WakeMed, United Healthcare reach new agreement

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — After months of negotiations, WakeMed and United Healthcare have reached a new agreement for employer-sponsored commercial plans.

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The new multi-year contract takes effect Oct. 15, WakeMed said in a release. It “restores in-network access to WakeMed hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty physicians for United Healthcare commercial plan members.” Other services, like ambulatory surgery centers and primary care doctors, had always remained in contract even during negotiations, WakeMed said. Anyone with United’s Medicaid Managed Care plan also always remained in network

What’s not included in the new deal, however, are WakeMed hospitals, specialists and home health services in United’s Medicare Advantage plans.

“Throughout these negotiations, WakeMed remained committed to reaching terms that would restore access for UnitedHealthcare members while appropriately recognizing the care and services WakeMed provides to our community,” Stephanie Sessoms, WakeMed executive vice president and chief financial officer, said. “The new agreement includes meaningful improvements in reimbursement and contractual terms and provides a more sustainable foundation for WakeMed and UnitedHealthcare to continue their commercial relationship over the coming years.”

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UnitedHealthcare also released a statement.

“We’ve reached a multi-year agreement with WakeMed that will provide people enrolled in employer-sponsored commercial plans network access to the health system’s hospitals, specialty physicians, HealthPlex locations and its home health providers, beginning Oct. 15,” a spokesperson said. “We look forward to collaborating with WakeMed in the years ahead to help provide North Carolinians and employers access to quality, affordable care.”

According to WakeMed, it will resume in-network scheduling and services to UnitedHealthcare commercial members on Oct. 15.

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