Beartooth Billings Clinic Patients Will Not Be Affected By Blue Cross/Blue Shield Negotiations With Billings Clinic
The Red Lodge hospital is under a completely different contract
By Denise Rivette
Recently, Billings Clinic patients covered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) started receiving communications from both organizations regarding negotiations for a new contract between the entities. The existing contract is due to expire on March 31, 2025. It is early in the negotiation process and both sides are negotiating in good faith so there is every reason to believe they will come to terms; however, both sides are preparing patients for the possibility that they are not able to reach an agreement. In that case, what happens to BCBSMT covered patients who see Billings Clinic providers at Beartooth Billings Clinic in Red Lodge?
Abby Lotz, Chief Executive Officer of Beartooth Billings Clinic clarified that, “The contract under negotiation is specific to the hospital itself and care provided on site, therefore is not affecting visiting providers that come to Red Lodge. Any provider seen in Beartooth Billings Clinic would still be covered. As questions get into more specific services offered in Billings, we would need to help the patient on an individual basis.”
Bottom line: If you receive your medical care at Beartooth Billings Clinic and are insured by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, you can rest assured that any care you receive in the Red Lodge hospital is currently in network.