Ascension Wisconsin is out of network with UnitedHealthcare as of Oct. 1.
Patients covered by UnitedHealthcare receiving care at Ascension Wisconsin hospitals, outpatient facilities, physician practices and associated Ascension Medical Group practices will be affected, the health system said in a news release shared with Becker’s.
Ascension Wisconsin is one of the largest health systems in the state, with 10 hospitals, more than 1,000 providers and 165 locations.
“The reimbursement rates UnitedHealthcare proposed do not adequately account for the significant financial pressures facing healthcare providers,” Sean Fitzpatrick, Ascension vice president of external communications, said. “We remain open to resuming discussions with UnitedHealthcare, should they be willing to engage in a way that supports that goal.”
In a statement shared with Becker’s, UnitedHealthcare CEO of Wisconsin Dustin Hinton said, “Ascension Wisconsin declined our latest proposal, which offered market-competitive rates, and chose to leave our network. We also proposed extending the contracts to allow our members continued network access to Ascension while we continue discussions. Ascension refused. Our primary focus at this time is providing our members uninterrupted access to the care they need through either continuity of care or supporting them as they transition to new care providers.”
