UnitedHealthcare Responds to St. Bernards After Talks Collapse

JONESBORO, Ark. – The insurance company that was dropped by St. Bernards after a breakdown of communication between both sides has responded.

Last week, St. Bernards Healthcare ended negotiations with UnitedHealthcare after failing to reach an agreement. President and CEO of St. Bernards, Chris Barber, said “UnitedHealthcare has a record of strained relationships with healthcare providers. With St. Bernards, UnitedHealthcare’s inaction and lack of urgency made it clear to us that UnitedHealthcare did not wish to establish a mutually equitable relationship. Therefore, there will be no further discussion pertaining to the 2024 plan year.”

In a statement released to NEA Report by a spokesperson for UnitedHealthcare, the insurance provider told their side of the story.

“It’s unfortunate St. Bernards is refusing to work with us to reach an agreement that is affordable and in the best interests of families and employers in Arkansas. Throughout our negotiation St. Bernards has refused to provide a single formal proposal and has rejected multiple requests to extend our current contract, which would have allowed both organizations additional time to negotiate while avoiding any disruption to care for our members. While we remain open and committed to good-faith discussions, our focus now is ensuring the people we serve have access to the care they need through either continuity of care or a smooth transition to another provider, as appropriate.”

According to UnitedHealthcare, despite months of repeated efforts, they were unable to reach an agreement with St. Bernards SHARP IPA providers in Arkansas. UnitedHealthcare says a result, SHARP providers are out-of-network for members enrolled in employer-sponsored and individual commercial plans, Medicare Advantage and Group Retiree plans, as well as VA Community Care Network (VACCN) plans, effective March 1, 2024.

St. Bernards hospitals are currently part of the UnitedHealthcare network. However, the company said if negotiations fail, certain hospitals will become out-of-network for members enrolled in employer-sponsored and individual commercial plans, as well as Medicare Advantage and Group Retiree plans:

• Five Rivers Medical Center will be out of network starting April 1, 2024.
• St. Bernards Medical Center will be out of network starting May 1, 2024.
• Crossridge Community Hospital will be out of network starting January 1, 2025.
• For members with VACCN plans, Five Rivers Medical Center, St. Bernards Medical Center, and CrossRidge Community Hospital will be out of network starting May 1, 2024.

Additionally, St. Bernards Behavioral Health Hospital and St. Bernards Counseling Center are already out-of-network with Optum Behavioral Health and Counseling Services, effective January 4, 2024, under a separate agreement.

UnitedHealthcare says it is committed to continuing to engage in negotiations with St. Bernards, adding they are hopeful they can work together to reach an agreement that is affordable for families and employers. According to the insurance company, they have submitted numerous proposals to St. Bernards and have requested an extension to avoid member disruption. But UnitedHealthcare claims St. Bernards has refused to provide them with a “single formal proposal,” saying it has rejected multiple requests to extend the current contract.

UnitedHealthcare listed several medical providers and hospitals that remain in their network, including NEA Baptist, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, ARCARE, and 1st Choice Healthcare.

In the event of an emergency, UnitedHealthcare members should go to the nearest hospital, the company said. Emergency care will be covered at the in-network benefit level, regardless of whether the hospital participates in their network. Members who are in the middle of treatment from a St. Bernards SHARP IPA may qualify for continuity of care, which will continue to provide in-network benefits. To find out more, call the number on the health plan ID card.