News

UNC Health signs new deal with UnitedHealth

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 29, 2024

UNC Health has signed a new, long-term agreement with UnitedHealthcare that will United policyholders across North Carolina to continue receiving uninterrupted care from UNC Health providers, clinics and hospitals, UNC Health Pardee announced Thursday.

The organizations’ current contract was set to expire on April 1, raising the possibility of an “out of network” situation for thousands of patients. The new deal covers all United commercial, Individual Exchange and Medicare Advantage plans.

“This new agreement will benefit our patients across the state as well as our providers,” said Dr. Matt Ewend, Chief Clinical Officer at UNC Health. “Our patients will not face increased costs and stress of going out of network or seeking new providers for their care. We look forward to working with United in the coming years to improve access, reduce costs and eliminate obstacles to care.”

UNC Health will communicate with affected patients as quickly as possible to ensure they are aware of the new agreement with United and that care with their UNC Health providers will not change. UNC Health’s website about the negotiations, UNCHealthforNC.com, also will be updated for community members.

UNC Health began negotiations with United last year and agreed to the new multi-year deal deal this week. The new agreement with United follows UNC Health’s recent announcement of a long-term contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.