TL/DR –
St. Bernards, a healthcare facility in Arkansas, ended its business relationship with United Healthcare (UHC), affecting military veterans who are insured through the Veterans Administration (VA) which is covered by UHC. One veteran, Bill Carroll, was unable to receive a heart procedure because of this separation. Carroll now faces the challenge of finding new doctors and a new healthcare facility, as he has been a patient at St. Bernards for almost 12 years.
St. Bernards and United Healthcare Split Impacts Military Veterans
After the abrupt termination of a business relationship between St. Bernards and United Healthcare (UHC), military veterans in Pocahontas, Ark are struggling to get necessary medical procedures. A notable example is U.S. Army Veteran Bill Carroll, who was awaiting approval for a crucial heart surgery at St. Bernards under his VA health insurance, managed by UHC.
Unfortunately, due to the breakdown in negotiations between St. Bernards and UHC, Carroll learned that he could no longer undergo the procedure at the facility. He explained that St. Bernards’ providers haven’t signed the community care contract with Veteran Affairs (VA), which would have allowed him to use the facility for his surgery.
As a result of the severed relationship, veterans are now forced to find new medical facilities and doctors. For Carroll, who has relied on St. Bernards for nearly 12 years and describes his VA’s insurance service as “excellent”, this has proved particularly challenging.
Bill’s sister and fellow Army Vet, Carol Carroll expressed her disappointment, stating, “Now all of a sudden, he can’t have it done. It is very frightening.” She highlights the military veterans’ earned right to healthcare services, a sentiment which might not be understood by those who haven’t served in the military.
However, there is a glimmer of hope for Carroll, as his procedure was rescheduled after St. Bernards agreed to accept Medicare. For more information on VA Health Care, you can visit their official website.
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