UNC Health announced on March 28, 2024 that it had signed a new, long-term agreement with UnitedHealthcare which will allow United members across North Carolina to continue receiving uninterrupted care from UNC Health providers, clinics and hospitals.
Some Hendersonville residents had shared their concerns with News 13 in February about the potential end to the contract between the two, with many using the services of Pardee Hospital and Pardee UNC Health Care. One resident, Ginger Talbert, previously said she had received letters stating Pardee Hospital would no longer accept UnitedHealthcare coverage as of April 1 if an agreement was not reached between the two. A release from UNC Health said the end of the contract would have created an “out of network” situation for thousands of patients.
The new. multi-year deal covers all United commercial, Individual Exchange and Medicare Advantage plans.
“This new agreement will benefit our patients across the state as well as our providers,” said Dr. Matt Ewend, chief clinical officer at UNC Health, in a press release. “Our patients will not face increased costs and stress of going out of network or seeking new providers for their care. We look forward to working with United in the coming years to improve access, reduce costs and eliminate obstacles to care.”
UNC Health said affected patients will be notified "as quickly as possible" about the agreement.
"UNC Health began negotiations with United last year and agreed to a new deal this week," the March 28 press release stated. "The new agreement with United follows UNC Health’s recent announcement of a long-term contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina."
STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOS
