Senate Democrats Urge Anthem and Stamford Health to Resolve Contract Dispute

A group of Senate Democrats today called on Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Stamford Health to reach an agreement to extend the in-network rates of patients following the Dec. 31 expiration of a contract between the two companies.

The ongoing stalemate between the insurance giant and Stamford Health could have resulted in many patients immediately paying more expensive, out-of-network rates this week were it not for a Connecticut law, which automatically extended the current rates of plans including state-regulated policies for 60 days following the expiration of the contract.

“Connecticut residents should never face the burden of higher healthcare costs due to corporate disagreements,” Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, D-New Haven, said. “The state law is providing important protection for now, but both Anthem and Stamford Health must reach a resolution before that protection expires. Vital access to health care should never depend on a battle over corporate profits. Affordable health care should be seen as a right, not a commodity.”

“This dispute between Anthem and Stamford Health is an unfortunate reminder of why so many Americans are fed up with a health care system that seems to routinely put profits ahead of patient care,” Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, said. “It is frankly unacceptable that so many Connecticut residents would have seen their medical expenses skyrocket had state law not prevented it. Anthem and Stamford Health need to correct this situation and they need to do it before the 60-day safety net expires.”

“Stamford families are entitled to access affordable services from their trusted health care providers without paying out-of-network rates,” Senator Patricia Billie Miller, D-Stamford, said. “It’s a relief to know that state law is temporarily protecting these patients while these companies quibble over money, but it’s past time for them to work together and reach an agreement that prioritizes the needs of our community.”

“State law is protecting many families, but it’s clear that Anthem and Stamford Health must resolve this issue swiftly to avoid further disruption to patient care,” Senator Ceci Maher, D-Wilton, said. “It’s time for both sides to come together and find a solution that reduces the stress patients feel when dealing with medical concerns and benefits the people they serve.”

The state law currently protecting the in-network rates of patients including those with state-regulated Anthem plans comes from Public Act 23-171, An Act Protecting Patients and Prohibiting Unnecessary Health Care Costs.

The legislature approved the policy in 2023 under House Bill 6669 with unanimous support from Democrats in the Senate and House.