Brown University Health Hospitals Go Out-of-Network for Some UnitedHealthcare Members
Providence, RI – A significant shift in healthcare access is impacting some UnitedHealthcare members in Rhode Island. Four hospitals affiliated with Brown University Health – including The Miriam Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital, Newport Hospital, and Olney Hospital – are now considered out-of-network for certain UnitedHealthcare plans. This change stems from the failure to reach a new contract agreement between Brown University Health and UnitedHealthcare before the July 1st deadline.
What Does This Mean for Patients?
The primary group affected by this change are individuals enrolled in UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans. This means that if these members seek care at any of the four Brown University Health hospitals, they may face higher out-of-pocket expenses, including significantly increased co-pays, deductibles, and potentially balance billing (where providers bill patients for the difference between the provider’s charge and what the insurance company pays).
“We regret that we were unable to finalise an agreement that allows us to continue providing in-network access to these facilities for our Medicare Advantage members,” stated a UnitedHealthcare spokesperson. “We are actively working to find a resolution and encourage Brown University Health to return to the negotiating table.”
Brown University Health, on the other hand, expressed disappointment with UnitedHealthcare's negotiating stance. “We are committed to serving our community and ensuring that our patients have access to the highest quality care,” said a spokesperson for Brown University Health. “We offered a fair and reasonable contract that would have maintained in-network access for UnitedHealthcare members, but UnitedHealthcare declined to accept it.” They further added that they remain open to resuming negotiations.
Impact and Potential Solutions
This situation creates uncertainty and potential financial hardship for many Medicare Advantage beneficiaries who rely on these hospitals for their healthcare needs. Patients are strongly advised to contact UnitedHealthcare directly to understand the specifics of their plan and the potential costs of seeking care at Brown University Health hospitals.
Experts suggest that patients should proactively explore alternative in-network providers while this dispute continues. It’s also crucial for patients to advocate for their healthcare and urge both UnitedHealthcare and Brown University Health to prioritize a swift resolution to restore in-network access.
The lack of a contract renewal highlights the increasing tensions between healthcare providers and insurance companies regarding reimbursement rates and contract terms. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding your health insurance plan and the potential impact of network changes on your access to care. We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as they become available.
Key Takeaways:
- Four Brown University Health hospitals are now out-of-network for some UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans.
- Patients may face higher out-of-pocket costs.
- Both parties blame each other for the contract breakdown.
- Patients should contact UnitedHealthcare and explore in-network alternatives.
