UnitedHealthcare, WakeMed reach network agreement

UnitedHealthcare and Raleigh, N.C.-based WakeMed have signed a multi-year contract that restores in-network access for thousands of patients.

Advertisement

A UnitedHealthcare spokesperson told Becker’s the deal was effective Nov. 15 and includes coverage for commercial and Medicare Advantage members, including D-SNP plans.

According to local CBS-affiliate WNCN, the three-year contract does not include Medicaid, Medicare supplement or ACA exchange plans.

UnitedHealthcare is the second-largest payer by market share in the state, and the break had left 20,000 WakeMed patients out of network since June 1.

“We recognize the care WakeMed provides is important. We’re pleased to reach an agreement that provides the North Carolinians we serve greater access to quality, affordable health care,” Garland Scott, CEO of UnitedHealthcare North Carolina, said.

WakeMed first issued a termination notice in November 2021. It previously said the impasse stemmed from reimbursement rates around medically necessary treatments.

The system’s facilities include three full-service hospitals, seven emergency departments, a dedicated children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, more than 80 physician offices and a level 1 trauma center. WakeMed has 1,300 affiliated physicians and employs more than 580 physicians.

At the Becker's 5th Annual Fall Payer Issues Roundtable, taking place November 2–3 in Chicago, payer executives and healthcare leaders will come together to discuss value-based care, regulatory changes, cost management strategies and innovations shaping the future of payer-provider collaboration. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

Read. Deleted. Ignored. What It Takes to Drive Behavior Change and Lower the Cost of Care

Tuesday, August 4
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Koleen Cavanaugh, Independence Blue CrossBukata Hayes, HMO Minnesota (Blue Plus)Nathan Foco, Select HealthTrish Cox, SCAN Health PlanJonas Puente, ZS Associates

Advertisement

Next Up in Contracting

Advertisement

Comments are closed.