Blue Cross and Blue Shield Information

Important Information Regarding Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas

Dear Texas Tech Health El Paso valued employee,

We are writing to inform you of a potential change that may impact insurance coverage of the care you receive at Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso. We have advised Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) of our intent to terminate our existing in-network provider contract after a protracted negotiation process. Unfortunately, we have not yet come to a resolution that suits the needs of both parties.

Should our contract be terminated, our Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso specialists will no longer be considered in-network for BCBSTX plan holders. This includes HMO, PPO and Blue Advantage HMO. If both parties cannot come to a resolution, effective termination will be October 7, 2024 for HMO and PPO plans and January 5, 2025 for Blue Advantage HMO.  However, please know that your benefits under the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS) will not be affected. You may continue your care with our Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso specialists, however, your out-of-pocket expenses will increase.

We are hopeful to come to a resolution with BCBSTX before officially terminating our contract, but we understand that this news raises concerns about your ability to be cared for by our Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso specialists. Our top priority is ensuring the health and well-being of our employees and your families, and we are working diligently to explore options with BCBSTX while building plans to address the outcomes of our negotiations. 

For questions related to network provider options, copays, deductibles, specialist referrals, prior authorizations, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums, please contact BCBSTX directly at 800-252-8039 (TTY:711) or visit www.healthselectoftexas.com. Agents are available to assist you Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CST.

Assistance with all other benefits-related questions may be sent to the Department of Human Resources Benefits team at ELPHRbenefitsadmin@ttuhsc.edu.

We are committed to providing transparent information and timely updates so you and your family can make informed decisions regarding your care.

Thank you for your dedication to our campus and Borderplex community, as well as your ongoing trust in Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso.