JONESBORO, Ark. – St. Bernards Healthcare announced Friday there would be no further discussions with UnitedHealthcare about the 2024 plan year after the two sides failed to come to an agreement.
In a statement, St. Bernards expressed concerns over difficulties in providing medical care due to UnitedHealthcare’s business practices and clinical policies, leading to an update on behalf of employed physicians who have entered out-of-network status with the insurance company.
According to St. Bernards, UnitedHealthcare’s business practices and clinical policies have resulted in delays in patient care and added administrative costs for the hospital. The healthcare provider claims that UnitedHealthcare often does not reimburse them for necessary medical services, despite attempts to find more reasonable solutions over the past year.
Chris Barber, President and CEO of St. Bernards Healthcare, stated, “UnitedHealthcare continues to require unnecessary red tape for our providers and patients alike, restricting how we provide care and when our patients receive it.” He expressed disappointment in UnitedHealthcare’s lack of urgency to address these issues and establish a mutually equitable relationship.
Affected St. Bernards-affiliated facilities and services include St. Bernards Behavioral Health Hospital and St. Bernards Counseling Center, which became out-of-network with UnitedHealthcare on January 4, 2024. Additionally, over 300 healthcare providers in the St. Bernards Healthcare system transitioned to out-of-network status on March 1, 2024.
On May 1, 2024, St. Bernards Medical Center and all related inpatient and outpatient facilities will follow suit.
St. Bernards emphasized its commitment to the community’s health, wellness, and safety, stating that they cannot move forward under any agreement compromising these principles.
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Terrible my daughter lost her coverage with St. Bernard’s and all access to her established physicians see has dealt with over the years
The fight between the medical community and UnitedHeath Ins. Is sad. One big question that needs addressing is who is fighting for the patient? Best answer I get is no one. Patient cost will rise for sure. Personally I am tired of the lie, we want what is best for patient.
Providers put in an endless amount of time and energy fighting for the patient whose claims are underpaid or denied in full. The provider, in most cases, absorbs the cost of care and cannot bill the patient when those claims are denied. UHC and other Medicare Advantage plans go to great lengths to NOT pay a patient claim.
The healthcare providers cannot provide quality care without pay.
This isn’t right. Insurance company’s should not be able to interfere with patient care. Looks like United only cares about there $$$ Not about their customers.