As the region’s largest locally governed, community-based non-profit health system, WellSpan is committed to keeping healthcare affordable for our patients, friends, and neighbors by routinely negotiating appropriate contracts with insurance companies.
Following the months long re-negotiation efforts on WellSpan’s behalf to reach an agreement with UnitedHealthcare, we have reached a fair agreement with United which will allow us to continue to participate in United’s network for our patients with UnitedHealthcare Commercial insurance plans, effective Dec. 15, 2024. Affected patients are being notified by mail. As of Dec. 15, 2024:
- WellSpan is a participating, in-network provider with the following UnitedHealthcare insurance plans across all four regions – Central, East, North, and West:
- UnitedHealthcare Commercial (PPO and HMO) plans
- UnitedHealthcare Medicaid Community Plan for Kids (CHIP) plans
- UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete (DSNP) plans
- UnitedHealthcare Nursing Home (ISNP) Medicare Advantage plans
- We previously terminated the contracts for patients with UnitedHealthcare AARP Medicare Advantage and Employer Group Medicare Advantage insurance plans for our Central, East, and West regions, and will remain a non-participating provider with these plans –
- Beginning Nov. 1, 2024, WellSpan no longer participates with any UnitedHealthcare AARP Medicare Advantage insurance plans.
- Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, WellSpan will no longer participate with UnitedHealthcare Employer Group Medicare Advantage insurance plans.
- UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage members will continue to be able to see WellSpan providers for services through Dec. 31, 2024. Patients are encouraged to switch their insurance plan to one that participates with WellSpan during their employer’s Annual Open Enrollment. View a list of insurance plans with which WellSpan participates.
- WellSpan will continue to see patients at WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital and North Region facilities as a non-participating provider for United Healthcare AARP Medicare Advantage and Employer Group Medicare Advantage insurance plans.
- For any patient with UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Supplement plans, which are secondary to traditional Medicare insurance coverage, these plans will continue to be accepted by WellSpan; they are not impacted by the Medicare Advantage plan changes occurring Nov. 1, 2024, or Jan. 1, 2025.
As a locally governed and locally based non-profit health system, our focus is on meeting the needs of our neighbors and the thousands of patients we serve – ensuring they can continue to see their preferred WellSpan provider, hospital, or renowned specialty care our system is known for across the region. That’s why embedded in our mission is improving the communities we call home, providing 50+ grants to organizations through our Community Grants Program in FY24 to create partnerships and pathways for all central Pennsylvania to thrive.
Regardless of in-network status, patients in need of emergency services may always go to a WellSpan Emergency Department, and United will be obliged to cover emergency room visits. And under state law, patients receiving ongoing care may apply for a continuation of benefits for up to 60 days after a provider stops participating with their insurance plan. We remain fully committed to minimizing any disruption in care and supporting our patients, providers, and employers – while also ensuring continuity of care for patients whose care cannot be interrupted.
At WellSpan, it is a privilege to serve our patients, and we value the opportunity to provide exceptional care for all of your health needs. Our WellSpan Customer Service team is here to answer any questions and provide you with additional assistance. They may be contacted at (877) 631-4262 or WSHCustomerService@wellspan.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions – UnitedHealthcare Community Plan for Kids (CHIP) and UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Insurance
