Negotiations between Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) and UnitedHealthcare (United) “have ceased,” according to an update from the health system which was released Thursday.
Healthcare commercial policyholders have been with coverage since last May.
“This is not the outcome we want for our patients, but United’s senior leaders will not return our calls and refuse to talk with NGHS’ executive leadership,” the statement says. “We have no choice but to focus our efforts now on clearly communicating and helping patients who are impacted in the limited ways we can.”
“We understand the anxiety United’s lack of cooperation has caused during these negotiations, and we appreciate your support while we were seeking a fair agreement. Many of the local businesses that previously offered employees insurance through United changed their offerings, and many of the patients who could make a change during open enrollment have done so. We know it wasn’t easy to make those changes, and we are grateful for their loyalty.”
United Healthcare Negotiations – Northeast Georgia Health System (nghs.com)
While messages left with United seeking comment on this latest development were not returned Thursday, the carrier said in a statement released in December “It remains our top priority to reach an agreement with NGHS that restores network access to the health system at costs that are affordable for Georgians and employers. All of our proposals would ensure NGHS is reimbursed at rates that are more than fair and reasonable. Please know we do not take this disruption in the market lightly and remain fully committed to continued good-faith negotiations.”
Network Negotiations with Northeast Georgia Health System | UnitedHealthcare (uhc.com)