BayCare and UnitedHealthcare have reached an agreement ahead of the June 1 deadline so that patients with UnitedHealthcare (UHC) can continue receiving care at BayCare facilities.
BayCare Health System said it reached a new multi-year agreement with UnitedHealthcare to continue providing in-network care to patients with UHC.
Watch report from Annette Gutierrez
In a statement, Stephanie Conners, president and CEO of BayCare Health System, said:
"We are thrilled that BayCare and UnitedHealthcare have agreed to a fair and reasonable new contract to ensure the communities we serve throughout West Central Florida can continue to receive care from BayCare, including the physicians, services and facilities they know and trust. Throughout these discussions, our priority has been to protect patient choice and prevent disruption in care. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to keeping care accessible and centered on the needs of the people and families who rely on us every day."
CEO of Florida for UnitedHealthcare, Bryan Palmer, said, "Our renewed relationship provides continued, long-term access to care for the people we serve throughout West Central Florida. We appreciate BayCare’s collaboration throughout this process and look forward to supporting all of the people who rely on us for access to quality, affordable health care."
Even though they have come to an agreement, the looming deadline created a lot of stress and concern for people in the Tampa Bay area.
Some, like Angela Alfano, were so worried, they were getting lab work done on Friday at BayCare in case they didn't have insurance next week.
"I’m concerned. I have a heart condition… I cannot afford for them not to have the coverage," Alfano said. "At my age and all my health issues, I like coming to BayCare."
BayCare has several hospitals in Tampa, including St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lutz.
Chris Carrino, a healthcare insurance agent with over two decades of experience, spoke with Tampa Bay 28 reporter Annette Gutierrez over the phone, and said that these negotiations are not uncommon.
"I’ve seen this happen many times over my career, it seems like it does always work out in the end because they understand," Carrino said. "It's all about money one way or the other."
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