News

Oxford in-network services extended until Sept. 14

Although the contract between the East End’s three hospitals and Oxford/United Healthcare expired at midnight July 15, policyholders can continue to receive in-network services locally through Sept. 14.

That’s because the state requires the status quo to be maintained for a two-month “cooling off period” between the insurance company and Peconic Bay Medical Center, Eastern Long Island Hospital and Southampton Hospital, known collectively as the East End Health Alliance.

If a new contract isn’t secured by Sept. 15, the hospitals will continue to provide emergency services to those with Oxford coverage, but can provide non-emergency services only on an out-of-network basis.

Pregnant women insured by Oxford who were in their second or third trimester as of July 15 may be covered through postpartum care.

Talks that had broken off between the two sides resumed last week, but neither side is talking about the state of those negotiations.
Approximately 3,000 employees of several East End school districts are affected by the lack of a contract. If no deal is struck by Sept. 15, the impact will be felt by an additional 12,000 people covered by such plans as Oxford Liberty and Oxford Freedom.

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