HOUSTON — Texans who depend on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Medicare Advantage Part C or Medicaid plans will no longer be covered if they're treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
BCBS didn't give a reason for the decision which will leave some cancer patients and survivors scrambling to find new options for Medicare Advantage or Medicaid coverage.
"While MD Anderson welcomes the opportunity to remain in-network for these plans, our goal is to ensure continuity of care for those in active treatments. The institution is in touch with affected patients and is working with Blue Cross Blue Shield on coordination of care for these patients," MDA posted on its website.
We reached out to BCBS of Texas and they sent us the following statement.
"Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas made the difficult but necessary decision to remove the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston from our Medicare Advantage (PPO)SM, Blue Cross Medicare Advantage (HMO)SM and Medicaid networks. MD Anderson and its providers will no longer be in these networks starting Nov. 1, 2024.
Member notices: Member notices were mailed least 45 days before the term date. Medicare Advantage members with an MD Anderson behavioral health provider also received a phone call telling them about the network change.
Impacted doctors: We are working closely with members to redirect their care to nearby providers in their network. However, members may still be able to see their doctors and other health care professionals if they practice at other non-MD Anderson locations. Members can talk to their doctors about this possibility. Our member outreach will also provide that information.
Finding in-network care: Members will still have access to other in-network doctors and facilities. We are here to help members find quality, cost-effective in-network care. Members can check for options by:
· Visiting our online Provider Finder® or their provider directory
· Logging in to Blue Access for MembersSM or their online member portal
· Calling the number on their member ID card
Care for ongoing conditions: Members who are being treated for a disability, acute condition or life-threatening illness may qualify as a continuity-of-care patient. This means they may still be able to receive care at in-network rates at MD Anderson even if they are no longer in our networks. To find out if they are eligible, members can call the number on their member ID card for more information."
According to MD Anderson's website, the only other Medicare Advantage plan it currently partners with in Texas is Kelsey-Sebold.
"We also have working relationships with other Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans. Please contact your plan to see if they will work with MD Anderson," the website states. "If so, please also confirm with your plan, if such access will be under your in-network or out-of-network benefits."