UNC Health signs long-term agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina

The four-year agreement will enable UNC Health and Blue Cross NC to continue collaboration on new ways to improve care and access for patients across North Carolina, especially in rural areas.

"That deal provides stability and peace of mind for patients across North Carolina," according to a release from Alan M. Wolf, director of news and media relations for UNC Health.

The agreement gives Blue Cross NC members access to UNC Health across the state, including Commercial, ACA, and Medicare Advantage plans. Blue Cross NC offers individual ACA plans in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties. UNC Health has been a part of Blue Cross NC’s ACA network since the beginning, and the anchor for Blue Cross NC’s ACA network in the Triangle.

“We are proud of our decades-long partnership with Blue Cross NC, and the benefits it brings for our patients,” said Dr. Wesley Burks, CEO of UNC Health. “We have introduced multiple, innovative efforts that have helped improve care and reduce costs, and I look forward to further collaboration in the coming years.”

“As health care continues to evolve in our state, it is critical we proactively seek ways to make health care more affordable and accessible,” said Dr. Tunde Sotunde, Blue Cross NC CEO. “We are excited for the possibilities ahead as we continue to work with UNC Health to make sure all North Carolinians have the opportunity to be healthy.”

United Healthcare patients could lose coverage at UNC Health as dispute continues

"UNC Health continues to work hard to establish a new and fair contract with United before our current contract expires on April 1," said the release.

UNC Health sent United a new proposal on Friday, and met with them again on Tuesday afternoon. However, UNC Health says they remain far apart on an agreement.