Current contract between TriHealth and UnitedHealthcare is set to expire Wednesday

Thousands could face increased medical costs due to looming contract deadline

A dispute over contracts between TriHealth, a local health system in Cincinnati, and UnitedHealthcare, a large national insurer, is causing unease among local residents, particularly retirees such as Barb Meister, who depend on TriHealth for medical services. With a deadline approaching Wednesday night, both organizations are under pressure to reach a new agreement.

Barb Meister, a resident of Harrison, voiced her concerns, saying, “I don’t care who it is. I just need this fixed for emergencies. I know insurance has covered me before, but I dread the thought of leaving the hospital with a $10,000 bill.” After retiring from Macy’s, she selected a Medicare plan through UnitedHealthcare to keep her healthcare network intact, with about ten doctors at TriHealth. “I had cancer and heart issues before, so it’s important to me to stay with my doctors. I found the best plan through AARP, and all my doctors are part of it,” she added.

The clock is ticking as the current contract is set to conclude Wednesday night. If a deal isn’t reached, patients like Meister may face sudden hikes in healthcare costs, which could dampen the holiday spirit. Meister reflected on this, noting the irony: “You’re caught up in holiday preparations, having fun with friends, but then there’s that lingering worry: ‘Will I have insurance after this year?’ It’s daunting,” she said.

If no agreement is finalized by 12:01 a.m. Thursday, patients may still have options. TriHealth and UnitedHealthcare have indicated that some individuals might qualify for “continuity of care,” which allows for in-network benefits even if their doctor or hospital is no longer in UnitedHealthcare’s network. Patients are advised to contact UnitedHealthcare to find out if they’re eligible for this measure.

As for the negotiation itself, TriHealth has expressed the need for fair compensation from UnitedHealthcare and fewer administrative complications. Conversely, UnitedHealthcare contends that meeting TriHealth’s demands would make them the most expensive healthcare system in the Greater Cincinnati area, potentially burdening employers and consumers alike.