SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Trinity Health of New England will no longer accept United Healthcare Insurance.
Baystate hospitals extend visiting hours Trinity Health owns medical centers in both Springfield and Chicopee. In a statement posted to their website , Trinity Health says they’ve been forced out of the network by United Healthcare as of the beginning of this month.
“Regretfully, UnitedHealthcare has forced Trinity Health Of New England out of its commercial and Medicare Advantage networks effective July 1, 2024. Please note that a cooling off period continues to provide in-network access to Mercy Medical through August 31, 2024. Trinity Health Of New England Medical Group physicians are out of network with UnitedHealthcare as of July 1, 2024.
This outcome is deeply disappointing. Over the last many months, Trinity Health Of New England has tried to reach a fair agreement that appropriately covers the true cost of care we provide. Our patients place incredible trust in us when choosing Trinity Health Of New England for their care. We did everything within our power to protect their access and remain in network for care and services. Please know that we want to work with UnitedHealthcare to reach a fair agreement and we continue to meet with them regularly to obtain a new agreement.
Trinity Health Of New England relies on fair payment to provide the care and services patients depend on and need. Unfortunately, despite making billions, UnitedHealthcare chooses to propose increases far below market rates. We are a not-for-profit organization, which means the income we receive from every single dollar is invested back into our patients, communities, and employees so we can continue providing high-quality care to those we serve. Given the cost inflation and rising labor and supply costs we have experienced, we simply need a fair rate increase —we can no longer sustain low reimbursement.
We encourage patients to call UnitedHealthcare or ask their employer to let UnitedHealthcare know how important it is to reinstate their in-network access to Trinity Health Of New England and its providers. Some patients may be eligible for in-network care for an extended length of time and should call the number on the back of their UnitedHealthcare card to determine coverage.
We urge our community members to never delay care – patients always have in-network access to our emergency department. We are always here to serve our community.
Patients can continue to find the latest updates at TrinityHealthOfNE.org/uhc .”
Statement sent to 22News from Trinity Health Of New England
United Healthcare also released a statement saying both companies have been attempting to negotiate a new contract for months. Trinity Health says they were not being adequately paid by the insurance provider.
United Healthcare says Trinity was asking for a more than 30% rate increase and it wasn’t sustainable for them or the clients they serve.
For patients who are affected, Trinity says some may qualify for extended access and can contact United Healthcare directly to apply for the extension.
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