Texas Medicine Resources, a physician group in North Texas hired by Texas Health Resources (THR) to staff their emergency rooms, issued Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) a termination notice. As of April 15, 2019 this group is out of network for members with Blue Choice PPOSM and Blue Essentials HMOSM plans.
As a customer-owned, health insurance industry leader in Texas for 90 years, we try to negotiate rates that are in the best interests of our members. Despite our good faith efforts to try and negotiate a solution, TMR would not engage in discussions, but gave us an ultimatum demanding unreasonably high rate increases — that would nearly double their current rate.
Healthcare costs in North Texas are already the highest in the nation so we could not agree to TMR unconscionable demands as they are clearly not in the best interests of our members, Dallas-Fort Worth businesses and the communities we serve.
This means TMR physicians are no longer part of any BCBSTX network, and puts our members at risk for a surprise bill if in a THR emergency room.
Fortunately, our members will have access to in-network doctors at the following Dallas/Fort Worth area emergency rooms: Baylor Scott & White Health, Medical City Dallas, Methodist Health System, Parkland Health & Hospital System and UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Members suffering a serious or life-threatening health issue should call 911 or go to the nearest ER.
Members who would like to know their options for in-network care can visit our online Provider Finder® to locate an in-network provider in the area. As well, members can register for or log in to Blue Access for Members℠ for personalized search results based on their health plan and network. Members can also call the Customer Service number on their member ID card for assistance.