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Your Questions

  • What’s the issue between BCBSTX and Hendrick Health?

    We’re in active negotiations with Hendrick Health in Abilene. The current contracts were set to expire on Feb. 29, 2024, but we’ve extended our contracts through May 31, 2024, to work on reaching a new agreement.

    We value our relationship with Hendrick Health, but it’s also important that the contracts we agree to are fair for our members and the local businesses we serve.

  • Why does BCBSTX negotiate reimbursement rates with health care providers?
    Our goal is to keep giving you access to a broad network of providers at fair prices. We watch the market closely to make sure we offer competitive rates to providers. This helps lower the cost of your premiums. As a member-owned organization, we know you expect us to protect your health care dollars. The rates we negotiate with providers impact the amount you pay. Health care is a major cost for many people, and we owe it to you to keep prices down.
  • Is it likely that BCBSTX and Hendrick Health could still sign new contracts?
    We’re hopeful. We’ll update this site when we have news to share.
  • How will I be affected if Hendrick Health doesn't renew its contracts?
    If we can’t agree to fair terms with Hendrick Health, and you’d like to stay in-network for your care, we’ll be here to make your move to other doctors and hospitals in your network as seamless as possible. We have a robust network of hospitals, doctors and health care professionals to ensure you have access to quality, convenient, in-network health care.
  • Do I have to receive care at an in-network facility?
    • PPO members: Not necessarily. If you have a PPO plan that provides coverage for out-of-network benefits, you can choose to get care anywhere you want, including Hendrick Health. Out-of-pocket costs may be higher if you do.

    • HMO members: If you have an HMO plan, you must seek in-network care for your benefits to apply, except in emergencies.

    • Emergency services for PPO and HMO: In the case of a life-threatening illness or injury, go to the nearest emergency facility right away. Emergency services are covered at the in-network benefit level for PPO and HMO. Your responsibility for any additional charges will depend on your health plan and applicable law. Learn about surprise billing at bcbstx.com.
  • I have a Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan other than BCBSTX. Will I be impacted?
    This negotiation may affect Blue Cross and Blue Shield members with plans in other states who access Hendrick Health. Call the number on your member ID card to review your plan’s coverage or for help finding in-network options.
  • What is BCBSTX telling doctors?
    We’ve told doctors that we’re discussing new contracts with Hendrick Health. We’ll work with them to transition members and, if needed, schedule procedures at other in-network facilities.
  • How do I find a new hospital or doctor?
    You have many choices for quality, cost-effective care. For personalized search results based on your health plan and network, you can log in to Blue Access for MembersSM. You can also call the customer service number on your member ID card.
  • Will I still be able to use Hendrick Health emergency rooms?
    Yes. In the case of a life-threatening illness or injury, go to the nearest emergency facility right away. Emergency services are covered at your in-network benefit level. Your responsibility for any additional charges will depend on your health plan and applicable law.
  • What if I am pregnant or being treated for a medical condition at a Hendrick Health facility?

    If you’re pregnant or being treated for a disability, acute condition or life-threatening illness, you may qualify as a continuity-of-care patient. This means you may still be able to receive care at a Hendrick Health facility at in-network rates even if it leaves our networks.

    If you are eligible for continuity of care, you will not be balance billed or have to pay more than the amount covered by your plan, even if Hendrick Health charges more.

    If you have questions, call the customer service number on your member ID card. Customer Advocates will help answer questions about your specific benefits and provide guidance. Your doctor may also start the continuity-of-care process by calling the prior authorization number on your member ID card.

    BCBSTX members: You may start the process by completing a continuity of care form or calling the number on your member ID card. Continuity-of-care forms should be faxed to the number on the form. Once reviewed, you and/or your doctor may be contacted for more information, like medical records. A decision will be made and shared with you or your doctor, most often in less than a week.

    Members of other Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans: If you are a member of a Blue Plan other than BCBSTX, you may call the number on your member ID card for help.

  • Which Hendrick Health facilities are affected?
    The hospitals owned by Hendrick Health in Abilene are part of this negotiation. View the list of Hendrick facilities.
  • Which Hendrick Health doctors and health care professionals are affected?
    The doctors and health care professionals employed by Hendrick Health are part of this negotiation.
  • What other doctors, hospitals and surgery centers are available?
    We’re proud of our track record in providing flexibility, convenience and access to a wide range of in-network doctors, hospitals and surgery centers. Log in to Blue Access for Members to search for other hospitals in our networks.
  • If Hendrick Health is no longer in network, will I have to change doctors?
    Not necessarily. Some doctors have privileges at other hospitals. They can apply for privileges at other in-network hospitals. We’re working with in-network hospitals to speed up granting privileges to doctors who only have privileges at Hendrick Health, so they can keep caring for our members. We encourage you to talk with your doctors about your care options.

    Additionally, some health plans allow you to choose to go out-of-network. If you do, you will pay more out-of-pocket for any care you receive by out-of-network providers or at out-of-network facilities.
  • My doctor only has privileges at a Hendrick Health facility. Will he or she be out of network after May 31, 2024?

    The doctors employed by Hendrick Health are part of this negotiation. If we don’t sign a new agreement, these doctors will be out-of-network after May 31, 2024.

    If your doctor is not employed by Hendrick Health, but only has privileges at Hendrick Health facilities, we want to help. We’re offering doctors who only have privileges at Hendrick Health the chance to send you to other in-network hospitals and surgery centers.

    We’re also helping these doctors get admitting privileges at other in-network hospitals, if they choose to do so. Talk with your doctor. Ask if he or she is thinking about getting admitting privileges at another in-network hospital.

  • I have a procedure scheduled at a Hendrick Health facility. What should I do?

    If you have a procedure scheduled at a Hendrick Health facility on or after May 31, 2024, please call the customer service number on your member ID card to ask about your benefit coverage.

    If you have a procedure performed before May 31, 2024, and your hospital stay goes past May 31, 2024, your care may be covered at the in-network level. We’ll work closely with Hendrick Health to avoid any issues with your bill, so you can focus on getting better.