News for Producers
Stay up to date on the latest product news, sales resources, training materials, and regulatory requirements from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas.
Watch your inbox every Wednesday for our exclusive producer newsletter, which includes additional articles not available here.
April 29, 2026
Announcing myVirtualCare Access Plan: A Virtual-First Health Option
April 29, 2026
Applies to Self-Funded Large Groups and National Accounts*
Our new health plan is ‘virtual-first’, not ‘virtual-only’, making it easier for members to decide how, when and where to get care.
More News
Help Clients Avoid Surprise ER Bills
April 22, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
Helping clients understand their coverage and care options can reduce the risk of unexpected medical bills.
Have You Completed Your IFM Survey?
April 22, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
If you haven’t already, we invite you to take a few minutes to complete the Individual & Family Markets broker survey that was sent on March 26.
New Pharmacy Services Program Coming in May
April 22, 2026
Applies to All Groups, Individual & Family Markets*
Pharmacy Match uses a dynamic, real-time referral process to match members with the best-fit pharmacy for filling their specialty prescriptions.
Help Members Understand How They Can Earn Rewards
April 15, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
Members can earn up to $100 in gift cards yearly by completing wellness activities and health-related goals.
Reminder: Resolve DMIs to Help Clients Keep Coverage
April 15, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
Data matching issues can delay or jeopardize coverage if they are not resolved in time. Help your clients fix them.
Manage Your Book of Business in the Producer Portal
April 15, 2026
Applies to All Groups, Individual & Family Markets
If you work with support staff who help manage your book of business, you can give them access to your account.
Producer Integrity Standards: What We Expect
April 15, 2026
Applies to All Markets
Our members and the communities we serve depend on us to act ethically and responsibly. For you, that means supporting our core values of integrity, respect, commitment, excellence and caring.
Encourage Clients to Start with Their Primary Care Provider
April 8, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
Remind your clients that their doctor or primary care provider should be their first line of care for most health needs. Establishing and using a PCP helps ensure coordinated care and typically results in lower out-of-pocket costs.
Resources for Clients: May Is Mental Health Awareness Month
April 8, 2026
Applies to All Groups*
We encourage you to remind eligible clients about the features included in our Behavioral Health product.
Blog to Share: Pregnancy Support That Works
April 8, 2026
Applies to Self-Funded Groups*
Our Women’s and Family Health pregnancy blog breaks down barriers and shows how our benefits can lead to better health outcomes.
Pharmacy Program Quarterly Update Part 2: Changes Effective April 1, 2026
April 1, 2026
Applies to All Groups, ASO and Fully Insured*
The Quarterly Pharmacy Changes are published in two parts to separate updates that require member notification from those that do not require notification. Get the Part 2 details and review Part 1 if needed.
Marketplace Contacting Members for Account Verification
April 1, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
The Health Insurance Marketplace is contacting some members with on-exchange plans who receive advance premium tax credits. Members may be asked to verify their account information, confirm details, or submit documentation to maintain their eligibility.
Get Ahead of Busy Season with Trionfo
March 25, 2026
Applies to Small Groups
Simplify quoting, enrollment and eligibility management for your small group account by using Trionfo. Move your small group book now, ahead of renewal season.
This Year’s Welcome Experience for Medicare Members
March 25, 2026
Applies to Medicare Markets
We will send Medicare members a set of onboarding communications to help them get to know their plan. Get a detailed list of what's coming their way.
At-Home Preventive Health Test Kits are Back
March 25, 2026
Applies to Medicare Markets
The In-home Test Kit program returns. It helps Medicare Advantage members do important preventive health tests at home. Plus, members may earn a reward.
Top 3 Reasons to Download and Keep the BCBSTX App
March 25, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
With our app, members can get their digital ID card, find in-network care and track claims. Encourage members to download and keep the app.
Help Your Clients Know Their Care Options
March 25, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
Helping members with questions about where to go for care and how to use their benefits will improve their experience and reduce unnecessary costs.
Help Clients Avoid Payment Issues
March 25, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
Remind clients to keep their payment information current. If we're unable to process a payment, it can lead to potential coverage issues.
Is Your Client at Risk of Losing Coverage?
March 18, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
If you have clients who have entered Grace Period 3 for missed payments, they are at risk of losing their coverage.
Help your Clients Earn $100 in Gift Cards
March 18, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
Clients can log in to their online member portal to access wellness tools and programs designed to support healthier lifestyles.
Make it Easy for Clients to Find in-Network Care
March 18, 2026
Applies to Individual& Family Markets
If a client needs a new doctor or specialist, Find Care is an easy place to start.
Introducing the Unity Health Hub: Designed to Simplify Digital Health for Employers
March 11, 2026
Applies to All ASO Large Groups, Enterprise National Accounts, and Blue Balance FundedSM Groups*
Unity Health Hub is part of our broader efforts to advance affordability, care coordination and the overall member experience.
Blue Balance Funded: Updated Request Center User Guides Available
March 11, 2026
Applies to Small Group Blue Balance FundedSM accounts
The user guide has been updated and now includes a walkthrough of the all-digital renewal process.
The Annual Medicare CAHPS Survey: Producer Do’s and Don’ts
March 11, 2026
Applies to Medicare Markets
CMS sends this survey to some Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan members each year. Their responses are shared with us — and used to evaluate our Medicare plans.
New Metabolic Health Assets Available for Employers
March 4, 2026
Applies to All Groups*
We’ve developed some materials on metabolic health that will be helpful to your clients as they navigate this health issue with their employees.
Wellness Campaign Empowers Medicare Members to Get an Annual Checkup
March 4, 2026
Applies to Medicare Markets
The 2026 Annual Wellness Visit Campaign launched in February and will run throughout the year.
Why Member Communications Matter
March 4, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
Clients who open and engage with our emails are more likely to stay enrolled.
Members with Dependents Get Autism Support via Online Account
Feb. 25, 2026
Applies to All Groups, Individual & Family Markets*
A new Children with Autism section is now available in the online member portal for members who have dependents covered under their plan.
Red Light Ahead: Grace Period Reminder
Feb. 25, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
2026 Open Enrollment is now behind us, which means the grace periods for binder payments are coming to an end.
How to Track Policy Holders and Pull Your Book of Business
Feb. 25, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
Keeping your book of business current helps you serve members and stay on top of upcoming needs.
Austin Area OB-GYN to Stay in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Networks
Feb. 18, 2026
Applies to All Groups, Individual & Family Markets*
We’re pleased to have reached an agreement with Austin Area OB-GYN and Fertility.
Clients Need Coverage While Out of the Country? Explore BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions℠
Feb. 18, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
Our marketing materials highlight a solution designed to help brokers serve clients needing coverage beyond the U.S.
Children’s Dental Health Month: Bring Brighter Smiles to Your Clients
Feb. 11, 2026
Applies to All Groups*
Children’s Dental Health Month highlights how early dental habits support a child’s overall wellbeing.
How to Set Up Payments for Your Clients
Feb. 11, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
You can make one-time payments on behalf of your clients or set them up for auto bill pay.
Need Help? Our Support Teams Are Here for You
Feb. 11, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
Ever wonder who you should contact for new product information, renewing and transitioning clients, or commission questions?
Share with Clients: Do You Know the Early Warning Signs of a Stroke?
Feb. 11, 2026
Applies to All Markets*
Knowing the earliest signs of a stroke can be a lifesaver.
Pharmacy Program Quarterly Update, Part 1: Changes Effective April 1, 2026
Feb. 4, 2026
Applies to all Self-Funded and Fully Insured groups*
Review the quarterly pharmacy updates for members with prescription drug benefits.
Healthy Aging Is Smart Business
Feb. 4, 2026
Applies to Large Groups and National Accounts, Fully Insured and Self-Funded*
With more employees staying in the workforce longer, organizations benefit greatly from their experience and expertise.
BCBSTX and Austin Area OB-GYN and Fertility Extend Contracts to Feb. 18
Feb. 4, 2026
Applies to All Groups, Individual & Family Markets*
We received a contract extension from Austin Area OB-GYN and Fertility and are working to sign new agreements.
Help Clients Save on Home and Family Essentials
Feb. 4, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
Your clients can save on everyday necessities for their home and family.
Let’s Revisit Premium Payments, Grace Periods and Coverage Loss
Feb. 4, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
To maintain their health plan benefits and avoid loss of coverage, your clients must manage their premium payments and understand grace periods.
Over-the-Counter Benefit Program Updates for 2026
Feb. 4, 2026
Applies to Medicare Markets
Medicare Advantage members with OTC benefits get a set amount of money each quarter to spend on health and wellness items – like pain relievers, first aid supplies, vitamins and more.
Supplemental Health Claims Integration Now Includes Dependents
Jan. 28, 2026
Applies to All Groups*
With member permission, most qualifying medical events can automatically trigger the claim filing process for Supplemental Health products (Accident, Critical Illness or Hospital Indemnity insurance). Learn why it matters, what's new and how it works.
BCBSTX and Memorial Hermann Negotiating New Contracts
Jan. 28, 2026
Applies to All Groups, Individual & Family Markets
Our contracts with Houston-based Memorial Hermann expire on April 1, 2026. We’re working closely with Memorial Hermann leadership and hope to sign new contracts before that date. Get the latest details including affected facilities.
Small Group Renewal Changes? Use the Request Center and Resubmit Request
Jan. 21, 2026
Applies to Small Groups
The Request Center is used to submit Small Group renewal paperwork, including plan changes or contact updates for existing groups. Get tips and screenshots.
New Upgrades to Our Vision Network
Jan. 21, 2026
Applies to All Groups*
As of Jan. 1, all members with BlueCare Vision insurance are now on EyeMed’s Insight network. In-network providers include Walmart and Sam’s Club.
Your Client Signed Up for a Health Plan: Now What?
Jan. 21, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
Your clients may ask you for help after signing up for their health plan. We have a site that explains their next steps, like making a payment or selecting a provider.
You Can Make PCP Changes in RPP for Your Clients
Jan. 21, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
You can help your clients with important updates – like changing their primary care provider – via the Retail Producer Portal. Make sure you are registered so you can help.
Be Ready When Calling Producer Services: Essential Info to Have on Hand
Jan. 21, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
To save yourself time when calling Producer Services for help, have your member’s information ready. What should you have on hand?
Health Risk Assessment Outreach Underway for Medicare Advantage Members
Jan. 21, 2026
Applies to Medicare Markets
HRAs help evaluate a member’s overall health and support preventive care. We are emailing our Medicare Advantage members to encourage them to complete one. Get a sample email.
New Onboarding Communications Welcome Medicare Advantage Members Into 2026
Jan. 21, 2026
Applies to Medicare Markets
We want our Medicare Advantage members to have a smooth start to the 2026 plan year. Review some sample onboarding messages.
Protect Yourself from Cervical Cancer: Get Your Screenings
Jan. 14, 2026
Applies to All Markets*
Share the importance of the well-woman exam with your group and individual clients. A simple Pap test can protect women from a life-threatening cancer.
Open Enrollment Ends Tomorrow and Special Enrollment Begins Friday
Jan. 14, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
Clients will need to have a qualified life event to enroll in a 2026 ACA plan. Get SEP training, links to resources and important dates.
Better Health for All Starts with Better Health Care for Women
Jan. 7, 2026
Applies to Self-Funded Groups and National Accounts*
Women are a vital part of the workforce. We’re here for your clients with resources and insights to help support their health holistically.
Only One Week Left of Open Enrollment
Jan. 7, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
In this final stretch of open enrollment, connect with your clients. Check out some tips and resources.
BCBSTX Help Center
Jan. 7, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
Encourage your Individual & Family Markets clients to visit the Help Center for quick and easy access to the information they need.
Not So Passive: Next Steps for Passive Renewals
Jan. 7, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
In your book of business, reach out to passive renewal clients who haven’t yet made their January premium payment and share payment options with them.
Making Payments Easier for Applicants and Producers
Jan. 7, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
The first premium payment is required to effectuate coverage for individual and family qualified health plans. Review options for you and your clients.
DMIs Can Mean Lost Coverage – Here’s How to Fix Them
Jan. 7, 2026
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
During Open Enrollment, you may encounter Data Matching Issues (DMIs) in your clients’ applications. DMIs can result in lost coverage. Learn how to catch and fix them.
BCBSTX Extends Contract with Hendrick Health to Jan. 16, 2026
Dec. 31, 2025
Applies to all Groups*, Individual & Family Markets
We’re in active negotiations with Hendrick Health System. The current contracts were set to expire on Jan. 1, 2026, but we’ve extended them to Jan. 16, 2026. Learn which BCBSTX networks are affected.
Ascension to Stay in BCBSTX Networks
Dec. 31, 2025
Applies to all Groups*, Individual & Family Markets, Medicare
We’re pleased to have reached an agreement with Ascension. Learn which Ascension hospitals and other facilities will stay in BCBSTX provider networks.
BCBSTX and Austin Area OB-GYN and Fertility Negotiating New Contracts
Dec. 31, 2025
Applies to all Groups*, Individual & Family Markets
We received a termination notice from Austin Area OB-GYN and Fertility. If we don’t sign new agreements, the provider group will leave some of our networks on Feb. 4 and others on May 5, 2026.
How You Can (and Cannot) Help Members During Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
Dec. 31, 2025
Applies to Medicare Markets
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs Jan. 1 to March 31. It gives current Medicare Advantage enrollees a one-time opportunity to make a coverage change if their current plan isn’t meeting their needs. Get sales and marketing dos and don'ts.
Employer News: Giving Your Clients More Timely Updates
Dec. 17, 2025
Applies to All Groups*
Starting in January, we’re making changes to how we share important updates with employers—designed to make information easier to access and act on.
Average Employee Count Deadline Extended to Jan. 9
Dec. 17, 2025
Applies to Fully Insured Groups*
Deadline extension: The deadline for Large (Fully Insured) groups to submit their 2024 Average Employee Count information through Blue Access for Employers℠ has been extended to Jan. 9, 2026.
2025 Gag Clause Prohibition Compliance Attestation Submission
Dec. 17, 2025
Applies to All Groups*
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services collects Gag Clause Prohibition Compliance Attestations from applicable group health plans and issuers that offer group and individual health insurance coverage. These attestations are due by Dec. 31 each year based on current guidance from the federal government.
Use the Request Center for All Small Group Renewal Changes
Dec. 17, 2025
Applies to Small Group
The Request Center is used to submit Small Group renewal paperwork for account/group-level changes on existing groups. Get tips and screenshots.
2026 SEP Off-Exchange Training Now Available
Dec. 17, 2025
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
Plan year 2026 off-Exchange Special Enrollment training is now available. Strengthen your skills now.
Access Your Book of Business in 4 Steps
Dec. 17, 2025
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
The Retail Producer Portal isn’t just for quoting, enrolling and servicing clients. It’s also your go-to resource for managing your book of business. With just a few clicks, you can download detailed reports and keep client information at your fingertips.
New Pharmacy Services Program, Pharmacy Match, Coming in 2026
Dec. 10, 2025
Applies to Groups, Individual & Family Markets
Living with a complex, long-term or rare health condition can be challenging. The medications needed to treat these conditions often have special handling or storage needs and may only be filled at select pharmacies. It is also vital for patients to closely follow the drug care plan from their health care provider or pharmacist.
New Digital Communications Consent Opt-in Available in Blue Access for Employers℠
Dec. 10, 2025
Applies to Self-Funded and Fully Insured Groups*
The Digital Communications Consent form is an optional selection in Blue Access for Employers℠, which enables authorized Group Administrators to opt-into electronic delivery of certain member communications. Members may further personalize their communication preferences in Blue Access for Members℠.
Reminder: Blue Balance Funded℠ January 2026 Enrollment Deadline
Dec. 10, 2025
Applies to Small Groups
Overview: New 2026 group sales enrollment for the Blue Balance Funded product must be received from producers approximately 12 calendar days prior to the effective date. The process has been digitized and streamlined via DocuSign.
IFM Sales Tool Kit: Resources to Market, Sell, Renew and Enroll
Dec. 10, 2025
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
The IFM Sales Tool Kit is available to help you market, sell, renew and enroll — and keep up on training.
Help Clients Stay Informed — With One Tap
Dec. 10, 2025
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas mobile app makes managing health plans simple — and cuts down on repeat questions.
With Thanks and Gratitude: A Message from the BCBSTX Medicare Sales Team
Dec. 10, 2025
As we wrap up another AEP and move into the holiday season, we just want to take a moment to celebrate you. Your energy, dedication and resilience made a real impact for the members and communities we serve. We couldn’t do this without you.
Share with Clients: How to Talk to Kids About Adult Mental Health Issues
Dec. 10, 2025
Share this information with your clients.
Recent studies report that over 60 million adults in the U.S. experienced a mental illness in the past year. Many people with mental health disorders are parents. It may seem hard or stressful to talk to your kids about your or another adult’s mental health struggles. But experts say it is better for the long-term health of your family.
2026 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Ends This Sunday, Dec. 7
Dec. 3, 2025
Applies to Medicare Markets
The 2026 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period ends on Sunday, Dec. 7. All applications must be submitted by midnight local time to ensure Medicare coverage changes go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
‘Producer News’ Coming to Our Public Site
Dec. 3, 2025
We’re excited to share an upcoming enhancement that will make it easier for you to access the information you need. By the end of 2025, we will begin posting producer newsletter articles on our BCBSTX public site in a new “Producer News” section.
Small Group Medical Policy Termination
Dec. 3, 2025
Applies to Fully Insured Small Group*
Under the Affordable Care Act, when an employer cancels medical coverage, they must provide adequate notice to all their covered employees that the group medical policy will terminate on a chosen date.
Be Ready Before You Call Producer Services: Key Details to Have Handy
Dec. 3, 2025
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
Calling Producer Services without the right information can slow things down. To ensure fast, accurate assistance, gather some details before you pick up the phone.
Stop Searching—Save These Must-Have Links Now
Dec. 3, 2025
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
Unlock everything you need to sell smarter—explore these resources now.
Cut Costs, Not Workouts: Blue365® Helps Your Clients Save on Fitness
Dec. 3, 2025
Applies to Individual & Family Markets
Whether your clients work out in the gym or at home, both can be costly. With our exclusive Blue365 discount program, members can get discounts at popular gyms, and discounted equipment and more.
BlueResource℠: ‘Tis the Season to Stress Less
Dec. 3, 2025
Applies to All Markets*
The holidays are a good time to connect and spend time with people we care about. In the rush of all the excitement, stress can often rear its ugly head. BlueResource offers helpful tips to help members navigate all the festivities. Share our holiday content with your clients.
*This article, or a similar version, is being shared with employer groups in our employer newsletter or news alert.
Last Updated: April 29, 2026