In-network providers are healthcare professionals or facilities that have contracts with the CO-OP. They are our partners in providing care and will have negotiated terms for the cost of care for our members. In-network providers are more affordable to receive care from because the contract will set a cost of care for our members. Out-of-network providers are healthcare professionals or facilities the CO-OP has not contracted with. These providers will not have an agreed-upon cost of care for our members and will be more expensive to receive care from. Out-of-network providers are not held to contracted rates. This means they balance bill. Balance Billing occurs when a provider bills you for the difference between the provider’s charge and the allowed amount (which is set by your insurance company). For example, if the provider’s charge is $100 and the allowed amount is $70, the provider may bill you for the remaining $30. An in-network provider cannot balance bill you for covered services.