The state's largest health insurer and one of North Texas' largest provider groups remain stalemated over a contract that could impact about 185,000 consumers if not resolved by Saturday.

Over 800 clinicians and 29 hospitals, all part of the Texas Health Resources system, could become out-of-network for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas members beginning on April 1.

It's not the first time negotiations between the two health care giants have gone down to the wire.

In fact, a similar dispute played out in the public eye at the end of 2016. The two reached an agreement on a 15-month contract right before the deadline.

The companies usually work it out with no disruptions. But there's no guarantee until a contract is signed, so it's déjà vu all over again for local consumers forced back into limbo.

Reagan Branham color illustration of a patient speaking to a doctor through his stethoscope. St. Louis Post-Dispatch

On a positive note, spokesmen for both Blue Cross and Texas Health told The Dallas Morning News this week that—at least for now— "We're still talking."

And what's important to know in the meantime is that Texas is one of several states with "continuity of care" laws that ensure patients in the middle of life-saving treatments aren't left in the lurch in the event that things fall apart.

CONSUMER PROTECTIONS

According to the Texas Insurance Code, continuity of care protections apply to both HMO and PPO plans, although their requirements vary.

The law also applies to plans purchased on and off the government-mandated insurance exchange.

The majority of protections are for those in "special circumstances," where cutting off care could harm the insured patient. For example, that applies to someone with a life-threatening illness, like cancer, or whose treatment could be a matter of life or death, like dialysis patients.

It also extends to terminally ill patients, those with disabilities and those with an acute condition (like a broken bone or strep throat), who all remain protected for 90 days after in-network status ends.

For women who have passed the 24th week of pregnancy when the out-of-network status begins, the insurer would be obligated to continue to offer coverage through delivery, immediate postpartum care, and through a follow-up checkup six-weeks after delivery.

If a deal isn't reached, Blue Cross said it will extend this protection to all women who have reached the 13th week of pregnancy.

Elective procedures are not considered a medical emergency. So patients with those types of visits scheduled for April should start reaching out if the appointments are with a provider or facility within the Texas Health umbrella.