mayo and Phoenix Children’s, Dignity is higher.
26%
Higher
inpatient prices.
11%
Higher
outpatient prices.
AZ Blue is in the business of paying fair rates but holds the line on unnecessary increases.
Dignity declined a $49 million raise over 2 ½ years.
Dignity declined AZ Blue’s offer of $49 million. Part of our job is to protect our members and employers who provide coverage to their employees. As it stands, Dignity is demanding an additional 37% on top of the $49 million.At any time, Dignity can accept the $49 million raise and be in network.
Dignity terminated the AZ Blue contract, not the other way around.
Dignity’s website claim, “It was never our intent to leave the BCBSAZ network,” is false.
9-21-23 letter from Dignity’s corporate owner, Common Spirit Health:
“…to protect the interests of our hospitals and other providers covered by our current contracts with BCBSAZ, we hereby provide notice of the intent to terminate and renew the contracts as more fully described below.”
Dignity is required to care for AZ Blue members who are in a course of treatment.
AZ Blue has protections in place that address continuity of care…so patients in the middle of care can get the care they need.
See our FAQs
AZ Blue Continues to Pay Dignity
Dignity Health sends AZ Blue claims that amount to about $100 million in billed charges each month. Claims are received and processed daily, and we work closely with our providers to ensure that billing is appropriate, and claims are accurately paid.
