Protecting Local Access

Information on Hendrick Health’s Negotiations with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas

Hendrick Health and BCBSTX Extend Contract through
December 15, 2024

Hendrick Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) have extended our contract for Abilene and Brownwood through December 15, 2024. Nothing changes today for patients, and those with BCBSTX insurance should keep any scheduled appointments with Hendrick Health.

Hendrick Health and BCBSTX Extend Contract through
November 30, 2024

Hendrick Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) have extended our contract for Abilene and Brownwood through November 30, 2024. Nothing changes today for patients, and those with BCBSTX insurance should keep any scheduled appointments with Hendrick Health.

Hendrick Health and BCBSTX Extend Contract through
October 31, 2024

Hendrick Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) have extended our contract for Abilene and Brownwood through October 31, 2024. Nothing changes today for patients, and those with BCBSTX insurance should keep any scheduled appointments with Hendrick Health.

Hendrick Health and BCBSTX Extend Contract through
September 30, 2024

Hendrick Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) have extended our contract for Abilene and Brownwood through September 30, 2024. Nothing changes today for patients, and those with BCBSTX insurance should keep any scheduled appointments with Hendrick Health.

July 30, 2024

Hendrick Health and BCBSTX Extend Contract through
September 19, 2024

Hendrick Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) have extended our contract for Abilene and Brownwood through September 19, 2024. Nothing changes today for patients, and those with BCBSTX insurance should keep any scheduled appointments with Hendrick Health.

July 8, 2024

Hendrick Health and BCBSTX Extend Contract through
August 16, 2024

Hendrick Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) have extended our contract for Abilene and Brownwood through August 16, 2024. Nothing changes today for patients, and those with BCBSTX insurance should keep any scheduled appointments with Hendrick Health.

May 31, 2024

Hendrick Health and BCBSTX Extend Contract through
July 19, 2024

Hendrick Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) have extended our contract for Abilene and Brownwood through July 19, 2024. Nothing changes today for patients, and those with BCBSTX insurance should keep any scheduled appointments with Hendrick Health.

April 26, 2024

Hendrick Health and BCBSTX Extend Contract through
June 30, 2024

Hendrick Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) have extended our contract for Abilene and Brownwood through June 30, 2024. Nothing changes today for patients, and those with BCBSTX insurance should keep any scheduled appointments with Hendrick Health.

February 14, 2024

Hendrick Health and BCBSTX Extend Contract through
May 31, 2024

Hendrick Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) have extended our contract for Abilene and Brownwood through May 31, 2024. Nothing changes today for patients, and those with BCBSTX insurance should keep any scheduled appointments with Hendrick Health.

January 2, 2024

Hendrick Health and BCBSTX Extend Contract through
February 29, 2024

Hendrick Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) have extended our contract for Abilene and Brownwood through February 29, 2024. Nothing changes today for patients, and those with BCBSTX insurance should keep any scheduled appointments with Hendrick Health.

November 30, 2023

Hendrick Health and BCBSTX Extend Contract through
January 1, 2024

Hendrick Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) have extended our contract for Abilene and Brownwood through January 1, 2024. Nothing changes today for patients, and those with BCBSTX insurance should keep any scheduled appointments with Hendrick Health.

November 1, 2023

Hendrick Health and BCBSTX Extend Contract through
December 31, 2023

Hendrick Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) have extended our contract for Abilene and Brownwood through December 31, 2023. Nothing changes today for patients, and those with BCBSTX insurance should keep any scheduled appointments with Hendrick Health.

September 1, 2023

Hendrick Health and BCBSTX Extend Contract through
October 31, 2023

Hendrick Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) have extended our contract for Abilene and Brownwood through October 31, 2023. Nothing changes today for patients, and those with BCBSTX insurance should keep any scheduled appointments with Hendrick Health.

August 1, 2023

Hendrick Health and BCBSTX Extend Contract through
September 30, 2023

Hendrick Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) have extended our contract for Abilene and Brownwood through September 30, 2023. Nothing changes today for patients, and those with BCBSTX insurance should keep any scheduled appointments with Hendrick Health.

 

June 30, 2023

Hendrick Health and BCBSTX Extend Contract through August 31, 2023

Hendrick Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) have extended our contract for Abilene and Brownwood through August 31, 2023. Nothing changes today for patients, and those with BCBSTX insurance should keep any scheduled appointments with Hendrick Health. 

May 25, 2023

Hendrick Health and BCBSTX Extend Contract through July 31, 2023

Hendrick Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) have extended our contract for Abilene and Brownwood through July 31, 2023. Nothing changes today for patients, and those with BCBSTX insurance should keep any scheduled appointments with Hendrick Health. 


May 4, 2023

Update for BCBSTX Blue Advantage HMO (BAV) Members in Brownwood

We are pleased to share that we have signed a new contract with BCBSTX Blue Advantage HMO plan for Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood. As a result, members with a BCBSTX Blue Advantage HMO plan (indicated with “BAV” on their ID cards). This agreement allows Blue Advantage HMO members to continue in-network access to care at Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood.

NOTE: Hendrick Health is still working to finalize contracts for BCBSTX commercial plans in Abilene and Brownwood.

April 12, 2023

Hendrick Health and BCBSTX Extend Contract Again for Abilene and Brownwood

We have an encouraging update regarding our contract negotiations with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX). Because we are continuing to make progress, we have extended our contract a second time with BCBSTX through May 31, 2023.

 This extension will allow additional time for negotiations. Nothing changes today for patients, and those with BCBSTX insurance should keep any scheduled appointments with Hendrick Health.

However, if we are unable to reach an agreement before our contract ends on May 31, 2023, BCBSTX would consider Hendrick Medical Center and Hendrick Medical Center South services in Abilene, and Hendrick Clinic and Hendrick Anesthesia Network providers in Abilene and Brownwood to be out of network with commercial BCBSTX plans.

We remain hopeful that a long-term resolution with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas can be announced soon to ensure our patients will continue to have in-network access to care at Hendrick Health.

March 27, 2023

An Important Update for BCBSTX Blue Advantage HMO Members in Brownwood

Ensuring our patients have access to high-quality care is Hendrick Health’s top priority. For many months, Hendrick Health has been working with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) to reach new agreements that put patients first and reflect the exceptional care our nurses and providers deliver every day. Those negotiations include the BCBSTX Blue Advantage HMO (“BAV” on ID cards) plan for Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood.

Just as we have for all of our current agreements with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, we have extended our BAV contract with BCBSTX Blue Advantage HMO plan for Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood through April 30, 2023.

This extension will allow additional time to finalize negotiations.

We are confident that we can achieve a renewed BAV contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas soon to ensure you and your family can continue in-network access to care at Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood. Patients with BCBSTX insurance should keep any scheduled appointments.

We have a long history of working with BCBSTX and other health insurance companies to represent patients’ needs and advocate for access to essential, local care. We will continue to work tirelessly on your behalf.

 What should I do if I have a BCBSTX Blue Advantage HMO plan?

Because we have extended our contract with BCBSTX through April 30, 2023 to allow more time for us to come to an agreement, nothing changes for you today. You should keep any scheduled appointments at Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood.

 Is it possible Hendrick Health will go out of network with BCBSTX?

It is our strong desire to come to an agreement before the contract extension expires on April 30, 2023. We believe BCBSTX shares the same goal.

 Is there anything I can do to help?

We encourage you to call BCBSTX at the number on the back of your insurance card and ask them to reach a new agreement to protect your in-network access to the caregivers at Hendrick Health Brownwood who you know and trust.

January 20, 2023

As Hendrick Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) continue to work through the details of our agreement, we have extended our contract with BCBSTX through April 30, 2023. Patients with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas coverage will no longer be considered out of network on February 1, 2023 as previously communicated.

This extension will allow additional time to finalize negotiations. Patients with BCBSTX insurance should keep scheduled appointments with Hendrick Health.

We believe a multi-year contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas can be achieved soon to ensure our patients will continue in-network access to care at Hendrick Health. Our goal remains to reach an agreement quickly so there is no disruption in care for our patients.

If you have any questions about your specific plan and benefits, contact BCBSTX by calling the number on the back of your insurance card.

January 12, 2023

Hendrick Health remains committed to providing our patients with the highest level of care available to the communities we serve. As part of this commitment, Hendrick has agreed to extend the current contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) beyond the January 31, 2023 date previously shared. Patients with BCBSTX insurance should keep scheduled appointments with Hendrick Health. We remain hopeful that a long-term resolution with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas can be announced soon to ensure our patients will continue to have in-network access to care at Hendrick Health.

December 6, 2022

Hendrick Health has been working with BCBSTX in good faith to reach an updated agreement appropriate for both BCBSTX and Hendrick that reflects the high quality care Hendrick delivers to patients every day.

These negotiations are active and ongoing, and we are doing everything we can to come to an agreement with BCBSTX.

However, if we are unable to reach an agreement before our contract ends on January 31, 2023, BCBSTX would consider Hendrick Medical Center and Hendrick Medical Center South services in Abilene, and Hendrick Clinic and Hendrick Anesthesia Network providers in Abilene and Brownwood to be out of network with commercial BCBSTX plans (PPO, HMO, HME or BAV).

Advocating for our patients is one of our top priorities. We must ensure our patients continue to have access to local, high-quality healthcare, and that our caregivers are fairly compensated for the lifesaving care they provide each and every day. 

Our goal is to work collaboratively to reach an agreement quickly so there is no disruption in care for our patients. We have every reason to believe that BCBSTX shares that same goal.

If you have any questions about your specific plan and benefits, contact BCBSTX by calling the number on the back of your insurance card.

What You Can Do Today

Nothing changes today.
Keep all your scheduled appointments and procedures with Hendrick Health, and don’t delay routine health screenings or procedures important to your health.

Call the number on the back of your health insurance card. For specific questions regarding your plan and beneftis, contact BCBSTX by calling the number on the back of your insurance card.

FAQs

  • As Hendrick Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) continue to work through the details of our agreement, we have extended our contract with BCBSTX through April 30, 2023. Patients with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas coverage will no longer be considered out of network on February 1, 2023 as previously communicated.

  • Nothing will change before February 1, 2023. Patients should keep any scheduled appointments and continue to see their Hendrick Health providers as normal. It is our strong desire to come to an agreement before the end of January, and we believe BCBSTX shares the same goal.

    If we are unable to reach an agreement before our current contract ends on January 31, 2023, BCBSTX would consider Hendrick Medical Center and Hendrick Medical Center South services in Abilene, and Hendrick Clinic and Hendrick Anesthesia Network providers in Abilene and Brownwood to be out of network with commercial BCBSTX plans (PPO, HMO, HME or BAV). Medicare supplements are not affected.

  • Nothing will change before February 1, 2023. Patients should keep any scheduled appointments and procedures with Hendrick Health as normal. It is our strong desire to come to an agreement before the end of January.

    However, you can help by calling BCBSTX at the number on the back of your insurance card and asking them to reach a new agreement to protect your in-network access to Hendrick Medical Center and Hendrick Medical Center South services in Abilene, and Hendrick Clinic and Hendrick Anesthesia Network providers in Abilene and Brownwood.

  • As a non-profit, faith-based organization, fair relationships with insurance companies like BCBSTX are critical to ensure we are able to provide access to services that our patients want and deserve. Without fair agreements in place, our mission to deliver high quality healthcare to the Texas Midwest could be threatened.

  • As you might expect, Hendrick Health has not been immune to the national inflation crisis. Like other businesses, the challenging operational and financial pressures we have experienced are a result of unprecedented high labor costs, inflation and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, we have made significant investments to expand healthcare for our community:

    • Recruited more than 30 physicians in the last year

    • Expanded telehealth and maternal-fetal medicine, adding to the more than 60 specialty services we already provide

    • Opened three urgent care locations – two in Abilene and one in Brownwood

    • Invested in infrastructure improvements at Hendrick Medical Center South, including facility updates and new equipment and supplies

  • We are doing everything we can to come to an agreement with BCBSTX. However, if we are unable to do so before our current contract ends on January 31, 2023, BCBSTX would consider Hendrick Medical Center and Hendrick Medical Center South services in Abilene, and Hendrick Clinic and Hendrick Anesthesia Network providers in Abilene and Brownwood to be out of network with commercial BCBSTX plans (PPO, HMO, HME or BAV).

    • Call the number on the back of your health insurance card. Ask BCBSTX to reach a new agreement to protect your in-network access to Hendrick Medical Center and Hendrick Medical Center South services in Abilene, and Hendrick Clinic and Hendrick Anesthesia Network providers in Abilene and Brownwood.

    • If you have employer-sponsored health insurance with BCBSTX, talk to your employer and/or human resources representative about your desire for continued in-network access to Hendrick Medical Center and Hendrick Medical Center South services in Abilene, and Hendrick Clinic and Hendrick Anesthesia Network providers in Abilene and Brownwood.