Northeast Georgia Health System and UnitedHealthcare have started the early stages of contract negotiation, hoping to reach an agreement that will protect patients’ in-network access and provides fair compensation for NGHS' services.
The current contract expires on April 30, 2023, and covers NGHS patients with commercial health insurance plans at all of the hospital’s facilities.
In a statement, hospital officials said starting the negotiation process 6 months early allows both parties enough time to reach an agreement and avoid disruption for patients.
“We simply want to be transparent with our community – especially because it’s open enrollment season for many – so people have all the information available to make the best decisions for themselves and their families,” Steve McNeilly said, NGHS’ chief operating officer of Population Health and vice president of Managed Care. “We will keep our patients informed as the negotiations progress.”
McNeilly went on to stress that nothing is changing for patients now, and those with UnitedHealthcare insurance should continue to visit their physician like usual.
Partnerships with health insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare allow the hospital system to continue providing high-quality care for patients.
Concerned UnitedHealthcare policyholders can call the number on the back of their United insurance card to inform the company of the importance of continued in-network access to NGHS. Patients should also consider all other insurance options that provide in-network access to NGSH.
Visit nghs.com/united to learn more and see answers to frequently asked questions.
