Discrimination against inmates is prohibited

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan provider community has an obligation to render services to all Blue Cross members. Discrimination against any group is strictly prohibited.

This includes prison inmates with health care coverage under Blue Cross. Providers aren’t allowed to refuse services based on their inmate status. If an individual has a Blue Cross plan ID card, he or she is eligible for care.

Blue Cross stipulated discrimination rules in its provider network contract, the Trust Network Practitioner Affiliation Agreement. Providers who aren’t in accordance with the agreement’s provisions are in violation of their contract.

The agreement reads:

“Trust Practitioner will not discriminate against Members based upon race, color, age, gender, marital status, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation nor may TRUST PRACTITIONER refuse to render Covered Services to Members based upon BCBSM's payment level, benefit or reimbursement policies. Nor shall Trust Practitioner discriminate against Members on the basis of physical or mental handicap. Trust Practitioner shall provide Covered Services to Members in the same manner, quality and promptness as services are provided to Trust Practitioner’s other patients. Trust Practitioner shall not intentionally segregate Members in any way or treat Members in a manner or location different from other persons receiving health care services.”

The parties involved in inmate care recognize the challenges, which is why they offer flexibility. Providers can see inmates before and after normal business hours or schedule visits on alternative days.

For more information, contact Yvonne Moore of Prison Health Services at ymoore@bcbsm.com.