Blue Cross Blue Shield won't pay some out-of-network ER visits in Texas

Blue Cross Blue Shield is making some big changes that could affect half a million Texans.

If you have an HMO plan with the insurance company, you should be aware that Blue Cross Blue Shield will no longer pay for an out-of-network ER visit if it is not serious or life-threatening.

Claims will be evaluated by a medical director to determine the reason a patient chose to go to the ER, and whether treatment could have been handled by a clinic or family physician.

Critics claim the program forces patients to make untrained diagnoses and potentially skip treatment if they fear medical bills will not be paid.