Community Health System facilities in Fresno include Downtown Fresno's Community Regional Medical Center. Photo contributed

Anthem Blue Cross and Community Health System announced Friday they have reached agreement on a new multi-year contract.

The contract for in-network coverage expired at the end of 2022.

“We are pleased Community Health System has rejoined our care provider network and we look forward to continuing our long-term partnership,” said John Pickett, vice president, provider solutions at Anthem Blue Cross. “This multi-year agreement provides certainty for our members and customers throughout the Central Valley and allows us to deepen our relationship and collaborative efforts to ensure access to high-quality, affordable care.”

Effective immediately, Community facilities and affiliated providers will rejoin Anthem’s network of care providers, providing Anthem Blue Cross members with in-network access to Community hospitals and affiliated physicians groups.

“Our two organizations have a long history of working together to benefit those we serve and we look forward to continuing this relationship,” said Aldo De La Torre, Community’s senior vice president for network development & insurance services.

The agreement applies to Anthem Blue Cross consumers enrolled in commercial and Medi-Cal health plans and is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2023.

With the Anthem agreement, Community Health System has reached agreement with three health plans that saw in-network coverage expire. The other two are Cigna and United Healthcare.