Orange City Area Health System Will Continue Accepting Wellmark Insurance
Orange City Area Health System Will Continue Accepting Wellmark Insurance
Recent news about Sanford Health and Wellmark may have raised questions about your care at Orange City Area Health System. We want to reassure our patients and community:
Orange City Area Health System will continue accepting Wellmark insurance.
Orange City Area Health System is an independent health system affiliated with Sanford Health. Orange City Area Health System makes its own insurance contracting decisions, and Sanford’s announcement does not change our relationship with Wellmark.
We understand that recent news about Sanford and Wellmark may raise questions about your care. Below, we answer common questions about Orange City Area Health System’s continued acceptance of Wellmark insurance, our Sanford affiliation, and your options for referrals and transfers.
Q: Does Sanford’s announcement affect my care at Orange City Area Health System?
A: Orange City Area Health System's relationship with Wellmark is continuing. You can continue scheduling and receiving care here. Orange City Area Health System is affiliated with Sanford but makes independent decisions on payor contracting and care. Orange City Area Health System will continue to accept Wellmark even if Sanford Health does not.
Q: If I need specialty care or a higher level of care, will I still have a say in where I am referred or transferred?
A: Yes. Orange City Area Health System already refers and transfers patients to other hospitals and health systems. Your preferences are our care teams’ primary consideration, along with your insurance coverage, the level of care you need, and the receiving facility’s ability to provide that care.
Q: What if I receive care from a visiting specialist at Orange City Area Health System?
A: Some visiting specialists may have separate insurance contracts and billing arrangements. Contact the specialist’s office or your insurance company to confirm coverage for your specific plan.
Q: Why couldn't Sanford and Wellmark reach an agreement?
A: According to Sanford's update on October 26, 2026, the negotiation is about more than rates. Wellmark is demanding a long-term contract that gives them the sole authority to change provider payments, many reimbursement methodologies and other key contract provisions affecting patient care and healthcare delivery without mutual agreement. Sanford also believes a sustainable agreement must include market-appropriate reimbursement rates and predictable contract terms that support continued access to local healthcare services. Sanford believes significant changes should be negotiated and agreed upon by both organizations.
Q: Will Sanford and Wellmark come to an agreement prior to July?
A: While we cannot predict the outcome of those negotiations, Orange City Area Health System remains focused on continuing to provide in-network care for Wellmark patients and helping them understand their options if a higher level of care is needed.
We will share any updates specific to Orange City Area Health System on our website. For additional questions about receiving care at Sanford Health, please visit Sanford’s insurance updates page.