A contract dispute between United Healthcare and
Montefiore Health System could leave tens of thousands of New Yorkers with
higher medical bills.
The agreement expired at the end of 2020 with both
companies blaming each other for the lack of a new agreement set for 2021.
About 60,000 people are
affected in the Bronx, Westchester and Rockland.
“We asked for the same
provisions that the other insurers in the marketplace provide to us."
Says Colleen Blye, of Montefiore
Health System. “Increases
of almost 30 percent over 3 years are unsustainable in the market," says
Michael McGuire of United Healthcare
NY
How much more patients could end up spending depends
on their plan. But there are
choices. They can search for new health insurance that is covered by Montefiore
or they can find a doctor in United's network.
ER visits are still covered
and people with serious health issues can stay still see their doctor at
in-network rates for a few months. But you have to qualify for it.