Norman Regional Health System Updates on Insurance Contract Discussions

Norman Regional Health System is currently engaged in routine negotiations with our insurance partners to ensure our agreements reflect the true cost of delivering high-quality care. This is a normal part of healthcare operations and other healthcare systems in our region have experienced this as well.

Like many healthcare organizations across the country, we are experiencing rising costs related to staffing, supplies, and technology. It is important that our payer contracts remain aligned with these realities so we can continue to invest in our services and care for our community.

For months, we have been working diligently with Aetna on a new contract. However, despite our best efforts, we were not able to reach an agreement. Please be advised that because we cannot come to an agreement with Aetna, most services provided at NRHS will no longer be in network for Aetna policyholders or health plans using the First Health PPO network this summer.

As such, non-emergency, scheduled elective services provided at NRHS will no longer be in-network for Aetna policyholders as of the following dates:

• NRHS and NHealth has an out-of-network date of July 15, 2026.
• The Ortho Central Ambulatory Surgery Center has an out-of-network date of July 31, 2026.
• The West Norman Endoscopy Ambulatory Surgery Center has an out-of-network date of December 31, 2026.

We Love Caring for You

We thank Aetna policyholders trusting Norman Regional with their care. We want to continue to care for you and encourage you to let your insurance provider know you value our expert physicians, compassionate nurses and convenient facilities.

Please call Aetna and urge them to keep Norman Regional in network.

Aetna: 1-88-365-4385

We want to reassure our patients and the community that:

      •     Care continues

      •     There is no anticipated disruption to services

      •     Our focus remains on providing safe, high-quality care close to home

What Patients Need to Know

• By law, emergency room visits, hospital admissions through the emergency room, and associated emergency ambulance transfers (ground and air) are generally covered by health plans regardless of network status when a patient has an emergency medical condition as defined by the prudent layperson standard.
• NRHS and NHealth will be out-of-network for elective lab, imaging, wound care, sleep visits, and surgery as well as physical, speech, and occupational therapy.
• Some physicians and advanced practice professionals only have medical staff privileges at NRHS facilities. As such, they may not be able to perform procedures at other facilities that are in-network for Aetna policyholders. Please consult with your physician before scheduling a procedure.
• Aetna policyholders who seek services (other than emergency care) at NRHS will likely incur higher out-of-pocket expenses than if they used an in-network facility or physician. Some insurance plans will pay a portion of out-of-network costs. Patients can contact Aetna for specific questions regarding their benefit plan and out-of-network services.