Tulsa-based Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma is working to ease any concerns Stillwater (Okla.) Medical Center and other providers may have regarding their contracts, according to a Stillwater News Press.
The efforts come as BCBSOK and Oklahoma City-based Integris Health are in a negotiation stalemate. The two sides' agreement ends Aug. 31. Integris hospitals and ancillary facilities, as well as employed physicians, will be out of network with BCBSOK if the two sides fail to reach a resolution.
This stalemate has sparked some concerns from SMC. However, BCBSOK Senior Manager of Public Affairs Melissa Clark told Stillwater News Press the medical center's concerns related to expectations for their contract are "pure speculation."
She added SMC is "a completely different contract" compared to Integris, and the insurer does not expect a great number of contract changes or problems for the medical center.
The contract between SMC and BCBSOK renews in December, according to Ms. Clark. The report states SMC proposed beginning negotiations early and did not hear back from the insurer. Ms. Clark told Stillwater News Press BCBSOK expects to submit its proposal for SMC by Sept. 1.