What's Happening?
Florida Blue, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is currently in contract negotiations with Cleveland Clinic, a major health system with over 50 locations in Florida. If an agreement is not reached, Florida Blue members
may lose in-network access to Cleveland Clinic facilities as early as March 1, 2026. This potential change could impact tens of thousands of members who rely on Cleveland Clinic for healthcare services. Despite the notice from Cleveland Clinic, Florida Blue has stated that the current contract will allow members to access Cleveland Clinic's services through May 2026, with Continuity of Care provisions in place if no agreement is reached.
Why It's Important?
The ongoing negotiations are significant as they coincide with the annual open enrollment period for health insurance, which runs from November 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026. This period is crucial for individuals to sign up for, cancel, or change their health insurance plans, including those through employer-based insurance, Medicare, or the Affordable Care Act marketplace. The outcome of these negotiations could affect the healthcare options available to Florida Blue members, potentially leading to disruptions in care if Cleveland Clinic becomes out of network. The situation underscores the importance of contract negotiations in the healthcare industry and their impact on patient access to care.
What's Next?
Cleveland Clinic has advised patients to maintain their current appointments, but if no agreement is reached, appointments scheduled on or after March 1, 2026, may be affected. Florida Blue is working to finalize a new agreement to avoid disruptions in coverage. The insurer has also been engaged in negotiations with other hospital systems in Florida, aiming to resolve coverage issues and ensure continued access to healthcare services for its members.
