Important update for members of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
As caregivers, nothing is more important to The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus than ensuring communities throughout our region have access to the care they need from the caregivers they know and trust.
In recent months, we have worked in good faith to achieve a new agreement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) that would ensure their members’ continued in-network access to our facilities and employed providers and fairly reimburses St. Francis Campus for the high-quality healthcare we provide.
If we are unable to come to a new agreement with BCBSKS before January 1, all St. Francis Campus facilities and our employed providers will be out-of-network with BCBSKS.
We understand this may be concerning and have shared additional information below.
What you need to know
Your ability to access emergency services at St. Francis Campus at in-network rates will not be impacted. Patients who are pregnant or receiving active treatment can contact BCBSKS to complete a continuity of care request to confirm eligibility for continued in-network coverage.
Like health systems around the country, we continue to experience extraordinary cost pressures around supplies and inflation. To continue delivering the high-quality care and services our community depends on, we are seeking a fair agreement from BCBSKS that reflects these reflects these realities.
Contact BCBSKS by using the number on your insurance card and ask them to work with St. Francis to protect your in-network access to trusted caregivers. If you’re concerned about your plan, consult your employer or insurance broker about options that include St. Francis Campus in-network.
Medicare members can also visit kutopeka.com/medicare for more options.
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, and we hope to continue caring for you for years to come.
Frequently asked questions
Why did I receive a letter about this?
You may have a health insurance plan with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. We want to make you aware of a possible change to your coverage with The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus.
What is changing?
If we are unable to reach a fair agreement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas before the current agreement ends on January 1, all St. Francis Campus facilities and our employed providers will no longer be in-network with BCBSKS.
Why is this happening?
We’ve made months-long efforts to stay in-network with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to reach an agreement that fairly reimburses St. Francis Campus for the care we provide—especially as healthcare costs continue to rise due to inflation and supply expenses.
What can I do if I want to keep seeing my St. Francis Campus provider?
If you’re concerned about your current plan, consult your employer or insurance broker about options that include St. Francis Campus in-network.
To view a list of all plans that are in-network, please visit kutopeka.com/insurance.
What if I stay with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas?
You can remain on your current plan, but you may face higher out-of-pocket costs for non-emergency care after the out-of-network dates listed above.
What if I am pregnant, have a chronic condition or am undergoing active treatment?
We encourage you to contact BCBSKS by using the number on the back of your insurance card to ask about:
- Continuity of care for certain conditions or ongoing treatment that you may be eligible for under the No Surprises Act
- Out-of-network benefits
Will emergency care still be covered?
Yes. Emergency care is not affected. BCBS is required by law to cover emergency services at in-network rates, even if we are no longer contracted.
What if I decide to change my medical provider?
If you choose to change providers, we’ll work with you to make that transition as smooth as possible. To request your medical records from St. Francis Campus, call 785-295-8000 or visit kutopeka.com/patients-and-visitors/request-medical-records/
Records may also be requested in MyChart. Once logged in to MyChart, go to Menu > Document Center > Requested Records > Click to send a request for records and complete the form. Click here to sign in to MyChart.