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BCBS rep: Providers have until Sept. 3 to sign renewals; employees could submit claims if HaysMed leaves network
Summary
A BCBS representative told the Ellis County Wage & Benefit Committee that providers have until Sept. 3 to sign renewal contracts to stay in-network; if HaysMed does not renew, employees could pay providers and submit claims for reimbursement. FCMI will explore alternative insurers and self-funded options by September.
Jeremy McGuire, a Blue Cross Blue Shield representative, told the Ellis County Wage & Benefit Committee on July 13 that he could not discuss the specifics of local negotiations but that providers have until Sept. 3 to sign renewal contracts to remain in-network. "He is unable to discuss specific details of the HaysMed negotiations, but providers have until September 3rd to sign their renewal contract and remain in-network," McGuire said.
McGuire said if a provider does not sign by that deadline it is likely they will be offered an extension leading up to Jan. 1, 2027. He explained the practical option for employees if a provider leaves BCBS: members may continue to use the provider, pay the provider directly, submit the claim to BCBS and receive reimbursement from the insurer. The committee was told that employees would be responsible for paying HaysMed directly until BCBS processes any manual claims.
Julie Yarmer, the county's FCMI representative, told the committee she will contact Aetna and UnitedHealthcare and examine self-funded plan options to report back at the September meeting. "Julie (FCMI) will be reaching out to Aetna and United Healthcare and looking into Self-Funded plan options for our September meeting," she said. The committee raised the concern against a backdrop of rapidly rising state rates and uncertainty about HaysMed's contract status.
The committee did not take a formal vote on changing plans at the meeting. Yarmer's outreach and a staff report are the next steps; the committee expects an update in September.
