Thousands of Wisconsin residents find themselves at a crossroads in healthcare coverage as Ascension Wisconsin parts ways with UnitedHealthcare. Contract renewal talks failed to yield an agreement before the Oct. 1 deadline, leaving UnitedHealthcare members to face higher out-of-pocket costs if they continue to seek care within Ascension facilities. Ascension Wisconsin, which encompasses hospitals, outpatient facilities, and physician practices, is now out-of-network for individuals insured through UnitedHealthcare plans, as confirmed by The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
An early Wednesday statement reflected the institutions' inability to adequately come to terms. "Despite our best efforts, we were unable to come to terms that reflect the rising cost of delivering care in today’s environment," Ascension Wisconsin said in announcements retrieved by various outlets including FOX6 News. The primary contention point revolves around payment rates. Ascension believed UnitedHealthcare’s proposals did not sufficiently account for the financial burdens faced by healthcare providers — escalating inflation coupled with the heightened costs for essential equipment and medications.
The termination of the partnership affects patients with commercial, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid UnitedHealthcare plans. While UnitedHealthcare members can still choose to receive care from Ascension Wisconsin, they will do so on an out-of-network basis, likely feeling the pinch of increased personal expenses. In response to the community concern, Ascension Wisconsin has promised guidance for those impacted. "We recognize this change may be disruptive and concerning for our patients. We are committed to helping those affected understand their options and continue accessing the care they need," an Ascension statement detailed to The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
The standoff is yet to resolve completely, as both Ascension Wisconsin and UnitedHealthcare appear willing to continue negotiations. "The reimbursement rates UnitedHealthcare proposed do not adequately account for the significant financial pressures facing healthcare providers, including unprecedented inflation, and rising costs for equipment and medications," an Ascension Wisconsin spokesperson told WISN 12 News.
