Contracting

Oklahoma City-based OU Health went out of network with UnitedHealthcare on May 1 amid a disagreement over reimbursement rates, though negotiations are ongoing. The move means thousands of UnitedHealthcare members cannot receive covered care at OU Health facilities, according to…

Mediation for contract negotiations between Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi and the University of Mississippi Medical Center has started but is moving at a "snail's pace," according to the state's insurance commissioner, Mississippi Today reported June 7.

Connecticut has selected Aetna for a three-year Medicare Advantage contract that will serve approximately 57,000 retirees and their dependents across the state, pending negotiations. 

Two Northern Light Health hospitals in Maine are becoming tier 1 providers with Anthem, effective July 1, according to WCSH.

Beginning June 1, WakeMed is no longer a part of the UnitedHealthcare network.

An Illinois man is facing thousands of dollars in cancer treatment bills from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois after his Springfield Clinic oncologist went out of network following a terminated contract between the payer and provider last year, WCIA…

The University of Vermont Health Network and UnitedHealthcare reached an agreement on a new contract, VTDigger reported May 27. 

Scarborough-based Coastal Women's Healthcare has joined two other Maine providers in dropping Anthem insurance plans, CBS affiliate WGME reported May 25. 

Allianz Partners has signed an agreement to take over Aetna International's health insurance portfolio outside the Americas and India. Allianz Ayudhya has also acquired 100 percent of Aetna Thailand.

Contract disputes between payers and providers can affect thousands of people and their ability to access care. Most recently, contract issues nationwide have mostly stemmed from disagreements over reimbursement rates, especially amid rising costs and inflation.