WTWT Memo - Termination of BCBSNM Effective September 1, 2026
To: All Active Western Teamsters Welfare Trust Participants Who Participate in the BlueCross BlueShield New Mexico (BCBSNM):
RE: Termination of BCBSNM Effective September 1, 2026
7/9/2026 - BCBSNM’s premiums have been increasing at an alarming rate and they are the most expensive HMO option in the 11-state area covered by the Trust. Over the years, the Trust has communicated to BCBSNM that if their premiums continue to increase, then it would be likely that the Trust will terminate BCBSNM as an option.
Unfortunately, BCBSNM proposed another increase for the September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, plan year. BCBSNM remains the most expensive HMO option at a monthly premium of $3,018.84 per Active employee. For comparison’s sake, the Trust’s self-funded benefits currently cost on average $1,908.79 per Active per month or $1,110.05 a month less than the BCBSNM rate.
Based on the above, the Trust has decided to terminate BCBSNM as an option effective September 1, 2026. In July, you will receive your open enrollment documents and you must choose between the Indemnity Plus Plan or the Presbyterian HMO. Should you not respond during open enrollment, you will be defaulted to the Indemnity Plus Plan effective September 1, 2026.
The Indemnity Plus Plan utilizes Anthem to obtain access to certain Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) providers for medical services and Express Scripts to manage the prescription drug benefit. With the Anthem PPO option, your out-of-pocket expenses will be less if you use an in-network (PPO) provider. You are allowed the option of obtaining services from an out-of-network (Non-PPO) provider; however, it will result in a higher out-of-pocket cost.
With the prescription drug plan under Express Scripts, you must purchase your prescriptions through an Express Scripts network pharmacy. If you go to a retail pharmacy that is not part of the Express Scripts network, you are responsible for the full cost of the prescription.
You will be issued new ID cards towards the end of August. Once received, to locate Anthem PPO providers or Express Scripts pharmacies, you can use the following web addresses and phone numbers:
- For Anthem PPO Providers – visit www.bluecares.com or call 1-800-810-2583. Use Plan WUW when searching.
- For Express Scripts pharmacies – visit www.express-scripts.com or call 1-800-711-0927.
Presbyterian provides HMO medical and prescription drug coverage. If you elect Presbyterian, you may only utilize Presbyterian facilities. Services will not be covered if you use a non-Presbyterian provider. You will receive a new Presbyterian ID card towards the end of August if you elect this option. To locate Presbyterian Health Plan providers, you may visit their website www.phs.org or call (800) 356-2219.
A comparison of the Presbyterian Health Plan HMO and the Trust’s Indemnity Plus Plan (Anthem PPO) Can Be Viewed Here for your reference. As you will note in the comparison, the medical benefits under the Anthem network (PPO) are considerably higher than non-network (Non-PPO) benefits and, generally, you pay a $15 copay for most services. Anthem PPO providers must be utilized in order to receive benefits at the network level. In addition to the comparison chart, a copy of the Indemnity Plus Plan Summary Plan Description is also enclosed.
The Board of Trustees did not make this decision lightly and would like to thank you for your cooperation during this transition. This transition will ensure that the Trust continues to provide you with quality care options.
Please keep an eye out for your open enrollment materials that will be mailed out next month. If you or your dependents have major ongoing medical conditions, please make your plan selection as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition of care.
If you have questions, please contact the WTWT Trust Office at (800) 872-5439.
Click Here To Read/Download This Memo As A PDF
