Billings Clinic and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana Continue Negotiations
No interruption in coverage expected
By Denise Rivette
A postcard sent out by Billings Clinic was meant to reassure patients, but some found it alarming. The current contract between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) and Billings Clinic is due to expire on March 31, 2025. Negotiations for a new contract are underway with both sides hopeful that a new agreement will be reached soon that serves Billings Clinic patients covered by BCBSMT well. This negotiation period is the normal process as a contract between insurer and hospital nears its end. The companies issued the following statements:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana
We at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana advocate on behalf of our customers and members to ensure they have access to high-quality care at fair prices.
We have a long-standing and positive relationship with Billings Clinic. Billings Clinic currently remains in-network and we are negotiating a new contract to be effective April 1, 2025. Our customers and members trust us to protect and keep their health care costs as low as possible. It’s a responsibility we take very seriously. We’ll continue to negotiate on behalf of Montanans we serve and hope to reach an equitable agreement with Billings Clinic.
Billings Clinic
Billings Clinic’s current contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana expires on March 31, 2025. We are now in good faith negotiations with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana and are committed to working with them to extend our contract without disruption to patients. Billings Clinic has kept prices nearly flat for nearly 10 years, even as the cost to provide health care has increased significantly. Based on publicly available data, we are reimbursed at rates that are below market level and are seeking a fair and reasonable contract that includes market competitive reimbursement along with understandable and efficient claims processes. Billings Clinic is resolute in our commitment to negotiate in good faith with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana to continue the relationship. As of today, nothing has changed, and patients can keep accessing care with their Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana plan at Billings Clinic like they always have.