Hospital leaders at LCMC are alerting patients with United Healthcare that they might soon lose their in-network insurance coverage. The two parties have until November 1 to finalize contract negotiations, or 36,000 LCMC patients could find themselves without insurance. These negotiations determine how much hospitals receive from UHC and how much patients are expected to pay. The dispute involves all eight hospitals within the system.
UHC representatives indicate that LCMC is seeking a 40% price hike, which they believe is excessive. “LCMC is asking for an increase exceeding 40%, making it considerably pricier than any other health system in the New Orleans area. Around $80 million of the $113 million LCMC wants will come from local employers’ budgets, affecting their ability to grow and compensate workers. We’re advocating for a more reasonable increase that would keep LCMC financially competitive. We intend to negotiate until we secure an agreement that is reasonable for Louisiana families and businesses. We call on LCMC to provide a proposal that aligns with those needs,” stated Christine O’Brien, the executive director of UnitedHealthcare of Louisiana.
In a recent statement, LCMC said they have a long-standing commitment to quality care, even amid stagnant reimbursements against rising costs, but they find this situation unsustainable. Unfortunately, they indicated that starting November 1, LCMC Health hospitals will no longer be in-network with UnitedHealthcare. While UHC has promised that LCMC Health physicians will stay in-network, this will not shield patients from potential out-of-pocket costs, particularly affecting plans like employer-sponsored ones and those from the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.
At Mannings Family Children’s Hospital, a physician warned that if patients end up out-of-network, those needing specialized care, such as children with cancer, might have to seek treatment beyond state lines. “It’s incredibly challenging for patients just trying to find a cure for their illness. They’re battling for their lives, so they shouldn’t also have to struggle for coverage,” remarked Dr. Ben Watkins, who leads the Pediatric Stem Cell and Cell Therapy Program at Mannings Family Children’s Hospital.
Patients in the midst of treatment for serious conditions may apply for continued care. For instance, if someone is pregnant or currently undergoing cancer treatment, they should reach out to the contact number on the back of their insurance card for further details. Those with supplemental coverage through Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, ACA Marketplace, and UnitedHealthcare will not be impacted.
