Oxford/United Healthcare’s contract with the three East End hospitals expires at midnight Friday, and though the hospitals and the insurance company are in the midst of negotiations, they may not reach a deal by the time the contract expires.

Eastern Long Island Hospital, Peconic Bay Medical Center and Southampton Hospital, which comprise the East End Health Alliance, will be out of network for people who have the East End Health Plan/United Healthcare and other locally, self-insured versions of the insurance company’s plans.

People who have Oxford Liberty, Oxford Freedom, and other fully insured United Healthcare plans will not be affected by the lack of a contract.

The East End Health Alliance said in a press release this week that the hospitals “are making every effort to ensure that ongoing negotiations are productive, and are hopeful a new contract will be reached prior to contract expiration.”

The hospitals are required by law to treat any emergency room patients who have the plans even if the contract is not in effect. Any tests and elective procedures that have received approval from United Health Care prior to July 15 will not be affected, and maternity care for pregnant women who have entered their second trimester will not be affected if an agreement is not reached by midnight Friday.

Times/Review Newsgroup will continue to cover the negotiations as new developments arise.

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