Through an ad in a local newspaper, Tucson, Ariz-based Carondelet Health Network expressed financial frustration with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona on Nov. 30, according to News 4 Tucson report.
Carondelet and BCBS of Arizona are trying to agree on a new contract, but the two entities are yet to reach a deal.
Carondelet's ad states Blue Cross's low rates are threatening the health network's ability to continue to provide high-quality care for the community.
"If we are unable to reach a fair agreement on a new contract, Carondelet Hospitals and physicians will be out of network for all Blue Cross members beginning Jan. 1, 2016," the ad states.
However, Jeff Stelnik, senior vice president for BCBS of Arizona told News 4 Tucson the rates the insurer pays Carondelet are comparable to those paid to other hospitals in the region. "We will not give in to demands that translate into unsustainable increases for our members and their families," he said.
Carondelet hospitals include St. Mary's and St. Joseph's in Tucson. The newspaper ad encourages patients to call Blue Shield and demand "fair" rates.
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