After weeks of negotiation stalemate, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Dignity Health have struck a deal, rekindling in-network access for thousands of members. Relayed by AZ Blue on Wednesday night, Dignity Health put pen to paper on the final offer, restoring the essential in-network status as of last Friday. "We thank Dignity Health for joining AZ Blue in standing up for affordability," a spokeswoman said, without divulging the nitty-gritty of the agreement according to an announcement provided to Arizona’s Family.

Suffering the divide since February 1st, most BCBSAZ members were locked out of in-network care at Dignity Health facilities in Maricopa and Pinal counties, and the tension was palpable as HMO, PPO, FARE, worker’s compensation, and Medicare supplemental (senior preferred only) plans hung in the balance, the rift started after the two entities couldn't agree on a new contract despite protracted discussions.

In an uplifting twist, BCBS announced that Dignity Health accepted the organization's rates, breathing life back into in-network care services. In a reassuring message to members, BCBS stated, "Members can resume in-network care at Dignity Health," with coverage retroactively tagged as in-network as of March 15, this was affirmed in a report by ABC15.

While this accord restores some semblance of normalcy, it's crucial to note that the pressure isn't entirely off; Dignity Health remains embroiled in ongoing negotiations with Aetna, facing a looming deadline of 11:59 p.m. on March 31, for agreements about their California, Arizona, and Nevada locales, Dignity Health contemplates the possibility of severing ties with Aetna's network if a new deal doesn't come to fruition, this was further highlighted by ABC15.