University of Kansas Health System in Johnson/Wyandotte Counties Out-of-Network for EPO Plans Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Updated on 2/16/2026

    The University of Kansas Health System terminated the BCBSKS contract for EPO plans only effective Jan. 1, 2026. This impacts facilities only in Johnson and Wyandotte counties. No other commercial plans or locations are impacted.

    • This termination means services and procedures performed at University of Kansas Health System facilities in Johnson and Wyandotte counties are not considered in-network for EPO plan members as they are out of the BCBSKS service area.

    BCBSKS is committed to helping our members have access to affordable, quality health care choices close to home. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, University of Kansas Health System facilities in Johnson and Wyandotte counties will be considered out-of-network for BCBSKS members with EPO plans only. Those with commercial plans are not impacted.

    • EPO plans do not offer out-of-network services. You will owe 100% of the charges unless you are seeking emergency care.
    • Emergency care is covered by BCBSKS and will not have out-of-network penalties.
    • Members undergoing treatment for serious and complex conditions may have additional coverage options. As part of the Consolidations Appropriations Act, BCBSKS may allow services to be covered as in-network for up to 90 days. Contact our Customer Service Center at 1-800-432-3990 (toll-free) to see if this applies to you.
    • Facility fees/services for in-network providers: While providers are still in-network at these facilities through the KU Physicians Inc. contract, there will likely be additional facility fees when seeing providers. To avoid additional out-of-pocket charges, current patients may wish to transfer their care to a new, in-network provider.
    • Transfer of care: We know having in-network care close to home is important for you, and there are other options where you can transfer your care. We encourage you to visit our online directory for a listing of alternative contracting providers in your area. The provider directory can be accessed at: bcbsks.com/find-a-doctor. When searching, members will need to view the full provider profile and check the affiliated clinic section to ensure the provider is not associated with the KU Health System in Johnson or Wyandotte counties.

    Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans cover health care services only when members use providers within a specific network, except for emergencies. For Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, almost all doctors and hospitals in their 103-county service area are in-network, excluding Johnson and Wyandotte counties.  This means services outside of the BCBSKS network are considered out-of-network and therefore are not covered under this plan.

    There are several places where your plan information is available: on your member ID card, in your Summary of Benefits, through your BlueAccess account or by calling our customer service team.