Your Questions
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What’s the issue between BCBSTX and BSA Health System?
BSA Health System notified us that they are terminating their physician and hospital agreements Dec. 1, 2025, unless those agreements are modified. If we aren’t able to reach an agreement on new contracts, BSA doctors, hospitals and other facilities will no longer be in our networks as of Dec. 1.
We’re working closely with BSA leadership and hope to sign new contracts before Dec. 1. We want agreements that compensate BSA fairly while being good stewards of your health care dollars. We value our relationship with BSA, but it’s also important that the contracts we agree to are fair for our members and the local businesses we serve.
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Why does BCBSTX negotiate reimbursement rates and terms 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.
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Is it likely that BCBSTX and BSA Health System could sign new contracts?
We’re hopeful. We’ll update this site when we have news to share.
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How will I be affected if BSA doesn’t renew its contracts?
If we can’t agree to fair terms with BSA, 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 providers to ensure you have access to quality in-network health care.
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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 BSA. Out-of-pocket costs may be higher if you do. We recommend verifying your out-of-network benefits and weighing your options to maximize your health benefits.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 your in-network benefit level for both 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.
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My primary care provider is employed by BSA. What do I do?
If your PCP is with BSA and leaves our networks on Dec. 1, 2025, we can help you find a new PCP.
- Visit bcbstx.com and select Find Care, or visit your online provider directory
- Log in to or sign up for your member account online or use the BCBSTX App
- Call the number on your member ID card
After Dec. 1, 2025, if you haven’t selected a new PCP, we’ll choose one for you. Once you receive your new member ID card with your new PCP name, you can change this selection at any time with a provider who may better meet your medical needs. To change your PCP, log in to your member account online or use the BCBSTX App to make the switch.
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I have a Medicare Supplement plan. Does this impact me?
No, this does not impact you. Under our standard Medicare Supplement plans, you can keep using any provider that takes Medicare at your current benefit coverage level.
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How does this affect Blue Cross Group Medicare Advantage Open Access (PPO)SM members?
If BSA is no longer in our networks, Blue Cross Group Medicare Advantage Open Access (PPO) members can continue to receive care at their same coverage level for covered benefits at BSA, if BSA agrees to see you, accepts Medicare assignment and will submit claims to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plan.
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What is BCBSTX telling doctors?
When scheduling future procedures, we’ll let doctors know of the possible contract expiration and work with them to avoid disrupting your care. If needed, we’ll help them transition your care or schedule procedures with other in-network doctors, hospitals or facilities.
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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 your member account online or use the BCBSTX App. You can also call the number on your member ID card.
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Will I still be able to use BSA 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.
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What if I am pregnant or being treated for a medical condition at a BSA facility?
If you are 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 BSA at in-network rates even if they are no longer in 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 BSA charges more.
If you have questions, call the 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 Request for Continued Access to Providers form or by calling the number on your member ID card. 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 BSA facilities are affected?
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Which BSA doctors and health care professionals are affected?
The doctors and health care professionals employed by BSA are part of this negotiation.
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If BSA is no longer in network, will I have to change doctors?
Not necessarily. Many doctors have privileges at other hospitals, or they can apply for privileges at other in-network hospitals. 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.
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My doctor only has privileges at a BSA facility. Will he or she be out of network as of Dec. 1, 2025?
The doctors employed by BSA are part of this negotiation. If we don’t come to an agreement, the doctors and the facilities will no longer be in network as of Dec. 1.
If your doctor is not employed by BSA, but only has privileges at BSA facilities, we want to help. We’re offering doctors who only have privileges at BSA facilities the chance to send you to other in-network facilities.
Talk with your doctor. Ask if they are thinking about getting admitting privileges at another in-network facility.
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I have a procedure scheduled at a BSA hospital or surgery center. What should I do?
If you have a procedure scheduled at a BSA facility on or after Dec. 1, 2025, please call the number on your member ID card to ask about your benefit coverage.
If you have a procedure performed before Dec. 1, 2025, and your hospital stay goes past Dec. 1, 2025, your care may be covered at the in-network level. We’ll work closely with BSA to avoid issues with your bill, so you can focus on getting better.