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.