Phoenix Children’s, UnitedHealthcare reach agreement to keep in-network access

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — At the deadline where an estimated 17,000 children in Arizona were set to lose in-network access to their doctors, a new multi-year agreement between Phoenix Children’s and UnitedHealthcare was announced Thursday morning.

In a release posted on its website, UHC says its members who are enrolled in employer-sponsored and individual commercial plans will have continued access to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix Children’s Medical Group and Phoenix Children’s Medical Group Urgent Care in Arizona.

The agreement came after the two sides spent months negotiating.

“UnitedHealthcare is pleased to reach a multi-year agreement with Phoenix Children’s that ensures the families we serve have continued, uninterrupted access to the care they need,” the release said. “Our top priority throughout the negotiation was ensuring these families and children have access to quality health care from the doctors and care providers they know and trust, and this agreement accomplishes that goal.” Tap/click here to see the full UHC statement.

“As Arizona’s only comprehensive pediatric health system, Phoenix Children’s is proud to provide the high quality healthcare families in our community deserve,” said Robert L. Meyer, President and CEO of Phoenix Children’s. “We will work tirelessly to ensure our agreements with payers align with the needs of our patient families as we build the network of care our growing community will need in the future.” Tap/click here to see the full PCH statement.

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