Hutchinson Clinic to Return to Blue Cross Blue Shield Network Sept. 1

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Clinic will return to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas network Sept. 1 after reaching a new agreement with the insurer, ending an eight-month period during which patients faced higher out-of-pocket costs.

The physician-owned practice and BCBSKS announced the agreement in a joint statement Thursday, saying they recognized the importance of providing patients access to local healthcare providers.

"We are pleased to announce Hutchinson Clinic will return to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas network on September 1st, 2025," the organizations said. "We understand how important it is for our patients to have access to local providers and services they know and trust."

The clinic left the BCBS network Jan. 1 after contract negotiations broke down over reimbursement rates. Clinic leaders at the time cited unsustainable payment rates as the reason for leaving the network while reaffirming their commitment to keeping care local.

The departure had been in-network for BCBS members for many years before the contract dispute. During the eight-month gap, many patients faced higher costs to continue seeing their longtime providers at the clinic, which serves Reno County and surrounding areas.

The clinic's Patient Advocacy Center worked with BCBSKS members during the out-of-network period to help them understand their costs and coverage options.

Starting Sept. 1, BCBSKS members will again receive in-network benefits when visiting Hutchinson Clinic locations. The restored network status applies to both existing patients and new BCBSKS members seeking care from the clinic's physicians and specialists.

Hutchinson Clinic operates as a multi-specialty medical practice offering primary care, walk-in care and outpatient surgery. The clinic is located at 2101 N. Waldron St. and can be reached at 620-669-2500.