The University of Florida Health and United Healthcare have recently altered their policies, leaving many policyholders unsure of their future health care needs. UF Health services are no longer accepted by United Healthcare’s plans in Jacksonville and Gainesville, impacting both commercial and Medicaid Managed Care health policies.
With no plans disclosed to mitigate this issue, patients are encouraged to transition to other insurance providers recognized by the UF Health coverage network. This vital decision warrants careful thought as it could affect out-of-pocket expenses and accessibility to certain services.
Beginning September 1st, changes will also apply to United Healthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans. Affected policyholders will lose access to UF Health partner establishments at St. Johns and Flagler Hospitals.
UF Health policy amendments impact United Healthcare policyholders
However, members of Medicare Advantage plans or Dual Special Needs Plans (DSNP) will not be affected and can continue to access UF Health locations.
This distressing situation emerged due to an incomplete contract as of August 31. United Healthcare claims that UF Health did not respond adequately to finalize it, which could disrupt around 30,000 Medicaid plan policyholders, individuals with employer-backed health insurance, and students under UF health insurance plans.
Despite this, United Healthcare will continue to cover the UF Health psychiatric hospital and UF Health Central Florida under separate agreements. However, CEO of UF Health Physicians, Marvin Dewar, expressed dissatisfaction with the sudden contract changes and highlighted the need for United Healthcare to maintain consistent contractual obligations.
The root of the disagreement is due to UF Health’s demand for a 30% cost increase over the next years, drawing criticism from United Healthcare as unsustainable, especially amid the current pandemic. UF Health defended their stance, stating the increase is needed to maintain their high-quality services.
Although negotiations are currently at a standstill, both parties remain dedicated to continuing the dialogue. In the meantime, patients seeking additional information or having questions are encouraged to contact UF Health or United Healthcare through their respective customer service numbers.
