When does Huntsville Hospital’s contract with United Healthcare expire?
Should UnitedHealthcare and Huntsville Hospital Health System be unable to reach an agreement prior to November 14, then Huntsville Hospital will no longer be “in network” with UHC Commercial and Medicare plans, effective the following day on November 15, 2024. This includes Madison Hospital.
When do the UHC contracts with other regional hospitals expire?
Provided the inability to reach an agreement, Helen Keller Hospital in Sheffield will no longer be in the UHC network on October 15, 2024; Highlands Medical Center in Scottsboro on October 31; and Decatur Morgan Hospital in Decatur on November 30, 2024. All other HH Health System hospitals would leave the UHC network in 2025.
What will be the impact on persons covered by a UHC Medicare Advantage plan (such as retired teachers covered through PEEHIP)?
All UHC Medicare Advantage participants can continue to use HH as an out-of-network hospital with no change in your out-of-pocket expenses.
What is the impact for retired state employees on UHC Medicare (SEIB)?
Similar to PEEHIP, all State retirees covered under SEIB can continue to use HH as an out-of-network hospital with no change in your out-of-pocket expenses.
What will be the impact on persons covered by a UHC commercial health insurance plan (such as a private health insurance plan that is self-insured or fully-insured)?
Commercial health plans administered by UHC will see the biggest change as a result of going out-of-network. Typically, the biggest impact is with personal out-of-pocket expenses and co-pay/deductibles. However, HH will continue to see all UHC patients with the same level of care as in-network. For more details, please inquire to UHC about your personal out-of-network benefits.
What about Medicare supplement plans with United Healthcare?
Medicare Supplemental plans, such as AARP, are not included in the potential termination.
Does this termination impact UHC’s Veterans plan (VACCN)?
No, it does not.
How does this affect coverage for my physician who is in the HH Health System?
All HH Health System physicians will remain in-network with all plans.
Will this termination impact hospice, surgery centers, nursing homes, ambulance, urgent care, and LTAC (North Alabama Specialty Hospital)?
No, these services are not impacted. They remain in-network.
Are emergency services affected?
No. All emergent care will be treated regardless of insurer.
Is United Community (Tenncare) included in this decision?
No
When does enrollment begin in Medicare plans for 2025?
Medicare’s open enrollment begins October 15 and runs through December 7. Options are available at www.medicare.gov
What is the impact for patients who are covered by UHC Medicare (other than PEEHIP and SEIB)?
You can continue to use Huntsville Hospital Health System, but please inquire to UHC about your personal out-of-network benefits and potential cost changes.
Questions on all Commercial/Exchange plans should be directed to UHC about your personal out-of-network benefits. Huntsville Hospital will update these Frequently Asked Questions as needed. Questions@hhsys.org
10/14/24
