Cancer Care Campus Expansion

The next step for Cancer Care in Oconee County is all about expansion, which is coming in the near future.

The Oconee Memorial Hospital Foundation recently announced the launch of a $4.2 million capital campaign to increase the size of the Seneca-based cancer institute located on the Oconee Medical Campus. The community funding, along with funds from Prisma Health, would almost double the Institute's footprint and serve twice as many patients in the area at one time. Last year, over 1,100 patients received care at the campus.

The news shared via social media didn't receive a warm reception from all. One poster on Facebook replied to the announcement saying "how wonderful for our community, except those of us with United Health Care."

On January 1, 2024, according to the United Healthcare website , "Prisma Health chose to leave United Health Care's commercial and Medicare Advantage network." Meaningful rate negotiations could not be reached by both parties. In March 2024, the UHC website shared that they and Prisma continue to work on establishing a renewed relationship and remain engaged in discussions. Also sharing, both Prisma and UHC are actively exchanging proposals.

Despite being out of network, Prisma Health continues to fight for South Carolinians. Senior Media Relations Coordinator, Sandy Dees, with Prisma Health sent the following statement:

“Prisma Health remains out of network with all UnitedHealthcare plans. At Prisma Health, patients are our first priority. For months, we diligently worked toward a resolution that would allow UnitedHealthcare members to access the Prisma Health providers and services they know and trust at in-network rates. Unfortunately, UnitedHealthcare, the largest health insurance company in the world, refuses to enter into a reasonable agreement that helps offset the rising costs of providing South Carolinians high-quality health care. We understand this situation is frustrating, and we sincerely hope that UnitedHealthcare presents a proposal that addresses these cost increases. In the meantime, additional information is available on our website at prismahealth.org/unitedhealth .”

Meanwhile, as for the expansion of Prisma Health’s Cancer Institute in Seneca, the project is expected to cost $12 million, with the majority of funding coming from Prisma, and hopes to break ground in the fall of 2026.