Little Colorado
Medical Center

To patients of Blue Cross Blue Shield

Despite two years of good-faith efforts to secure acceptable rates, our Board of Directors concluded that the reimbursement levels offered by BCBS would not support the essential health services that our community needs. As a non-profit Critical Access Hospital, Little Colorado Medical Center is essential to our region’s health and economy, and we must ensure its long-term stability to continue providing the critical services our community relies on.

For patients insured by BCBS this means services provided at our hospital, rural health clinic, and physical therapy clinic may be considered out-of-network after July 1, 2026. We understand that this change may impact your healthcare decisions, and we are committed to helping you navigate your options.

What this means for you:

If you have BCBS insurance, you may incur higher out-of-pocket costs for services received at our facilities starting July 1, 2026.
Emergency care will still be available, and coverage may vary depending on your specific BCBS health plan.
We encourage you to contact BCBSAZ directly to understand how this change affects your coverage and benefits.

We’re here to help: Our Patient Financial Services team is available to answer your questions and assist in understanding your options and available discounts. Please call us at 928-289-6369.

We value your trust in Little Colorado Medical Center and remain committed to providing high-quality care to our community. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your healthcare journey.

Warm regards,

Travis Udall
Chief Executive Officer
Little Colorado Medical Center

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I still receive care at this hospital and clinics?

· Yes. You can continue to receive care at LCMC. However, BCBS may process your claims at out-of-network rates, which may increase your out-of-pocket costs.
· Prior authorization may be required, which can take up to 14 days for a decision.

2. What happens to my deductible?

Your BCBS plan may have two deductibles:
· In-network deductible
· Out-of-network deductible

If we are out of network:
· Your out-of-network deductible may apply.
· This deductible is often higher than the in-network deductible.
· Amounts you pay here may not count toward your in-network deductible.

Each BCBS plan is different — patients should check their specific benefits.

3. Will my out-of-pocket costs increase?

Possibly. Out-of-network care may involve:
· Higher deductibles
· Higher coinsurance
· Balance billing (you may be billed for the difference between our charges and what BCBS pays)

Some services may still be covered at in-network rates depending on:
· Emergency care protections
· Federal No Surprises Act rules
· Your specific BCBS plan

4. Are emergency services treated differently?

· Yes. Under federal law, emergency services must be covered at in-network cost-sharing, even if the hospital is out of network. However, non-emergency follow-up care may be billed at out-of-network rates.

5. What about patients currently in treatment?

· If you are in an ongoing course of treatment (e.g., pregnancy, chemotherapy, post-surgical care), you may qualify for continuity-of-care provisions, allowing temporary in-network coverage. Contact BCBS directly to request this.

6. Will I be billed?

· For non-emergency services, yes — you may receive a bill for the portion BCBS does not cover. For emergency services, balance billing is restricted by federal law.
· LCMC will work with all patients, offering cash discounts to help offset any additional costs incurred through this period. Our hope is that BCBS will reinstate benefits retroactively and this will have minimal to no impact on our patients.

7. What should I do before my next appointment?

We recommend:
· Calling the BCBS member number on your card
· Asking how out-of-network services at LCMC will be covered
· Requesting written confirmation of your benefits
· Bringing your insurance card to each visit

Our staff can help explain your estimated costs, but only BCBS can confirm your benefits.

8. Will you offer discounts?

· Yes. LCMC is offering a 40% discount on out-of-network cost sharing.

9. How can I help?

· You can contact BCBS and tell them: “I’m a member and I receive care from Little Colorado Medical Center. I was notified they may be going out of network. I’m requesting that BCBS work to contract with them so I can continue receiving in-network care. There are limited providers in my area, and continuity of care is important for my treatment.”

o Phone: 1-800-232-2345

o Website: https://www.azblue.com/contact-us/request

We’re Here to Help
If you have questions about how this change affects your care or billing, please contact:

LCMC Billing Office
Phone: (928) 289-6369
Email: businessoffice@lcmcwmh.com
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am-5:00pm