Addressing the Affordability Crisis

News and updates


Updates from BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and across the industry on the rising cost of healthcare.

BlueCross updates


To learn more about our approach to affordability and our efforts to help manage healthcare costs, see the links below.

What Tennesseans Need to Know About 2026 Marketplace Plans – BCBST News
BlueCross explains 2026 Marketplace rates, along with factors driving costs to help members prepare for open enrollment and make informed decisions about their coverage.

How to Find the Right Health Plan During Open Enrollment – BCBST News
BlueCross SVP of Corporate Communications Dalya Qualls White shares tips to help members select the right coverage for their needs.

Affordable Health Care is on the Line for Tennesseans – BCBST News
BlueCross Vice President of Product Strategy & Individual Markets Michael Eiselstein explains the importance of enhanced premium tax credits in managing costs for our Marketplace members.

New ways we’re driving cost savings for employers and members – BCBST News
Our changes include improving the way we review claims before they’re paid and adjusting payment policies for mid-level providers like nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Our commitment to improving prior authorization – BCBST News
We make sure the care and medications our members receive are safe, clinically appropriate, covered by their plan, and cost-effective. And we’re making prior authorizations work better for everyone.

How drug costs are affecting Tennesseans – BCBST News
We paid out $3.5 billion for prescriptions in 2024. Providing access to safe and effective drugs is core to our purpose, but we also have to consider how they raise costs for everyone.

Our role is promoting health care affordability – BCBST News
We’re here to help our members and customers get the right care, at the best price. So, we negotiate prices and use evidence-based guidelines for what we cover.

Industry news


For more on rising health care costs, see the articles below:

Why Millions of Americans are Seeing a Spike in Healthcare Costs – PBS
PBS explores some of the factors driving up healthcare costs and insurance premiums.

33K in Hamilton County Face 40% Hikes in Health Insurance Rates – Times Free Press
The Chattanooga Times Free Press explores the effects of the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits on insurance costs for Hamilton County residents.

Tennessee Health Insurance Premiums to Rise Sharply – Tennessean
The Tennessean explores rising premium costs for Tennessee residents ahead of 2025 open enrollment.