University of Michigan Medicine and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) have been negotiating new payment terms for many months and are working diligently to come to an agreement. If an agreement is not reached, employers should know the following:
- University of Medicine will remove its Southeast Michigan facilities and physicians from the BCBS/BCN networks on July 1, 2026.
- Patients covered by the insurer will be without in-network insurance coverage with Michigan Medicine-affiliated providers, clinics, health centers and hospitals. This will include coverage for University of Michigan students. Medicare Advantage members will not be impacted
What Does This Mean for Patients
BCBS/BCN patients will have to pay out-of-network prices starting July 1, for scheduled non-elective procedures, and nonemergency care at the following hospitals and health centers affiliated with U-M Health's academic medical center:
- University Hospital in Ann Arbor
- C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor
- Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital in Ann Arbor
- D. Dan and Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion and Frankel Cardiovascular Center in Ann Arbor
- W.K. Kellogg Eye Center in Ann Arbor
- Associated physicians and outpatient clinics, including the Briarwood Medical Group, the Livonia Center for Specialty Care, the West Ann Arbor Health Center, the Canton Health Center, the Chelsea Health Center, the Detroit Riverview Center, the Livonia Health Center, the Northville Health Center and the Ypsilanti Health Center.
Continuity of Care
BCBSM has reported a 90-day "Continuity of Care" extension of in-network coverage will be available for patients who have cancer, terminal illness, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer's disease, those who have had an organ transplant, or are pregnant. An extension may also be given to those members who have serious and complex conditions.
Options
MSMS Physicians Insurance Agency (PIA) will continue to monitor the situation. Should an agreement not be met, PIA is ready to assist members with alternative carrier proposals for group and individual health insurance plans. If you have questions, please contact Angela Criswell, Director Operations and Sales at 517-336-5734 or acriswell@msms.org