Patients could lose in-network status at Firelands

SANDUSKY — As of July 1, patients insured by United Healthcare commercial health, UHC Medicare Advantage or UHC Community Plan of Ohio plans may no longer be in-network for care at Firelands Regional Medical Center. This comes despite more than five months of negotiations that sought to secure fair reimbursements that reflect the current health care environment, allow Firelands Health to continue making investments in its providers, nurses and care support teams, continue serving its communities for the long term and avoid any care disruptions for patients. The potential termination will not impact Firelands Physician Group providers, Firelands behavioral health or home health services at this time. Additionally, the Bellevue Hospital remains in network and is not impacted by these negotiations. Despite the fact that United Healthcare reimbursements have not kept pace with rising inflation, United Healthcare is now effectively requesting a reduction in current funding to Firelands Regional Medical Center. "Nothing is more important than the relationship we have with our patients and communities," said Dru Meredith, Firelands Health's vice president of operations. "As a mission-driven independent local nonprofit hospital — which has been part of the fabric of Sandusky and surrounding communities for many years — we're here to take care of our patients, families and communities," Meredith added. "Firelands is doing everything we can to avoid any care disruptions for our patients, and we continue to negotiate in good faith with UHC to reach an agreement." Firelands Health encourages patients to call United Healthcare, using the number on the back of their card, to let them know how important it is to keep Firelands Regional Medical Center in-network and to discuss their coverage options. Patients with UHC insurance can continue to receive covered care at Firelands Regional Medical Center through June 30. If a new agreement is not reached by July 1, then Firelands Regional Medical Center would be forced to be out-of-network with and by United Healthcare. Should Firelands Regional Medical Center go out-of-network, all patients with UHC-based insurance would continue to be covered and have access to emergency care. For non-emergent care, patients would need to work with United Healthcare for continuity of care coverage exceptions for treatments received at the medical center and impacted care sites. Firelands Regional Medical Center does accept most other commercial insurance, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care plans. "We commit to keeping our patients and communities updated as our negotiations continue," Meredith said. "Please visit firelands.com/insurance for all updates as we move forward."