Select one PO with affiliated MCG to support all Blue Cross, BCN business

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are asking primary care providers to align with one physician organization, and that PO’s affiliated medical care group, to receive support for all Blue Cross and BCN lines of business in which the primary care provider chooses to participate. This includes Blue Cross and BCN commercial and Medicare Advantage plans.

This alignment needs to occur before Jan. 1, 2026, but we’re encouraging primary care providers to consider their options and make any necessary changes now. Working with a Blue Cross physician organization and its related BCN medical care group will maximize efficiency for Blue Cross and BCN reporting, incentives and value-based contracting. We expect this change to reduce the administrative burden on primary care providers and result in more time for patient care.

What primary care providers need to do

Review the list of POs and their corresponding MCGs.

• If the primary care provider is already part of a PO and MCG that align, there is no action needed. If you have any questions, contact your PO.
• If the primary care provider is not already part of a PO or MCG, review the list of POs and their corresponding MCGs and reach out to ask about participation requirements, including the benefits and services they offer.
• If the primary care provider is with one PO for Blue Cross contracts and an MCG that doesn’t align to that same PO for BCN contracts, determine which entity you will align with going forward. Talk to both entities to ensure you make an informed choice.
• If the primary care provider is in the Upper Peninsula, there is no need to align with a BCN MCG. There is currently no corresponding MCG to the Upper Peninsula Health Group PO. 

What you should know

• We encourage primary care providers to join physician organizations or medical care groups to maximize value-based reimbursement, incentive opportunities and opportunities for a value-based contract.
• A primary care provider can participate in the Blue Cross networks without aligning to a PO. 
• In some cases, a primary care provider may be able to participate in the BCN and BCN Advantage networks without aligning to a PO or MCG entity, but participation is limited based on the needs of the network.

For more information

Here’s where you can learn more:

• Contact your Blue Cross PO or BCN MCG
• Reach out to PO or MCG contacts in the list of POs and their corresponding MCGs