For several months, we have been working with UnitedHealthcare to negotiate fair contracts that preserve our patients’ access to Duke Health and appropriately reimburse us for the expert, complex care only we can provide. If we are unable to reach a resolution, our current contracts will end on October 31, 2024.
We are negotiating in good faith with UnitedHealthcare to reach fair contract terms that preserve our patients’ access to the expert, complex care only Duke can provide. In our current contract, UnitedHealthcare is not reimbursing Duke Health at fair rates to cover the rising cost of care. That’s why we’re negotiating today.
We hope to reach an agreement very soon – one that preserves our patients’ access and fuels our ability to improve the lives of all who come to us for hope, health and healing.
If an agreement is not reached, UnitedHealthcare will no longer consider Duke Health providers and services as part of their networks, resulting in patients losing in-network access to the expert, complex care that only Duke Health can provide.
If UnitedHealthcare is unwilling to work with Duke Health on a new contract, the majority of our providers and services would no longer be considered in network with UnitedHealthcare beginning November 1, 2024, resulting in higher out-of-pocket costs for our patients.
Patients are always welcome at Duke Health, regardless of the negotiation outcome or what type of insurance plan they have. However, it’s important to know that most patients would face higher out-of-pocket costs if Duke Health is no longer in-network with UnitedHealthcare. Some patients undergoing current courses of treatment may qualify for Continuity of Care to continue that care on an in-network basis if the contract terminates. We encourage you to call UnitedHealthcare before October 31 to learn how the cost of care for you and your family could be impacted, based on your specific plan’s coverage.
By law, insurance companies must cover emergency care as in network regardless of what type of insurance plan a patient has.