The impasse between Blue Shield and Fresno’s Community Health System continues to drag on. For nearly three weeks, 12,000 enrollees have been unable to get in-network coverage.
Blue Shield claims Community terminated the contract, but the healthcare system states the insurance company did not grant another extension.
Among those caught in the middle are 5,000 city employees. City leaders say it is time to cut Blue Shield out of the process and, instead, negotiate directly.
Source: ABC30
As of February 1, 2026, Community Medical Centers’ facilities are out-of-network for Blue Shield of California members. This includes the following facilities:
Both sides have indicated that negotiations are continuing.
Sources: Blue Shield of California, Community Medical Centers
Sutter Health and Blue Shield of California have agreed to expand their network relationship with a focus on improving health outcomes, enhancing patient experience and improving care for patients with chronic illness. The new multi-year agreement between the two leading healthcare organizations extends the current one that was set to expire at the end of this year.
Source: Blue Shield of California