Thousands of Oklahomans have received a temporary reprieve as Integris Health and UnitedHealthcare (UHC) reached a last-minute 30-day extension. Originally set to expire in early February, the contract has been extended to March 9, 2026, allowing patients to remain in-network while negotiations continue.
The standoff is a high-stakes battle over reimbursement rates, with both sides trading accusations regarding the rising cost of healthcare in the Oklahoma City metro area.
The Conflict: Claims vs. Counterclaims
The dispute highlights a growing national trend of “contract stare-downs” between large health systems and massive insurers.
Integris Health’s Position: The health system claims UHC pays less than 85% of agreed rates for commercial plans—reportedly the lowest in the market. They point to nearly 1,500 insurance denials or downgrades, totaling roughly $5 million in lost revenue, which they argue threatens their ability to recruit doctors and maintain technology.
UnitedHealthcare’s Position: UHC alleges that Integris is demanding a 20% price hike, which would make it the most expensive system in Oklahoma City. They claim these increases would add approximately $2,500 to the cost of a C-section and $500 to an MRI, ultimately raising premiums for employers and families.
Impact on Patients
If a permanent agreement is not signed by the March 9 deadline, the transition to out-of-network status will affect a wide range of services.
| Affected Group | Impact Starting March 9, 2026 |
| Medicare Advantage | Over half of Integris’ Medicare Advantage patients are with UHC; they may face significantly higher out-of-pocket costs. |
| Commercial Plans | Employer-sponsored UHC plans would consider Integris facilities and doctors as out-of-network. |
| Specialized Care | Includes McBride Orthopedic Hospital, Touchstone Radiology, and Oklahoma Center for Orthopaedic Multi-Specialty Surgery (OCOM). |
| Continuity of Care | Patients in active treatment (e.g., pregnancy, cancer) may be eligible for temporary “Continuity of Care” coverage. |
Steps for Affected Patients
With the extension active, patients are encouraged to use this 30-day window to prepare for a potential “out-of-network” scenario.
Check Eligibility: Contact UnitedHealthcare to see if you qualify for “Continuity of Care” to finish ongoing treatments with your current Integris doctor.
Review Plan Options: Medicare Advantage members have a specific election window until March 31, 2026, during which they can switch to a plan that remains in-network with Integris (e.g., Aetna, BCBS, Humana).
Confirm Appointments: For now, Integris advises patients to keep all scheduled appointments through March 8.
“The thought of losing my care is horrifying… this notice felt like a gut punch.” — Patient Statement to KOCO News, Feb 2026
