San Diego, CA
Anthem Blue Cross patients regain access to Scripps Health
Four months after the contract between Scripps Health and Anthem Blue Cross lapsed, forcing an estimated 125,000 San Diego County residents to consider changing their coverage or finding different doctors, the medical provider announced Tuesday afternoon that the previous relationship has been restored.
Scripps notified patients by email that those with Anthem Blue Cross health insurance coverage can immediately resume making appointments with its approximately 3,000 affiliated doctors and using its network of hospitals and medical offices throughout the region.
In the fall of 2024, Scripps notified patients that the contract with Anthem might not be renewed, citing disagreement with the carrier over reimbursement rates and what the provider said were burdensome requirements for prior approval of billable medical procedures.
Richard Neale, a corporate executive vice president and Scripps’ chief growth officer, said Tuesday afternoon that the new agreement with Anthem simply extends the terms of the previous contract through Sept. 30, 2026.
Disagreements over reimbursement and prior medical approval remain unresolved.
“This is an extension, it is not a new agreement,” Neale said. “So, in a long-term sustainable agreement … those two priorities, which are really breaking down the barriers that interfere with the patient’s ability to get the care that their physician is recommending and to ensure that Scripps gets fair payment, those will be the focal points … that we will be focused on negotiating during the extension period.”
Little information was available on just how many of the more than 125,000 local Anthem beneficiaries stayed with the carrier, hoping for a quick resolution and how many decided to choose a different carrier during the annual open enrollment period, which usually occurs in the fall.
Anthem did not provide information on how many changed carriers or how many health management organization beneficiaries it switched to different local medical providers when Scripps went out of network on Jan. 1.
“We are pleased Scripps Health has rejoined our local network of care providers in San Diego and we look forward to continuing our partnership,” said Beth Andersen, president of Anthem Commercial Health Plans in California, in a statement. “Our members and employer customers remained our number one priority as we worked hard and in good faith to find common ground and reach agreement with Scripps.”
The news came as a relief to many patients Tuesday.
Ron Stolberg of Rancho Penasquitos said that he left Scripps for Sharp HealthCare while his wife tried to stay with Scripps as much as was possible, though some tests needed in the past four months went to Sharp.
“I think it’s great news for those of us that value our history with Scripps, but for many of us, we have gone on and made new relationships with health care providers in other systems,” Stolberg said. “If this was going to get worked out, it would have been great to do it before over 100,000 consumers stressed other health care systems.
“It’s hard to know what to do now, be faithful to a new provider who took us in, or the one we know better but dismissed us over a contract dispute.”
While he said he is on the fence, he said his wife plans to return to Scripps as soon as possible.
Why not extend the contract last year rather than waiting for four months? Neale said that an extension was not on the table.
“We had actually recommended or proposed to Anthem at that time to extend the terms of the existing agreement to negotiate that long-term agreement,” Neale said. “At that time, they turned us down.”
It does not appear that Scripps suffered much financially during the short-lived Anthem divorce. Revenue from third-party payors, for the most part commercial health insurance companies, actually increased slightly in the first three months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to quarterly financial reports filed with the state. Scripps confirmed the trend in an email Tuesday.
Neale said that patients with preferred provider or exclusive provider organization insurance, which allows beneficiaries to self-refer to any doctor in their network, immediately gain access, while those with health management organization coverage must go through Anthem.
“For EPO or PPO members, they can call (Scripps) today to get an appointment,” Neale said. “HMO members, they need to call Anthem to seek reassignment to a Scripps provider.”
The new contract does not include Anthem plans on the Covered California health insurance exchange. Neale declined to elaborate on why these plans will not regain Scripps in their provider networks. The executive did say that there were about 14,000 Scripps patients in Covered California Anthem plans at the end of 2024, though some may have switched health insurance companies during annual open enrollment in the fall and early winter of 2024 to retain access to Scripps.
Originally Published:
CORONADO, Calif. (KGTV) – Everyone from NASCAR officials to the drivers to those who serve on Naval Base Coronado is beaming with excitement, waiting to kick the tires and light the fires this race weekend for NASCAR San Diego Weekend.
“Fans can expect one incredible time. History is being made this weekend,” Matt Humphrey, Sr. Director of Track Communications for NASCAR, said.
The racing track is up at Naval Base Coronado.
“It’s been amazing from seeing the bones of the track going up to driving the track, going to work in the morning. It’s incredible,” Seaman Naylei Fausto of the U.S. Navy said,
And now it’s time to race.
The NASCAR San Diego weekend is officially underway, with the first event held at an active military base.
“They’re going to be able to see a lot of what NASCAR is about with all the different fan displays, the kids’ zone, all the different activations from our partners around, but most importantly, they’re going to see the United States Navy showcased in the best form possible,” Humphrey said.
One of those sailors, Seaman Fausto, who is a lifelong NASCAR fan, never thought she’d see her station transformed into a NASCAR track, let alone any base.
“Joining the Navy, I thought I was going to be out taking pictures and doing Navy-related things, and now I get to work with NASCAR, which is just amazing and it’s fulfilling my inner child,” Fausto said.
Those behind the wheel say that, in their experience, there’s nothing like this event.
“It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I think we’ve had some opportunities. We did the street course in Chicago for the last couple of years,” Cody Ware, NASCAR Driver, said. “But to show up here, getting the opportunity to race on an active military base just for the US Navy and NASCAR to be able to work together to put the show on is really incredible.”
There will be a Truck Series race starting at 4 p.m. on Thursday. On Saturday, that’s when the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts race will be happening. That begins at 2 p.m. This is the second tier of NASCAR races where drivers hone their skills, looking to get into the top level of the NASCAR circuit. Sunday is the main race with the NASCAR Cup Series happening at 1 p.m.
While it’s incredible to host NASCAR at the naval base, NASCAR officials hope people plan ahead to avoid the painful process of getting to the track.
“But if you do not have that government-issued photo ID or passport, you’ll be turned away. So very important that you bring that. But then bring your patients, come early,” Humphrey said. “If you think it’s going to take a half hour to get here, add an extra 30 to 40 to even 60 minutes on top of that; just to give yourself enough time to get over the bridge to make sure you get through the gates, get through security.”
Humphrey added that NASCAR is working together with local, state and federal agencies to make sure traffic is moving smoothly, and everyone is getting into the race and having fun.
San Diego County will be the center of NASCAR nation this weekend, with fans flocking to Naval Base Coronado for three days of events.
This is the first-ever Cup race held in San Diego County and the NASCAR community is also presenting it as its way of celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.
Tickets are completely sold out, but locals can still get in on the fun at various event and activities taking place across the region.
Here’s what to know about this one-of-a-kind weekend in San Diego. Full coverage of NASCAR San Diego Weekend can be found at sandiegouniontribune.com/tag/nascar.
What is NASCAR San Diego Weekend?
The three-day event begins with Friday’s Craftsman Truck Series race, continues with an O’Reilly Auto Parts series race on Saturday and wraps Sunday with the Anduril 250.
Grandstands with a capacity for 40,000 fans have been erected, with another 10,000 spectators expected to occupy standing areas around the grounds.
Here’s a turn-by-turn look at Naval Base Coronado’s race circuit
When is it taking place?
Parking lots, which are on base, open each day at 7 a.m. and gates open at 9 a.m.
The Craftsman Truck Series takes place Friday at 4 p.m. The O’Reilly Auto Parts series race blasts off at 2 p.m. Saturday. The main event, NASCAR Cup Series Race, happens Sunday at 1 p.m.
A race-by-race look at NASCAR’s San Diego Weekend
Each day will also feature entertainment, driver Q&As and other activities.
Where is it?
Naval Base Coronado will host the weekend’s activities. All fans in attendance must carry a valid government-issued photo ID at all times.
Going to this weekend’s NASCAR races in Coronado? Here’s what you need to know
All event parking will be located on Naval Base Coronado. There is no event parking available within the city of Coronado.
Who is racing?
Shane Van Gisbergen, Tyler Reddick, Mike McDowell, Chase Elliott and Ty Gibbs are just a few of the names to expect this weekend. A full lineup can be found at nascarsandiego.com/nascar-san-diego-mission-lineup.
These 13 Cup racers could all win Sunday’s Anduril 250 in Coronado
How to watch on TV:
Craftsman Trucks Series race: 4 p.m. Friday on Fox Sports 1
O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race: 2 p.m. Saturday on The CW
NASCAR Cup race: Sunday at 1 p.m. on Prime Video
Local events:
San Diegans have a range of options for getting in on the fun of NASCAR weekend in Coronado, including meet and greets with drivers, watch parties and fan zones.
Your guide to fan events during NASCAR San Diego Weekend
More coverage:
CORONADO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Final preparations are underway for NASCAR’s historic race weekend at Naval Base Coronado, where stock cars will compete on an active military installation for the first time in the sport’s history.
Crews, race teams, military personnel, first responders and event staff spent Thursday putting the finishing touches on the temporary road course as thousands of fans prepare to descend on the base for the inaugural event.
“The countdown is on,” as organizers work to transform portions of the installation into a race venue unlike any NASCAR has hosted before.
“It’s a very proud moment for NASCAR and myself and my company for being part of it,” said Jordan Litchko, a NASCAR production partner with ignition production. “It’s the America 250, so what a year to celebrate and be here on the naval base.”
Officials say the event marks the first time a NASCAR national series race has been held on a military base, bringing one of America’s most recognizable motorsports directly onto a working military installation.
Unlike traditional oval tracks, competitors will tackle a temporary road course built specifically for the event.
“It’s a road course race, which adds way more excitement, so it’s going to be ultra challenging,” Litchko said.
Thursday’s preparations included long lines of team members, vendors, staff and emergency personnel picking up credentials and completing security and base access requirements ahead of race weekend.
Meanwhile, drivers and crews got their first close look at the unique layout, which winds through portions of the base and presents a challenge far different from a conventional speedway.
With large crowds expected throughout the weekend, organizers are encouraging fans to plan ahead and allow extra travel time. Traffic delays are anticipated around Naval Base Coronado and nearby access points as spectators arrive for the event.
After months of planning and construction, the wait is nearly over.
On Friday, engines will roar to life aboard Naval Base Coronado, marking a milestone moment for NASCAR and creating a new chapter in the sport’s history. By the weekend’s end, fans will witness a race unlike any ever held before — stock cars competing on a military base in the heart of San Diego.
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