The Peru Gazette

October 18, 2023 – From Sunny Eappen, MD, MBA, President and CEO, The University of Vermont Health Network

As you may know, the UVM Health Network has been negotiating with UnitedHealthcare, the nation’s largest for-profit insurance carrier, for well over a year in an effort to remain in-network for its commercial insurance plans. In order to maintain coverage for as long as possible for our patients throughout these negotiations, we extended our United contract with outdated reimbursement rates that do not cover the costs of the care we provide.

Earlier today, we announced that, as of March 1, 2024, UnitedHealthcare will no longer cover care provided by the UVM Health Network as in-network for its commercial plans. This will impact approximately 2,660 subscribers and their families in Vermont and northern New York.

This is difficult news to share, but as a non-profit health care system, we must be able to receive reimbursements from insurance companies that cover the cost of providing patient care. Despite our best efforts during lengthy negotiations, United was not willing to sufficiently cover these costs. Both parties agreed to extend coverage a little longer to give our patients time to transition to a new health care provider or in-network insurance carrier. With the 2024 open enrollment period quickly approaching, we encourage all of our affected patients who wish to continue receiving in-network care from us to explore other health insurance options.

To be clear, this termination only affects UnitedHealthcare commercial plans, which are plans either provided through an employer or purchased by individuals. For more information and for a list of plans not impacted, please visit UVMHealth.org/UnitedHealthcare. For information related to specific insurance coverage, affected patients should contact UnitedHealthcare directly.

Another important thing I want to emphasize: As a non-profit safety net health care provider, we will always provide emergency care to anyone who walks through our doors, regardless of what insurance they have or whether they have insurance at all. We also work with patients to determine if they are eligible for free or discounted care through our Financial Assistance Program or our Health Assistance Program. Click here to learn more.

I wish there had been a different outcome for our patients who have UnitedHealthcare coverage and are affected by this change. To help ensure we can meet our mission now and in the future, we must negotiate reasonable, responsible insurer contracts that allow us to meet our patients’ needs. We remain focused on providing high-quality, equitable care for everyone we serve.

Thank you for your continued leadership and partnership.

Sincerely,

Sunny Eappen, MD, MBA
President and CEO, The University of Vermont Health Network