Rural Oklahoma hospitals say Blue Cross demands deep rate cut

Oklahoma City — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma is seeking rate cuts that some rural hospitals say they can't absorb.

Don Buchanan, CEO of Haskell County Community Hospital in Stigler, said BCBS intends to cut the hospitals reimbursements by 30 percent for all services, except those delivered in the emergency room. The current contract runs out Oct. 31, and if BCBS doesn't change its intention by then, the hospital will have to stop taking that form of insurance, he said.

“We can't stay in-network,” he said.

BCBS declined to discuss specific rate proposals, but said it has a responsibility to keep costs down for members.

“We make every effort we can to keep health insurance affordable and accessible for all Oklahomans,” the company said in a written statement. “To do this, we evaluate doctors, health care professionals and facilities and enter into agreements with them that benefit and protect our members, while providing fair and equitable reimbursements.”

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