Christus announces deal with Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Published 5:37 pm Wednesday, July 30, 2025

An agreement between Christus Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield has been reached, officials said late Wednesday afternoon.

After months of negotiations and ahead of a looming Aug. 1 deadline, Christus announced it will continue its in-network partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas.

Christus said in a statement that it is “pleased to announce that we have reached a new contract agreement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, ensuring that patients can continue to receive in-network care at our hospitals, clinics and health facilities. Our priority has always been to provide compassionate and high-quality care to all who may need us. We’re proud to offer that care without disruption to our patients covered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas.”

Thousands of patients receive in-network care from Christus facilities.

Patients insured through other Blue Cross plans, such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, will also continue to receive in-network care at Christus facilities in Texas, the carrier confirmed Wednesday.

Blue Cross released a statement on the deal.

The insurance carrier said the partnership “protects the interests of our members and customers. CHRISTUS Health doctors, hospitals and other facilities will remain in BCBSTX provider networks.”

The carrier said all BCBS Texas members have access to Christus hospitals, facilities, doctors, and health care professionals at in-network rates. This includes our ParPlan, Blue Choice PPO, Blue Essentials, Blue Advantage HMO, Medicaid (in some locations), Blue Cross Medicare Advantage (PPO) and Blue Cross Medicare Advantage (HMO) networks.

Members can find more information about how to find in-network care at https://www.bcbstx.com/christusnegotiation or by calling the number on their member ID card.

BCBS Texas said the carrier and Christus “share a commitment to the health and well-being of the patients and members we serve.”

Rep. Jay Dean (R-Longview), who chaired the Texas House committee that was part of the insurance discussions between Christus and Blue Cross, said in a social media post that the deal was “great news to share.”

The negotiations began after Christus requested “equitable reimbursement rates to cover the rising cost of providing quality health care,” the health provider said in a previous statement. The goal was to find “reasonable” rates, Christus said. The contract was originally set to expire July 1 but negotiations were extended until Aug. 1. The deal was ultimately reached two days prior to the deadline.