Stalled Contract Negotiations Between UnitedHealthcare and Mount Sinai Health System Forces New Yorkers to Switch Doctors or Risk Paying Out-of-Network Prices

The ongoing contract negotiations between UnitedHealthcare and Mount Sinai Health System have left tens of thousands of New Yorkers in a difficult position. With Mount Sinai hospitals and affiliated doctors set to be removed from UnitedHealthcare’s network, patients are facing the prospect of either switching doctors or paying out-of-network prices.

The impasse between the two healthcare giants has been going on for months, with Mount Sinai seeking significant rate increases from UnitedHealthcare. The hospital system argues that they have been paid significantly less than other top hospitals in New York City for similar procedures. UnitedHealthcare, on the other hand, has called Mount Sinai’s demands “outlandish” and has offered minimal increases in their proposals.

The situation has left many patients scrambling to find new doctors, with approximately 80,000 Mount Sinai patients affected by the negotiations. For patients receiving cancer care or planning to give birth at Mount Sinai, the uncertainty has been particularly stressful. While some patients have received letters from UnitedHealthcare assuring them of in-network coverage for specific procedures, the lack of clarity on what happens in certain scenarios has added to the confusion.

As the March 22 deadline approaches for the removal of Mount Sinai doctors from UnitedHealthcare’s network, patients like Jane Hogan, who relies on Mount Sinai for chronic health issues, are feeling the pressure. The situation has been described as “anxiety-inducing” and time-consuming for many patients.

With other hospitals in New York City still within UnitedHealthcare’s network, patients have the option to seek care elsewhere. However, the standoff between UnitedHealthcare and Mount Sinai highlights the power dynamics at play in healthcare contract negotiations, with analysts suggesting that the insurer may have the upper hand in this situation.

As patients navigate this challenging situation, the outcome of the negotiations between UnitedHealthcare and Mount Sinai will have far-reaching implications for healthcare access and affordability in New York City.