Hospital provider contracts expire all the time. When it becomes public news, someone, usually the carrier, is hoping to leverage public reaction to bring the parties back to the bargaining table.
Most disputes are settled right before expiration. Some extend a day or so past the deadline. Usually the carrier will make public concessions with an announcement along the lines that "We will honor all claims during this negotiation period".
Keep in mind that both sides have much to lose by getting a divorce. These disputes are more grandstanding than anything. On rare occasion the separation will go on for months but most are settled.
Most disputes are settled right before expiration. Some extend a day or so past the deadline. Usually the carrier will make public concessions with an announcement along the lines that "We will honor all claims during this negotiation period".
Keep in mind that both sides have much to lose by getting a divorce. These disputes are more grandstanding than anything. On rare occasion the separation will go on for months but most are settled.