United Healthcare, Wellcare Medicare Advantage out of network next year for Baptist Health

Dec. 7—FLOYD COUNTY — Humana isn't the only insurance company that will be out-of-network for Baptist Health Medicare Advantage patients starting next year.

The hospital system, which owns Baptist Health Floyd hospital in New Albany and the Baptist Health ER & Urgent Care in Jeffersonville, will also stop accepting UnitedHealthcare and Wellcare Medicare Advantage in January.

Medicare Advantage's annual enrollment window closed Thursday.

"Unfortunately, Baptist Health has not reached an agreement with UnitedHealthcare and Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans," Baptist Health said in a statement to the News and Tribune. "This means that Baptist Health hospitals, outpatient clinics, home care and Baptist Health Medical Group practices will be out of network with those plans after Dec. 31, 2023."

Commercial and Medicaid plan patients will still be considered in-network for the health care group.

"Baptist Health will continue to allow access for scheduled health care services to those UnitedHealthcare and Wellcare Medicare Advantage patients who have out-of-network benefits," the statement from Baptist Health said. "We will also continue to treat all emergency patients — and plan-approved cases for continuity of care coverage — regardless of Medicare Advantage payer or plan type."

The News and Tribune contacted both Wellcare and United Healthcare.

"Our top priority is to renew our relationship with Baptist Health and ensure continued access to the health system for people enrolled in our Medicare Advantage plans," United Healthcare spokesperson Spencer Leuning said. "We are committed to continued good-faith negotiation and using the remaining time on our contract to reach a new agreement."

A representative from Wellcare did not respond to a request for comment by press time.