Integris Health and United Healthcare Dispute Leaves Patients Worried in Oklahoma City

Patients may soon find their care considered out-of-network if an agreement is not reached by the upcoming deadline.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Integris Health and United Healthcare are in a dispute that could soon leave many patients without in-network care in Oklahoma City, as the deadline for negotiations approaches. Integris Health has announced that United Healthcare policyholders make up more than half of its Medicare Advantage program, and if an agreement is not reached, these patients may soon find their care considered out-of-network, causing concern among those relying on Integris facilities.

Why it matters

This dispute highlights the ongoing challenges patients face when their healthcare providers and insurance companies cannot reach an agreement, potentially leaving patients without access to their preferred in-network care. The situation is particularly concerning for those with complex medical conditions who rely on the quality of care provided by Integris Health.

The details

Integris Health claims that United Healthcare pays under 85 percent of their agreed commercial plan rates, which they argue is the lowest. The hospital system also reports nearly 1,500 denials or downgrades, resulting in a loss of about five million dollars. United Healthcare counters that the 20 percent price increase requested by Integris would make it the most expensive health system in Oklahoma City, raising the cost of a C-section by approximately $2,500 and an MRI by about $500.

  • The deadline for negotiations is set for Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.

The players

Integris Health

A healthcare provider in Oklahoma City that is in a dispute with United Healthcare over reimbursement rates.

United Healthcare

A major health insurance company that is in a dispute with Integris Health over reimbursement rates for its policyholders.

Lashawn Pryor

A United Healthcare policyholder who relies on Integris Health for his critical medical care, including for congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and an enlarged heart.

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What they’re saying

“I'm sort of a total shock.”

— Lashawn Pryor, United Healthcare Policyholder (KOCO)

“I have congestive heart failure, I have AFib, I have an enlarged heart, and my mom is waiting for a heart transplant. And so, for me, this is health care that I absolutely need.”

— Lashawn Pryor, United Healthcare Policyholder (KOCO)

“The thought of losing that is horrifying.”

— Lashawn Pryor, United Healthcare Policyholder (KOCO)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the dispute to continue past the February 7th deadline.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing challenges patients face when their healthcare providers and insurance companies cannot reach an agreement, potentially leaving patients without access to their preferred in-network care. The situation is particularly concerning for those with complex medical conditions who rely on the quality of care provided by Integris Health.