578/10/2018
The largest health insurer in Texas changed an ER claims review process Monday. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas said its 500,000 HMO members may have to pay the entire cost of an out-of-network emergency room bill, if they go for something not serious or life-threatening. The insurance carrier said the stricter review policy is designed to help make health care costs more affordable. In an April 18 memo, Blue Cross first explained the change by pointing to examples of people who use out-of-network ERs for things like head lice or sprained ankles. In our recent News 88.7 In Depth, we reported backlash from physicians in Texas prompted the insurance company to delay rolling out the new change. In a statement provided to Houston Public Media, the Texas Medical Association said it’s disappointed Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas is moving ahead with the change.