Two days before a contract was set to expire, leaving patients scrambling to find new providers or bear the expense of out-of-network prices, BayCare Health System and UnitedHealthcare have reached an agreement.
The Clearwater-based non-profit and major insurance provider announced a new multi-year contract that will keep BayCare doctors and facilities accessible to UnitedHealthcare customers at in-network rates.
The deal follows a months-long negotiation over reimbursement rates, which became public earlier this year after patients received letters notifying them of possible disruptions to care.
“Our renewed relationship provides continued, long-term access to care for the people we serve throughout West Central Florida,” said Bryan Palmer, UnitedHealthcare CEO, Florida in a statement. “We appreciate BayCare’s collaboration throughout this process and look forward to supporting all of the people who rely on us for access to quality, affordable health care.”
The contract includes employer-sponsored commercial plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicaid plans (UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Florida).
In a statement, BayCare President and CEO Stephanie Conners said she was gratified that patients would continue to have access to the health system’s doctors.
“We are thrilled that BayCare and United Healthcare have agreed to a fair and reasonable new contract to ensure the communities we serve throughout West Central Florida can continue to receive care from BayCare including the physicians, services and facilities they know and trust,” Conners said. “Throughout these discussions, our priority has been to protect patient choice and prevent disruption in care. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to keeping care accessible and centered on the needs of the people and families who rely on us every day.”
When news of the negotiations first hit Tampa Bay, patients across the region feared the loss of physicians they rely on to stay healthy. It can take months to get scheduled with new doctors, and even longer to find a physician you trust, residents told the Times.
The news of a new contract came with much relief.
“I’m just delighted,” said 78-year-old Tampa resident Grace Hutchinson, who uses the health system for imaging and labs. “It’s a blessing for so many people.”
