Humana is set to drop The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and The James Cancer Hospital from its in-network lineup, a move scheduled to take effect on Oct. 1 and potentially disrupt care for thousands of Columbus-area members. The change primarily targets people enrolled in Humana Medicare Advantage and Humana Healthy Horizons Medicaid plans. Both Humana and Ohio State say they are trying to soften the blow, and emergency care will still be covered at in-network benefit levels.
What Changed And When
In a July 2 statement, Humana said its contract with Ohio State ends Oct. 1, and that the Wexner Medical Center, The James, and OSU-affiliated physicians will move out of Humana’s network on that date, according to Humana. Ohio State’s patient insurance page lists the Humana Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans that will go out of network starting Oct. 1 and notes that traditional Medicare and Medigap plans will still be accepted.
Who Is Affected
Local coverage reports that Ohio State estimates roughly 26,000 Humana patients in central Ohio will feel the impact, most of them on Medicare Advantage or Humana Healthy Horizons Medicaid plans, per NBC4. The outlet adds that patients with employer-sponsored retiree coverage should talk with their retirement plan administrator before making any changes to their insurance.
Continuity And Support
Humana says it will offer personalized continuity-of-care help, and that some members with specific medical conditions may qualify to keep seeing their Ohio State providers for a limited time after the split, according to Humana. The insurer also notes that emergency services will be paid at the in-network benefit level and urges members to call the customer service number on the back of their Humana ID cards for guidance.
Ohio State’s Guidance To Patients
Ohio State is telling patients to keep their scheduled appointments, tests, and procedures while they review coverage options and alternative insurers. The university’s insurance page highlights the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program as a free Medicare counseling resource, and local reporting says Ohio State has also pointed patients to a private counseling partner called Chapter for no-cost plan assistance, with details available on the university’s insurance list.
When To Shop For A New Plan
People who need to choose a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan can use the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, typically Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, with new coverage starting Jan. 1, according to enrollment guides. If you need faster help, including possible exceptions or continuity protections, ask your plan about special rules that may apply to your situation.
Why It Matters In Columbus
Ohio State runs a wide network of specialty clinics and outpatient locations around the region, so losing in-network access could hit hardest for patients who rely on ongoing specialist care. The standoff mirrors other recent payor-provider splits, including Humana’s breakup with Moffitt Cancer Center earlier this year, and underscores how contract fights can complicate life for people managing chronic or complex conditions.
What To Do Now
For now, keep your appointments, keep track of any upcoming tests or procedures, and call your insurer or Ohio State’s patient services with questions about scheduled care. For free, unbiased one-on-one counseling in Ohio, contact the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program at the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program site, insurance.ohio.gov/medicare, or call 1-800-686-1578, and start comparing options before the Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 enrollment window. If your coverage comes through a retiree or employer plan, check with your benefits administrator before you switch plans.
