Industry · OK
Hillcrest HealthCare Drops Out of Aetna Network in Oklahoma
Tulsa-based Hillcrest HealthCare System went out of network with Aetna on Nov. 1 after the two sides failed to reach a new contract, affecting roughly 15,000 people with Aetna employer-sponsored commercial or Medicare Advantage coverage. Hillcrest says Aetna's below-market rates and payment practices drove the split, while Aetna says Hillcrest sought price increases that would raise costs for members and plan sponsors. Medicaid members enrolled in Aetna Better Health are not affected, and emergency care remains covered; some patients may qualify for continuity-of-care protections. Both parties say they remain open to further negotiation.
Why it mattersThe dispute underscores how payer-provider rate fights can disrupt commercial and Medicare Advantage access even when a plan's Medicaid managed care line is explicitly carved out and protected.