Baton Rouge (La.) General plans to end its Medicare Advantage contract with Humana if a new deal is not reached by May 3, The Advocate reported March 16.
The hospital sent a termination notice to Humana for May 3. Key sticking points in the contract negotiations include the reimbursement rates Humana is paying the facility.
"Despite inflation and a sharp rise in healthcare costs, Baton Rouge General has not received a rate increase from Humana in over a decade," a letter to affected patients reads.
Baton Rouge General said more than 12,000 Medicare Advantage patients would be affected by the contract termination. Baton Rouge General said the letter was sent to patients March 10 because a key federal deadline is approaching. Patients have until March 31 to switch Medicare Advantage plans if they are interested in doing so.
Although a contract termination date was set, Humana and Baton Rouge General said they are still working to negotiate a contract.
"Our goal is still to be a Humana provider," Baton Rouge told The Advocate. "Humana has not closed their doors, and we have not either. Our goal is to get this settled."
"We are currently in negotiations with them and remain hopeful that we will reach a new agreement prior to that date," Nancy Hanewinckel, a Humana spokesperson, told The Advocate.