Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota (BCBS-MN) and Aspirus Health have reached a two-year agreement, ensuring all Aspirus facilities, including the former St. Luke’s in Duluth, remain in-network. This agreement guarantees continued in-network coverage and cost predictability for BCBS members and Aspirus patients through 2027, preventing a potential lapse in coverage.
Dr. Nick Van Deelen, Aspirus Health Minnesota Market President, said, “I’m pleased we were able to reach an agreement for our patients that allows them to continue receiving high-quality care close to home from the Aspirus providers and services they know and trust. We appreciate Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota’s collaboration to reach this agreement.”
Mark Steffen, Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, said, ”We are pleased to have found common ground with Aspirus St. Luke’s that supports the health of the communities we serve together.”
The most immediate benefit of the new contract term is that patients can feel secure knowing their care will stay in-network for the next two years. They can continue seeing their established doctors and utilizing preferred facilities without concern about unexpected costs or switching insurance plans. BCBSMN members can trust that their services at Aspirus facilities will be billed at predictable, in-network rates, helping prevent surprise medical bills and providing peace of mind.
For patients with chronic conditions or those planning future procedures, this agreement ensures that their treatment and preferred facilities (e.g., Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital) are covered for the next two years. They can schedule appointments and surgeries with confidence.
A multi-year agreement means BCBS-MN successfully negotiated fixed rates with Aspirus for the contract’s duration. This stability helps manage healthcare costs and reduces the impact of annual rate increases.
In short, the agreement provides the crucial certainty and financial predictability that healthcare consumers rely on, especially in a region where Aspirus is a primary care provider.
