Nurse shares concerns about CHRISTUS, Blue Cross Blue Shield agreement

TYLER – CHRISTUS Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas are now 13 days away from a looming deadline.

If a new contract is not signed, Blue Cross customers would lose in-network access to CHRISTUS doctors and facilities. The two companies are currently negotiating a new agreement. The current contracts were set to expire on July 1 but days before the deadline an extension was given until Aug. 1.

As the first of August approaches Blue Cross users remain worried. Local nurse and former CHRISTUS patient, Stephanie Jones is worried that people won’t be able to afford their out of pocket medical costs.

“I just wonder how many people are not gonna be able to do that, they’re going to be forced to changed caregivers when they don’t want to,” Jones said.

Benefits that would be affected include Blue Cross Medicare, Medicaid, Blue HMO, PPO and FEP plans.

“Well what’s gonna happen when all those people if they do switch providers,” Jones said. “Its gonna be even harder to get in and see the doctor, like months of waiting.”

If an agreement is not met, those under Blue Cross plans would still receive the same care as always but would have to pay more out of their own pockets.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas told KETK they are in active negotiations with CHRISTUS Health. Jones said the time to act is now in order to make sure needed appointments are scheduled.

“Go ahead and get your appointments made now, even if it’s six months out,” Jones said. “That’s what I’m trying to do because I have appointments every six months.”

Blue Cross is assuring high risk pregnancies, life threatening illness and disabling conditions that their care will continue with in-network rates.