With five days to figure out an alternative, notices went out to Blue Shield of California members this week that their coverage with Community Health Systems would end Sunday.

Though negotiations are ongoing, the letter, dated Jan. 27, informs members that their doctors would not be able to use facilities at any of Community’s hospitals, including Clovis Community, beginning Feb. 1.

“We are writing to let you know that our contract with Clovis Community Hospital has terminated, effective February 1, 2026,” the letter states. “As a result, Clovis Community Hospital is no longer in our network. This means you will be unable to access care at Clovis Community Hospital except under certain circumstances.”

Community Health clarified that the loss of coverage applies to all of the network’s facilities.

Aldo De La Torre, division president of Community Health System’s insurance services and managed care, said the insurance company’s terms could not adequately reimburse the provider for services.

“We are actively negotiating with Blue Shield and are committed to reaching an agreement. Our ability to provide high-quality, accessible care to the entire community depends on a contract that fairly reimburse physicians, nurses, and care teams for the services they deliver,” De La Torre said.  “To date, Blue Shield has not offered terms that meet that standard. We remain ready to negotiate and hopeful we will reach an agreement that preserves access for all Blue Shield members in our region.”

Continuity of Care May Be Requested Through Blue Shield

Those with active treatment may still be able to request continuity of care through Blue Shield, allowing Community providers to continue services up to a year, De La Torre said.

Blue Shield’s letter also states that members can seek treatment through Saint Agnes Medical Center and Valley Children’s Hospital. In a news release on Jan. 27, it said if Community canceled its contract, services would be billed at out-of-network rates.

City of Fresno employees receive health care through Blue Shield. A letter from the city to employees acquired by GV Wire says that Blue Shield sent out 1,500 letters to city employees.

The letter comes as failed negotiations between Aetna Advantage and Community Health recently left thousands of Fresno Unified retirees without health coverage.