Thousands of Tampa Bay area patients are waiting to see whether BayCare and UnitedHealthcare can reach a new contract agreement before a Sunday deadline. 🔗⬇️

 

The Brief

• • BayCare Health System and UnitedHealthcare reached a new multi-year agreement, keeping BayCare doctors, hospitals and services in-network for patients across West Central Florida.
  • BayCare officials said the agreement prevents disruptions in care, allowing patients to keep scheduled appointments, procedures and treatments.
  • Patients with questions about appointments, billing or insurance coverage can contact BayCare through 1-800-BayCare or by calling 813-443-8070.

TAMPA, Fla. - BayCare Health System has reached a new multi-year agreement with UnitedHealthcare, guaranteeing patients will continue to have continued in-network access to BayCare doctors, hospitals and medical services across West Central Florida.

BayCare, UnitedHealthcare reach new contract agreement

The backstory:

The announcement was made Thursday by BayCare, which said the new deal allows patients to continue receiving care from BayCare physicians and facilities without disruption.

Patients are encouraged to keep all scheduled appointments, procedures and ongoing treatments.

BayCare and UnitedHealthcare had until Sunday, May 31, to reach a new contract agreement before many patients could've seen BayCare move out of network by next month.

Patient access prioritized 

What they're saying:

Stephanie Conners, president and CEO of BayCare Health System, said protecting patient choice and maintaining access to care remained the top priority throughout negotiations.

"We are thrilled that BayCare and United Healthcare 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," Conners said. "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."

Scheduling or coverage questions

What you can do:

BayCare said patients with scheduling questions can call 1-800-BayCare, while billing and insurance questions can be directed to 813-443-8070.

The Source: The information in this story was gathered from official joint network contract bulletins published by BayCare Health System, corporate coverage updates distributed by UnitedHealthcare, and contract confirmation briefings delivered by CEO Stephanie Conners.