As of October 3, 2022, United Healthcare insurance group lost their contract with WellStar hospital and all doctors. This applies to Medicare, group insurance and individual plans. If you have United Healthcare, you cannot go to WellStar hospitals and get the care you need for the same negotiated price rates as before. (Except if you are currently on a Med Advantage plan, then WellStar can still be your primary care doctor until Dec 31, 2021.)
Why it happened: WellStar was requesting an increase in prices that United Healthcare is not willing to pay for services. United Healthcare executives saw this as a huge price increase and were unable to see sustainability at these rates. United healthcare declined the new price increases, which were being enforced by WellStar. For many months, the negotiations went on, but an agreement was not made between the two companies.
As of October, this lack of agreement changed the health care facility choices for UHC members. For the people who have United Health Care insurance, you can no longer go to any WellStar doctor and be “in network”. For anyone on a United Healthcare group plan through your employer, you cannot go to WellStar and get the same in-network pricing for health care.
Big changes in health care for Georgia. For the first time, both Aetna and United Healthcare will be on Obamacare/Marketplace for health insurance options for 2022. This is in addition to AmBetter, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and more.
What you need to do: If you need to switch plans so you can have access to the WellStar system, now is the time to make an appointment to look at your 2022 options. Open Enrollment starts November 1st. If you do not have health insurance, or if you need to switch plans, just click here for appointment options.
The Marketplace has come a long way since the beginning. It now offers lower rates than before. With the addition of these two large health care providers, Aetna and United Healthcare, this will allow you to have even more options for your healthcare needs.
Call me today, the Insurance Nana®, and let me help you find a plan that will fit your budget, suit your health needs, and meet your lifestyle. I have traditional health insurance plans, and alternative plans that can save you BIG. Let me show you how to save money with health insurance.