(WNDU) – After announcing a split earlier this month that impacted thousands of patients, Saint Joseph Health System and UnitedHealthcare have reached a new multi-year agreement.
The agreement, which went into effect Friday, reinstates in-network access to the Saint Joseph Health System hospitals, doctors, and specialists for patients covered by UnitedHealthcare commercial (employer-sponsored), Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid health plans.
In simpler terms, UnitedHealthcare patients can once again schedule appointments and seek care at Saint Joseph Health System as normal.
“Our goal always is to avoid disruptions for patients,” said Chris Karam, president of Saint Joseph Health System, in a news release. “This agreement was necessary to ensure Saint Joseph Health System can continue delivering the high-quality affordable care people need. With fair reimbursement, we can continue to invest in our colleagues, medical staff, innovative treatments and important health programs, protecting access to care now and in the future.”
Saint Joseph Health System’s in-network agreement with UnitedHealthcare had expired without a new agreement in place back on July 1, resulting in warning letters being sent out to more than 13,000 potentially impacted patients.
With the new agreement in place, Saint Joseph Health System and UnitedHealthcare have also agreed to process any affected member claims between July 1 and July 19 as in-network.
Saint Joseph Health System says patients who receive health insurance coverage through UnitedHealthcare should contact UnitedHealthcare directly using the number on the back of their insurance card to ask any questions they have about their coverage or benefits.
You can learn more about the agreement and what it means for you if you’re a UnitedHealthcare patient by clicking here.
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