Blue Cross Insurance Updates

As part of our routine contract renewal process with health insurance providers, we are currently negotiating with BCBSTX before our contract ends on May 23, 2025. Negotiations continue, and we are optimistic about reaching an agreement before that date and believe BCBSTX shares this goal. We want to ensure our patients have access to the highest-quality, lifesaving care in their community.

Nothing changes today, so please do not cancel any appointments or delay important care.

While our discussions are ongoing, you may receive communication from BCBS indicating that Shannon Health will be out of network for commercial health plans (such as those provided by employers) after
May 23, 2025. Shannon is optimistic that we will reach a revised agreement prior to that date and we believe BCBSTX shares that same goal. However, in the event that we do not have a new agreement by May 23, we want to ensure you that you are our first priority and we will continue to see all BCBS patients so that you will not experience any changes or impact to your care while we continue the negotiation process to reach an agreement.

This contract negotiation only applies to services provided at Shannon Medical Center facilities.

These services are not affected by the contract negotiation process:

Emergency care
Services at Shannon Clinic provider offices and locations
Shannon Urgent Care services

Again, we continue to work to come to an agreement before May 23, and we will keep you updated throughout this process.

We understand you may have questions and concerns. For the most up-to-date information, continue to visit this page. You can also contact our Shannon Business Services at (325) 747-5470 or contact BCBS directly by calling the number listed on the back of your insurance card.

What is happening between Shannon and BCBSTX?

As part of our routine contract renewal process with health insurance providers, we are currently negotiating with BCBSTX before our contract ends on May 23, 2025. Shannon is working with BCBSTX to provide reimbursement at a fair market rate to ensure our patients have access to the highest-quality, lifesaving care in their community.

How will this affect patients?

We remain optimistic about reaching an agreement before May 23, and believe Blue Cross shares the same goal. Regardless of the negotiation outcome, our patients remain our top priority. Even if our contract ends without a new agreement on May 23, Shannon will continue to see these patients so they do not experience any disruption in their care.

What Services are Affected?

This contract negotiation only applies to services provided at Shannon Medical Center facilities.

What Services are Not Affected?

Emergency care at Shannon Medical Center
Services at Shannon Clinic provider offices and locations
Shannon Urgent Care services

Is Shannon going out of network with BCBSTX?

Nothing will change before May 23, 2025. Patients should keep any scheduled appointments and continue to see their Shannon providers as normal. In the event we do not have a new agreement by May 17, an out-of-network situation could mean patients will have some higher out-of-pocket costs, and we will work to provide options for these patients.

What about patients who are undergoing care beyond May 23? Ex: Cancer care, pregnancy, etc.?

Shannon will assist patients who are in current treatment beyond May 23 in filing continuity of care forms. We will be contacting these patients prior to May 23 to complete this process.

What if a patient has a procedure or surgery scheduled after May 23?

Patients should keep any scheduled appointments and continue to see their Shannon providers as normal. We will work with BCBSTX to obtain authorization for these procedures and closely communicate with these patients to provide updates and options for their care.

BCBSTX may cover the procedure, even if it’s out-of-network. Our first step will be to work closely with BCBS to see if they will allow this. If a service is not approved by BCBS as in-network; Shannon is willing to provide options to our patients so their initial out-of-pocket cost is not substantially higher along with different payment plan options. We will work individually with each patient to best meet their needs.

Can BCBSTX patients still see their doctor at Shannon Clinic?

Yes. This contact does not affect any services at Shannon Clinic provider offices or locations.

Is there anything I need to do right now?

Nothing will change before May 23, 2025. Patients should keep any scheduled appointments and procedures with Shannon as normal. It is our strong desire to come to an agreement by May 23. 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 Shannon Medical Center services.

What will happen if an agreement is not reached?

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 May 23, 2025, BCBSTX would consider services at Shannon Medical Center to be out-of-network with commercial BCBSTX plans (PPO, HMO, HME or BAV).

Why is a fair market rate important?

As a non-profit, locally-based healthcare provider for our region, 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 region could be threatened. Just like every household and business in our community, we also experience inflation in costs of medical supplies and medications. We also want to ensure wages for our employees are at market rate so we maintain exceptional staff to care for our patients.

What can I do to help protect in-network access to services at Shannon Medical Center?

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 Shannon Medical Center.
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 Shannon Medical Center.