Hillcrest Goes Out of Network With Aetna
Hillcrest Healthcare System's facilities and employed providers are no longer in network for Aetna plans after its agreement expired on November 1, 2026.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Healthcare
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Hillcrest Healthcare System went out of network with Aetna in Oklahoma after its agreement expired on November 1, 2026. Hillcrest and its employed providers are out of network for all Aetna insurance plans, though emergency services remain covered at in-network benefit levels.
Why it matters
Aetna patients in Oklahoma who rely on Hillcrest facilities may face higher out-of-pocket costs for care received there. Contract negotiations between the two sides remain unresolved.
The Hillcrest-Aetna agreement expired on November 1, 2026, after roughly six months of unsuccessful communication attempts between Hillcrest and Aetna leadership. No new agreement date has been set, and negotiations remain unresolved.
The players
Hillcrest Healthcare System
Hillcrest Healthcare System is a northeast Oklahoma health system that operates hospitals, clinics and employs a large network of providers in the region.
Aetna
Aetna is a major national health insurance company, a subsidiary of CVS Health, that administers commercial and government-sponsored health plans.
The details
Hillcrest says its facilities and employed providers are out of network for all Aetna plans, while Aetna members may qualify for continuity of care protections. Patients with questions about those protections should call Aetna at the number on the back of their insurance card.
Timeline
November 1, 2026: Hillcrest's agreement with Aetna expired, moving its facilities out of network.
Past six months: Hillcrest made repeated attempts to communicate with Aetna leadership before the expiration.
Market Landscape
Disputes like this one reflect a recurring pattern in which hospital systems and national insurers negotiate reimbursement rates, and lapsed contracts push patients to bear more of the cost. The outcome shapes competitive positioning between regional providers and large insurance carriers in the state.
Oklahoma patients with Aetna coverage who see Hillcrest providers may pay more out of pocket until a new agreement is reached. Those with questions about continuity of care should contact Aetna directly.
The takeaway
Patients with Aetna coverage should confirm network status before scheduling non-emergency care at Hillcrest facilities, since the dispute remains unresolved.
Further reading
For more on how provider contracts shape patient costs, see Healthcare coverage.
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