St. Peter’s resolves dispute with UnitedHealthcare

St. Peter’s resolves dispute with UnitedHealthcare

St. Peter's Health Partners announced on Friday that it has reached an agreement with UnitedHealthcare in their dispute over insurance coverage. St. Peter's said effectively immediately, people covered by UnitedHealthcare can begin scheduling appointments with providers as they normally would.

St. Peter’s Health Partners announced on Friday that it has reached an agreement with UnitedHealthcare in their dispute over insurance coverage.

The health insurance company and the hospital had been without a contract since July 1. St. Peter’s was no longer accepting UnitedHealthcare after Aug. 31, which was the end of a 60-day “cooling off” period that is provided under state law, when contracts expire between health care providers and insurance companies.

St. Peter’s said effective immediately, people covered by UnitedHealthcare can begin scheduling appointments with providers as they normally would.

“SPHP is excited that we have reached an agreement with UHC. In today’s healthcare environment, it is critically important that payers and providers collaborate on behalf of our patients,” said Dr. Steven Hanks, president and CEO of St. Peter’s Health Partners and St. Joseph’s Health. “Our goal has always been to come to a resolution that allows SPHP and UHC to continue to meet the needs of our patients and our community, today and into the future.”

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.