Thousands of patients could soon be out-of-network at UNC Health
Another North Carolina hospital and insurance company is threatening to end in-network coverage.
If an agreement isn't ironed out by April 1, more than 200,000 UnitedHealthcare members could suddenly find themselves out-of-network at UNC Health locations.
The impact would mean a spike in costs if they were to stay with their current providers.
"UNC Health mailed letters in early October to more than 200,000 United members who receive care from our providers to give them a head’s up about the potential disruption," said Alan Wolf, director of media relations with UNC Health. "We encouraged those patients to consider other health insurers that will remain in network with UNC Health in 2024."
"We would also urge patients to contact United about reaching a fair agreement with UNC Health," he added.
WakeMed will no longer accept Cigna starting in January
The news comes on the heels of the contract dispute between WakeMed and Cigna. which could leave Cigna-covered patients unable to use the WakeMed health network.
WakeMed sent a letter to patients this week informing them they will not recognize Cigna as an insurance provider on Jan. 1.
“For the last several months, WakeMed has been working in good faith with Cigna to come to a contract agreement that protects your access to the health care you need. Unfortunately, Cigna has, so far, been unwilling to agree to a new, reasonable contract with us,” WakeMed said in the letter.
