United Healthcare Drops Hartford HealthCare Amid Dispute, Leaving Patients Scrambling

TL/DR –

United Healthcare (United) plans to drop Hartford HealthCare, one of the largest care providers in Connecticut, from its network from April 1, affecting patients with Medicare Advantage and other plans. The companies are in dispute over costs, with Hartford claiming that UnitedHealth Group, United’s parent company, generated $400bn in revenue last year, while United claims Hartford is seeking a 20% increase over the next three years. United is encouraging patients to find alternatives ahead of the deadline, although a deal may still be reached.

Dispute Between United Healthcare and Hartford HealthCare Puts Patients in Limbo

A controversy over healthcare network pricing between United Healthcare and Hartford HealthCare has left patients with potential healthcare gaps. United informed some patients that it would cease including Hartford HealthCare—one of the largest care providers in Connecticut—in its network, effective April 1.

Elizabeth Burt, a Simsbury resident who has a Medicare Advantage plan, is one of the many United members impacted by this dispute. Other plans affected involve coverage offered to employee companies and Oxford commercial plans.

While the potential for a resolution before the deadline still exists, United has encouraged members to explore alternative care providers. United alleges Hartford HealthCare is demanding a 20% increase over the upcoming three years—in a statement, United emphasized their commitment to affordability for consumers and employers.

In response, Hartford HealthCare highlighted the $400 billion revenue of United’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, last year. They insist the dispute centers around fair compensation for their staff. Hartford HealthCare stated they are working diligently towards a mutually agreeable contract and optimistic about reaching a resolution soon.

With no certainty of a resolution, Burt began searching for a new primary care doctor. Of the four in-network doctors found within driving distance, only two were not affiliated with Hartford HealthCare. One of these practices put her on a one-to-two-year waiting list, while the other was unresponsive.

Patients do have options during this transition: those undergoing particular treatments can request United to extend their current doctor’s coverage, typically for up to 90 days. Additionally, patients on the Medicare Advantage plan can use an open enrollment period, which lasts until March 31.

Lisa Freeman, Executive Director at Connecticut Center for Patient Safety, noted many patients prefer to retain their familiar providers. The state has a health insurance advocate available to assist individuals during this confusing time, and Insurance Commissioner Andy Mais is urging both parties to reach an agreement before the deadline.

Although the state’s Insurance Department doesn’t play a direct role in the negotiations, Mais also suggested striving for the Office of Health Strategy’s benchmark of a 2.9% annual increase—equivalent to a 9% increase over three years.

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