Over the last several months, Dignity Health has been working in good faith to reach a new, responsible contract agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California (PHC) that puts patients first, and keeps Dignity Health in-network for PHC members.
Despite our best efforts, PHC is unwilling to accept fair contract terms. As a result, our contract has expired and beginning April 1, 2024, Dignity Health is no longer part of PHC s network.
What this means is PHC members who use Dignity Health primary care physicians can no longer receive care from the providers they trust. PHC will not assign new physicians to these members until May; forcing patients to unfairly scramble to find care from other providers, rely on urgent care centers, or emergency rooms.
Dignity Health providers will continue to provide services that have been authorized by Partnership and meet the continuity of care criteria, ensuring uninterrupted treatment for patients undergoing a course of care.
Dignity Health is requesting adequate reimbursement to cover the annual cost increases of providing care.
What we are asking is far below the cost of providing care, but would represent a modest increase to current rates. We propose reasonable rate increases so we can provide high-quality, safe and consistent care to anyone who needs it 24/7, 365 days a year.
In the end, PHCs proposed rates were lower than previously offered, and far below the cost of providing care. Their current proposal does not meet the annual increases needed to address anticipated costs over the next several years. The community is counting on us to come to an agreement and Dignity Health is doing everything we can to help patients keep their physicians.
We need a new contract that will fairly reimburse our providers and help PHC patients maintain access to high-quality care and services.
Dignity Health continues to negotiate in good faith with the hope of reaching an agreement as soon as possible.
We ask PHC to come to the table with a genuine desire to partner and help us provide the best possible care for patients in our community. When we work together toward shared goals, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.
If you have PHC insurance, please call PHC at 1-800-863-4155 to encourage their leadership to reach an agreement with Dignity Health.
By: Dr. Tina Johnson, Dignity Health Sacramento Market President
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