Stigler, Okla.-based Haskell County Community Hospital said it will have to stop accepting Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma policies as in-network if the insurer goes through with proposed rate cuts, The Oklahoman reports.
HCCH's CEO Don Buchanan said BCBS seeks a 30 percent rate cut for all services except emergency care. If BCBS goes through with the decrease, the hospital will no longer be in-network after Oct. 31.
Mike Murtha, president of the Alliance for Rural Hospitals, said a 30 percent cut could sink some financially strapped rural hospitals. He added three other hospitals in Oklahoma are facing similar situations.
BCBS did not confirm specific rate proposals to The Oklahoman, but said it will "make every effort we can to keep health insurance affordable and accessible for all Oklahomans. To do this, we evaluate doctors, healthcare professionals and facilities and enter into agreements with them that benefit and protect our members, while providing fair and equitable reimbursements."