Recently, the Hutchinson Clinic has reached out to multiple employers who use Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) as their insurance provider. We understand that you may have questions regarding this matter.
Above all else the Hutchinson Clinic values the relationship between patient and physician. If you are currently a patient of the Hutchinson Clinic, we will continue to care for you and all our patients. We are committed to providing our patients with the most advanced, timely, and compassionate care possible regardless of the BCBS negotiation outcomes.
Update: As of 7/10/2024 Hutchinson Clinic still seeks a resolution with BCBS KS
Please explore our FAQ’s below:
What Happened?
Hutchinson Clinic provided their letter of termination to BCBS of Kansas on Thursday, June 20th effective January 1st, 2025.
Who is affected?
Only patients with a BCBS Kansas or BCBS Affiliated plans, not including Medicare Supplemental plans, will be affected. The Hutchinson Clinic plans to remain in-network with all other national and regional health insurance plans for the 2025 year. Please see our other contracted partners on our patient resource page.
Does this affect my BCBS Medigap/Medicare Supplemental plan coverage?
No, Hutchison Clinic will remain in network with BCBS Medigap/Medicare Supplemental plans in 2025.
How are my current benefits affected?
At this time, there are no changes to BCBS patient coverage. BCBS will remain in-network with the Hutchinson Clinic through the end of 2024.
Why is the Hutchinson Clinic taking this step?
Similar to all local businesses, employees at the Hutchinson Clinic have experienced rising health insurance premium payments. BCBS has not shared these payment increases with the Hutchinson Clinic health care providers to support the 70,000+ patients we serve. If BCBS increases your premium payments each year, but isn’t supporting local healthcare providers, where are your dollars going?
What are the Hutchinson Clinic’s goals in this situation?
Our aim is to achieve a mutually beneficial resolution with Blue Cross Blue Shield to reach a solution with us. The Hutchinson Clinic has requested gradual annual increases to account for the rising costs of pharmaceuticals, supplies, and labor.
Why is this happening now?
The Hutchinson Clinic, PA has attempted to negotiate in good faith with BCBS since September 2023.
We are providing companies with advanced notice to ensure they have sufficient time to make informed decisions concerning their employees healthcare benefits. Companies need time to explore a plan that aligns with their organizational and employee welfare.
How does the BCBS Fee Schedule work?
Blue Cross and Blue Shield set the prices they agree to pay to health care providers for services each year and call this the provider fee schedule. Blue Cross and Blue Shield is required to provide their finalized fee schedule by August 1st, 2024. The Hutchinson Clinic has been requesting information about the fee schedule since March 2024. Once the schedule has been released, negotiations will not be possible.
Historically, BCBS has provided limited transparency regarding its fee schedule, and rates have varied unpredictably from year to year. Consequently, it is important to raise awareness before their fee schedule is finalized.
How can I help?
If having Hutchinson Clinic, PA in the Blue Cross Blue Shield network is a priority for your business, please kindly share your feedback with your employer or contact Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas directly at csc@bsbsks.com.