March 1, 2021

OU Physicians Leaving our Networks on June 29, 2021

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) has worked hard to negotiate with OU Physicians in the Oklahoma City area, but a mutual agreement could not be reached before the Feb. 28 contract deadline. Therefore, we have entered the 120-day transition period. On June 29, 2021, OU Physicians will be out-of-network.

We are disappointed that OU Physicians did not opt to continue negotiations. This is not the outcome we had hoped for, but our networks remain strong and robust. Our members will continue to have access to quality, convenient, in-network providers across the state.

During the negotiation, our top priority was to renew the agreement built on our long-standing relationship with OU Physicians to ensure our members had continued access. We value OU Physicians and worked to find a middle ground that balanced its rate demands with the economic needs of our employer group customers and members.

The demands: OU Physicians demanded excessive increases in the prices our members pay for care. If we had agreed to OU Physicians’ demands, our members would have incurred higher cost-sharing for the same services they received before the negotiation. We could not agree to such terms. We acted in the best interest of our members, employers and the communities we serve.

Our next steps: We will work with members to safely transfer their care, if they desire, to other in-network doctors and health care professionals. Details for PPO and HMO members are on our microsite at bcbsok.com/OUPhysicians.

Finding in-network care: Members have several ways to find in-network care: 

Care for ongoing conditions: Members being treated for a pregnancy, disability, acute condition or life-threatening illness may have continuity-of-care benefits. This means they may still be able to see their current OU Physicians doctor even after they leave our networks. Benefits for continuity of care are based on benefit plans. To find out if they are eligible, members can call the number on their ID card for more information.   

More information: Contact your BCBSOK representative for more information or go to bcbsok.com/OUPhysicians.