Blues to Expand HMO Network in January; Check Your Status
By Alisa Pierce

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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) will expand its MyBlue Health HMO network to six Texas counties starting in January.

Physicians in Cameron, Collin, Denton, El Paso (The Valley), Hidalgo, and Tarrant counties are advised to check if they are in network, as they are not always automatically enrolled in the new plan. To do so, physicians must call their local network representative.

MyBlue previously expanded to Bexar, Travis, and Williamson counties in 2022, and Dallas and Harris counties in 2020. Physicians in those areas should continue to ensure they are in network.

The plan also requires primary care clinicians who treat covered patients in those areas to provide referrals for specialist appointments. Referrals are required whether the physician is in or out of network, but the referral must be made to an in-network specialist for MyBlue to cover some or all costs of covered services. Standing referrals can be made for patients who require ongoing treatment.

In-network physicians also must work with the patient’s insurer to get the visit approved, and turn in any additional referrals for other specialists, lab work, or hospital stays, for instance.

For more information, visit the MyBlue Health webpage.

Last Updated On

October 21, 2022

Originally Published On

October 21, 2022

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Alisa Pierce

Reporter, Division of Communications and Marketing

(512) 370-1469
Alisa Pierce

Alisa Pierce is a reporter for Texas Medicine. After graduating from Texas State University, she worked in local news, covering state politics, public health, and education. Alongside her news writing, Alisa covered up-and-coming artists in Central Texas and abroad as a music journalist. As a Texas native, she enjoys capturing the landscape on her film camera while hiking her way across the Lonestar State.

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