Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Network Update: Arizona OBGYN Affiliates

Arizona OBGYN Affiliates, also known as Women’s Health Arizona, and their new private equity owners have given notice of their intent to leave BCBSAZ's network on October 1, 2023. BCBSAZ continues to stand up for affordability while ensuring their members get the care they need.

Unfortunately, research confirms that it is common for private equity firms that own physician practices to negotiate rates that provide high returns to investors, while driving up costs for patients. A recent study shows the impact of private equity acquisitions on OBGYN pricing - nearly a 9% increase on average.

Members who have been patients of Women’s Health Arizona in the past 12 months will receive this letter, letting them know that no action is required and providing them with information on continuity-of-care benefits.

What You Need to Know

• For up-to-date facts visit azbluefacts.com/arizonaobgyn.
• Continuity-of-care benefits apply. If members are in a course of treatment for pregnancy, they can continue their care through delivery and postpartum, and if members have a procedure scheduled, they can continue care through the surgery and follow-up appointments.
• All lines of business, excluding Medicaid, are impacted.

For certain members not already entitled to continuity-of-care rights due to pregnancy, additional periods will apply.

• Individual/Family plans (on- and off-exchange ACA) – Right to coverage continues through 12/31/2023.
• Employer group plans with Alliance Network – Right to coverage continues through end of group’s benefit plan year.
• FEP® plans – Right to coverage continues through 12/31/2023.

Impacted Networks

Employer Group Plans

• Statewide/National PPO
• Statewide EPO
• Statewide HMO
• Indemnity
• Alliance
• Blue High Performance Network^SM (BlueHPN^SM)
• CHS Arizona PPO Network
• Workers’ Compensation Network

Individual/Family Plans

• MaricopaFocus
• Neighborhood
• Statewide/National PPO

Medicare Plans / Medicare Supplement

• Blue Medicare Advantage
• Blue Pathway
• Blue Journey
• Senior Preferred^SM Medicare Supplement

Next Steps

Members will receive a notification if they have received care from Women’s Health Arizona in the last 12 months. BCBSAZ will share updates with you and impacted members if new developments arise.