Humana canceled its contract with St. Luke’s in August because of a disagreement concerning payments. St. Luke’s spokesman Ken Dey told the Statesman the insurer wanted to pay the health system less than the Medicare program does directly.
Humana spokesman Ross McLerran told the Statesman the insurer is “acting in the best interests of its health plan members with the goal of offering the most affordable, highest-quality and accessible health care possible.”
Mr. McLerran also said the insurer will work with Medicare members to ensure a smooth transition of care. Next year, St. Luke’s patients with Humana Medicare Advantage plans will need to find new providers or face higher out-of-pocket costs for St. Luke’s services.
More than 50,000 people in the counties around St. Luke’s hospitals are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, including about 5,870 with Humana coverage, according to the report.
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