Effective July 1, 2025, Blue Cross and Blue and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) expanded its Blue Premier specialty programs, contracting with Thyme Care to provide 24/7 virtual cancer navigation and comprehensive wraparound care for eligible members. 

Thyme Care delivers high-value care and a better patient experience through targeted interventions, proven to improve quality while reducing cost: 

• Proactive symptom management through Care Team outreach and follow-up
• SDOH assessments to identify and eliminate any care barriers
• Increased access to community resources 
• Advance care planning and palliative care support 
• Chronic condition management 
• Access to on-demand urgent care 
• Survivorship support

General Information about the Blue Premier Oncology Program

As a provider, do I have to do anything related to this program?

Thyme Care's program is designed to be low lift for PCPs and oncologists while delivering high impact for patients. The team partners closely with PCPs to ensure visibility into patient support and continuity of care. You can expect the following:

• Navigation summaries and care coordination notes sent to PCPs around high-risk events (e.g., transitions of care, goals of care discussions)
• Outbound calls from Thyme Care’s triage team to PCPs for uncontrolled symptoms related to non-oncology conditions
• Peer-to-peer (MD-to-MD) discussions for high-risk cases or goals of care, as appropriate
• Navigation back to the PCP to ensure continued support after cancer-directed therapy ends

Referrals (optional but encouraged): Thyme Care welcomes PCPs to identify patients as early as possible in their cancer journey and facilitate a direct, warm handoff. Referrals complement the monthly claims-based patient attribution that Blue Cross NC shares with Thyme Care.

Providers can submit a referral for their eligible patients by: 

• Submit a referral online
• Contact Thyme Care’s team directly:
  • Email: careteam@thymecare.health
  • Phone: 201-526-8484

What members are eligible for this program?

Members 18 and older across North Carolina who have a suspected or confirmed cancer diagnosis and have primary coverage through Commercial plans (ASO, Fully-Insured, Individual under 65) and Medicare Advantage plan are eligible for the program. Of these members, those who are in active cancer treatment (as evidenced by presence of a cancer diagnosis and an oral / intravenous chemotherapy drug) within the past 180 days will be identified and assigned to the program for proactive outreach.

Members with an EPO, IPP Host / Blue Care and FEP plan are not eligible at this time. 

Providers can reach out to the Value Programs team at oncologyvalueprogram@bcbsnc.com if they have additional questions.