Baylor Scott & White, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas reach agreement
By Megan Navarro HAYS COUNTY — Patients who rely on insurance to cover their healthcare costs can continue to do so after Baylor Scott & White Health (BSWH) announced that it has reached an agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX).
This comes on the heels of the two companies negotiating in-network benefits for months. Initially, the provider and facility contracts were going to expire on July 1; patients were alerted that they could see higher out-ofpocket costs at BSWH facilities if the two parties did not reach an agreement by that deadline.
However, a temporary extension was later given until Oct. 1.
When the temporary extension was given, it was said that BSWH providers, hospitals and other facilities would remain in-network for BCBSTX members, while both parties continued to work to finalize a longer-term agreement.
Finally, just a few days before the looming extension deadline, the two parties announced that they reached an agreement.
“We’re pleased to share that Baylor Scott & White and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas have reached an agreement that will keep BSWH in network,” BSWH said in a statement. “As related documents are finalized, BCBS members will continue receiving uninterrupted, in-network care from BSWH.”
BSWH in Central and North Texas is staying in these networks, according to the BCBSTX website:
• ParPlan
• Blue Choice PPO
• Blue Essentials
• Blue Premier
• Blue Advantage HMO
• BlueHPN
• Blue Cross Medicare Advantage (PPO)
• Blue Cross Medicare Advantage (HMO)
• Medicaid “We share a commitment to our communities and are proud to preserve their choice of high-quality, in-network providers,” the BSWH statement continued.
For more information, visit www. bcbstx.com/bsw or www.BSWHealth. com/BCBSTX.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas did not respond to a request for comment.
