TULSA, Oklahoma – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) announced today it will authorize any member who was receiving treatment outside of Oklahoma prior to March 15 to continue receiving care closer to home if they prefer not to travel during the COVID-19 crisis. Members can transition to an in-network provider in Oklahoma, or BCBSOK will cover the costs to see an out-of-network provider in Oklahoma at the in-network rate.
“As health care professionals are doing everything they can to fight the spread of COVID-19 and give their patients excellent care, BCBSOK is focused on doing everything in our power to stand by our members and create opportunities for them to get the care they need,” said Joseph R. Cunningham, M.D., president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. “We are committed to removing barriers to help members stay on track with their treatments.”
Oklahoma State Senators Kim David, District 18, and Dave Rader, District 39, support BCBSOK’s special exemption.
“We are hearing from Oklahomans who desperately need to continue life-saving treatments for cancer and other conditions who no longer feel comfortable traveling out of our state to see their specialists,” said Oklahoma State Senator Kim David. “I especially appreciate BCBSOK’s leadership for providing this solution.”
The coverage exception applies to BCBSOK fully insured PPO members, but the option will be shared with customers who provide their own group plans as well as other Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans so they have the opportunity to participate and offer similar solutions to their members.
The special coverage period to assist with in-state, out-of-network treatment will continue through June 30, 2020. As the June 30 date approaches, BCBSOK may extend the timeframe depending upon the status of the COVID-19 situation and ability for people to safely travel and resume care with their out-of-state providers.
Out-of-network treatment providers must meet BCBSOK’s requirements for reimbursement. If members have questions, they can call the number on their membership card for assistance.
See the latest from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma on COVID-19
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma
For 80 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma has been committed to meeting the health care financing needs of Oklahomans. As the state's oldest and largest private health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma provides health care benefit plans for more than 830,000 Oklahomans. For more information, visit bcbsok.com. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.