TULSA--The Hillcrest HealthCare System announced on Thursday that they will no longer be able to accept CommunityCare Insurance. CommunityCare ended its contract with Hillcrest effective June 30, 2018.
Hillcrest HealthCare System released the following statement:
“CommunityCare’s public notice of termination is surprising and disappointing, given that we have been working together for months on re-negotiating our contract. We vehemently deny any allegations of wrongdoing; to claim that any of the billing practices in question violate state law is an egregious misstatement not based in fact.
Hillcrest’s billing practices have been consistent with CommunityCare’s communication to the public through their website. CommunityCare has communicated for many years that some of their membership was covered by our contract and some were not; this information was clearly visible on their public website through their provider finder application. Our billing has been consistent with their communication of network alignment.
The allegations made by CommunityCare are false and irresponsible. We will continue to defend our practices which are in adherence to all laws and regulations. Our focus, as always, is on our patients and providing them exceptional care.”
CommunityCare also released a statement in their announcement of termination of the Hillcrest HealthCare System Contract:
“Since our founding in 1993, it has been our goal to always put our members first,” said Sharon L. Fletcher, Ph.D., President and CEO of CommunityCare. “We are an organization built on values that should not be compromised, and it is our commitment to partner with organizations that share these values.”
“Prohibited balance billing harms our members by creating unexpected financial hardships, and in some cases, long-term damage through lowered credit scores,” Fletcher said.
CommunityCare says that, to date, Hillcrest has sought to collect at least $400,000 from CommunityCare members by billing them more than allowed through their contract.
CommunityCare says that despite formal notices to stop this practice of prohibited balance billing, they have continued
CommunityCare says they will be notifying members who will need to choose another primary care physician. They say that the change will not affect any Senior Health Plan or Advantage Medicare Plan members.
The CommunityCare Member Services team can assist affected members in selecting another quality provider. CommunityCare members may call (918) 594-5242 for assistance. Information is also available at www.ccok.com.
