DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - Negotiations are ongoing between Aspirus St. Luke’s and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota.

If an agreement isn’t reached by the end of the year, Aspirus St. Luke’s locations will be considered out of network.

According to Aspirus, from 2024 to 2025, Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota raised its premiums by more than 11 percent.

For 2026, it has proposed increases of more than 16 percent.

Aspirus says they are seeking equitable reimbursement given rising costs and federal Medicaid cuts.

If an agreement isn’t reached, Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital and affiliated Aspirus clinics in Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin will be considered out-of-network for patients after Dec. 31st.

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