Baltimore –
Negotiations between UnitedHealthcare and Johns Hopkins continue, as confirmed by a hospital spokesperson. Both have been trying to finalize an agreement for months but have struggled to settle financial terms.
A representative from Johns Hopkins Medicine stated that discussions are ongoing and that they reached a deadline without a resolution. This situation has left some patients frustrated, including local resident Heather Reynolds, who shared her concerns with 11 News. She recently managed to find a new doctor for her newborn but is now thinking about going to a primary care doctor first.
According to Gene Ransom from the Maryland Medical Association, Reynolds isn’t alone—many physicians have voiced their discontent about UnitedHealthcare’s policies, describing them as aggressive bureaucratic hurdles that ultimately affect patient care.
Despite five months of extensions in negotiations, no agreement has been reached, which Ransom noted is concerning, especially since UnitedHealthcare claims that Johns Hopkins doctors have a higher treatment approval rate compared to other providers.
Some patients do have options. “UnitedHealthcare has protocols for care continuity within their network, allowing patients to request ongoing care from their current providers,” Ransom explained. “They should consider submitting requests to maintain that relationship until they can transition to a new plan.” Additionally, patients facing coverage issues, particularly those with chronic conditions or needing OBGYN services, are encouraged to contact the Maryland Department of Health.
In a statement, Johns Hopkins Medicine emphasized their commitment to negotiations with UnitedHealthcare, underlining that the main goal is to prioritize patient needs. They expressed frustration with the current state of talks, stating, “This situation is not just about money but ensuring timely care without unnecessary roadblocks.” They urged UnitedHealthcare to genuinely address patient concerns.
On the other hand, UnitedHealthcare responded by stating that Johns Hopkins wasn’t willing to compromise on contract terms. They reiterated their focus on maintaining quality patient care throughout ongoing negotiations.
As for the affected networks, UnitedHealthcare indicated that only providers in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington will be impacted by the negotiations, while those in Florida remain in network. Members who were already approved for services at Johns Hopkins can still access those services, regardless of the current network status.
Additionally, in emergency situations, UnitedHealthcare advises members to seek care at hospitals, regardless of network participation, to ensure benefit coverage.
