Overview
- The health system, whose contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas expired Wednesday, is now out of network for commercial and Blue Advantage Marketplace members.
- The change could force thousands of Houston patients to pay more or switch doctors across 14 hospitals and hundreds of clinics.
- Some members can request continuity of care to keep in-network rates if they are pregnant or in treatment for a disability, an acute condition, or a life‑threatening illness.
- Coverage remains in network through April 30 for the University of Texas System, the State Employee Retirement System, the Teacher Retirement System, and Texas A&M University, while Medicare Advantage members have been out since Jan. 1.
- Memorial Hermann says Blue Cross made unreasonable demands in negotiations, and the insurer says it could not reach terms that protect members but remains open to a deal.