United Healthcare, Ascension, Wisconsin Stalemate
milwaukee – HR professionals are characterizing the ongoing issues between Ascension and United Healthcare as “unaffordable and unprecedented.”
Currently, there’s a lack of agreement on a contract between Ascension Wisconsin and United Healthcare, which means that Ascension is no longer part of United Healthcare’s network.
With this situation unfolding, HR departments are finding themselves quite overwhelmed.
Impact on HR
“This timing is pretty unprecedented,” noted Alisa Nagle, an assistant professor of business at Marquette University. With her extensive HR background, she finds this impasse unfamiliar territory.
“We’ve never had such a prolonged delay in getting a plan year sorted out, especially with a new plan year fast approaching and employers trying to recruit,” she added.
The deadline for both parties to reach an agreement was set for October 1st, but since they missed it, Ascension is officially out of United Healthcare’s network.
Some recommendations? Well, waiting for open enrollment could be an option. However, that may not work out either.
“HR departments thought they had a solid contract with United Healthcare. Now they’re likely confused,” Nagle said. Many employers had settled their plans with United months back.
Time is tight, and many companies are facing open enrollment within just weeks. “At this point, they don’t have much choice. Some might negotiate a new plan immediately, while others just can’t,” she explained.
How to Navigate the Situation
Here are some tips:
Nagle pointed out that larger employers may offer several health plans through different insurers. However, smaller businesses might have fewer alternatives.
It’s also contingent on the specific plan one is on. “Collaborate with your employer to see if there are options available for continuing care through your plan. It could grant you some extra time,” she suggested.
Additionally, looking into the insurance marketplace could be beneficial, though it might be pricey given the current uncertainty.
Both Ascension and United Healthcare are still in negotiations.
Official Statements
Ascension Wisconsin Statement
Ascension has indicated that negotiations with UnitedHealthcare have been ongoing for several months. They aim for an agreement that ensures quality care for their members. However, despite efforts, they haven’t found common ground, leading to Ascension’s removal from UnitedHealthcare’s network as of October 1, 2025.
The statement continued that the healthcare provider has faced challenges, including rising costs for equipment and medications. These financial pressures are impacting healthcare systems nationwide.
While this change may be confusing for many patients, Ascension is focused on helping them navigate their options.
United Healthcare Statement
In response, United Healthcare mentioned they’ve attempted to find a compromise, but Ascension opted to exit their network, declined competitive rate offers, and rejected extensions for further negotiations.
This means that Ascension providers will no longer be part of the network for various plans starting October 1, 2025. However, Optum Behavioral Health will still be in-network with Ascension.
They emphasized their goal has been to reach an agreement that remains affordable for consumers while ensuring access to Ascension’s network. Unfortunately, they noted Ascension hasn’t backed down from their demands.
Despite this stalemate, United Healthcare intends to continue supporting its members through resources and transition options to different providers, ensuring they still receive quality care.
source: Information for this report was gathered from an assistant professor at Marquette University, alongside contributions from Ascension Wisconsin and UnitedHealthcare.
