UnitedHealthcare and Trinity Health of New England have agreed to a new, multiyear contract, retroactive July 1, putting to bed a public dispute between the two organizations.
The new relationship gives network access to health system’s hospitals, facilities and physicians enrolled in Medicare Advantage and employer-sponsored plans. It also restores access to providers in Connecticut for Trinity’s dual special needs plan.
“We thank our members and customers for their support and patience throughout this process,” said UnitedHealth in a statement. “We are honored to continue supporting all of the people throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts who depend on us for access to quality and affordable healthcare.”
Trinity Health thanked members for their patience as the two companies reached a “fair agreement.” Claims submitted since the beginning of July will be regarded as in-network.
“Our goal always is to avoid disruptions for patients,” said Trinity Health of New England President and CEO Montez Carter in a news release. “This agreement was necessary to ensure Trinity Health Of New England can continue delivering the high-quality affordable care people need. With fair reimbursement, we can continue to invest in our colleagues, medical staff, innovative treatments and important health programs, protecting access to care now and in the future.”
Last month, Trinity Health voiced its frustration at the contract breakdown while UnitedHealth Group recorded $22 billion in profits.
“It’s time we shine a light on the real situation,” the company said. “We can’t accept unfair payment from the big commercial health insurance companies any longer.”
UnitedHealthcare’s contract negotiations have become public affairs in recent months. As just one example, Mount Sinai in New York went loud protesting UnitedHealth’s demands before reaching agreement in March.
The phenomenon is also not unique to just UnitedHealth. Similar problems have plagued other major payers including regional Blue Cross plans.
Hospitals, meanwhile, are highlighting their struggles with the Medicare Advantage market since the program’s growth, coupled with high levels of utilization, is giving more leverage to insurers during negotiations, according to a recent S&P Global report.