We recently reported that local hospital chain Premier Health and insurance giant United Healthcare had reached an impasse in their on-going negotiations to lock down a new contract:
"As of yesterday (April 30), folks with either individual or group medical plans from UHC are no longer able to receive services at Premier Health facilities at negotiated rates"
At the time, most of us were still hopeful that things would, as these things usually do, work out.
Alas, that's not going to be the case here (at least for a while). This just in from UHC:
"Premier Health Network Participation Not Renewed
We have an important update about our negotiations with Premier Health Network and their participation in our network. Premier has decided to not renew its participation for employer-sponsored, individual and Medicaid plans, which means its hospitals and physicians are no longer in-network for commercial and Medicaid health plans as of May 14, 2017."
As usual, cost was the driving factor, as Premier continues to be a leader (for certain values of "lead") in high-end health care pricing.
There is, however, some good news to be had:
■ They've "reached an agreement to extend Medicare Advantage plans for Premier facilities and physicians" through year's end, and
■ "Continuity of Care may be available to any individuals" undergoing certain kinds of care (eg oncological, etc) at Premier facilities at in-network pricing for a limited time.
As always, we'll keep our readers in the loop if/as things develop.
"As of yesterday (April 30), folks with either individual or group medical plans from UHC are no longer able to receive services at Premier Health facilities at negotiated rates"
At the time, most of us were still hopeful that things would, as these things usually do, work out.
Alas, that's not going to be the case here (at least for a while). This just in from UHC:
"Premier Health Network Participation Not Renewed
We have an important update about our negotiations with Premier Health Network and their participation in our network. Premier has decided to not renew its participation for employer-sponsored, individual and Medicaid plans, which means its hospitals and physicians are no longer in-network for commercial and Medicaid health plans as of May 14, 2017."
As usual, cost was the driving factor, as Premier continues to be a leader (for certain values of "lead") in high-end health care pricing.
There is, however, some good news to be had:
■ They've "reached an agreement to extend Medicare Advantage plans for Premier facilities and physicians" through year's end, and
■ "Continuity of Care may be available to any individuals" undergoing certain kinds of care (eg oncological, etc) at Premier facilities at in-network pricing for a limited time.
As always, we'll keep our readers in the loop if/as things develop.
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