Multi-year contract avoids ‘out of network’ situation for United members.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – UNC Health has signed a new, long-term agreement with UnitedHealthcare. The multi-year deal will allow United members across North Carolina to continue receiving uninterrupted care from UNC Health providers, clinics and hospitals.
The organizations’ current contract was set to expire on April 1, raising the possibility of an “out of network” situation for thousands of patients. The new deal covers all United commercial, Individual Exchange and Medicare Advantage plans.
“This new agreement will benefit our patients across the state as well as our providers,” said Dr. Matt Ewend, Chief Clinical Officer at UNC Health. “Our patients will not face increased costs and stress of going out of network or seeking new providers for their care. We look forward to working with United in the coming years to improve access, reduce costs and eliminate obstacles to care.”
UNC Health will communicate with affected patients as quickly as possible to ensure they are aware of the new agreement with United and that care with their UNC Health providers will not change. UNC Health’s website about the negotiations, UNCHealthforNC.com, also will be updated for community members.
UNC Health began negotiations with United last year and agreed to a new deal this week. The new agreement with United follows UNC Health’s recent announcement of a long-term contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.
UNC Health’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of all North Carolinians. In order to continue to fulfill our mission, we will strive for fair and equitable partnerships with all insurance companies. UNC Health plays a critical role in serving North Carolinians across the state, particularly those in rural areas who would otherwise lack access to quality care close to home.
About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 15 hospitals, 19 hospital campuses and more than 900 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. UNC Health provided more than $800 million in Uncompensated Charity Care during the past five years. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience.