INTEGRIS Health and UnitedHealthcare Contract Dispute Leaves Patients Out-of-Network
Oklahoma City, OK — February 7, 2026 — INTEGRIS Health announced today that it is no longer contracted with UnitedHealthcare following an unsuccessful negotiation process between the two organizations. The disruption affects INTEGRIS hospitals, physicians, and joint venture partners, placing them out-of-network for UnitedHealthcare members starting February 7, 2026. Details of the Dispute
INTEGRIS Health communicated to its patients that despite optimism for reaching a mutually acceptable contract, a formal agreement consistent with previously discussed verbal terms was not finalized. "We regret to inform you that we have not been able to reach acceptable contract terms, and we will be out-of-network with UnitedHealthcare after Feb. 7, 2026," INTEGRIS stated in its update. They emphasized they remain open to further discussions but currently face an impasse.
The out-of-network status encompasses all services provided through INTEGRIS Health, including inpatient and outpatient hospitals, ancillary services, employed physicians, and affiliates such as McBride Orthopedic Hospital, Touchstone Radiology, Healthcare Partners (HPI), Oklahoma Center for Orthopedic Multi-Specialty Surgery (OCOM), and other INTEGRIS Community Hospitals.
Patient Guidance and Continuity of Care
For patients with existing appointments at INTEGRIS facilities, the health system assures outreach efforts will be made to discuss out-of-network benefits and advise on next steps. Patients may be eligible for "Continuity of Care" provisions and are encouraged to contact UnitedHealthcare customer service, whose number appears on the back of their insurance cards, to explore options.
INTEGRIS also encouraged patients who desire UnitedHealthcare to resume contract negotiations to communicate their concerns directly with the insurer.
Statements from INTEGRIS Health
INTEGRIS highlighted the financial pressures impacting negotiations, acknowledging challenges faced by families and businesses. "We know this dispute places an undue burden on hard-working families and businesses, like INTEGRIS Health, already struggling with increased costs," their statement read. They criticized UnitedHealthcare for rejecting contract provisions that other payors had agreed upon in the region while affirming their commitment to advocating for patient access to quality care, recruitment of top medical talent, and sustaining technological advancements.
UnitedHealthcare’s Response
UnitedHealthcare issued a statement earlier in the dispute asserting that INTEGRIS demanded a significant price increase—a proposed hike exceeding 20%. According to UnitedHealthcare, this would render INTEGRIS the most expensive health system in their commercial network across Oklahoma City. The insurer expressed concerns over financial impacts on local employers and families, citing that the increase would add over $64 million in costs for commercial plans and elevate prices for Medicare Advantage plans.
The statement emphasized UnitedHealthcare’s willingness to continue negotiations, offering rate increases they describe as "market-competitive" and reaffirming their commitment to reach an agreement.
Impact on Patients and the Local Healthcare Landscape
The contract lapse between INTEGRIS Health and UnitedHealthcare marks a significant development in Oklahoma’s healthcare system. Patients insured through UnitedHealthcare should take immediate steps to understand how this change affects their care coverage, potential out-of-pocket costs, and alternative options.
Both organizations continue to express hopes for a resolution while underscoring the complexities and financial considerations that have led to this stalemate.
For More Information
Patients with questions regarding their coverage or appointments should contact INTEGRIS Health or UnitedHealthcare customer service directly. Updates will be provided as negotiations evolve.
This article will be updated as new information becomes available.