Central Texas Medical Center, a member of the Adventist Health System, announced June 27 that it had reached a new agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas that allows Blue Cross members to receive health care at the hospital at in-network prices.

CTMC, the only hospital in San Marcos, was no longer in the Blue Cross network when a contract between the two organizations expired April 7.

The new agreement takes effect July 1 and brings AHS's three Texas hospitals—including CTMC in San Marcos, Metroplex Adventist Hospital in Killeen and Rollins Brook Community Hospital in Lampasas—back into the Blue Cross network.

In May, CTMC Director of Marketing Clay Destefano said he thought community involvement would play a key role in resolving the issue. After announcing the new agreement he said he had heard anecdotally from many Hays County residents and business leaders about their efforts lobbying Blue Cross to bring CTMC back into the hospital's network.

"We think it's unfortunate that the delay [between contracts] happened, but we think this new agreement is better for everyone," DeStefano said.

In a news release, CTMC President Sam Hunergardt said he was pleased with the new agreement.

"At Central Texas Medical Center, we work hard to be a high-quality, affordable provider for our patients, creating value in everything we do," Huenergardt said. "We are committed to investing in resources, training, staff and technology that support our tradition of excellence and uphold our mission of patient-centered care. We are pleased to once again be able to provide great care to Blue Cross Blue Shield members in our community."

Huenergardt estimated that about 10 percent of CTMC's patients were Blue Cross members.

Blue Cross members can begin booking appointments and hospital services now to ensure in-network care resumes July 1.

In the news release, Jack Towsley, divisional senior vice president of healthcare delivery for Blue Cross, said his company works to ensure "affordable health care benefits to our members in all 254 counties across the state."

"Adventist is a valuable partner, and we're pleased our continued discussions have resulted in an agreement that provides access to care for our members," Towsley said.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.