This communication is to inform you that a letter was mailed to UnitedHealthcare members in the Houston market on June 28 regarding our ongoing negotiations with Tenet Healthcare.
Please find background on the communication below that will assist you should you be contacted by an employer group.
UnitedHealthcare in Negotiations with Tenet We are in negotiations with Tenet Healthcare Corporation (Tenet) to renew its national commercial and Medicare contracts, beginning Aug. 1, 2013. Despite several months of intense negotiations, we have not yet reached an agreement. As our discussions continue, it has become necessary to begin notification to members within 30 days of the termination date that these hospitals may no longer be participating on Aug. 1, 2013.
Fair and Reasonable Contract We are committed to continuing our discussions and reaching a mutually acceptable agreement with Tenet. Continuity and access to quality, affordable health care for members are key priorities during negotiations.
We are working hard to ensure that Tenet is reimbursed at a rate that is not only fair and reasonable, but consistent with trends in each of the local markets it operates. We demonstrate this commitment by contracting with more than 780,000 physicians and 5,900 hospitals across the country to participate in our network. Our network of hospitals in the Houston area remains strong and stable.
For more information, please contact your UnitedHealthcare representative.
See previous posting: http://blog.riskmanagers.us/?p=11890
Editor’s Note: What is “fair and reasonable?” How about Medicare +20%? Naw, that won’t fly, will it Uncle Herrman?