Norman Regional Health System patients covered by United Healthcare could face higher costs for non-emergency care starting Wednesday, Sept. 30.

The health system said in a patient update posted Sept. 24 that it has not reached a contract agreement with United Healthcare. If negotiations fail before the deadline, Norman Regional hospitals, clinics and affiliated surgery centers will become out-of-network for UHC policyholders.

The change would affect UHC commercial plans, including employer-sponsored coverage, UHC Medicare Advantage plans and applicable administrative-services-only plans. Ortho Central Ambulatory Surgery Center, West Norman Endoscopy Ambulatory Surgery Center and Norman Regional's laboratory and diagnostic imaging services are all included.

Norman Regional, led by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Aaron L. Boyd, described the talks as routine and said the health system remains committed to reaching a fair agreement. UnitedHealthcare did not respond to a request for comment

What patients should know

Emergency care is not affected. Federal law requires emergency services to be covered at in-network rates even when a hospital is out of network. Patients are also protected from surprise balance billing.

Patients who are pregnant or in active treatment for a serious condition may qualify for continuity-of-care protections. Those protections can preserve in-network benefits at Norman Regional for a limited time. To request them, patients should call UHC at the number on their member ID card.

Norman Regional asked patients not to cancel scheduled procedures without first calling its dedicated help line at 405-515-0682. Financial counselors there can assist with continuity-of-care requests, cost estimates and financial-assistance programs. Self-pay pricing, prompt-pay discounts and payment plans are also available.

Patients who get insurance through an employer should check with their Human Resources department about the situation.

Independent physicians who are not employed by Norman Regional may have a different network status. Patients should confirm directly with their provider's office and with UHC.

Nationwide context

Norman Regional's dispute with United Healthcare is not isolated. MedicalDaily reported Wednesday, Sept. 23 that at least 33 U.S. health systems have ended or are preparing to end in-network contracts with one or more Medicare Advantage insurers in 2026, citing a Becker's Hospital Review tracker. Health systems that have dropped plans often cite prior authorization denials and slow payment, according to Becker's.

Norman Regional also left Aetna's Medicare Advantage network in August, according to the same tracker.

For Medicare Advantage enrollees affected by the change, Medicare's annual open enrollment period runs Thursday, Oct. 15 through Monday, Dec. 7, with new coverage starting Jan. 1, 2027.

Norman Regional's help line is 405-515-0682.