BILLINGS - Customers of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana can continue to use Billings Clinic providers within their insurance network, the two groups announced jointly Monday night.
Billings Clinic, Montana's largest hospital, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana signed a multi-year agreement on medical reimbursement rates,a week before the current deal was set to expire, according to a joint news release.
Negotiations began at the end of 2024 with the hopes of reaching a deal before a March 31 deadline. The two sides agreed on March to extend the contract through April 15.
According to Billings Clinic CEO Dr. Clint Seger, the hospital had not raised its reimbursement rates in 10 years and was struggling with rising healthcare costs, which prompted the negotiations.
The news release did not disclose details of the agreement, including its length or changes in reimbursement rates.
Here's the full release:
Billings Clinic and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana have reached a new multi-year agreement which helps tens of thousands of Montanans continue to have access to Billings Clinic hospital facilities and services.
We are pleased that our new agreement allows us to continue to serve Montana communities with the care and coverage they need when they need it.
We have a shared commitment to delivering access to quality, compassionate health care to all who need it, and we look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship to fulfill that promise.
