News Release
Our current agreement with Aetna expired on August 6, 2023, and Phoenix Children’s is no longer an in-network provider.
Unfortunately, the care you or your child receives from Phoenix Children’s, as well as our physician providers and urgent care centers, will be out-of-network until a new agreement can be reached, and you might see changes in your financial responsibility for care received at Phoenix Children’s.
If your child currently receives care with Phoenix Children’s, you can learn more about the continuity of care available to your family here and we urge you to reach out to Aetna.
We will continue to work diligently with Aetna to reach an agreement that addresses the significant number of routine denials, and one that supports the expanded, expert care we provide to children and their families throughout our community.
If you have questions about your benefits, please contact Aetna directly.
Frequently Asked Questions: Phoenix Children’s and Aetna Contract Negotiation
I have an Aetna health plan. What does this mean for me?
As of August 7, 2023, all Phoenix Children’s providers, including Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix Children’s Medical Group, Phoenix Children’s Pediatrics and Phoenix Children’s Urgent Care locations will be out-of-network for all patients with Aetna commercial plans. You will have to pay more if you receive care at Phoenix Children’s. Aetna plans serving those with Medicaid are not impacted by this negotiation.
Why haven’t Phoenix Children’s and Aetna come to an agreement yet?
We are in daily discussions with Aetna but have not reached a new agreement yet. Phoenix Children’s is focused on reaching an agreement that allows us to continue providing the highest quality of care to our growing community as patient families deserve exceptional pediatric care close to home.
If Aetna is out-of-network, how will my access to your providers change?
As of August 7, 2023, Phoenix Children’s and Aetna are no longer contracted. This means you may no longer have in-network benefits with our providers under Aetna’s commercial health plans. You may continue to access our health care providers and hospitals for health care services as follows:
- Emergency Care: Emergency care access is not impacted. You may continue to receive emergency care at our Emergency Rooms, regardless of our network status with Aetna.
- Continuity/Transition of Care: Certain patients may be eligible to receive “Continuity of Care” or “Transition of Care” benefits with Aetna for a short period of time if they need ongoing treatment for a specific illness or medical condition only. For questions about ongoing care or benefits coverage, please call the phone number listed on the back of your Aetna insurance card.
- Out-Of-Network Care: You may still access our health care providers and hospitals for health care services if you have an out-of-network benefit. In some situations, Aetna may authorize in-network benefits if alternative providers are not available in the service area. Please call the number listed on the back of your insurance card to discuss your specific in or out-of-network benefits with Aetna.
Which Aetna products are affected by the contract termination?
To discuss your specific plan and how it may be impacted, please call the number listed on the back of your insurance card to review your specific in or out-of-network benefits with Aetna. Aetna plans serving those with Medicaid are not impacted by this negotiation.
Which providers are affected by the contract termination?
Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix Children’s Medical Group, Phoenix Children’s Pediatrics and Phoenix Children’s Urgent Care Centers, are out-of-network as of August 7, 2023.
Will I have to pay more money out-of-pocket to receive care now that you are an out-of-network provider?
Please call the number listed on the back of your insurance card to discuss your specific in or out-of-network benefits with Aetna. Phoenix Children’s also offers self-pay options, and you are welcome to access our services as a self-pay patient. Call our financial counselors to facilitate an estimate at 602-933-2000.
What if I have a doctor’s appointment or elective procedure scheduled on or after August 7, 2023?
We understand you may already have appointments scheduled on or after August 7, 2023. If this is the case, you may qualify for Continuity of Care or Transition of Care benefits for a short period of time if your child needs ongoing treatment for a specific illness or medical condition only. For any questions about your Aetna Continuity of Care or Transition of Care benefits coverage, call the customer service phone number on the back of your health insurance card.
You may still access our health care providers and hospitals for health care services if you have out-of-network benefits. In some situations, Aetna may authorize in-network benefits if alternative providers are not available in the service area. Please call the number listed on the back of your insurance card to discuss your specific in or out-of-network benefits with Aetna.
What if I have an emergency?
Emergency care access is not impacted. Patients may continue to receive emergency care at our Emergency Rooms, regardless of our network status with Aetna.
How long will Phoenix Children’s be an out-of-network provider?
At this time, it is difficult to determine how long we may be out-of-network. We are in ongoing communication with Aetna. We recognize and value our relationship with our patients and remain open to discussions with Aetna to reach an agreement.