Boston Children’s Hospital.

A Partners HealthCare  managed-care unit, Neighborhood Health Plan, has changed its contract in such a way as to result in restricted access to specialists at Boston Children’s Hospital, The Boston Globe reports.

Neighborhood officials said the  controversial change was made because it can’t afford Children Hospital’s rates.

According to hospital executives, Children’s does provide care to children on Medicaid. The hospital loses at least $100 million a year because not all costs are reimbursed, according to the report.

The change of policy comes as Children’s has decided to move forward with a controversial $1.5 billion expansion plan that involves will include building  over the Prouty Garden, long a  beloved refuge  for sick and dying children and their families.