UnitedHealthcare has provided notice to CaroMont Health that they would
be terminating our contract for hospital-based services on December 1,
2020. This termination means that nearly 11,000 UnitedHealthcare members
in our area would no longer be considered in-network at CaroMont Regional
Medical Center.
CaroMont Health has tried in earnest to come to an agreement that would
meet UnitedHealthcare’s desire to lower hospital reimbursement while
still ensuring the hospital receives adequate compensation to cover the
cost of care. Unfortunately, UnitedHealthcare proposed rates that are
more than 25% below other health care systems in the Charlotte region,
and thus far, has been unwilling to consider fair and equitable rates
for hospital care.
We are very disappointed that the largest health insurance company in the
world, which earned approximately $22 billion in the last 12 months, has
chosen to terminate the relationship with a community hospital during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
CaroMont Health has seen the significant stress and financial hardship
COVID-19 has created for many, and the health system will not allow patients
to bear the additional burden of being caught in the middle of their insurance
provider’s contract negotiation strategy. As such, CaroMont Health
is working with patients and employers to find solutions to allow patients
to still receive care at CaroMont Regional Medical Center.
Patients who are concerned about UnitedHealthcare’s actions should
consider contacting their Human Resources department or Benefits Administrator
and ask them to choose a health benefit plan that includes CaroMont Regional
Medical Center in the provider network. They may also call UnitedHealthcare
at the Customer Care number listed on their ID card or at 1.800.328.5979
and ask them to withdraw their termination of CaroMont Regional Medical
Center to allow time for a fair and equitable negotiation.
If patients with UnitedHealthcare have questions about care at CaroMont
Regional Medical Center, they may call the CaroMont Health Financial Customer
Service line at 704.834.2931 or 704.834.2450. We value the trust our patients
place in the providers and staff at CaroMont Health, and we remain ever
committed to finding a long-term solution that puts the health and wellbeing
of our patients and our community first.