What happened between Hillcrest and Aetna?
In its November 1 update (opens in a new tab), Hillcrest said it had not reached a new agreement with Aetna and was out of network with Aetna insurance plans. Hillcrest says its facilities and employed providers are affected, while Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma Medicaid remains contracted. The organizations may reach a new agreement, so check the live update before making a decision.
This does not mean your Aetna policy has ended. It means non-emergency care at an affected Hillcrest facility or provider may cost more or be handled differently under that policy. Ask Aetna and the provider about the specific service and date.
Hillcrest cites reimbursement and payment practices as barriers. Aetna told Tulsa's News On 6 that Hillcrest requested price increases and that the parties remained far apart. Both said they were open to negotiations. These are the organizations' positions, not a determination of who is right.
What should I do if I already have an appointment?
Call Aetna using the number on your insurance card and call the Hillcrest office where your care is scheduled. Give them the plan name, facility, clinician and date of service. Ask what you would owe if you keep the appointment.
- If you are in ongoing treatment, ask Aetna whether you qualify for continuity of care, how to request it, which services it would cover and the dates it would apply. Hillcrest says some patients may qualify; approval is not automatic.
- Ask Hillcrest whether the appointment should stay as scheduled while the request is reviewed. Get the insurer's response or reference number in writing if possible.
- If you need to move care, use Hillcrest's medical-record request instructions (opens in a new tab) to ask for records and coordinate with the new provider.
A new plan chosen during Medicare's fall enrollment period generally begins January 1. It does not automatically fix an appointment or claim in November or December 2026. Ask about your current coverage and any transition protection now.
Where can I check Hillcrest hospitals on this site?
Our records for Hillcrest Medical Center and Hillcrest Hospital South identify the two Tulsa locations and show the 2027 Marketplace plan listings we found in public insurer files.
For example, Ambetter's provider file dated November 6 lists Hillcrest Medical Center with its 2027 Marketplace plan Elite Bronze, standard plan ID 62505OK0120006, marked preferred in the file. We checked the public files on November 7. This is an individual Marketplace listing, not evidence that an Ambetter Medicare Advantage or employer plan covers that hospital.
Use the hospital page to find the plan name and insurer source, then confirm the exact plan, facility, doctors, care date and costs with the insurer and Hillcrest. Plans may not be sold in every county; a missing listing is not proof a plan is out of network. We do not offer every plan listed.
What if I have Aetna Medicare Advantage?
You can use Medicare's plan comparison tool (opens in a new tab) to look for 2027 plans available where you live and compare premiums, prescriptions and pharmacies. Hillcrest's general accepted-insurance list (opens in a new tab) names Medicare products from several other companies, including Humana and UnitedHealthcare. The list is subject to change and is not a confirmation that a specific 2027 plan or doctor is in network.
Medicare's annual enrollment period runs October 15 through December 7, 2026; a change made in that period generally starts January 1, 2027. Ask each plan and Hillcrest to verify the full 2027 plan ID and each provider before enrolling.
What about employer coverage or a Marketplace plan?
For insurance through work, ask your benefits administrator whether there are other network options and when your employer allows changes. A contract change does not necessarily give you an immediate right to switch your employer plan.
For individual coverage, preview 2027 Marketplace plans (opens in a new tab) using your ZIP code. HealthCare.gov says to choose by December 15, 2026 and pay your first premium for a January 1 start. Ask the new insurer and Hillcrest to confirm network access; do not assume a Marketplace plan is the right replacement for job-based or Medicare coverage.
Can I still get emergency care?
If you have an emergency, seek emergency care. Hillcrest says emergency services remain covered at in-network rates. That does not mean the visit is free: normal in-network deductibles, copays or coinsurance may still apply.
CMS explains federal protections for emergency bills (opens in a new tab). Ask your plan about the rules for any follow-up or non-emergency care after you are stabilized.
Insurers and hospitals mentioned
Explore the organizations or brands discussed in this article. A mention does not mean every plan or location is covered.
- Hospital · OklahomaHillcrest Hospital South
- Hospital · OklahomaHillcrest Medical Center
- Insurer · OklahomaAmbetter of Oklahoma
- Medicare Advantage · OklahomaAetna Medicare
- Medicare Advantage · OklahomaHumana
- Medicare Advantage · OklahomaUnitedHealthcare
See our Individual & Family plans
Major medical coverage for you and your household, with subsidies applied where you qualify.We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Find a plan that fits your care
A licensed agent can help you compare the Medicare Advantage or Marketplace plans we offer in Oklahoma and identify what to confirm about Hillcrest and your doctors. We do not offer every plan. Ask your employer about job-based coverage and your Medicaid plan about its benefits.