The controversy between United Healthcare and Hartford Healthcare has led some patients to scramble to find a new doctor ahead of the April 1 deadline.
Some patients on United's health insurance plans recently received a letter on April 1, stating they were dropping Hartford Healthcare, one of the state's largest care providers.
“I think there's something wrong with the system that locks people into the network,” said Elizabeth Bart, Simsbury resident.
Burt has a Medicare advantage. This is one of three types of plans under United, which was affected by the conflict.
Other plans include the sale of United to companies that provide compensation for employees and their Oxford commercial plans.
Both sides could still reach a deal by the deadline, but United urged people through letters to find alternatives in the meantime.
In a statement to NBC Connecticut, United said Hartford Healthcare is seeking something equivalent to a 20% increase over the next three years.
“Our top priority is reaching an affordable agreement for consumers and employers,” the company said in a statement. “We hope that HHC will share our commitment and help to provide Connecticut families with access to affordable care.”
However, Hartford Healthcare points out that UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of United, raised $400 billion in revenue last year.
The Healthcare Network argues that this is about fair payments for staff.
“We are committed to solving the remaining issues to ensure mutually comfortable contracts and we believe we will reach the resolution soon,” Hartford Healthcare said.
Burt said they have begun looking for a new primary care physician in case the two have not reached a new agreement.
She found four doctors in the network within driving distance, but the two are affiliated with Hartford Healthcare. So far, she has not been successful with the other two.
“One person was on the waiting list for a year or two, not hiring new patients and the other person didn't even pick up the office,” Burt said.
Some patients have options. People receiving certain treatments can often ask United to extend their current physician coverage for up to 90 days.
Like Burt, patients with a Medicare advantage can also take advantage of the open enrollment period that continues through March 31st.
“People want to be more attached to the providers they are used to,” said Lisa Freeman, Executive Director of Patient Safety in Connecticut.
The state also has health insurance advocates who can help people.
Meanwhile, the state's health department has not played a role in the consultation, but is urging both sides to reach a deal.
“The well-being of consumers who need available and affordable healthcare should be the focus of these ongoing talks. Insurance Commissioner Andy Mace said:
He also urged both parties to reach the trade with a health strategy benchmark goal of an annual increase of 2.9%. That would increase by 9% over three years.
