In breaking news, Johns Hopkins Medicine and United Healthcare have wrapped up their contract discussions without reaching an agreement. Officials from Johns Hopkins indicated that United Healthcare has been unwilling to accept reasonable contracting terms, leading to difficulties in patient care. As a result, Johns Hopkins is informing patients to allow them time to explore alternative insurance options. There hasn’t been any response from United Healthcare yet. We’ll keep you updated on Wbal-TV.
In a statement to 11 News, a Johns Hopkins medical official confirmed that the ongoing negotiations, which stretched over eight months, ended without a consensus, despite five deadline extensions. Kim Hoppe, the vice president of public relations for Johns Hopkins Medicine, pointed out that the contract disputes weren’t just about money; they involved policies making it challenging for doctors to deliver patient care.
Hoppe stated, “Despite our best efforts to find common ground, Johns Hopkins Medicine and United Healthcare could not agree. United Healthcare refused to use reasonable language in the contract, which is essential for ensuring timely patient care.”
Joseph Ochipinti, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare for the Mid-Atlantic region, responded, noting, “Johns Hopkins has now made it clear that they are stepping away from negotiations because we do not agree on terms that restrict treatment for members on employer-based plans. Their requests are unacceptable, as we cannot allow patients to be pushed away from needed care.”
Gene Ransom from the Maryland Medical Association remarked last month that this situation is not unique; many doctors have raised concerns about United Healthcare’s practices over the years, stating that they have become increasingly aggressive. Ransom noted, “United has consistently adopted measures that limit care, such as denying claims and implementing rigid policies that complicate access.”
UnitedHealthcare clarified that the impact of these negotiations will be limited to Johns Hopkins providers in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, while those in Florida will remain in-network.
This story may be updated.
