2 days ago
Expecting parents are expecting the worst with UAB and UnitedHealthcare negotiations
BIRMINGHAM, Ala (WIAT) – UAB facilities across Alabama could become out-of-network for the thousands of Alabamians insured by UnitedHealthcare.
'Obviously, the hope is they find an agreement and I don't have to swap providers,' Christian Holly said.
Holly and his wife are getting ready to welcome their first child into the world. Their due date is in October and their doctors are at UAB.
'My wife was big on using UAB,' Holly said. 'They've got the best trauma center, the best neo-natal care, all of those sorts of things.'
UAB and UnitedHealthCare (UHC) have until July 31 to finalize an agreement. Each party sent out statements that read in part:
'We are deeply disappointed that UnitedHealthcare has created this uncertainty for our patients…UAB Hospital alone provides more than $100 million a year in care for which it is not paid; and United reimburses care providers less than other insurers.' – UAB Statement.
'UAB continues to drive up health care costs for people and businesses throughout Alabama through its acquisitions…Our goal is to reach an agreement that is affordable for consumers and employers while providing continued, uninterrupted network access to UAB.' – UHC Statement.
The two parties have seven weeks to make that happen.
'If this doesn't get squared away in the next month, we'll have to swap providers,' Holly said.
If UAB becomes out-network for the Holly's, they have two options: pay out of pocket or find a new doctor to deliver their first born. But it's possible both could happen. In the chance his wife needs emergency medical attention during delivery, or their child needs emergency medical care – they'll have to go to UAB and pay out of pocket.
'If she does have an issue, they'll have to swap her to UAB so it just adds a lot of worry to everything,' Holly said.
CBS 42 News requested the total number of Alabamians who are insured through UHC. As of Thursday, we were still waiting for that number. However, thousands of retired public school teachers and their dependents are insured through UHC.
'We have about 80,000 lives that are covered currently through PHIP United Plan,' The Government Media Relations Manger for the Alabama Education Association, Allison King said.
Anyone who worked for the Alabama Public School system for at least 25 years qualifies for Public Education Employees' Health Insurance Plan King said. That plan provides those state retirees with UHC.
'We'll certainly be working to advocate on the behalf of our retirees and make sure they have quality programs both in service providers and health care options,' King said.
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