Summary
UnitedHealthcare is negotiating with SSM Health and TriHealth about contracts that are ending soon. These negotiations are focused on payment rates and may affect the cost of healthcare for patients. If they don't reach a deal by the end of the year, patients using UnitedHealthcare may not be able to use SSM Health and TriHealth facilities at in-network costs.
Key Facts
- UnitedHealthcare is in contract talks with SSM Health and TriHealth.
- SSM Health operates in Missouri and Illinois, and TriHealth is based in Cincinnati.
- The negotiations are about reimbursement rates, which decides how much the insurer pays to the health systems.
- If no agreement is reached by December 31, 2025, certain UnitedHealthcare customers could face higher costs to use these health systems.
- SSM Health says it's aiming for a fair agreement to maintain patient care quality and access.
- UnitedHealthcare claims SSM Health wants a 14% price increase over two years.
- Medicare Advantage plans through UnitedHealthcare are not affected by these talks.
- UnitedHealthcare asserts that the health system is more expensive than others, impacting costs for taxpayers.
