BayCare Health System and Florida Blue have reached a new multi-year agreement that will maintain access to BayCare hospitals, services, and its specialty physician network for most Florida Blue members. The agreement, which begins on October 1, covers all of BayCare’s 16 hospitals, its ambulatory network, and BayCare Medical Group.
The deal ensures continued care for Florida Blue members in West Central Florida. This includes Manatee County, where BayCare is constructing the only not-for-profit hospital in Palmetto with plans to open in 2028.
“Negotiations can be challenging; especially as both parties advocate for those we serve. We are pleased to have an agreement with Florida Blue that will benefit our communities for years to come,” said BayCare President and CEO Stephanie Conners. “We are committed to fulfilling our mission in improving the lives of all we serve and worked tirelessly to ensure patients have access to our extraordinary providers and services.”
Most Florida Blue members will experience no interruption in service under the new agreement. However, a small group enrolled in Florida Blue’s Medicare Advantage plan will lose access to BayCare’s primary care physicians. These members will still be able to see specialty physicians at BayCare.
Florida Blue Medicare Advantage patients who wish to keep their BayCare primary care provider may consider changing their coverage during Medicare’s open enrollment period for 2026 starting October 15. A list of Medicare Advantage plans that include BayCare providers is available on the Insurance Plans Accepted page.
More information about this agreement can be found at KeepBayCare.org.
