Contract ends between Anthem, CCMC

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Some parents might be worrying about how to pay for their child's health care now that Connecticut Children's Medical Center and Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract

They've been negotiating for a year but haven't reached an agreement, so as of today CCMC no longer has a contract with Anthem .

• Link: Message from CCMC to patients, families

What does that mean for you if that's your insurance company? If your kid gets sick the hospital won't turn you away, but be ready to pay a lot more out of your own pocket.

The dispute is about money. CCMC says Anthem doesn't pay enough. The Hartford Courant says Anthem pays 28 percent below the national average. Anthem told the paper it pays CCMC the same rates it pays other hospitals in Connecticut and all over the country.

This dispute also affects certain pediatric services at the UConn Health Center and St. Mary's.