At UT Health East Texas, our mission is to provide compassionate, high-quality care close to home. We understand how important access to trusted physicians, providers and facilities is to individuals and families across East Texas.
UT Health East Texas is currently in discussions with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) regarding a new network agreement. At this time, all of our hospitals, clinics and employed providers remain in-network with BCBSTX.
Our goal is to reach a long-term agreement that preserves in-network access to care while recognizing the increasing costs associated with delivering healthcare services across East Texas.
If a new agreement is not reached before our current contract expires on January 1, 2027, UT Health East Texas facilities and employed providers would become out-of-network for all BCBSTX plans, including HealthSpring Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans.
We know the possibility of a network change may raise questions, and we are committed to sharing timely information throughout the process.
What you need to know
Emergency care will continue to be covered at in-network benefit levels. Health plans are required to process emergency medical services as in-network, regardless of a provider's network status.
BCBSTX members who are pregnant or receiving ongoing treatment may qualify for continuity-of-care protections. Those who may qualify should contact BCBSTX directly to determine their eligibility.
Healthcare providers across the country continue to face rising costs related to supplies, labor and inflation. As part of these negotiations, we are seeking an agreement that helps ensure we can continue providing the services, technology and expertise our communities depend on.
What you can do
BCBSTX members can contact BCBSTX using the member services number on the back of their insurance card to learn more about continuity-of-care options and available benefits. Members may also let BCBSTX know that maintaining in-network access to UT Health East Texas is important to them.
Those reviewing health plan options can consult their employer, benefits administrator or insurance broker about plans that include UT Health East Texas as an in-network provider. A complete list of accepted insurance plans is available at uthealtheasttexas.com/insurance.
UT Health East Texas remains committed to the health and well-being of the communities we serve and will continue to share updates as they become available.
Frequently asked questions
UT Health East Texas is sharing this information so BCBSTX members and the broader community are aware of a potential network change and have time to understand what it could mean if a new agreement is not reached.
If UT Health East Texas and BCBSTX are unable to reach a fair agreement before the current agreement ends on January 1, 2027, all UT Health East Texas facilities and employed physicians and providers will no longer be in-network with BCBSTX.
Like healthcare organizations across the country, UT Health East Texas continues to experience significant increases in the cost of providing care. We are working to secure an agreement that reflects those realities and helps us continue investing in the people, programs and services our communities deserve.
BCBSTX members who are concerned about their current plan can consult their employer, benefits administrator or insurance broker about options that include UT Health East Texas as an in-network provider. To review a list of in-network plans, please visit uthealtheasttexas.com/insurance.
BCBSTX members may remain enrolled in their current plan but could face higher out-of-pocket costs for non-emergency care at UT Health East Texas after the out-of-network date listed above.
BCBSTX members who are pregnant, have a chronic condition or are undergoing active treatment should contact BCBSTX using the number on the back of their insurance card to ask about:
- Continuity of care for certain conditions or ongoing treatment for which the member may be eligible under the No Surprises Act
- Out-of-network benefits.
Yes. Emergency care is not impacted. Insurance companies are required to cover emergency services at in-network rates, even if we are no longer in-network.
Those who choose to change providers can request their medical records through MyChart. Once logged in to MyChart, go to Menu > Document Center > Requested Records > Click to send a request for records and complete the form. Click here to sign in to MyChart.
Medical records may also be requested by calling 903-531-8161 or by visiting uthealtheasttexas.com/policies-and-disclosures/request-medical-records for more information.