Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Insurance Coverage with Blue Cross Blue Shield
Stillwater Medical reached a three-year agreement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma that ensures in-network access to all Stillwater Medical providers, specialists, and locations, including hospitals in Stillwater, Blackwell, and Perry. The new agreement will keep Stillwater Medical hospitals, doctors and health care professionals in these networks: Blue Traditional and Blue Choice PPO.
Blue Preferred PPO will no longer be in network with Stillwater Medical. If an employer group wants to access in-network care at Stillwater Medical facilities, they will need to utilize Blue Traditional or Blue Choice. Members can visit bcbsok.com or call the number on the back of their ID card to verify in-network hospitals and providers for their specific plan.
Q. Why isn’t Stillwater Medical participating in the Blue Preferred PPO plan?
A. Stillwater Medical participates in numerous plans from approximately 20 insurance providers. The terms of some plans do not allow us to adequately invest in providing the highest-quality care for our patients. Patients with questions about their insurance coverage are encouraged to contact Stillwater Medical or their HR benefits administrator directly.
Q. What do I need to do if I renewed with Preferred but I want to remain in network with SMC?
A. Blue Preferred will continue to be contracted through end of 2023. Beginning in 2024, Stillwater Medical will be in network with BCBS Traditional and Choice only. The first step you need to take is to contact your broker or company's benefit administrator for details about what this means for you and what options may be available.
Q. What about businesses who already switched insurance companies?
A. Throughout negotiations, we provided our patients with timely and accurate information so they could make informed decisions about access to care, continuing to see their physicians and specialists with whom they built trusted relationships, and their insurance options. We believe it is important to have this critical information to make the best decisions for them.
Q. I'm covered by BCBS Federal. How does this change affect me?
A. If you have Federal employee/retiree benefits, and are currently in PPO network with Stillwater Medical, you will continue to be covered.
Q. Are any members of other insurance plans currently at risk of going out-of-network?
A. Stillwater Medical has healthy, ongoing contractual relationships with many insurance providers, all of which are listed on our website. We will communicate with patients regarding their in-network access to care when appropriate.