The University of Vermont Health Network has agreed to commercial contract terms with UnitedHealthcare.
The agreement extends through March 31, 2023, and affects about 2,900 UnitedHealthcare members in Vermont and Northern New York, according to a March 29 press release emailed to Becker's.
The renewal with Burlington-based UVM Health Network includes a commitment from UnitedHealthcare to cover reasonable cost increases and address policies that make it difficult for patients to access care.
"We are happy to close this chapter and make sure we are meeting patient needs, regardless of their insurance carrier," said John Brumsted, MD, president and CEO of UVM Health Network. "This is a partial victory for local, not-for-profit health care providers. We are doing our best, every day, to provide the healthcare services our patients need."
The agreement comes after UVM Health Network expressed desire to end its contract with UnitedHealthcare in early March, citing administrative issues and delays for care approval. UnitedHealthcare had previously said the two could not come to an agreement over reimbursement fees, saying UVM Health Network's rates were not "affordable or sustainable."