As good stewards of our members’ premium dollars, we’re constantly looking for ways to deliver savings without compromising quality of care. One area we identified to help relieve health care cost burdens on our members is durable medical equipment (DME) and medical supplies.
Prices for some durable medical equipment items have climbed sharply. For example, the cost of one motorized leg brace increased by about $2,200 in 2025, while the price of a comparable arm brace rose by approximately $1,600 last year.
To help manage these costs, BlueCross has rolled out a new partnership with CareCentrix for durable medical equipment, including items like dressings, incontinence supplies, ventilators and wheelchairs—materials that support treatment plans prescribed by physicians.
The shift to CareCentrix streamlines our durable medical equipment network and reduces costs while maintaining statewide service coverage. Members will continue to receive the supplies they need when they need them, and our teams have been working hard to ensure a smooth transition.
New network, same coverage, lower prices
CareCentrix’s network includes suppliers capable of serving members in all 95 Tennessee counties.
By directing member DME needs through the CareCentrix network, this new partnership is expected to deliver an average of 22% savings on equipment, reducing costs for employer groups and out-of‑pocket expenses for members.
It’s important to note this transition affects only the delivery of supplies, not type or quality of care our members receive.
All of our health plans will be included in the transition. Most members will notice little to no change in how they receive equipment, and they do not need to take any action to continue getting the supplies they need.
More than 80% of DME items can be shipped directly to a member’s home. Providers will continue sending prescriptions for equipment and supplies as usual, and they’ll be routed through CareCentrix, which will coordinate sourcing and delivery on behalf of our members.
For more complex items, such as oxygen tanks, ventilators, hospital beds or wheelchairs that require setup, CareCentrix will arrange in‑home delivery and adjustments using their statewide network of specialized suppliers.
If a member’s current supplier is not included in the CareCentrix network, a new in‑network provider will be assigned automatically. CareCentrix will also work directly with physicians to obtain any necessary orders or prescriptions to maintain uninterrupted service.
How to learn more
To learn more about our new durable medical equipment network and our affordability efforts, visit BCBSTWorksForYou.com. Members with questions can call the service number on the back of their ID card for assistance.