City of Hope Orange County

Oct 30, 2025

In December 2025, City of Hope will open Orange County’s only cancer specialty hospital in Irvine — offering patients like you access to the full continuum of the most advanced cancer care, close to home.

As we prepare for this historic milestone, we want to share an important update about your coverage through Blue Shield of California. At this time Blue Shield of California has not yet added the new hospital to its network. This means that, for now, patients insured through Blue Shield of California may not have in-network access to inpatient cancer care at City of Hope Orange County, including our expanded surgical services or our 24-hour Evaluation & Treatment Center.

We understand how important it is to choose where you receive your cancer care — especially when those treatments can be lifesaving. We are actively working with Blue Shield of California and remain optimistic that we will reach an agreement allowing their members to receive care at City of Hope Orange County Cancer Specialty Hospital.

What’s Not Covered Yet

At this time, Blue Shield of California has not included the new City of Hope Orange County Cancer Specialty Hospital in its network. This means if your health requires admission to an inpatient facility, you would need to be admitted to a local community hospital or to City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, CA.

What’s Still Covered

Blue Shield of California remains in-network for outpatient visits at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center in Irvine, CA and City of Hope Seacliff in Huntington Beach, CA.

What You Can Do: Share Your Experience with Blue Shield of California

If you believe continued access to City of Hope’s cancer expertise is important to your health and well-being, consider sharing your experience with Blue Shield of California’s member services by calling the number on the back of your ID card. Hearing directly from patients helps insurers understand the importance of access to comprehensive cancer care in your community. Your voice matters, and your story can make a difference in shaping coverage decisions.

Blue Shield of California Insurance Information

Am I able to continue receiving outpatient care and treatments?

Blue Shield of California will remain in-network for City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center and City of Hope Seacliff, and City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, CA.

In the event your health requires admission to an inpatient facility, you would need to be admitted to a local community hospital or at City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte. In the event this were to occur, a different physician at that facility will manage your care until you are discharged and can return to care in the outpatient setting. If you experience symptoms or side effects from your oncology treatment that requires evaluation and treatment unexpectedly or after hours, you may be referred to a local emergency department, as appropriate.
What is happening with Blue Shield of California coverage at City of Hope Orange County?

At this time, Blue Shield of California has not yet added the new City of Hope Orange County Cancer Specialty Hospital in Irvine to its network. This means Blue Shield of California members may not currently have in-network access to services provided at the new hospital-including inpatient care, expanded surgical services, or the hospital’s 24-hour evaluation and treatment center-once it opens in December.
What is City of Hope doing to ensure this doesn’t happen?

City of Hope remains in active discussions with Blue Shield of California and is hopeful that an agreement will be reached that allows members continued access to our full spectrum of cancer care in Orange County.
Will I still be able to receive care at City of Hope Orange County?

Yes. Your Blue Shield of California coverage will remain in effect at the City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, where you may continue to receive outpatient treatments and follow-up care such as doctors’ visits, infusions, diagnostics and radiation oncology to name a few services. There will be no disruption to your existing outpatient services.
Why isn’t the new hospital currently in Blue Shield of California’s network?

The contracting process between hospitals and insurance plans can be complex and may take time to finalize. City of Hope and Blue Shield of California continue to work together to reach an agreement that supports patient access and sustainable coverage. Our shared goal is to ensure that all patients have access to the most advanced cancer care close to home.
What should I do if I need inpatient care before an agreement is reached?

If you need help after hours for cancer-related systems, please call the patient hotline at 949-671-4673 and select option #4 to ask for their advice. If hospitalization becomes necessary, your City of Hope care team will help coordinate the most appropriate options for you, including referral to the Evaluation and Treatment Center in Duarte or direction to go to your local emergency department.
How can I share my feedback with Blue Shield of California?

If you feel that continued access to City of Hope’s cancer expertise is important to your health and well-being, you may consider sharing your experience with Blue Shield of California Member Services using the phone number on the back of your insurance card. Hearing directly from patients helps insurers understand how important comprehensive cancer care access is to the communities they serve.
Will this change affect other insurance plans?

No. This update only applies to patients covered by Blue Shield of California. All other insurance contracts remain active and unchanged.
When will this be resolved?

There is no confirmed timeline yet, but City of Hope and Blue Shield of California are actively engaged in discussions. We are hopeful that an agreement will be reached soon, and we will notify you immediately when it is finalized.
If I need inpatient care, can I go to another City of Hope hospital to receive it?

City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center remains in-network with Blue Shield of California for outpatient care and City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, CA remains in-network for inpatient care.
It’s benefits enrollment time – should I consider switching health plans to one that includes the new hospital in-network? If so, which plans are contracted with the new hospital?

It’s not our goal to encourage you to choose one plan over the other. Please visit this resource to learn some helpful tips for working with insurance plans on coverage when you are navigating cancer treatment.
Who can I contact at City of Hope for more information?

You can contact City of Hope Orange County’s Financial Counseling team at 949-671-4675 or via email at [email protected]. Our staff can help answer coverage questions and will work to ensure your care remains seamless. They are also available to explore assistance options, if needed.