University

Human Resources

BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) and Stillwater Medical Center (SMC) have been diligently negotiating new contracts for in-network coverage at Stillwater Medical Center, Stillwater Medical - Perry, and Stillwater Medical - Blackwell. During these negotiations, BCBS has acted as our third-party administrator, negotiating on our behalf with the intent to keep our medical costs down while allowing reasonable increases due to the nationally rising costs of healthcare. As our group health plan is self-insured, these increased costs are shared between OSU and its employees.

 
While we are hopeful our partners at SMC and BCBS will eventually reach an agreement, it does appear they are currently at an impasse within the negotiations and have stated publicly the contract will end on May 1, 2023. As such, BCBS will send post-cards to individuals who have used SMC providers in the past 18 months, notifying them of the possible contract end date as well as tools to assist in determining other in-network options. Know that in-network coverage will continue through at least May 1, 2023, and we remain hopeful that BCBS and SMC will reach an agreement in the coming months. We will continue to monitor the status of the negotiations and provide further information as it becomes available.

 

Learn more here, including next steps to finding another in-network hospital or doctor.

 

If you have any questions, please contact OSU Benefits.