Summary
UnitedHealthcare and Minnesota’s Fairview Health are in talks over contract terms for commercial policyholders. The discussions involve issues like rate changes and administrative practices, which could impact over 125,000 commercial patients if no agreement is reached. Medicare Advantage plans will stay in-network after a separate deal was made.
Key Facts
- UnitedHealthcare and Fairview Health are negotiating a new contract for commercial insurance plans.
- Fairview Health operates 10 hospitals, including the University of Minnesota Medical Center.
- Over 125,000 commercial patients could be affected if a new agreement isn't reached by the end of the year.
- Fairview wants rate increases to cover rising costs due to inflation, labor shortages, and the pandemic.
- Without a deal, Fairview will be out-of-network for UnitedHealthcare’s commercial plans starting January 1, 2026.
- Medicare Advantage plans remain in-network after a one-year agreement.
- UnitedHealthcare claims Fairview's proposed rate hike would greatly increase costs for local employers.
- UnitedHealthcare alleges Fairview uses false information in negotiations, similar to previous Medicare Advantage talks.
