After weeks of negotiating and threats that some patients could lose insurance coverage for specialized services, LCMC Health and UnitedHealthcare say that they have reached an agreement to keep LCMC's service in-network.
In an email sent to patients on Saturday, LCMC Health chief executive officer Greg Feirn said UHC customers' access to providers will not be disrupted.
"This agreement reflects a necessary step forward to safeguarding the long-term strength and stability of our system," Feirn wrote. "Through this process, we were able to better align reimbursement with the true cost and value of the care we provide to patients covered by UnitedHealth so we may continue investing in our people, facilities, and services—and ensure that patients in greater New Orleans can access high-quality, affordable care for years to come."
WWL-TV reports that the agreement was a verbal agreement. A statement posted to the UnitedHealthcare website says the extension of benefits for LCMC patients is temporary.
"We have extended our hospital contract with LCMC through Nov. 7 for people enrolled in employer-sponsored commercial plans, including UMR and Individual Family Plan (IFP). This provides our members continued, uninterrupted network access to LCMC’s hospitals while our organizations continue our efforts to finalize a long-term relationship," the statement said. "People enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, including Group Retiree and Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), as well as our Medicaid plan, were not impacted by our negotiation and continue to have network access to LCMC’s hospitals, facilities and its physicians. Likewise, people enrolled in employer-sponsored commercial plans have continued network access to LCMC’s physicians."