Blue Shield of California has been negotiating in good faith with Community Medical Centers (CMC) executives for many months. We have provided CMC a series of offers with fair and reasonable rate increases while protecting our members’ access to care. This includes offering additional payments when they deliver high-quality and good healthcare outcomes for our members. CMC is not willing to tie any portion of their pay increases to performance, which is not in the best interest of our members.
Without a new agreement in place, starting February 1, 2026, CMC facilities will not be in-network for Blue Shield of California members. We understand this disruption causes concern. Blue Shield of California has a strong provider network in Fresno County, including alternative in-network hospital services at St. Agnes Medical Center and Valley Children’s Hospital. Our priority is to ensure our members continue to have uninterrupted access to hospitals in their community. We will work with our customers, members and network providers to ensure a smooth transition.
We know families and our customers are frustrated by the rising cost of health care – and they want to see solutions, not just explanations. We are willing to work with CMC to come to a solution that balances our shared responsibilities to provide access to quality, affordable care in San Joaquin Valley and throughout California.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What should I do if I’m currently receiving care at Community Medical Centers?
Starting February 1, 2026, Community Medical Center will not be in-network for Blue Shield members.
Speak with your healthcare provider about referring you to an alternative in-network facility for your care. If needed, Blue Shield’s Continuity of Care program helps eligible members stay with their current provider during this transition. Providers and members can begin the application process 30 days prior to the hospital’s termination from the network. For guidelines and addtional information, refer to Continuity of Care | Blue Shield of CA.
Which facilities are no longer part of Blue Shield’s network?
Clovis Community Hospital
Community Regional Medical Center
Fresno Heart and Surgical Hospital
What are the alternative hospitals where Blue Shield members can seek care at in-network prices?
St. Agnes Medical Center and Valley Children’s Hospital.
Are the same medical services offered at the alternative in-network hospitals as Community Medical Centers?
Yes, all services provided at Community Medical Centers are also available at other in-network hospitals in the area. However, medically necessary services such as acute psychiatric care and burn services will continue to be provided at Community Regional Medical Center at in-network rates.
Will Community Medical Centers’ emergency services still be available?
Yes, Blue Shield members who need emergency services should call 911 or seek care at the nearest emergency room. Blue Shield will provide the full emergency care level of benefits for these services, including if emergency services are provided at a Community Medical Centers facility.
For information on our provider network and more Frequently Asked Questions, visit our Provider Networks page.
For more on on how we are keeping health care affordable, visit our Healthcare Affordability page.